Former cycling world champion Rohan Dennis has publicly condemned the media for creating a false narrative following his suspended prison sentence over the death of his wife, Melissa Hoskins.
Ms Hoskins, a celebrated Olympic track cyclist, died in 2023 after being struck by a vehicle driven by her husband in an Adelaide suburb.
A court previously heard she had held onto the car as he attempted to drive away following an argument.
The 35-year-old admitted to an aggravated count of creating the likelihood of harm and received a suspended sentence of just over 16 months.
‘False narrative’ and media criticism
In a recent statement posted to social media, the two-time time trial world champion strongly denied any intention to cause physical harm.
“The narrative which the media ran with was clear,” wrote the Australian rider.
“They wanted me to look like the husband who abused his wife.”
Demands for family privacy
The former Olympian also accused journalists of harassing his family, expressing particular concern over the ongoing treatment of his children.
“The media speak about the children and how saddened they are for the children, yet they happily stalk, follow and harass not just adults in my family but even when the kids are involved,” he stated.
“They know I never intentionally or unintentionally used a vehicle as a weapon… Time for all you so-called journalists and media outlets to back off and leave my family alone.”
Decorated careers on the track
Prior to stepping away from the sport, the former professional was considered one of the foremost time trial specialists of his generation.
His late wife was equally decorated, securing a team pursuit gold medal at the 2015 World Championships.
She also proudly represented Australia at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Ireland will open their 2026 Women’s Six Nations campaign against England on 11 April, driven by a determination to banish the memory of their recent World Cup quarter-final exit.
Six months have passed since a heartbreaking 18-13 defeat by France in Exeter ended their global ambitions.
Head coach Scott Bemand now wants his squad to use that lingering disappointment as fuel to reach new heights in the upcoming championship.
The girls in green have secured back-to-back third-place finishes under their current boss.
However, closing the substantial gap to tournament heavyweights England and France remains the ultimate objective.
New leadership and fresh faces
To facilitate this upward trajectory, the management team has introduced nine uncapped players into a revitalised 36-player panel.
Former captain Amee-Leigh Costigan and co-captain Edel McMahon have both been omitted from the latest squad.
The captain’s armband has consequently been handed to returning back-row forward Erin King.
The 22-year-old recently recovered from a serious knee injury that cruelly forced her to miss the summer tournament.
Bemand, who recently extended his contract until 2029, believes the new skipper embodies the resilient future of Irish rugby.
Closing the gap on European heavyweights
Securing an elusive victory over the French side is a primary target following several agonisingly close encounters.
That challenge will be formidable given that both crucial fixtures against France and the dominant Red Roses are away from home.
England are current world champions and have remarkably won seven consecutive Six Nations titles without losing a single match since 2018.
“We’ve always said we don’t want to be afraid to talk about winning; winning games and competitions.”
The head coach acknowledged the progress made during the World Cup but stressed the need for continuous improvement.
“We pushed France close, but we have to be another school better.”
King shares this ambitious mindset, insisting that being highly competitive against the top two nations is a completely realistic goal.
The newly appointed captain noted that her side led the French 13-0 at half-time during their summer meeting.
She also recalled trailing the English by just two points at the break in Cork last year before fading in the second half.
Patrick Reed has revealed his desire to experience traditional tournament golf and spend more time with his family were the primary reasons behind his sudden departure from the LIV Golf Tour in January.
The 2018 Masters champion originally resigned from the PGA Tour in June 2022 to join the Saudi-backed breakaway league.
However, the 35-year-old made a surprising turnaround earlier this year when he announced his intention to regain his American main tour card.
Chasing the traditional thrill
Speaking ahead of the first major of the season at Augusta National, the American admitted the decision to leave the 54-hole circuit was made very quickly.
He explained that competing on the DP World Tour in Dubai reminded him of the adrenaline associated with standard tournament formats.
I really just kind of was sitting back and realizing that I wanted to get back and not only join – have an opportunity back on the PGA Tour, but get back to the traditional way of golf and playing.
