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Steve Borthwick: England head coach keen to understand habit of fading late in Six Nations games

England were beaten 29-23 by Scotland in their Six Nations opener before defeating Italy 31-14 on Sunday; Steve Borthwick wants to eradicate issues ahead of matches against Wales, Ireland and France ahead of the World Cup later this year

Last Updated: 13/02/23 11:23pm

Steve Borthwick has led England to one victory and one defeat from his first two matches

Steve Borthwick is to urgently investigate England’s habit of fading that has been evident in his two matches in charge, knowing it could leave his players with regrets.

England threw away a 20-12 lead with half an hour remaining of their Guinness Six Nations opener against Scotland and were also one point in front heading into the final 10 minutes, before ultimately falling 29-23.

Borthwick’s side also lost the second half 14-12 against Italy, with tension hanging in the Twickenham air until Henry Arundell produced a slick finish in the 71st minute to quell the Azzurri uprising.

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England head coach Steve Borthwick speaks after his side beat Italy at Twickenham in the Six Nations

England face a fraught trip to Cardiff next followed by clashes with the world’s two best teams in France and Ireland, with Borthwick making a priority of identifying why they are vulnerable in the second half.

“At eight points up I would expect to win that game against Scotland, said Borthwick, who replaced the sacked Eddie Jones in December. “There was another point we were four points up and we let it slip.

“As we move forward with this team, as we coach and understand, we will be debriefing those things really fully so we don’t let those opportunities slide. You can’t rewind the clock. I talked about my regrets as a player and I don’t want these players to have regrets.

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Sky Sports News’ James Cole analyses Steve Borthwick’s selection decisions for his first Six Nations squad as England head coach, and a surprise move for his predecessor Eddie Jones

“We let one slip against Scotland and we made sure we fully debriefed it to learn from it. Against Italy, there was a period late in the game where we let momentum get away from us. I really need to understand why it happened and how it happened.

“We can’t keep letting teams have momentum late in games against us. Clearly we let Italy out of their half, which is exactly what happened against Scotland. Systems take time.”

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2003 World Cup winner Ben Cohen feels Steve Borthwick and England have a lot of work to do as they continue their build-up to the World Cup

England ‘a bit behind’ Ireland and France

On the day before England’s pack bullied their Italian counterparts, Ireland and France fought out a seismic title clash in Dublin that saw a ball-in-play time of 46 minutes.

Andy Farrell’s men came out on top and are destined to arrive at the World Cup later this year as the global game’s number one ranked team, while France have the talent to ensure the setback is only temporary.

Ireland claimed a 32-19 victory over France in Dublin on Saturday

“It was an incredible Test match,” Borthwick said, having watched the match. “The standard of those teams is phenomenal. If you can use this four-year cycle really well, you should be in a good situation right now and they are. If you look at them they are strong. We are a bit behind them.

“I can’t tell you how much, but we are behind them. I can’t do anything about where they are but we are going to work really hard to catch up as fast as we can.”

Borthwick inherited a team that endured a dismal 2022, resulting in Jones being removed as head coach, and he insists there is no fast-track to success.

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Will Greenwood says more time and work is needed for Steve Borthwick to improve the overall quality of his side

“We are going to do the best we can to be as good as we can be. This is a process of a rebuild,” he said. “I get the sense that people recognise this is a rebuild, I get a sense they recognise there is plenty to do here and we need to build some strengths here.

“The players have come through a tough time and I am asking them to do things in a different way and go out on the field and bring their strengths. I felt that against Italy they started to embrace that. Last week there was a reticence to really jump right in. That is what I want them to do.”

What’s Next?

England head to Cardiff on Saturday February 25 to face a struggling Wales who are yet to get a win in this year’s championship (4.45pm). For Italy, a home clash awaits against Grand Slam hopefuls Ireland (2.15pm).

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February 13, 2023

Aston Martin aiming high with 2023 Formula 1 car as Fernando Alonso hails ‘special’ new team

Fernando Alonso, who joins Aston Martin to partner Lance Stroll this season, says team is “different” to former teams Alpine and McLaren with their ambition; Alonso aiming to lead the midfield in 2023 before fighting for wins and podiums next year

Last Updated: 13/02/23 7:48pm

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Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll gives there thoughts on the new Aston Martin AMR23 and their aspirations for the new season.

Aston Martin have revealed the car they believe will vault them up the standings in 2023, with bullish new signing Fernando Alonso adamant his latest Formula 1 team is “special” and destined for future titles.

Bringing an end to a mega Monday after McLaren’s launch, Aston Martin used their all-new Silverstone base to unveil the AMR23, donned in the classic racing green that the luxury British manufacturer is famous for.

The car is also adventurous in its design following a string of behind-the-scenes signings from rivals and the team, formerly known as Racing Point and before that Force India, are confident in a big improvement this year after back-to-back seasons in seventh following their re-brand.

Nobody typified their conviction at the launch more than Alonso, the fiery double world champion who surprisingly left Alpine to join Aston Martin and replace the retiring Sebastian Vettel.

“There is something going on in this team that makes things special,” insisted the Spaniard, 41, before firing a dig at his former teams.

“This is very different compared to any other team I joined [recently] where maybe they had success in the past and they were just in a comfortable position,” Alonso, who before Alpine grew frustrated at McLaren, added.

“They were fourth and they were happy with fourth. They were fifth and they were happy with fifth. They were seventh and there was a celebration.

“There there is no celebration here until we win… and this is very appealing.”

Aston Martin have long stressed their hopes to reach the front of the grid but – while buoyed by a new factory, new aerodynamic gurus and a new superstar driver – admit their project is more long-term than short-term.

Alonso though said he wants the team to “leave the midfield” in 2023 before fighting for wins and podiums next year.

He partners Lance Stroll, the son of of owner Lawrence, with Mike Krack the team principal.

