Caster Semenya has vowed to challenge the newly introduced International Olympic Committee gender testing policy, claiming it undermines women’s rights.

The double Olympic champion stated the regulation is an attack on female dignity and pledged a vocal fight against its implementation.

Unveiled last week, the IOC protocol is expected to become a universal standard for female elite sports competitors following years of inconsistent guidelines.

‘Enough is enough’

The South African athlete has long been embroiled in a protracted legal battle with World Athletics over her eligibility to compete.

Semenya has a Difference of Sexual Development (DSD), a condition encompassing rare variations affecting genes, hormones and reproductive organs.

Speaking from Pretoria, the 35-year-old urged female athletes to stand up for themselves against governing bodies dictating their participation.

“We’re going to be vocal about it, we’re going to make noise until we’re heard,” Semenya said.

“Now it’s a matter of women standing for themselves to say, enough is enough. We are not going to be told how to do things.”

The science and the protocol

The new IOC testing protocol for all female category athletes will involve a standard cheek swab or saliva analysis.

Further investigation will be triggered for any competitors testing positive for the SRY gene, which is located on the Y chromosome.

The organisation’s policy document argues that including androgen-sensitive XY-DSD athletes in female events requiring power or endurance fundamentally contradicts fairness and integrity.

However, the three-time world champion disputes the scientific basis of the stance, insisting her success stems entirely from hard work rather than biological advantages.

“If really we are accepted as women to take part, why does my appearance or my voice, why do my inner parts need to be a problem to take part in the sport?” she asked.

“I’ve been there, I’ve done that. There’s no such thing as [an advantage].”

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes Rory McIlroy’s Masters title defence could be hindered by recent back injuries and demanding off-course obligations at Augusta.

The five-time major winner returns to Georgia next month to defend the Green Jacket he claimed after a dramatic play-off victory over Justin Rose.

However, his preparation has been severely disrupted by physical setbacks and tournament withdrawals.

After a promising runner-up finish at February’s Genesis Invitational, the 36-year-old was forced to pull out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a back complaint.

Disrupted preparations and recovery

He subsequently managed four rounds at The Players Championship but finished a distant tie for 46th place.

That underwhelming performance prompted a bold decision to take three full weeks away from competitive action ahead of the first major of the year.

“He got disrupted in Florida and it really cost him two tournaments,” McGinley told Sky Sports News.
“Bay Hill, where he was doing OK after two rounds and had to pull out with a back injury, and the following week when he actually did play, but with no preparation.”

Augusta’s unique off-course pressure

Beyond physical concerns, McGinley highlighted the gruelling schedule demanded of a reigning champion at Augusta National.

The traditional Champions Dinner, alongside appearances at the Drive, Chip and Putt finals, add significant extra-curricular strain to the week.

“There are so many obligations you have as a defending champion, not just hosting the dinner on Tuesday night for past champions,” McGinley added.
“So there are a lot of obligations, a lot of pressure, a lot of scrutiny, but I guess nothing like he had last year when he was on the verge of trying to win a Grand Slam.”

Future major opportunities

Despite the daunting build-up, McGinley remains confident that the world number two is still a genuine contender.

Nevertheless, the former European captain suggested that the Northern Irishman’s strongest opportunities to win a major will arrive later in the season.

The world’s leading female amateur golfers have gathered in Georgia this week to compete for the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur title ahead of The Masters.

Forty-eight of the top 50 players in the global rankings are scheduled to feature in the elite 72-player field.

Amateur world number one Kiara Romero headlines an international line-up representing 23 different countries.

Nearly half of the participants will be making their maiden appearance at the highly anticipated event.

Tournament format and prestigious venues

The opening 36 holes will be contested across the Island and Bluff nines at Champions Retreat Golf Club on Wednesday and Thursday.

Following the initial two rounds, the entire field is invited to play a practice round at Augusta National on Friday.

Only the top 30 competitors and ties will advance to Saturday’s final round, which takes place on the iconic course that hosts The Masters.

If players are tied after 54 holes, the champion will be crowned via a sudden-death playoff.

International contenders and past champions

Last year’s runner-up Asterisk Talley enters the tournament as a strong favourite after an impressive showing on the professional circuit at the Ford Championship.

Patience Rhodes is the sole English representative in the 2026 edition, looking to follow in the footsteps of previous British winner Lottie Woad.

European interest is also bolstered by Ireland’s Beth Coulter and Spain’s Paula Martin Sampedro, who previously secured a top-10 finish at the AIG Women’s Open.

Former champions Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho have successfully transitioned to the LPGA Tour since lifting this prestigious trophy.

The tournament was launched with the intention of having a significant and lasting impact on the future of the women’s game.

Rigorous qualification pathways

Entry to the esteemed competition is strictly limited to players who meet stringent criteria and maintain their amateur status.

Reigning champions of major amateur tournaments, including the US Women’s Amateur and the Women’s Amateur Championship, receive automatic invitations.

The top 30 American players in the World Amateur Golf Ranking at the close of 2025 were also guaranteed a place.

A further 30 spots are allocated to the highest-ranked international players, with special committee selections completing the line-up.

Teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a remarkable 15-ball half-century to lead the Rajasthan Royals to an Indian Premier League victory over the Chennai Super Kings.

The 15-year-old delivered an astonishing display of power-hitting that has immediately etched his name into franchise cricket history.

His blistering innings dismantled the opposition bowling attack and guided the inaugural tournament champions to a memorable triumph.

A spectacular introduction

Securing a high-profile contract at such a tender age had already generated significant global media attention for the youngster.

