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Fionn McLaughlin is one of the newest recruits to Red Bull's junior academy

Max Verstappen. Sebastian Vettel. Carlos Sainz. Daniel Ricciardo.

The list of drivers to come through Red Bull Racing's junior programme is extensive, with race winners and world champions making up eight of the 21 drivers on this year's Formula 1 grid.

Now, a teenager from Northern Ireland is hoping to join the ranks of some of Formula 1's biggest names.

Red Bull junior driver Fionn McLaughlin is in title contention in British F4 in his first season of car racing.

"If I'm in the Red Bull academy and I'm doing a good job, then I think it's realistic. I'm going to work as hard as I can to make it to F1," the 17-year-old told BBC Sport NI.

"Red Bull are giving me the opportunity and I think I have the ability to make it.

"If you don't believe in yourself, you won't be able to get anywhere.

"When I was six years of age driving around, the thought of being in F4 or F3 was something I never would have thought of. I'm proud to be here and I'll always be grateful for the steps I'm making."

McLaughlin takes F4 lead with Snetterton win

NI driver, 16, to be part of Red Bull Academy

Racing is in McLaughlin's DNA. His father Martin used to race go-karts and he was always at circuits with his dad.

While Verstappen is one of the sport's biggest names, it was another four-time F1 world champion who McLaughlin grew up idolising.

"My whole life I looked up to Sebastian Vettel, from when I was six.

"I thought he was amazing so I always had that dream of making it to Formula 1 – and with Red Bull.

"It's great to be in the academy and looking forward F1 is my goal. I'm happy I have this opportunity."

McLaughlin had a solid karting career, which had taken him across the UK, Europe and the world.

McLaughlin currently leads the British F4 standings after three rounds as a rookie

But he had the chance to take his career to the next level when he was invited to a shootout by Red Bull at Jerez last summer and he beat a number of drivers to be enrolled into the team's junior driving programme.

McLaughlin discovered he had been selected when Helmut Marko, Red Bull's team adviser and head of the company's driver academy, approached him at the end of the test.

"I was doing well at go-karting and had an opportunity from Red Bull. I just tried to do a good job to see where it took me," continued McLaughlin.

"I was up against six other drivers, it was good competition and there was a bit of pressure. I was able to deliver and they obviously thought I was decent enough to take me on board for the junior team.

"Helmut Marko came over to me and said, 'I think you're a good driver and I want you on our team'. He said I had potential and would take me on as far as he could in the future.

"He's a nice man and he's given me the opportunity to race in F4."

With the support of Red Bull, McLaughlin has taken his first steps into car racing.

He started with the Formula Winter Series, where he secured three wins and seven podiums.

The teenager, from the town of Magherafelt, then moved into British F4, which has seen the likes of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, IndyCar star Colton Herta and Formula 2 championship contender Alex Dunne.

He has adapted well to the championship, leads the rookie standings and is second in the overall standings after four rounds.

"I've found it's not too bad stepping up from go-karting. It's different in how you brake and it's different as it's a tighter space inside the car," McLaughlin added.

"It's been a change but I think I've got used to it quite well and I'm delivering as best as I can.

"I'm taking it step by step and it's about the main goal at the end of the year, which is the championship trophy.

"You have to deliver as quickly as possible in this sport. Being classed as a rookie is good but I always try to focus on the main championship."

McLaughlin is racing for Hitech in his first season of car racing

McLaughlin is delivering in British F4 and will have the chance to race on the British Grand Prix weekend as the series supports Formula 1 at Silverstone in July.

It's a huge opportunity with some of the sport's biggest names watching on and looking for the next stars.

"Being a support race on the F1 Silverstone package was unexpected — opportunities like this usually don't come until F3," McLaughlin said.

"I'm still in F4 so I'm not putting any extra pressure on the event. But the goal remains the same – to win every time I get in the car and winning on the world stage would be something special."

After being given the chance to progress his career by Red Bull, McLaughlin admits there is pressure to deliver if he is to achieve his dream to making it to F1.

"I always have high expectations of winning but I just try to believe in my ability," McLaughlin added.

"I try not to look too much into the future, I take it step by step. For me, it's important to do a good job at where I'm at now, and believe in what I can do.

"You have to keep getting results because if you're not doing a good job, you're not going to be able to take the next step."

McLaughlin says "pressure has always been a thing" but that it is something he thrives under.

"Obviously it can be tough as you need the results but that's my job and that's what I want.

"I want to be a winner. Red Bull are a winning team, I'm a winning driver so we work well with each other."

Pedro Neto during his individual player walk-out before Chelsea's win over Los Angeles FC

Whether you like them or not, there have been plenty of new features at the Club World Cup.

From player walk-ons to the eight-second goalkeeper rule,the new 32-team format of the competition has been making waves.