“When I get excited about something, I get very passionate,” said Lawrence Stroll. “When I get passionate about something, I win.”

What Alonso sees in ‘special’ Aston Martin

Alonso provided the shock of the driver market last year when he rejected an Alpine contract in the summer in favour of joining Aston Martin, the rebuilding, and consistently slower, team. Given Alonso’s age – he is comfortably F1’s elder statesman – the move flummoxed many.

On Monday, however, Alonso remained buoyant about his decision, and the chances of Aston Martin.

That is due to the heavy investment of Aston Martin and Lawrence Stroll, the improving facilities and influx of talent, headlined by new technical director Dan Fallows arriving from Red Bull.

The AMR23, like many this launch season, seems to be taking inspiration from last year’s title-dominating Red Bull.

It has been called “bold and aggressive” and a “significant evolution” of their previous AMR22.

Aston Martin in F1 2023

Driver	Fernando Alonso
Driver	Lance Stroll
Team boss	Mike Krack
Car name	AMR23
Engine	Mercedes
2022 championship finish	7th
Best championship finish	7th (2021, 2022)
Race wins	0
Podiums	1

“Every day I’m happier,” said Alonso, who won his world titles with Renault almost 20 years ago. “I’m very demanding on everything that I do. I give my 100 per cent and I expect the same from the people I work with.

“From the first day at Aston Martin, I felt exactly the same values from the people around me. It’s very motivating.

“In Formula 1, you need investment and you need talent. We have the investment, we have the facilities and we have the talent. Unfortunately I am not 20 years old any more, but I will do my best to help the team.”

It’s rare to see Alonso this optimistic going into a season. If he is proven right, the man who is renowned for making unfortunate career decisions may wish he had made this switch earlier on in his glittering career.

How high can Aston Martin go?

Aston Martin were born from teams that consistently punched above their weight but now have the finances and facilities to compete with any of F1’s leading lights, albeit while acknowledging that their project may not have lift-off until the arrival of a windtunnel for 2025.

The long term goal is, evidently, championships, but for now Aston Martin are focused on getting to the front of the midfield. Even that is a lofty goal given they finished over 100 points behind Alpine in fourth last year.

“I cannot say to anyone we will be fighting for victories this year,” continued Alonso. “I will lie if I say that.

F1 2023: When are the new cars being revealed?

“But at the same time we want to have a good car to start with and maybe in the second part of the year we can get closer. If an opportunity comes we will not miss that opportunity.

“We have to understand there are no miracles in F1, from one year to the next, only a few months since Abu Dhabi and there is a big gap to recover to the top teams.

“But we definitely we have to leave the midfield and get closer to the top three teams. The most important thing this year is to make sure this is the baseline to develop future Aston Martin cars.”

The car will have a Silverstone shakedown before hitting the track at pre-season testing on February 23-25, live on Sky Sports F1. The season then starts with the Bahrain GP on March 5.

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February 13, 2023

‘I’m absolutely bemused!’ – Sue Smith reacts to Tomas Soucek’s controversial handball

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Sue Smith reacts to a controversial call as Tomas Soucek appears to handle the ball inside the box, but the penalty wasn’t given.

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February 11, 2023

Super League 2023: Willie Peters on his journey from from selling NRL club sponsorship to Hull KR head coach

Marc Bazeley

@MarcBazeley

Hull Kingston Rovers head coach Willie Peters is preparing for his first season in the top job after serving a lengthy apprenticeship, which began with selling sponsorship for South Sydney Rabbitohs; watch the 2023 Betfred Super League season live on Sky Sports

Last Updated: 10/02/23 9:44am

Willie Peters has taken his first head coaching job at Hull Kingston Rovers

Willie Peters always had his sights on moving into coaching after his playing days were over, but it was two years in the equally unforgiving world of selling sponsorship which set him on the path to his first head coach role with Hull Kingston Rovers.

The Australian former scrum-half, whose career included spells on these shores with Gateshead Thunder, Wigan Warriors and Widnes Vikings, was forced to hang up his boots at the age of 26 due to injury.

Peters admits he found it difficult at the time, and rather than transition straight into coaching he was taken under the wing of then-South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson as part of the off-field staff and it proved an eye-opening experience which continues to serve him well.

“I had a couple of years away just to find myself again because I hadn’t had anything behind me,” Peters told Sky Sports. “I went straight from school to playing first grade, so I had two years away and then took my time slowly.

“I went into sponsorship with the Rabbitohs. Shane Richardson, who got me to Gateshead, was the CEO and he offered me the role, which was awesome for me because I got to understand the other side of the business of rugby league.

“When you play, you think that’s it and that side is the most important, but you put all these pieces together and that’s what makes the club work and tick.

“I was responsible for bringing money into the club and there is a lot of purpose involved in that because if you don’t bring money in then potentially players don’t get paid and things like that. It was rewarding and no doubt it helped me get to where I wanted to get to in coaching.”

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Look back on some of the best moments from new Hull Kingston Rovers head coach Willie Peters’ playing days with Gateshead Thunder and Wigan Warriors

When he did take his first steps into coaching, Peters worked his way through the ranks from the U16s, U18s and U20s, to assistant with Manly Sea Eagles in 2017 and then back at the Rabbitohs two years later, followed by Newcastle Knights in 2020.

He always held the ambition of returning to the UK to coach though, setting himself the aim of earning a head coach position in the competition as part of a 10-year plan after enjoying his time in Super League in the early part of his playing career.

Peters was barely 20 when he joined Gateshead for their one and only season in the competition in 1999, learning from more experienced compatriots like skipper and former Queensland State of Origin hooker Kerrod Walters and ex-NRL prop Daniel Lee.

“It was a really great experience,” Peters, who moved to Wigan and featured in their 2000 Grand Final defeat to St Helens after Thunder merged with Hull Sharks, said.

I want to be part of a club which is ambitious because we’re in the Super League. This is full-time, you want to win trophies, and that’s what you’re here to do.

