Smith was among England’s most impressive performers in a disappointing autumn

Appointed England captain ahead of a vital Six Nations, Itoje looks set to lead Steve Borthwick’s side through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup

Sophia, the pregnant partner of the Arsenal forward, was targeted after Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester United

Itoje assumes the captaincy from Saracens teammate Jamie George before a vital campaign for Steve Borthwick’s side

Maro Itoje has been appointed skipper, supplanting Saracens teammate Jamie George in the role

Experienced fly half Gareth Anscombe has been left out of Warren Gatland’s squad for a tournament in which Wales must show improvement

The scheduled meeting between Everton and Liverpool was postponed during December during Storm Darragh

England’s leading Test wicket-taker retired from international cricket last summer but will play on for his county

The double Olympic champion has joined Swiss-based team Q36.5 after terminating his contract with Ineos

Real Madrid 2-5 Barcelona: Hansi Flick’s side were in a ruthless mood as they claimed victory in an entertaining affair

The draw for the fourth round has been made, with fixtures to be played on the weekend of 8 February

Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United (United win 5-4 on penalties): A breathless FA Cup tie was settled by spot-kicks as the holders reached the fourth round

Sweeney remains under serious pressure after uproar around the paying of a bonus of nearly £400,000 in a year that the RFU made a significant loss

The 24-time grand slam champion spent time in quarantine after admitting to making a false statement on a travel document in 2022

The Ireland wing will be free to play ahead of the Six Nations

Lock Aldcroft replaces Marlie Packer, who has been appointed as one of two vice captains

The former Arsenal and Chelsea managers clashed during last year’s Women’s League Cup final

The South Korean forward has been at the club for nearly a decade and is set to stay

The wing’s shoulder problem means Steve Borthwick is likely to be without two members of his first-choice back three

The South Korean forward has been at the club for nearly a decade and is set to stay