But what are the new initiatives introduced by Fifa? Are they working? Have a read – and have your say.

Every starting player has had an individual walk-on before each match at the Club World Cup.

Our football news reporter Shamoon Hafez, who is at the tournament, says this has been the most notable innovation so far – because of the time it takes.

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia is a fan.

He said: "I think it's something special and new for us. I enjoyed it. Why not bring it to the Premier League?

"It's a bit of a showbiz thing, isn't it? I quite like it. The only difference is [if we did it in the Premier League], we might get a bit cold because once you're out there, you have to wait for maybe the other players."

The innovation has drawn criticism from supporters as it has added extra time to the pre-match formalities, and a number of matches at the Club World Cup have kicked off a few minutes later than scheduled.

The referee's view on Rico Lewis' red-card challenge on Samuel Obeng

'Ref cam' shows live images from referees' bodycams before a game, in the tunnel, during the warm-up and at the coin toss.

Unlike rugby union, no live images are shown during the game and – although goals and moments of skill will be shown with a delay – anything controversial or in bad taste, such as a player suffering a nasty injury, will not appear.

Images will be available to the video assistant referee (VAR), but that is not the purpose of the innovation.

The footage of the challenge that led to Manchester City defender Rico Lewis being sent off during their opening match with Wydad Casablanca was broadcast – but the red card had already been shown.

Former international referee Pierluigi Collina says the technology is mainly an entertainment concept.

What it will do, Fifa believes, is show the game from a unique vantage point and "enhance the storytelling".

Yassine Bounou has been penalised for holding on to the ball for too long

"This is big drama," said DAZN co-commentator Michael Brown as Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou became the second goalkeeper to concede a corner by failing to release the ball within eight seconds.

It happened in the 96th minute of the Saudi Arabian club's1-1 draw with Spanish giants Real Madrid- and could have proved costly.

The Club World Cup is among the summer tournaments at which the new eight-second rule is being applied to goalkeepers for the first time.

As per the International Football Association Board (Ifab) rules: "A corner kick is awarded if a goalkeeper, inside their penalty area, controls the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s) for more than eight seconds before releasing it.

"The referee will decide when the goalkeeper has control of the ball and the eight seconds begin and will visually count down the last five seconds with a raised hand."

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams became the first to fall foul of the rule when he was penalised in the final 10 minutes of his side's 1-0 win over against Ulsan Hyundai.

The rule is also in place for the Under-21s European Championship – but no-one has been punished as yet.

VAR being shown on screen during the 1-1 draw between Real Madrid and Al Hilal

As in previous Fifa tournaments, the on-pitch referee will communicate VAR decisions – and the reasons for them – to supporters in the stadium.

For the first time, fans at the match will be able to see the replays the officials are being shown.

However, there will still be no broadcast of the discussions in the VAR hub.

Collina urged patience for those who cannot understand why football is not yet implementing something commonplace in rugby, cricket and all major American sports.

"I cannot tell you if something more might be added in the future," he said. "But we need to do it when we are sure this will not affect the decision-making process."

Semi-automated offside in use during Al Ahly's goalless draw with Inter Miami

Officials are using an accelerated semi-automated offside technology that will tell them to stop the game immediately if a player who is more than 10cm offside touches the ball.

It is aimed at reducing needless delays.

Assistant referees will receive the notification instantly rather than having to wait for the technology to check positions and distances – as is the case with semi-automated offside (SAO) systems used in most major leagues.

SAO was introduced into the Premier League on 12 April.

The introduction of the enhanced SAO comes after Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi suffered a serious abdominal injury against Leicester City.

The Nigerian crashed into the post after play was allowed to continue despite a player being in an offside position.

Phil Foden was named Superior Player of the Match following Manchester City's win over Al Wydad

The Superior Player Award is given to the player of the match from each game – and is decided by a public vote.

The vote is open between minutes 60 and 88 via FIFA+.

Winners of the Superior Player Award at the Club World Cup so far include Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Vitinha (Paris St-Germain), Pedro Neto (Chelsea) and Phil Foden (Manchester City).

Its name stems from tournament sponsors Michelob – an American beer brand.

The name 'Man of the Match' was changed to 'Player of the Match' at the 2022 World Cup.

Following Inter Miami's 0-0 draw with Al Ahly in the opening game of the tournament, Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was the first player named Superior Player of the Match.

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Ashley Young (left), Christian Eriksen and Jamie Vardy (right) are among the list of Premier League players out of contract on 1 July

The summer transfer window is in full swing and Premier League clubs are busy strengthening their squads ready for the 2025-26 season, which starts on 15 August when champions Liverpool play Bournemouth at Anfield.

There have already been some big deals struck.

Liverpool have agreed a£116m dealto sign Germany attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, and are in talks to sign Bournemouth's Hungary left-back Milos Kerkez for afee of around £40m-£45m.

