Alasdair Mackenzie

France manager Didier Deschamps said Kylian Mbappe is going through “a difficult period” of “physical and psychological” struggles after the Real Madrid star was left out of the national squad.

Ruud van Nistelrooy told Manchester United supporters that he will "always cherish the memories we have shared together" after he departed the club following the arrival of Ruben Amorim. Van Nistelrooy led United to three wins and a draw as interim manager in the wake of Erik ten Hag's sacking. "It has been a privilege and an honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager," he wrote.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii of Australia looks on during the Autumn Nations Series 2025 match between England and Australia at Allianz Twickenham Stadium on November 09, 2024 in London, England.

Italy breathed a sigh of relief as they staged their biggest-ever Test match comeback to win 20-17 and avoid a shock defeat to Georgia in the Autumn Nations Series.

Claudio Ranieri came out of retirement to be appointed AS Roma head coach for a third time last week. News of the 73-year-old's return has been greeted with delirium in Rome, where murals have been painted of him and banners put up welcoming their "eternal leader." However, he faces an enormous task in transforming the Lupi's flagging form ahead of his third 'debut'against Napoli on Sunday.

Italy were hammered by New Zealand at RWC23, but Dino Lamb says there is 'no bigger opportunity' to face 'the best'.

Scotland's Rory Darge in action during The Famous Grouse Nations Series match between Scotland and Fiji at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on November 02, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland's Jamie Ritchie at full time during The Famous Grouse Nations Series match between Scotland and South Africa at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on November 10, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland

Back-to-back world champions South Africa are looking to heap more misery on Wales when they visit Cardiff on Saturday in the Autumn Nations Series. The Welsh are on a record 11-match losing streak, including two in November, ahead of the daunting clash with the Springboks, and TNT Sports expert Benjamin Kayser warned "it could be a bloodbath." "You might want to divert the bus," Kayser joked.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey starred as France completed their Autumn Nations Series with a third win in a row, beating Argentina in Paris. The 21-year-old wing scored a superb solo try in a 37-23 victory and TNT Sports expert Benjamin Kayser said afterwards that he is "becoming the complete package." Danny Care added that he has "an incredible future ahead of him."