The former Ryder Cup star highlighted the thrill of battling rivals on a standard, staggered leaderboard rather than LIV’s controversial shotgun start format.
For me, I wanted that back, I wanted that adrenaline back, and those feelings, especially with the way I played those last three weeks.
Family priorities and future eligibility
A grueling international schedule with the breakaway circuit also heavily impacted his home life.
The Texan noted that he urgently wanted to watch his 11-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son grow up.
To be honest with you, it was one of those decisions that I felt like was the best, not just for the golf game, but also for my family to spend more time with them.
Since stepping away from the LIV Tour, he has become a renewed force in Europe.
Masters contender in formidable form
The former rebel has secured two victories and three runner-up finishes on the DP World Tour since the start of the year.
Those impressive results have guaranteed him one of the 10 PGA Tour cards handed out to top finishers in the Race to Dubai standings.
Because of his past champion status, he is eligible to return for invitational events from late August and on a full-time basis in 2027.
That blistering recent form makes the former Augusta winner a genuine contender to secure a second Green Jacket this week.
Caroline Dubois has captured the unified WBC and WBO lightweight titles after knocking down Terri Harper in their highly anticipated all-British championship clash.
The unbeaten 23-year-old produced a commanding performance to overcome her highly experienced compatriot.
A pivotal knockdown proved decisive as the younger fighter imposed her relentless power and precision on the contest.
Dubois signals new era at lightweight
Victory secures both the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization belts, firmly establishing the Londoner at the summit of the 135lb weight class.
Her triumph marks a significant milestone in a rapidly ascending professional career that follows a stellar amateur background.
The newly crowned unified champion dictated the pace for long periods, showcasing the calculated aggression that has become her trademark.
Harper shows resilience in defeat
Despite touching the canvas, the former super-featherweight world champion demonstrated immense bravery to survive the heavy onslaught.
The Yorkshire fighter relied on her vast championship experience to navigate the later rounds against a ferocious opponent.
However, the 27-year-old ultimately fell short against the sheer momentum and accuracy of the sport’s rising star.
This definitive domestic showdown clarifies the world title picture in a marquee division transitioning into an exciting new era.
Golfers at the 90th Masters have expressed their support for Tiger Woods as the 15-time major champion reportedly enters a rehabilitation facility following his recent DUI arrest in Florida.
The 50-year-old is absent from Augusta National this week after pleading not guilty to charges of misdemeanor driving under the influence with property damage.
Authorities confirmed the golf legend was in possession of hydrocodone when his vehicle clipped a trailer in Hobe Sound on March 27.
Day criticises driving decision but offers sympathy
Australian player Jason Day revealed his mixed emotions regarding his childhood hero’s current legal and personal situation.
“The only thing that I don’t understand is that it’s a little bit selfish of him to drive and put other people in harm’s way.”
However, the former world number one quickly noted the human element of addiction and the immense physical toll the American has endured throughout his career.
“He’s not immune to it just because he can hit a golf ball really well.”
Physical toll leads to European treatment
The five-time tournament winner recently told a sheriff’s deputy that he suffers from an ankle that seizes up while walking.
This physical decline follows a grueling medical history that includes seven back operations and more than twenty surgeries on his right leg.
A judge granted a legal motion last week allowing the injured star to travel outside the United States for comprehensive inpatient care.
His private jet has since landed in Switzerland, fuelling widespread speculation that he has checked into a specialised European treatment centre.
Living under the microscope
Day acknowledged the immense public pressure that comes with being arguably the most famous golfer in sporting history.
“It must be hard to be who he is and have everyone look kind of down on him.”
The 36-year-old concluded by expressing hope that his long-time idol will successfully complete his recovery programme and find peace away from the course.
Sir Craig Reedie, the former chair of the British Olympic Association and president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, has died at the age of 84.
The influential administrator led the BOA between 1992 and 2005 before serving as the third president of Wada from 2014 to 2019.
During his tenure as BOA chair, the 84-year-old played a pivotal role in London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
He subsequently served as a director for the organising committee and held vice-presidential duties on the International Olympic Committee executive board.