Meanwhile, Brazil forward Matheus Cunha has completed a£62.5m moveto Manchester United from Wolves, while Manchester City have confirmed the signing of AC Milan and Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for aninitial fee of £46.5m.

But there are plenty of bargains to be had, with many experienced Premier League players out of contract and available on a free transfer on 1 July.

Will they stay in England's top-flight – or move elsewhere?

BBC Sport takes a look at some of them.

Lukasz Fabianski made 1,214 saves on the Premier League stage between 2008 and 2025

Having turned 40 in April, Lukasz Fabianski is being released by West Ham after seven years with the Hammers.

But the Polish goalkeeper appears in no rush to hang up his gloves just yet.

The veteran of 376 Premier League appearances – and 92 clean sheets – for Arsenal, Swansea and the Hammers won the FA Cup with the Gunners in 2014 and was on the bench when West Ham beat Fiorentina to win the Conference League in 2023.

With that amount of experience, could Fabianski make a decent back-up?

Did you know?Fabianski has two Premier League assists to his name – one for Arsenal and one for Swansea.

West Ham sign Fabianski from Swansea

"It's been everything to me" – Vardy on Leicester tenure

He arrived from Fleetwood Town for £1m – and he leaves as a Leicester City scoring-great after 200 goals for the Foxes.

Despite his age, 38-year-old Jamie Vardy – whose goals propelled Leicester to the Premier League title in 2015-16 and FA Cup in 2020-21 – is unlikely to be short of offers.

According to reports, the former England striker is wanted by Rangers.

Did you know?Vardy's 145 Premier League goals in 342 appearances for Leicester were comprised of 93 with his right foot, 35 with his left foot, and 17 with his head.

500 games, 200 goals – how Vardy said goodbye to 'the club I love'

Highlights: Denmark fight back to beat Northern Ireland

After a career that has seen him play for Ajax, Tottenham, Inter Milan, Brentford and Manchester United, what next for Christian Eriksen?

United confirmed the Denmark midfielder, 33,will leave,externalOld Trafford this summer along with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.

Will Eriksen return to homeland or look to sign for another Premier League club?

Did you know?Eriksen won the Dutch League with Ajax three times and Serie A with Inter Milan in 2020-21. But he has yet to win the Premier League – having made a combined 310 appearances for Tottenham, Brentford and Manchester United.

Rangers weigh up Eriksen offer – gossip

As well as scoring 72 goals, Danny Ings has also provided 23 assists in the Premier League

Bournemouth were in League Two when a 17-year-old Danny Ings made his first appearance for the Cherries in the EFL Trophy in 2009.

Fast forward 16 years and the forward, who has scored 72 goals in 240 Premier League appearances for Burnley, Liverpool, Southampton, Aston Villa and West Ham, is looking for a new club.

There arereports that Wrexham,,externalwho are preparing for life in the Championship and are bankrolled by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, want Ings, who made the last of his three England appearances in 2020.

Did you know?Ings has yet to receive a red card in 11 years playing in the Premier League.

West Ham sign Ings from Aston Villa in £15m deal

Ashley Young's first Premier League appearance was in 2006

Ashley Young celebrates his 40th birthday on 9 July – but says he has no plans to retire despite being released by Everton.

Full-back Young has spent most of his career playing in the Premier League for Watford, Aston Villa and Manchester United, while he also enjoyed a stint in Italy with Inter Milan, before joining the Toffees in 2023.

'I just want to continue playing, however that may look, however that may seem, I'm not ready to retire,"Young told Talksport,externalin May.

The veteran of 485 Premier League appearances has beenlinked with Championship newcomers Wrexham.,external

Did you know?Ashley Young has scored 50 Premier League goals – 49 with his right-foot – while he has hit the woodwork 17 times.

Twelve of Ben Mee's 14 Premier League goals have been headers

A product of the Manchester City academy, Ben Mee spent a decade at Burnley before moving to Brentford following the Clarets' relegation at the end of the 2021-22 season.

The defender won the supporters' player of the year award during his debut campaign as Brentford finished ninth.

Mee, 35, has made 277 Premier League appearances in total and leaves Brentford having played 67 times for the club in all competitions.

Did you know?Mee's Premier League career includes five own goals, six assists and one red card.

Defender Mee to leave Brentford at end of season

Five of Neal Maupay's 33 Premier League goals have come from penalties

Will Neal Maupay stay in France after spending the season on loan at Marseille?

Everton have unsurprisingly decided not to offer the French forward, 28, a new contract after a hugely disappointing three years on the books at Goodison Park.

The former Brentford and Brighton striker has managed just one goal in 29 Premier League appearances for the Toffees.

Maupay disrespected Everton on social media when, after the club's 2-0 home defeat by Nottingham Forest in December, heposted on X:,external"Whenever I'm having a bad day, I just check the Everton score and smile."

