NASCAR Xfinity Series Power Rankings: And so, the 2025 season begins

The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series is finally here, and a new season with plenty of exciting moments to come begins at Daytona International Speedway Feb. 15 (5 p.m. ET, The CW, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). While there has been plenty of movement within the Xfinity Series compared to last year‘s crop, this is still […]

The Breakdown | England beware: rugby’s Messi is even better after Olympic sevens stint

Scrum-half Dupont took time off to snare Olympic gold which has made him even more effective around the rucks

Tickets to watch France play England this weekend are not cheap. Premium adult seats cost £199 apiece and even the most affordable ones up in the gods will set you back £89. Before you phone the Rugby Football Union to enquire if an England win is included as part of the deal, however, ask yourself how often in life you have the chance to witness pure genius.

Admittedly this can be a subjective debate. Taylor Swift fans will have a different opinion to, say, Bob Dylan disciples. However, in contemporary sport there can surely be increasingly little debate. With all due respect to the colossal talents of Novak Djokovic, Max Verstappen, Patrick Mahomes, Simone Biles and Mohamed Salah, the name Antoine Dupont must be close to the top of the list.

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Transfer window verdict: how every Premier League club fared

Only one of the top six made a notable signing – and they spent £172m – in a frustrating window for several managers

Mikel Arteta’s hopes of strengthening his squad never materialised, no doubt to his frustration and that of every Arsenal supporter, despite the surprise bid for Ollie Watkins and interest in Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel. The feelgood factor generated by the famous thrashing of Manchester City will not last long if a lack of attacking options means they cannot sustain their challenge in the Premier League. Arteta, who would not allow Kieran Tierney or Jorginho to leave with their contracts expiring in the summer, will be hoping that some winter sunshine in Dubai next week can give his players extra spark when they return. Ed Aarons

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Troy plays James Madison on 4-game win streak

Troy Trojans (15-7, 8-3 Sun Belt) at James Madison Dukes (14-9, 7-4 Sun Belt) Harrisonburg, Virginia; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Troy will attempt to continue its four-game win streak with a victory over James Madison. The Dukes have gone 10-2 in home games.

DePaul hosts Villanova after Poplar’s 24-point game

Villanova Wildcats (12-10, 5-6 Big East) at DePaul Blue Demons (11-12, 2-10 Big East) Chicago; Wednesday, 9 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Villanova visits DePaul after Wooga Poplar scored 24 points in Villanova's 62-60 loss to the Creighton Bluejays. The Blue Demons are 10-5 on their home court.