New Hull KR head coach Willie Peters

“They had a lot of Australian players at the time, so I got a lot of learnings from them and looked up to a lot of the guys I played with.

“They were at the back end of their career, and I was starting out my journey, but I really enjoyed that year and then I was fortunate enough to go to Wigan the year after.

“That was one of the best years of my life; it’s a special club and we got pipped at the post against St Helens, but it was a special time.”

Peters’ coaching career has seen him learn from some of the best in Australia too, from tapping into Wayne Bennett’s deep understanding of rugby league, to admiring Anthony Seibold’s process-driven approach and Adam O’Brien’s dedication to rigorous professional standards.

Willie Peters has worked closely with some of Australia's best coaches prior to joining Hull Kingston Rovers

Now the man in the top job, Peters arrived in East Hull to take up his new job with Rovers last September, allowing his family plenty of time to get settled before getting down to work on the training field with the squad ahead of the 2023 Betfred Super League campaign.

Hull KR and Peters begin the year at home to his former club Wigan on Saturday, February 18 (kick-off 1pm), but more than anything the 43-year-old is relishing working for an ambitious club in a rugby league hotbed where a fierce cross-city rivalry exists with an equally ambitious neighbour in Hull FC – just like back home in Sydney.

“I’m from the Rabbitohs and they love their rugby league as well and like with the [Sydney] Roosters and the Rabbitohs it’s the same thing here,” Peters said. “I love it and love that we are in a city which loves its rugby league.

“I want to be part of a club which is ambitious because we’re in the Super League. This is full-time, you want to win trophies, and that’s what you’re here to do.

“I’m not going to make any massive statements saying that’s what we’re going to do this year, but are we striving to? Absolutely – and are we striving to play in the big games? Yes, we are.”

The new Super League season starts on Thursday, February 16 as Warrington Wolves host Leeds Rhinos. Watch 66 live matches, including Magic Weekend, the play-offs and the Grand Final, on Sky Sports in 2023 and stream on NOW TV.

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February 10, 2023

Erik ten Hag praises Marcus Rashford’s ‘unbelievable focus’

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Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag praises Marcus Rashford’s form and his impact on the team. Watch the full interview on Soccer Saturday from 12pm.

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February 9, 2023

Microsoft-Activision merger could damage gaming market, says CMA

Microsoft is in talks to buy Activision Blizzard, in a deal reportedly worth over £55bn; Activision produces popular titles including Call of Duty; the game developer is also one of the largest in the esports market.

By Amar Mehta

Last Updated: 08/02/23 11:28pm

Call of Duty is Activision’s marquee title

Microsoft’s attempt to buy Activision Blizzard has hit a snag after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the $68.7bn (£56.7bn) deal could impact UK gamers.

The UK competition regulator published its provisional findings after a five-month investigation into the deal and said the merger could result in higher prices, fewer choices or less innovation for gamers.

The CMA said it could make Microsoft stronger and stifle competition, harming the rivalry between its hallmark console, the Xbox and Sony’s PlayStation.

Activision produces a number of video games, including Call of Duty, and opponents to the merger raised concerns from rivals, claiming it could see their access to the popular franchise restricted – something Microsoft has denied.

The CMA said it found that buying one of the world’s most well-known and biggest game publishers would reinforce Microsoft’s position in the market and subsequently reduce the competition that Microsoft would otherwise face.

The video game developer also makes popular esports games and is one of the biggest names in the market.

The California-headquartered company boasts the Skylanders, Crash Bandicoot and Tony Hawk games as its titles.

Microsoft committed to ‘100 per cent equal access’

The competition watchdog said it has written to the parties involved with a notice of possible remedies for addressing its provisional concerns, and has asked for a response by February 22, ahead of the publication of the CMA’s full report on April 26.

Martin Coleman, chair of the independent panel of experts conducting the investigation into the deal, said: “It’s been estimated that there are around 45m gamers in the UK, and people in the UK spend more on gaming than any other form of entertainment including music, movies, TV and books.

“Strong competition between Xbox and PlayStation has defined the console gaming market over the last 20 years. Exciting new developments in cloud gaming are giving gamers even more choice.”

In response, Microsoft’s corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, Rima Alaily, said: “We are committed to offering effective and easily enforceable solutions that address the CMA’s concerns.

“Our commitment to grant long-term 100 per cent equal access to Call Of Duty to Sony, Nintendo, Steam and others preserves the deal’s benefits to gamers and developers and increases competition in the market.

“Seventy-five per cent of respondents to the CMA’s public consultation agree that this deal is good for competition in UK gaming.”

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February 8, 2023

‘I can’t believe you got me!’ | Patrick Mahomes hilariously tricked by Rihanna question!

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Former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall dropped into the Kansas City Chiefs’ media availability to play a hilarious prank on quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The 27-year-old was not impressed!

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February 8, 2023

Super Bowl LVII: Travis and Jason Kelce’s mum Donna up for doing coin toss ahead of historic clash between two brothers

A petition created for Travis and Jason Kelce’s mum Donna to do the ceremonial coin toss before Super Bowl LVII on Sunday has already gained over 170,000 signatures and is still rising; Donna: “I would [do it], if the two of you say I would not be a distraction”

Last Updated: 07/02/23 6:19pm

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Donna Kelce stops by to give her sons Travis and Jason some cookies during their interview on Opening Night of Super Bowl LVII.

Travis and Jason Kelce will become the first brothers to play against each other in Super Bowl history when the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles face off in Arizona on Sunday – and their mum has become a minor celebrity as a result.

On ‘Opening Night’ of Super Bowl week, Donna Kelce delivered cookies for her boys on stage while they spoke to the media, decked out in a half Chiefs, half Eagles jersey.

There has also been a petition created for Donna to do the ceremonial coin toss before Sunday’s game, which has already gained over 170,000 signatures and is still rising.