Did you know?Neal Maupay has made 160 Premier League appearances – and ended up on the losing side 71 times.

Victor Lindelof has a tackle success rate of 61% in the Premier League

At the age of 30, Victor Lindelof will still feel he can still do a job at a decent level somewhere in Europe.

The Sweden defender, who is leaving Manchester United after eight years, has been linked with a move back to hisformer club Benfica,as well as Fenerbahce, Fulham, Everton, West Ham and Wolves – and many others.

Lindelof made 194 Premier League appearances for United and helped the club win the EFL Cup in 2022-23 and the FA Cup in 2023-24.

There arereports Lindelof wants to stay in the Premier League.,external

Did you know?Manchester United kept 49 clean sheets in the 194 Premier League games Victor Lindelof appeared in.

Eriksen, Lindelof and Evans to leave

Abdoulaye Doucoure joined Everton from Watford in September 2020 for a fee understood to be £20m

"Everton will always be part of my life now. I will be forever Blue," said Abdoulaye Doucoure after confirming he was leaving the club after five years.

Mali midfielder Doucoure, 32, scored aniconic winner against Bournemouthon the final day of the 2022-23 season as the Toffees ensured Premier League safety.

He served five permanent Everton managers during his time at Goodison Park – Carlo Ancelotti, Rafael Benitez, Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche and David Moyes.

Doucoure is a reported target for Leeds United as they get ready for their Premier League return.

Did you know?Abdoulaye Doucoure registered 111 attempts on target in his 278 Premier League appearances for Watford and Everton – scoring 36 times.

Everton midfielder Doucoure to leave this summer

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored 10 goals over the past two Premier League campaigns

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who joined Everton on deadline day in August 2016 from Sheffield United, could be set for a move away from the Toffees when his contract expires at the end of the month.

The 28-year-old has made 239 Premier League appearances and scored 57 goals.

He endured another tough season at Goodison Park and only found the target three times in the 2024-25 league campaign, but his top-flight know-how and his role as a central striker still only in his late 20s, is sure to attract interest.

However, Everton have confirmed that talks are ongoing between the forward's representatives over fresh terms.

Did you know?Out of Calvert-Lewin's nine Premier League campaigns for the Toffees, he has only scored more than 10 goals in two seasons.

'I've led the line through Everton's hardest Premier League period'

Vladimir Coufal has yet to score a Premier League goal but has 19 assists to his name

"I will be forever blowing bubbles till I fade and die," wrote Vladimir Coufal in anopen letter to fans,externalon the eve of his final home appearance for West Ham.

Coufal, 32, served the Hammers for five years and played in the 2023 Uefa Conference League final when West Ham defeated Fiorentina 2-1 in Prague.

The Czech Republic defender has made 147 Premier League appearances but could yet make more, with Everton, Leeds and Wolves all linked with a move.

Did you know?Vladimir Coufal scored two own goals but has yet to score in the opposition net in a Premier League game, hitting the woodwork three times.

Kyle Walker-Peters only missed five Premier League games for the Saints during the 2024-25 campaign

After initially joining Southampton on loan from Tottenham in 2020, Kyle Walker-Peters contract expires on 30 June 2025.

The 28-year-old is set to move away from St. Mary's after five years where he has established himself as a consistent and quality performer at full-back.

Walker-Peters played 33 out of a possible 38 Premier League games last season and was also named in the Championship team of the season after Southampton were promoted to the top-flight at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Did you know?Out of Walker-Peters' 148 Premier League appearances, the right-back has only scored twice.

I won't sell, my love for Saints is growing – Solak

There are some huge names around the world who are out of contract in the coming days.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who now plays in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr, is one of those whose deal is up.

However, the Portuguese superstar, 40, seems set tosign a new dealwith his club.

Brazil forward Neymar, 33, rejoined his boyhood club Santos in January on a short-term contract, also becomes a free agent in the next few days.

There arereports that Santos want Neymar to stay,externalat least until the 2026 World Cup.

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Nicolas Jackson has also earned 18 yellow cards in two years since joining Chelsea in 2023

On the day Liam Delap made his first start for Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson's response was to get himself sent off four minutes after replacing his new rival in the striker department.

Jackson was dismissed on his 24th birthday after a late, studs-up challenge on Flamengo defender Lucas Ayrton at the end of a disastrous six-minute collapse where goals from Bruno Henrique and Danilo cancelled out Pedro Neto's early strike.

Wallace Yan rounded off the scoring with a late goal asFlamengo beat the Blues 3-1in the Club World Cup.

It was the least a confident Flamengo, led by former Chelsea defender Felipe Luis, deserved. But the scapegoat will almost certainly be the Senegal international striker.

It was, after all,his second red card in four matchesand he is now suspended in two competitions – the Premier League and Club World Cup.