A driving force for clean sport
The Scotsman’s tenure at Wada coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in modern sporting history.
He presided over the global anti-doping watchdog during the exposure of state-sponsored doping in Russia.
This monumental investigation ultimately led to the nation’s athletes being banned from competing under their national flag.
Current BOA chair Dame Katherine Grainger paid tribute to his unwavering commitment to integrity across the sporting spectrum.
“He always fought hard for Olympic sport, and fought harder still for clean sport.”
“Few knew the Olympic movement better and fewer still served it with such distinction. It was the measure of Craig that it never diminished his love of sport.”
From badminton court to boardroom
Before embarking on a transformative career in sports administration, the former Great Britain international was a distinguished badminton player in the 1960s.
His passion for the racket sport translated into executive success when he spearheaded the campaign to introduce badminton to the Olympic programme at Barcelona 1992.
The IOC’s Kirsty Coventry highlighted his enduring legacy in athlete development and ethical governance.
“He was a steadfast guardian of integrity, guiding the global sporting community through some of its most challenging moments with dignity and resolve.”
In recognition of a lifetime dedicated to athletic advancement, the sporting pioneer was knighted in 2006 and elevated to Knight Grand Cross in 2018.
Pre-race favourite Soldier In Milan has delivered a commanding performance to win the 2026 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse for trainer Emmet Mullins.
The Paul Byrne-owned runner tracked the early leaders before surging clear of the chasing pack in the closing stages.
Showurappreciation finished a distant second, while The Enabler took third and Argento Boy completed the top four.
Monbeg Genius had dictated the pace for the majority of the prestigious steeplechase but ultimately faded to finish fifth.
Dramatic incidents shape the chasing pack
The gruelling test of stamina took its toll on several prominent contenders throughout the contest.
Kiss Will threatened to mount a challenge before suffering a heavy fall at the third-last fence.
Meanwhile, The Jukebox Kid was pulled up prior to the conclusion following a series of costly jumping errors.
Attention shifts to Aintree showpiece
This decisive victory provides a significant boost for the winning connections amid the fiercely competitive Irish National Hunt trainers’ championship.
Racing fans will now turn their focus across the Irish Sea for Saturday’s highly anticipated Grand National at Aintree.
I Am Maximum is currently the heavy favourite to conquer the famous Merseyside fences in that upcoming marathon.
Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will return to the ring after a one-year retirement to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday, 11 April.
The 37-year-old abandoned the sport for a fifth time following consecutive defeats to long-time rival Oleksandr Usyk.
However, the Morecambe-based fighter has rapidly reversed his decision to take on the hard-hitting Russian.
High stakes in heavyweight division
A victory this weekend could set up a highly anticipated domestic showdown with Anthony Joshua later this year.
Standing in his way is the 36-year-old Makhmudov, who enters the bout fresh from a knockout victory over Dave Allen.
The upcoming opponent is renowned for his formidable power and will look to derail any future British super-fights.
Unconventional preparation for return
In typical fashion, the ‘Gypsy King’ has opted for an unorthodox approach to this training camp.
The British heavyweight claims he will be preparing entirely without a traditional coaching staff.
“I don’t need a trainer, I don’t need a nutritionist, I don’t need a mind coach, I don’t need a sleep coach and I definitely don’t need a strength coach.”
He stated he only requires someone to wash his gum shield and provide water between rounds.
“I’m excited to be back. My heart has always been and always will be in boxing. Someone go tell the king that the ace is back!”
How to watch and undercard details
The event marks a significant broadcasting shift, with the entire card streaming live to global subscribers on Netflix.
Main event ring walks are expected to commence at approximately 22:00 BST.
The supporting card features a notable return for Conor Benn, who takes on Regis Prograis.
Benn has not competed since his commanding victory over domestic rival Chris Eubank Jr.
Additional heavyweight action on the undercard includes Jeamie Tshikeva taking on Richard Riakporhe, alongside Frazer Clarke facing Justis Huni.