“‘Here’s the thing,’ Donna began saying. When asked about the possibility on her son’s New Heights podcast, she said: “There are so many legends and people that have their blood, sweat and tears on that field… I don’t think that’s the right place for me to be.

“Would I be a distraction out there for you guys? That’s what I would worry about.

“I would [do it] if the two of you say I would not be a distraction… and you’ll be focussing on the game plans.”

Travis then responded, saying, “You’re in,” before jokingly adding: “I’ll tell [NFL commissioner] Roger [Goodell].”

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The Super Bowl LVII countdown is on in Arizona ahead of Sunday’s game between Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.

The two brothers have each won a Super Bowl previously, with Jason’s Eagles triumphant five years ago, beating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII, while Travis and the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV – their first of three Super Bowl visits in four years.

‘I would sure love to get this one over his head’

When asked about the matchup at Opening Night, Jason said: “We’re always rooting for each other.

“I always want him to do well, but I would sure love to get this one over his head and have at least something over top of Trav.”

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Travis and Jason Kelce, who will face each other in Super Bowl LVII, discussed on MNF when they had their last ‘fist fight’ when growing up.

Travis, meanwhile, said of what it was like growing up and competing against his older brother: “What he did do is he gave me a cool perspective on how to beat somebody that’s better than you.

“I kind of got to learn the mind games at a different level as a younger kid, so he’s helped me get to where I’m at without a doubt.

“But he got the majority of the wins for sure.”

Watch Super Bowl LVII – Kansas City Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles – live on Sky Sports NFL and Main Event from 10pm on Sunday, February 12, with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Christian Wilkins and Efe Obada among the guests joining Neil Reynolds and Hannah Wilkes for 90 minutes of build-up to the big game.

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February 7, 2023

Mark Cavendish: Two men jailed over knifepoint robbery of cycling star and wife Peta at their home

Mark Cavendish and his wife Peta were victims of a knifepoint robbery at their home in November 2021

Two men have been jailed for robbing Olympic cyclist Mark Cavendish and his wife Peta of their high-value watches in a knifepoint raid at their home.

Intruders wearing balaclavas broke into their home in Ongar, Essex at about 2.30am on November 27, 2021 and threatened to stab the athlete, a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court heard.

They took items including two Richard Mille watches with a combined value of £700,000.

Romario Henry, 31, of Bell Green, Lewisham, south-east London, denied two counts of robbery but was found guilty following a trial and sentenced on Tuesday to 15 years in prison.

Ali Sesay, 28, of Holding Street, Rainham, Kent, admitted two counts of robbery and was jailed for 12 years.

“This was serious organised crime,” Judge David Turner KC told the defendants as he sentenced them. “This was no run-of-the-mill domestic burglary by opportunist amateurs.

“This was planned, targeted, orchestrated, ruthless offending aimed at an internationally known sportsman and his wife who happened to be brand ambassadors for exceptionally valuable Richard Mille watches.”

The trial was told that Sesay’s DNA was found on Mrs Cavendish’s phone, which was taken and found outside the property.

The charges were that the accused men robbed Cavendish of a watch, phone and safe, and robbed his wife of a watch, phone and suitcase.

Mrs Cavendish, who like her husband was naked during the robbery, had told jurors she had heard a noise that woke her in the night and went downstairs to investigate.

She said she could see “men’s figures in balaclavas, and they were running towards the bottom of the stairs”, and that she believed there were “between three and five” people.

Court artist sketch of Peta Cavendish giving evidence, watched by Judge David Turner, at Chelmsford Crown Court

She told the court she ran back to the bedroom shouting “get back” or “get in” to her husband, who was unable to activate a panic alarm.

Mrs Cavendish said one of the intruders “dragged” Cavendish “from his feet and started punching him”.

One had her husband in a headlock, she said, adding: “One of them held a large black knife to his throat and they said ‘where’s the watches?’ and ‘do you want me to stab you?”‘. She agreed with a suggestion that it was a Rambo-style knife.

Mrs Cavendish said that at the time her husband had been “out of hospital for four days, maybe” after a cycling crash which left him with three broken ribs and a tear to his left lung.

She said that when she went downstairs after the intruders had left, she saw that a patio door was smashed, and Cavendish cut his feet on the broken glass.

Edward Renvoize, prosecuting, said Henry had a previous conviction for supplying drugs in 2012, and for perverting the course of justice in 2013 by “assisting in burning out a vehicle that had been used in a murder as part of a gang enterprise”.

Archangelo Power, for Henry, said the defendant’s brother had been murdered three and a half months before the robbery and that had a “significant bearing on the psychological make-up of the defendant”. Mr Power said Henry had been “on the verge of committing suicide”.

Mark Cavendish and his wife had high-value watches stolen in the robbery

Mr Renvoize said that Sesay had admitted at an earlier hearing to six unrelated firearms offences over the possession of two guns and ammunition, when he had been prohibited by a previous sentence from possessing such items.

The prosecutor said Sesay was arrested at an address in Thornton Heath, south London, on December 16 2021 and officers “had to use a chainsaw to gain access” and saw items, later found to be firearms, being thrown from a window to a neighbouring garden.

The judge jailed Sesay for eight years for the firearms offences, consecutive to the 12-year prison sentence for the robbery, making a total of 20 years. The judge said Sesay had previous convictions including for supply of cocaine and heroin in 2017.

Graeme Molloy, for Sesay, said the defendant was “truly sorry for his role” in the robbery and had admitted his involvement.

Speaking about the firearms offences, Mr Molloy said Sesay claimed the guns were not his but that he had thrown them from the window. Mr Molloy said the guns “were loaded but the cartridge wasn’t in the firing chamber”.

Jurors were told that two other men, Jo Jobson, from Plaistow, east London, and George Goddard, from Loughton in Essex, have been named as suspects in the robbery but have not been apprehended. Jobson was 25 and Goddard 26 at the time of a police appeal last March.