It means Delap will likely start the next match – an important clash against Tunisian side ES Tunis – and the opening game of the Premier League season at home to Crystal Palace.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is anticipating a longer ban as he suspects Jackson's red card for such reckless foul could rule him out of the competition.

When asked about the sending off, he said: "It happened against Newcastle and today. I am not 100% sure it's a red card compared to the Newcastle one.

"It's a little bit of a bad moment for Nico. The red card has nothing to do with Nico's future… Nico knows in both games it was not good for the team."

Jackson apologised on Instagram while both defender Marc Cucurella and Maresca revealed the striker said sorry in person to his team-mates after the match.

The pair have been involved in like-for-like substitutions in back-to-back matches with mixed results

Jackson issued a statement on social media less than two hours after the match had finished.

It read: "I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my team-mates, and all the fans watching, I let you down.

"Another red card… and honestly, I'm so angry at myself. I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation. I still don't fully understand how it happened.

"But one thing is clear: it wasn't intentional. Just a football moment that went the wrong way.

"No excuses. I take full responsibility. I'll reflect, I'll grow, and I'll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry."

Chelsea manager Maresca said in his post-match press conference that the red card has no bearing on Jackson's future.

"Six minutes changed the game," he said. "In the second half, we started better compared to the first half. But we conceded two goals in two minutes and then the red card. It changed the dynamic. They deserved to win.

"Nico apologised. At Newcastle, we were just 1-0 down and it was in the first half. Today, we were 2-1 down but with half-an-hour left. There was time to play, but with one man down it became all the more difficult."

One of Jackson's long-time critics is former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who featured on the TV broadcast of the game on Dazn.

He said: "[It's an] unbelievable, stupid, stupid stupid mistake, I don't know what is going through his head. You come into the game at 2-1 down and your team needs you and he does that.

"He did that at Newcastle, a very important game we needed to win to get to the Champions League. You can't keep making mistakes. I don't care what his frustration is, it is massive club, Chelsea Football Club.

"If you are annoyed that Delap is going to be the competition with you, if you are a big player you have to embrace it. We can become successful together as a team.

"Maresca must ask do I still trust this guy or do I stick with the player I brought into the football club, Delap? If he doesn't trust him then it is time for Delap to start the game.

"It is the competition he is not embracing, he wants to be the only guy in the club. No, healthy competition is important. If he is not ready for it he shouldn't be at Chelsea Football Club."

Cucurella defended his team-mate, saying: "He's very sad. He tried to win the ball, had the bad luck that he kicked his leg and that's it. He's a young player with a lot of quality but maybe needs to improve a little bit in these things.

"But he has to learn. After the manager spoke, he said sorry, he didn't do it on purpose. He's a very important player for us."

Flamengo beat Chelsea as Jackson sent off in Club World Cup

Delap a 'future England number nine' – Maresca

Maresca said during the Premier League season that Jackson needs support from another forward and the Blues agreed a £30m fee with Ipswich for Delap just 24 hours after winning the Conference League.

Delap scored 12 goals in 37 games for relegated Ipswich Town but also scored 24 times in Maresca's league-winning Manchester City Under-23 team in 2021, which also featured both Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia.

Jackson started the 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in the opening Club World Cup match and delivered an assist. But Delap also set up a goal for Enzo Fernandez on his debut – as the pair battle to impress.

Subsequently, Delap earned his first start against Flamengo but had a quiet game where he received a yellow card. Third striker option Marc Guiu came on after Jackson's dismissal.

Maresca previously said of the competition for places before his match with LAFC: "I am curious to see how Nico reacts (to Delap). He competed with [Marc] Guiu who is very young during the season. They are both good No9s."

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Glenn Irwin began the third BSB round at Snetterton in second place in the championship standings

Glenn Irwin suffered fractures to his hip socket and pelvis after crashing during a free practice session at the third round of the British Superbike Championship at Snetterton on Saturday.

The Northern Ireland rider came off his Hager PBM Ducati at Turn Nine during FP3 and the session was subsequently red-flagged.

After initially being taken to the circuit medical centre for x-rays on his hip and right leg, the 35-year-old was then transported to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for further scans and assessment.

A statement issued by BSB race organisers later on Saturday explained the extent of his injuries.

"Following a CT scan at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Glenn Irwin has been found to have fractures to his hip socket and pelvis. He is in stable condition," they revealed.

"Glenn will be reviewed tomorrow by the specialist team to decide an ongoing management plan."

Irwin was ruled out of Saturday's opening BSB race of the weekend, which was won by series leader, Yamaha rider Bradley Ray.

Ray took his fifth win of the season, with defending champion Kyle Ryde second, Honda Racing's Tommy Bridewell completing the podium positions and Leon Haslam fourth.