Oludewa Okorosobo, 28, of Flaxman Road, Camberwell, south London, denied two counts of robbery and was cleared by jurors after a trial.

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February 7, 2023

Kansas City Chiefs: Road to Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Arizona

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A look at the journey the Kansas City Chiefs have taken to reach Super Bowl LVII

The Kansas City Chiefs are back in another Super Bowl – their third in the last four years – but how did they get there?

With the retirement of record seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady still fresh in the memory, the man who looks to be the greatest challenger to his throne as the ‘GOAT’, Patrick Mahomes, gets the chance to add a second ring to his collection at Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles in Arizona on Sunday.

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February 12, 2023, 10:00pm

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That said, not only are the Eagles a fearsome opponent standing in their way, but there are injury concerns over the Kansas City star QB heading into the big game.

Here, we take a look back on the Chiefs’ road to Super Bowl LVII…

What went right?

The Chiefs once again proved themselves to be the elite of the NFL, particularly on offense, owning the No 1 unit in points per game (29.2), yards per game (413.6) and passing yards per game (297.8).

Kansas City’s 14-3 regular-season record not only wrapped up a seventh-straight AFC West divisional title, but it also secured them the No 1 seed in the conference for the third time in their dominant present-day stretch.

Kansas City Chiefs 2022 season (14-3)

Week	Opposition	Result
1	@ Cardinals	W 44-21
2	vs Chargers	W 27-24
3	@ Colts	L 17-20
4	@ Buccaneers	W 44-31
5	vs Radiers	W 30-29
6	vs Bills	L 20-24
7	@ 49ers	W 44-23
8	BYE
9	vs Titans	W 20-17 (OT)
10	vs Jaguars	W 27-17
11	@ Chargers	W 30-27
12	vs Rams	W 26-10
13	@ Bengals	L 24-27
14	@ Broncos	W 34-28
15	@ Texans	W 30-24 (OT)
16	vs Seahawks	W 24-10
17	vs Broncos	W 27-24
18	@ Raiders	W 31-13

Highlights from the year include a 44-21 thumping of the Cardinals, in Arizona, on the opening day of the season to signal their intent, while they edged out Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers 27-24 in a thriller a week later.

Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were comfortably put away 41-31 in Week Four, as were the San Francisco 49ers 44-23 in Week Seven – both huge road victories against major NFC contenders.

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Highlights of the Kansas City Chiefs against the San Francisco 49ers from Week Seven of the NFL season

The victory over the 49ers would kickstart a run of 10 wins across 11 games to close out the season, with only a defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals sandwiched in between.

But the Chiefs would ultimately have the last laugh, with star quarterback Mahomes gaining revenge for that defeat, and for his three total losses in three career games to Joe Burrow and the Bengals, with their 23-20 victory in the AFC Championship game over the same opponents to book their Super Bowl spot.

Kansas City Chiefs 2022 regular season rankings

Offense		Defense
1st	Total	11th
1st	Passing	18th
10th	Rushing	8th
1st	Scoring	16th
1st	DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average)	17th
1st	EPA/play (Expected points added)	15th

What went wrong?

As usual, not a great deal. Although there was the odd hiccup along the way, none more bizarre and unaccounted for than the 20-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week Three – a team which would ultimately end the season a dreadful 4-12-1.

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Highlights of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Indianapolis Colts in Week Three of the NFL season

Also, a 24-20 loss at home to the Buffalo Bills in Week Six that dropped the Chiefs to 4-2 on the year would hint towards a possible changing of the guard in the AFC, with Buffalo earning a second-straight regular-season win at Arrowhead (and after having pushed Kansas City all the way in an incredible overtime finish to their divisional round match-up in the playoffs the previous year).

But, while the Bills and the Bengals – who would themselves defeat the Chiefs in Week 13 – threatened to steal Kansas City’s throne, neither were able to deliver the decisive blow, with Buffalo bested by Cincinnati in the divisional round this time, before they themselves were undone in the AFC title game by Mahomes and co.

And a banged up Mahomes and Chiefs offense, at that. One of the biggest concerns going into Super Bowl LVII this Sunday is certainly the health of Kansas City’s star quarterback, who picked up a high ankle sprain in their divisional round win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Watch the moment Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes picked up an ankle injury in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars

He has not looked the same since, limping his way through the subsequent one-and-a-half outings, only serving to make his sensational match-winning performances in those wins over the Jags and the Bengals all the more impressive.

Wideout Mecole Hardman has already been ruled out of the Super Bowl due to injury, while JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kadarius Toney were also banged up against the Bengals, weakening Mahomes’ receiving corps, with progress to be monitored this week.

Star names

Starting with the most obvious selection of them all, Mahomes, of course. The 27-year-old is favourite to win a second league MVP title this season in just his fifth year as a starter in the NFL.

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A look at some of the best plays from Mahomes this season, in his bid to grab his second league MVP award

Mahomes set a new record for the most offensive yards (5,614) in NFL history this season – breaking down as 5,250 passing yards, 358 rush yards and six receiving. He also led the league in passing TDs during the regular season, with 41, six greater than Josh Allen (Bills) and Burrow (Bengals) tied for second on 35. And Mahomes did it all despite the team trading away his best receiver too, with Tyreek Hill moving to the Miami Dolphins in the offseason.

Mahomes has at least retained the comfort blanket Travis Kelce on offense, with the superstar tight end notching his seventh-straight 1,000-yard season, finishing 2022 with 1,338 yards along with a career-high 12 TDs.

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A look at the best plays this season from the most impressive tight end in the NFL, Travis Kelce

Also, following on from last week’s AFC Championship game, only one quarterback and receiver duo have connected for more postseason touchdowns than Mahomes and Kelce’s 13 (Brady and Rob Gronkowski with 15).

Also, look out for seventh-round rookie Isaiah Pacheco, who has added a real spark to this Kansas City offense since his introduction midway through the season, averaging over five yards per carry, while defensive tackle Chris Jones is the standout from an underrated defense, having equalled his career high of 15.5 sacks this season.

Playoff push

REPORT: Jaguars 20-27 Chiefs – Divisional Round

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Highlights of the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs

Kansas City are 5-0 in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs with Mahomes at quarterback. Though, having said that, this particular victory against the Jaguars to open their playoff run almost came without their star QB at the helm.

Mahomes missed most of the second quarter due to the injury he sustained to his right ankle, but ultimately returned to finish 22 of 30 passing for 195 yards and two touchdowns, while back-up quarterback Chad Henne also threw a scoring pass in his absence.

Kelce’s 14 receptions (for 98 yards), meanwhile, tied for the third most in NFL postseason history, with Marquez Valdes-Scantling also adding a touchdown catch for Kansas City.

REPORT: Bengals 20-23 Chiefs – AFC Championship

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Highlights of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game

The Chiefs had never before hosted a single Conference Championship game in franchise history, but are now coming into the Super Bowl off the back of hosting a fifth in a row, with Mahomes and co this time getting the better of the Bengals in a repeat of last year’s AFC title game which they lost.

Despite being hampered by his injured ankle, Mahomes threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns in the contest and the Chiefs’ star QB also helped set up the game-winning field goal on a crucial five-yard scramble for a first down with 12 seconds left.

As he crossed the sideline, Mahomes was shoved when already out of bounds by Cincinnati defender Joseph Ossai, resulting in a 15-yard penalty to further aid Harrison Butker’s game-winning kick to break a 20-20 tie after another epic battle with the Bengals.

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The Kansas City Chiefs are presented with the AFC Championship as Kelce sounds off on their opponents, the Cincinnati Bengals

Super Bowl pedigree

Despite their dominance over the past five seasons – appearing in five-straight AFC Championships – since Mahomes became the starter at QB in Kansas City, it has thus far translated into just one Super Bowl title over that span.

They lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy on their first visit to the Super Bowl in 50 years when they beat the 49ers to cap the 2018 season, with Mahomes named MVP after engineering a comeback from 20-10 down midway through the fourth quarter.

Mahomes and the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV to wrap the 2019 season

They have made it all the way to the Super Bowl on four occasions in total, losing to the Green Bay Packers in the first-ever Super Bowl to be played, back in the 1966 season, before triumphing over the Minnesota Vikings three years later.

After their Super Bowl LIV win over the Niners to break the drought, the Chiefs missed the chance to go back-to-back as they were beaten by Brady and the Bucs in the big game following the Covid-disrupted 2020 season.

Tom Brady got the better of Mahomes in Super Bowl LV, preventing the Kansas City Chiefs from claiming back-to-back titles

The concern for the Chiefs would be that, much like he is heading into this game, Mahomes was hobbled by injury in that game, making it easier for Tampa Bay’s ferocious pass rush to get after him and limit his explosive Chiefs offense to only nine points.

With the Philadelphia Eagles, and their own hugely-intimidating defensive line full of monsters, awaiting in Super Bowl LVII, Mahomes’ ability to still deliver enough magic moments despite his ankle injury will prove key to deciding the outcome of the game.

Watch Super Bowl LVII – Kansas City Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles – live on Sky Sports NFL and Main Event from 10pm on Sunday, February 12

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February 6, 2023

Formula 1 launches: Williams reveal sleek new car livery and Gulf Oil partnership for 2023 season

Williams reveal updated livery for FW45, adorned with new sponsors such as Gulf Oil; Alex Albon and rookie team-mate Logan Sargeant aiming to lift team up standings in 2023 after dismal five years; Williams also have new team principal in James Vowles, who starts on February 20

By Matt Morlidge

Last Updated: 06/02/23 1:57pm

Williams have revealed their new livery for the 2023 Formula 1 season after agreeing a mega new partnership with Gulf Oil.

The third team to start their campaign with a launch, Williams showed off an updated blue and red livery adorned with many new sponsors at their Grove base, before their FW45 car debuts hitting the track next Monday.

The most notable addition to the livery is the Gulf logo, with the oil company joining forces with another F1 team after its partnership with McLaren ended in 2022. Many had speculated that the Williams car may feature more of the famous blue and orange Gulf colours.

“This signifies the strength of our brand and commercial offerings as we continue our transformation,” said Matthew Savage, Chairman of the Board at Williams.

“Gulf and Williams Racing share an illustrious motorsport heritage and, together, we are making history with this partnership.”

Williams, one of the most successful F1 teams of all-time but backmarkers in recent years, have been going through their “transformation” since Dorilton Capital acquired the team from the legendary Sir Frank Williams in 2020.

Alex Albon returns for his second year with the team this year and will be partnered by rookie team-mate Logan Sargeant, F1’s first American driver since 2016.

Williams will also have a new team principal in James Vowles – the highly-respected Mercedes strategy chief – although he was not present at Monday’s launch as he doesn’t start in his role until February 20.

The FW45 will hit the track at Silverstone on Monday, February 13, before pre-season testing begins the following week.

Pre-season testing is all live on Sky Sports F1 from February 23-25, as is every Formula 1 practice, qualifying and race. The season-opener is the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5.

Will new recruits help Williams end miserable run?

With 16 world championship titles to their name, only Ferrari and McLaren have won more titles than Williams – but the Grove outfit have been rock bottom of the standings in four of the last five seasons.

Powered by Mercedes engines, Williams will be aiming to leap up the field in 2023 after scoring eight points last year and say they have heavily evolved the sidepod concept on this year’s car.

They also say there are modifications to the front suspension layout and ‘major external aerodynamic surfaces’, while the car will be more ‘aerodynamically efficient’ than last season’s FW44.