Ray now leads the championship standings with 104 points, followed by Ryde on 82, Haslam on 77 and Irwin on 74.

Irwin's brother Andrew crashed out on lap four of the weekend opener while challenging for a top-12 spot.

Two further races are scheduled for Sunday.

Glenn Irwin had secured four podium finishes from the first five races of the season at Oulton Park and Donington to occupy second in the series ahead of this weekend's action.

From Carrickfergus in county Antrim, is an 11-time Superbike race winner at the North West 200 international road races, but called it quits on that branch of the sport before this year's event.

Meanwhile, Dubliner Jack Kennedy won the 10-lap Supersport sprint race for Honda Racing on Saturday, from Donegal's Rhys Irwin, with Fermanagh native Lee Johnston fifth.

Josh Adams has played 61 internationals for Wales

Wing Josh Adams says it hurts that some of his Wales team-mates having not experienced an international victory.

The national men's side are on a record 17-match Test losing sequence as they prepare for a two match tour of Japan in July.

Wales have slipped to a new low of 12th place in the world rankings with the previous international win against Georgia in October 2023.

In contrast, Adams was part of a Wales side that won a record 14 games and reached number one in the world in August 2019.

"It hurts me when some boys say they've never won for Wales," said Adams.

"It's horrible when they say things like that because of the things I've experienced.

"We didn't know how to lose at one stage for Wales. Even when we weren't playing well we managed to win."

Josh Adams joined Cardiff from Worcester in 2020

Adams, 30, is confident Wales can halt the losing streak.

"We probably have just got a little bit lost and are trying to find our way back now," said Adams.

"That'll come because the talent is there. I know I see it every day, these boys are as good as what we've had and are good enough to produce and win.

"It's just confidence is a huge thing."

The British and Irish Lions wing says the desire and commitment is there to change Wales' fortunes.

"It is horrible to question that, although I know it can be questioned when you are looking in because of the results and magnitude of some of them," said Adams.

"That hurts the playing group. They have lost and lost badly on occasions, but it doesn't affect the amount of effort that goes in. That can never be questioned.

"There will be a tipping point. We all believe that and hope it will be this summer. "

Adams says the squad have spoken about the situation they are in.

"It's something we have addressed because there is no point in not talking about things," said Adams.

"The more open and vulnerable we can make each other as players in speaking about different aspects of the game and life, the easier it becomes to talk about difficult things."

Welsh rugby reaches record low as England run riot

Wales' imperfect 10 as Six Nations misery is complete

Where can Welsh rugby possibly go from here?

Wales caretaker head coach Matt Sherratt (centre) has added Harlequins duo Danny Wilson (left) and Adam Jones (right) to his backroom team for the tour of Japan

Former head coach Warren Gatland left in February during the Six Nations with his permanent successor yet to be appointed.

Adams is hoping Wales will benefit in Japan from the new-look coaching team that is led again by caretaker boss Matt Sherratt and includes backroom staff Danny Wilson, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Rhys Thomas and Leigh Halfpenny.

"It has been brilliant and exactly what the squad needed with a new way of looking at the schedule," said Adams.

"Meeting times have changed, how we do weights and at what time. Everything feels new, which is a good thing because it has freshened things up.

"The addition of Danny and Gethin for the summer is brilliant."

Wilson to return to Harlequins after Wales role

Wales add Halfpenny to coaching staff for Japan tour

Caretaker coach Sherratt to lead Wales in Japan

Josh Adams has played in two World Cups in Japan and France

Adams has fond memories of Japan having been the World Cup's top try-scorer with seven when Wales reached the semi-finals in 2019.

Six years on, he is only one of four survivors from that squad alongside Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith and Aaron Wainwright.

In an inexperienced squad heading to Japan, Adams is the most capped back with 61 Wales internationals, with only Test centurion Taulupe Faletau boasting more appearances.

Cardiff wing Adams is back fit after missing the final three Six Nations defeats because of a hamstring injury.

"I got back for the last six games of the season," said Adams.

"That meant I had probably the longest consecutive run of matches I've had in at least a season and a half and I'm feeling good at the minute."

The new-look squad have spent the past few weeks attempting to acclimatise to the searing heat and humidity expected in Kitakyushu and Kobe.

Japan coach Eddie Jones has stated he wants to run Wales around in matches that will be played in the afternoon.

Wales have replicated the tactics sides adopted in the 2019 World Cup by training with wet balls to become used to the greasy conditions.

They have also had intense gym sessions in a heat chamber at Wales' training base where temperatures are ramped up to 36 degrees and 87% humidity.

Adams has experienced previous brutal fitness sessions with Wales in Switzerland and Turkey and rates the latest conditions as some of the toughest he has experienced.

"Some boys were saying 'that's the hardest thing I've ever done' and it's got to be in the top three worst I've felt after a session," said Adams.

"It was really bad, genuine, because it's so stuffy.