Williams drivers Alex Albon (left) and Logan Sargeant

Tasked with leading their rebuild is Vowles, while Albon – Max Verstappen’s former Red Bull team-mate – and rookie team-mate Sargeant form a young driver line-up.

“The team has worked really hard last year and over the winter to address some key areas in our car, putting in the work to try and maximise what we get out of the car for 2023,” said Albon.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the FW45 can do.”

Williams in F1 2023

Driver	Alex Albon
Driver	Logan Sargeant
Team boss	James Vowles
Car name	FW45
Engine	Mercedes
2022 championship finish	10th
Best championship finish	1st (x9)
Race wins	114
Podiums	313

Sargeant, 22, replaces Nicholas Latifi at Williams after finishing fourth in the feeder Formula 2 championship last year.

He added: “I’m really excited for the season to get started after what, for me, feels like a long winter! I’m super motivated and we’ve put a lot of hard work in.

“The car is looking amazing and it shows the huge effort the team has put in the off season, so I’m looking forward to getting started at Silverstone before heading out to Bahrain.”

Williams also have a driver academy that includes three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, who is bidding to make her name Stateside this season in Indy NXT.

Williams’ liveries over the years

What’s new on the cars for 2023?

While there is no rules overhaul for next year like there was for 2022, there are subtle changes to the rules and cars that teams can take advantage of.

The most notable is a higher ride height. This is essentially lifting the cars higher off the ground to help reduce the bouncing ‘porpoising’ phenomenon that affected teams – most notably Mercedes – in 2022.

This is done by raising the floor edge and throat, while the diffuser edge has also been stiffened. There is also an additional sensor to effectively monitor porpoising.

F1 2023: When are the new cars being revealed?

Date	Team	Location
January 31	Haas (livery launch)	Online
February 3	Red Bull	New York
February 6	Williams (livery launch)	Online
February 7	Alfa Romeo	Zurich
February 11	AlphaTauri	New York
February 13	Aston Martin	Silverstone
February 13	McLaren	Woking
February 14	Ferrari	Maranello
February 15	Mercedes	Silverstone
February 16	Alpine	London

While these are mostly for safety reasons and are expected to initially cost teams time due to a stiffer floor, it could also narrow the field with a higher ride height thought to have been key to Red Bull and Ferrari’s 2023 cars.

The other changes to the cars revolve around outlawing designs such as Aston Martin’s rear wing and Mercedes’ front wing from 2023, and more safety additions.

The roll hoops, for example, have been strengthened following Zhou Guanyu’s dramatic crash at Silverstone last year.

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February 6, 2023

‘Absolutely ludicrous!’ | Have you ever seen a fluke like this?!

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Nine-Ball superstar Francisco Sanchez Ruiz pockets the two off an incredible fluke in the World Pool Championship.

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February 5, 2023

Casemiro sending off: Should there have been more red cards in Manchester Utd-Crystal Palace melee?

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Should there have been more red cards in the Manchester United-Crystal Palace melee that saw Casemiro sent off?

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February 5, 2023

Stephen Humphrys scores sensational goal from his own half for Hearts!

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Watch as Hearts forward Stephen Humphrys picks up the ball from just outside his own box, before driving forward and scoring from inside his own half!

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February 4, 2023

Highlights: Emanuel Navarrete stops Liam Wilson in epic encounter

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Catch the best of the action from Emanuel Navarrete’s clash with Liam Wilson for the WBO Super-Featherweight title

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February 3, 2023

Chelsea 0-0 Fulham | Premier League highlights

FREE TO WATCH: Highlights of Chelsea against Fulham in the Premier League.

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February 3, 2023

Cristiano Ronaldo denied first league goal for Al Nassr by offside flag

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Cristiano Ronaldo is still looking for his first goal in the Saudi Arabia Pro-League after having an effort ruled out against Al-Fateh for offside.

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February 3, 2023

Derek Carr shows off impressive skills in precision challenge

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Watch quarterback Derek Carr’s best shots from the Precision Passing Challenge during the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown.

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February 3, 2023

Premier League Darts: Debutant Chris Dobey stuns Michael van Gerwen to win opening night in Belfast

Chris Dobey enjoys a dream Premier League debut by defeating Michael van Gerwen in the Belfast final I The Cardiff International Arena hosts the second of 17 individual venues on Thursday, February 9 with the play-offs returning to The O2 in London on Thursday, May 25

Last Updated: 03/02/23 12:56am

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Take a look at the best of the action from Night One of the Premier League in Belfast

Chris Dobey made a dream Premier League debut as he stunned six-time defending champion Michael van Gerwen to win the opening night of action in Belfast.

Dobey claimed his first major PDC title by winning the Masters in Milton Keynes which helped him gatecrash the cast list for this year’s Premier League.

The 32-year-old from Bedlington produced a Hollywood-style ending after defeating two-time former world champion Peter Wright in the quarter-finals and then sending Nathan Aspinall crashing out to reach the final where he upset favourite Van Gerwen.

Premier League – Night 1 in Belfast Results

Quarter-finals	Dimitri Van den Bergh	6-2	Jonny Clayton
	Michael Smith	3-6	Michael van Gerwen
	Peter Wright	3-6	Chris Dobey
	Nathan Aspinall	6-4	Gerwyn Price

Semi-finals	Dimitri Van den Bergh	4-6	Michael van Gerwen
	Chris Dobey	6-4	Nathan Aspinall

Final	Chris Dobey	6-5	Michael van Gerwen

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Dobey took out this majestic 170 finish against Van Gerwen in the final

A captivating final, which saw Dobey reel in a 170 checkout in the second leg, went all the way to a deciding leg with Dobey landing a sensational 160 checkout to cap a memorable week.

“I’m living the dream,” said a delighted Dobey, who twice starred as a Challenger in the 2020 and 2021 editions of the Premier League.

“The 160 checkout had to go because Michael was waiting on 127 and he’s well capable of taking that out.

“Michael has got a great record against me, and it gets in your head, but I knew I could do it after beating him on TV for the first time at the European Championship.

“I know what I can do, and right now my confidence is sky high.

“I felt that I deserved my place in the tournament, I didn’t have anything to prove to myself but I think I’ve proved a few people wrong tonight.

“I’m getting a taste of it now and I love it. I want to be here all the time.”

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Dobey produced a Hollywood ending in the deciding leg to win Night One

Van Gerwen picked up three league points after gaining sweet revenge over Michael Smith in their first meeting since the World Championship final, and Dimitri Van den Bergh to go second on the embryonic table.

Losing semi-finalists Aspinall and Van den Bergh left Belfast with two points each thanks to quarter-final wins over Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton respectively.

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The Bedlington thrower says he took confidence from his Masters win to claim victory on his Premier League debut

Sunday – Crowned Masters Champion

Monday – Announced in the 2023 Premier League

Thursday – Wins in Belfast on full debut

“You’ve either got it or you haven’t in terms of that ability. He’s knows he’s got the ability so that panic hasn’t set it. That Masters win is the catalyst for we don’t know, but it’s the catalyst for tonight. That was an amazing win. He didn’t look nervy on the 160 but he’s creating that for himself. I love seeing new winners. Dobey has been a great player for a long time. Good luck to him. He wasn’t nervous, which is mind-boggling, but crack on Chris.”

Wayne Mardle on Chris Dobey

Where are we heading next?

Night 2 in Cardiff: Thursday, February 9

Quarter-Finals	Michael Smith vs Jonny Clayton
	Nathan Aspinall vs Peter Wright
	Gerwyn Price vs Chris Dobey
	Michael van Gerwen vs Dimitri Van den Bergh

The Premier League roadshow heads to Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Thursday, February 9 for Night Two of the league phase, as Welsh duo Price and Clayton face Dobey and Smith respectively in the quarter-finals.

The night’s other quarter-finals will see Aspinall face Wright, while Van Gerwen takes on Van den Bergh.

2023 Premier League Schedule

Night 2	Cardiff International Arena	February 9
Night 3	OVO Hydro, Glasgow	February 16
Night 4	3Arena, Dublin	February 23
Night 5	Westpoint Exeter	March 2
Night 6	The Brighton Centre	March 9
Night 7	Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham	March 16
Night 8	Utilita Arena, Newcastle	March 23
Night 9	Mercedes-Benz Arena, Berlin	March 30
Night 10	Utilita Arena, Birmingham	April 6
Night 11	M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool	April 13
Night 12	Rotterdam Ahoy	April 20
Night 13	First Direct Arena, Leeds	April 27
Night 14	AO Arena, Manchester	May 4
Night 15	Utilita Arena, Sheffield	May 11
Night 16	P&J Live, Aberdeen	May 18
Play-Offs	The O2, London	May 25

We’re back for more Premier League Darts action from the Cardiff International Arena on Thursday, February 9 – live on Sky Sports Arena from 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 7.30pm.

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February 2, 2023

Scottish Premiership Goals of the Month: January

We take a look at some of the best goals scored in January in the Scottish Premiership.

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February 2, 2023

Tag: live

England were beaten 29-23 by Scotland in their Six Nations opener before defeating Italy 31-14 on Sunday; Steve Borthwick wants to eradicate issues ahead of matches against Wales, Ireland and France ahead of the World Cup later this year

England ‘a bit behind’ Ireland and France

What’s Next?

Fernando Alonso, who joins Aston Martin to partner Lance Stroll this season, says team is “different” to former teams Alpine and McLaren with their ambition; Alonso aiming to lead the midfield in 2023 before fighting for wins and podiums next year

What Alonso sees in ‘special’ Aston Martin

Aston Martin in F1 2023

How high can Aston Martin go?

F1 2023: When are the new cars being revealed?

Marc Bazeley

Hull Kingston Rovers head coach Willie Peters is preparing for his first season in the top job after serving a lengthy apprenticeship, which began with selling sponsorship for South Sydney Rabbitohs; watch the 2023 Betfred Super League season live on Sky Sports

I want to be part of a club which is ambitious because we’re in the Super League. This is full-time, you want to win trophies, and that’s what you’re here to do.

Microsoft is in talks to buy Activision Blizzard, in a deal reportedly worth over £55bn; Activision produces popular titles including Call of Duty; the game developer is also one of the largest in the esports market.

By Amar Mehta

Microsoft committed to ‘100 per cent equal access’

A petition created for Travis and Jason Kelce’s mum Donna to do the ceremonial coin toss before Super Bowl LVII on Sunday has already gained over 170,000 signatures and is still rising; Donna: “I would [do it], if the two of you say I would not be a distraction”

‘I would sure love to get this one over his head’

Live Super Bowl LVII

What went right?

Kansas City Chiefs 2022 season (14-3)

Kansas City Chiefs 2022 regular season rankings

What went wrong?

Star names

Playoff push

Super Bowl pedigree

Williams reveal updated livery for FW45, adorned with new sponsors such as Gulf Oil; Alex Albon and rookie team-mate Logan Sargeant aiming to lift team up standings in 2023 after dismal five years; Williams also have new team principal in James Vowles, who starts on February 20

By Matt Morlidge

Will new recruits help Williams end miserable run?

Williams in F1 2023

Williams’ liveries over the years

What’s new on the cars for 2023?

F1 2023: When are the new cars being revealed?

Chris Dobey enjoys a dream Premier League debut by defeating Michael van Gerwen in the Belfast final I The Cardiff International Arena hosts the second of 17 individual venues on Thursday, February 9 with the play-offs returning to The O2 in London on Thursday, May 25

Premier League – Night 1 in Belfast Results

Where are we heading next?

Night 2 in Cardiff: Thursday, February 9

2023 Premier League Schedule