"There's certain times and calories you've got to do, but you're all crammed in there, so it's uncomfortable when you're knackered.

"You want a bit of space just to breathe, but you can't because it's so hot and stuffy and everyone's rubbing against each other. You're trying to not agitate each other because it's so cramped.

"But the boys have managed pretty well, no one's tapped out yet, so we're doing alright."

Wales will travel to Japan 10 days before the first Test after having intense heat preparations sessions at their home training base

The gruelling conditions led to some players losing up to 5kg in one session.

"We're weighing in before and after, we take one bottle of water which is rationed for the whole session," said Adams.

"Not because they want to be horrible, but it gives them a better gauge of how much fluids we lose and it's a considerable amount of weight.

"There's a lot of fluid then you've got to drink to get your body back to some sort of base level."

Adams says one of the worst parts is "cooling down as you let your body regulate the temperature".

"They don't want us hopping in ice baths because you can't do that in the game," said Adams.

"It's trying to get your body to regulate this body temperature and back to normal.

"We have done these off-field conditioning sessions and then come straight down and got into some skills.

"It's trying to copy what the climate would be like out there as best we can and make it as comfortable as it can, so we're in a good space to cope with anything."

Ian McLauchlan, pictured with Princess Anne, served Scottish Rugby as a player and board member for 50 years and went on two successful Lions tours

Former Scotland captain and British and Irish Lions great Ian McLauchlan has died at the age of 83.

McLauchlan led his country 19 times in his 43 caps and played his last Test against New Zealand at Murrayfield in November 1979.

A prop known for his fearsome scrummaging despite weighing only 14st 6lb on his debut in 1969, McLauchlan earned the nickname 'Mighty Mouse' and was part of successful Lions tours to New Zealand and South Africa in 1971 and 1974.

He was one of only five players to start all eight Test matches on those tours, and scored a crucial try in the first Test in Dunedin in June 1971 as the Lions won 9-3.

"He was some character and some player," his former Scotland and Lions team-mate Andy Irvinetold Scottish Rugby.,external

"He was smaller than most props he came up against but I never saw anyone get the better of him.

"He was so tough, almost indestructible. What a fantastic career he had for Scotland, and the Lions. It's very, very sad."

McLauchlan served as Scottish Rugby's president from 2010-2012 and stepped away from the board in 2019, giving 50 years of service from his debut as a player.

In 2013, he was inducted to Scottish Rugby's Hall of Fame and in 2017 he was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List.

Scottish Rugby said it was "immensely saddened" to learn of his death on Friday.

Pope makes 'terrific' century as England chase down India

First Rothesay Test, Headingley (day two of five)

India 471:Gill 147, Pant 134, Jaiswal 101; Stokes 2-66, Tongue 4-86

England 209-3:Pope 100*, Duckett 62; Bumrah 3-48

Ollie Pope's gutsy century led England's resurgence only for Jasprit Bumrah to give India the crucial wicket of Joe Root late on day two of the first Test.

Pope, preferred to rising star Jacob Bethell at number three, repaid England's faith with 100 not out at Headingley.

The ball after Pope completed his century, Bumrah had Root caught at first slip to leave England 209-3 – all three wickets falling to the pace maestro.

England are 262 adrift of India's 471, a total that should have been much greater.

Despite Rishabh Pant completing a thrilling century, the tourists lost their last seven wickets for 41 runs. Captain Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue claimed four wickets apiece.

Under a brooding sky – play was held up for 40 minutes by rain – England were faced with the threat of Bumrah, who promptly had Zak Crawley caught at first slip.

Bumrah was electrifying, but England dug in through a stand of 122 between Ben Duckett and Pope. Duckett was dropped off Bumrah, Pope edged the same bowler through the slips.

Duckett fell for 62 to Bumrah's second spell, in which Pope was dropped at third slip by Yashasvi Jaiswal on 60.

In the evening sunshine, Root overturned being given lbw. Bumrah was summoned for one more spell. Though he could not prevent Pope's milestone, he snatched the bigger prize of Root.

Incredibly, there was still time for Harry Brook to be caught off a Bumrah no-ball. It was a heart-stopping end to an engrossing day.

'Play on, pontiff' – Pope repays England's faith

Watch Today at the Test on BBC iPlayer

England v India: England weather Bumrah storm as game in the balance

Jaiswal drops Pope's outside edge at third slip

England were flattened on the opening day, forced to chase leather after gifting away the advantage of winning the toss.

Resuming on 359-3, India should have batted England out of the contest and then unleashed Bumrah late on.

Instead, the tourists offered a route back in with loose dismissals and dropped catches, and England, chiefly Pope, played well enough to grab the opportunity. Their batting was sensible, rather than cavalier, yet the hosts still scored in excess of four an over.

The conditions in which England had to start their innings, ideal for bowling, further highlighted just how good Friday had been for batting. When Bumrah had the ball, every delivery was an event and on another day he could have had an even bigger haul.

For all the talk of the toss and Bumrah's brilliance, England have a foothold in the match. On a sluggish pitch that looks full of runs, the home side may be vindicated in a fourth-innings chase.

For now India retain the upper hand through their lead and the presence of Bumrah. It could turn into a classic.

'Lovely shot!' – Pope hits consecutive fours to end Krishna over

Despite a modest record against India, the most important innings of Pope's Test career – 196 in Hyderabad – downed the same opponents 18 months ago.

Given the debate around his place, the match situation and the threat of Bumrah, this was the best hundred he has made at home. It was the Surrey man's third in successive home Tests and his ninth overall.

Pope's strength, scoring behind square on the off side, was also a vulnerability. He edged Bumrah between third slip and gully on 10, then should have been caught by Jaiswal.

Duckett had 15 when he cut Bumrah to point, the chance spilled by the usually reliable Ravindra Jadeja. Reprieved, Duckett drove through the covers and pulled anything fractionally short.

Batting looked much more straightforward when Bumrah was out of the attack and Duckett fell via an inside edge when he returned. His replacement, Root, was given leg before to Mohammed Siraj on seven, only for the review to show it was missing leg stump.

Bumrah began his third spell. Pope, on 99, inside edged a single and leapt in celebration. Headingley had barely settled when Root was drawn into a poke to first slip and departed for 28.

In the final over, Brook inexplicably tried to pull Bumrah and miscued to mid-wicket. He was saved by umpire Chris Gaffaney raising his arm to signal the third no-ball of the over.

Pant's long road back to recovery after car crash

Given their first-day platform, India had the opportunity to push for 550 or even more. England's anonymous first hour, when Stokes chose to delay his own entry into the attack, gave no clue of the collapse to come.

Pant, resuming on 65, planted off-spinner Shoaib Bashir for six. When he repeated the dose, this time with one hand off the bat, the left-hander reached his second Test ton since a life-threatening car crash in December 2022. Ever the showman, he celebrated with a somersault.

India were in complete control until captain Shubman Gill, who added 20 to move to 147, needlessly clipped Bashir to Tongue at deep mid-wicket. From then on, the visitors fell apart.

When Stokes finally brought himself on in the 12th over of the day, he again looked a threat with pace, a full length and swing. Karun Nair, in his first Test innings for eight years, drove to the flying Pope at short cover for a four-ball duck.

Tongue was poor on day one and ignored until 18 minutes before lunch on day two. He found the same movement as Stokes and got the crucial wicket. Pant, who should have been stumped by Jamie Smith off Bashir, was befuddled into leaving a Tongue in-swinger that trapped him lbw.

The clouds gathered, the floodlights came on and the lower-order did not resist. Shardul Thakur edged Stokes behind, Bumrah edged to second slip off Tongue, who then bowled both Jadeja and Prasidh Krishna. England took the last seven wickets in 68 balls.

'That's a big wicket!' – Tongue dismisses Pant for 134

Former England captain Michael Vaughan on Test Match Special:"A really good day for England. There is so much spirit in this side under Stokes. They found a way with the ball and then saw off a tremendous spell from Bumrah.

"If they can keep Bumrah quiet, they win the series."

England opener Ben Duckett:"We are in a good spot and if we win the first session tomorrow we are really in this game.

"I had goosebumps when Pope got his 100. He is such a big part of the dressing room. I can't wait to give him a hug."

Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook on TMS:"It was a horrible time to come in and bat but Pope played Bumrah with such control.

"He has looked far less frenetic recently and India need to look at how to bowl against him."

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Wales great Gareth Bale was a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid

Former Real Madrid and Wales star Gareth Bale was part of a bid launched in May to buy hometown club Cardiff City.

The 35-year-old former Wales captain, whoretired from playingin January 2023, is understood to have been part of a group that made direct contact with Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan with a proposal to take a controlling share at the League One club.

The offer was rejected, with the Malaysian businessman thought to have little interest in selling at the moment, however the assumption is that the group will try again.

Cardiff are not commenting on the reports that emerged late on Friday afternoon concerning a bid for the club newly relegated from the Championship.

It is understood the proposal did not reach boardroom discussion stage.

Bale – who won the Champions League five times with Real Madrid – had been linked with a move to Cardiff as a player in the build-up to the 2022 World Cup, before opting to join Major League Soccer side (MLS) side Los Angeles FC.

It was reported earlier in June he was part of a US-based consortium's attempt to take over Cardiff'sfellow League One club Plymouth Argyle.

What we know about Gareth Bale's bid to buy Cardiff City

Barry-Murphy told to take Cardiff straight back up

Cardiff confirm departure of Mexico-bound Ramsey