However, the Indian batter wasted no time in justifying that early investment on the sport’s most glamorous stage.

Striking the ball with a level of authority rarely seen from a teenager, the prodigious talent left seasoned international bowlers completely helpless.

Royals secure vital victory

The relentless scoring rate ensured the Jaipur-based franchise maintained total control of the match against the five-time tournament winners.

Chennai struggled to formulate any effective tactical answers as the emerging superstar repeatedly cleared the boundary ropes.

This breathtaking performance firmly establishes the young opening batter as one of the most exciting prospects in world cricket today.

Tiger Woods’ latest car crash and subsequent driving charges have raised major doubts regarding his ongoing leadership roles within men’s professional golf.

The 15-time major champion flipped his vehicle on a residential street in Jupiter Island, Florida, last Friday.

He now faces charges of driving under the influence and property damage, despite reportedly passing a breathalyser test for alcohol.

This latest incident marks another troubling chapter for the 50-year-old, following previous high-profile vehicle crashes in 2009 and 2021.

PGA Tour dependency under scrutiny

The sport has increasingly leaned on the American icon to shape its future direction amidst a turbulent period for the professional game.

He currently serves as a player director on the PGA Tour Policy Board and chairs the influential future competitions committee.

Alongside Rory McIlroy, the veteran also co-founded the TGL Indoor league and serves as vice-chairman of the PGA Tour Enterprises board.

Furthermore, tour officials recently created a special exemption rule ensuring his participation in lucrative Signature Events.

This controversial move came despite the current world number 3,736 completing four rounds in only four tournaments since 2020.

Masters appearance in doubt

Attention is now turning to whether the golfing legend will appear at Augusta National for next week’s Masters tournament.

He had been scheduled to attend the opening of “The Loop”, a new nine-hole public golf course he designed for the prestigious club.

However, the timing of this latest controversy could force the five-time Masters winner to retreat from the public eye.

“His on-course presence is matched by his voice or his off-course presence.”

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan made those comments to ESPN four years ago when outlining the player’s immense value against the threat of LIV Golf.

Yet with future tour schedules needing finalisation by the end of June, executives face an urgent dilemma regarding their continued reliance on their most famous ambassador.

England centre Tatyana Heard has been ruled out of the upcoming Women’s Six Nations after suffering a foot injury, dealing a significant blow to the Red Roses.

The World Cup winner had established herself as John Mitchell’s first-choice inside centre since the head coach took charge.

She most recently anchored the midfield during the national side’s triumphant World Cup final against Canada at Twickenham in September.

Her prolonged absence leaves the reigning champions noticeably depleted of experienced options in the centre of the park.

Midfield reshuffle required

The Red Roses are already navigating the loss of veteran playmaker Emily Scarratt.

The experienced international retired after the World Cup and has since transitioned into Mitchell’s backroom coaching team.

Adding to the selection headache, Heard’s club-mate Jade Shekells is also currently sidelined from action.

Uncapped Loughborough Lightning midfielder Carmella Morrall has been drafted into the squad as essential cover.

The new arrival will now compete with fellow potential debutant Sarah Parry for a starting spot alongside captain Meg Jones.

Mitchell considers tactical tweaks

Versatile fly-halves Helena Rowland and Holly Aitchison both possess the skillset to step into the number 12 or 13 shirts if required.

However, the England boss has suggested that full-back Emma Sing could be creatively repurposed as a centre during this campaign.

“We’d like to see how Emma Sing goes in the midfield over the next few years.”

Mitchell explained that developing an alternative position is crucial for the powerful ball carrier.

“Whether we look at that in this tournament is another thing, but it’s certainly in our minds.”

The head coach added that Sing is keen on the transition, which would allow her to further contribute to the squad’s tactical flexibility.

Opening fixture looms

England will launch their highly anticipated Six Nations campaign against Ireland on Saturday, 11 April.

The opening clash will take place at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.

More than 70,000 tickets have already been sold as fans prepare to watch the Red Roses begin their title defence.

Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling has apologised following a touchline altercation with TNT Sports broadcasters during a dramatic 12th round of Premiership Rugby action.

The English top-flight weekend delivered several major talking points both on and off the pitch:

Televised touchline tensions smoothed over

The Tigers boss pushed presenter Craig Doyle and swore on live television after a ball was kicked into his squad’s warm-up area.

Following a dominant 36-17 victory over Gloucester, both the broadcaster and the rugby club quickly moved to resolve the situation amicably.

We want to sell our game as a product and we will work hard with TNT to get that right next time.

Geoff Parling

The fixture comfortably went the way of the Midlands outfit as they secured a four-try bonus point within the opening 15 minutes.

Victory ensured Leicester claimed the Ed Slater Cup, which raises crucial funds for families affected by motor neurone disease.

Exeter bolstered by overseas talent

Elsewhere in the league, Exeter Chiefs continue to reap the rewards of their strong Australian connections.

Back-rower Tom Hooper delivered another outstanding performance against Newcastle to help cement his team’s position in the table.

The Devon-based side now boast a comfortable seven-point cushion over fifth-placed Bristol Bears in the race for the playoffs.

Crucially for the Chiefs, the 24-year-old Wallaby import has already expressed a strong interest in extending his stay in the South West.

Emerging prospects seize their chance

Injuries have also opened doors for younger squad members, with Campbell Ridl capitalising on Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s recent absence.

Born in London but raised in South Africa, the 21-year-old winger has impressed supporters with his towering 6ft 5in frame and elusive footwork.

Ridl is currently representing England at under-20 level, ensuring senior national selectors are closely monitoring his rapid development.

Rounding out the weekend’s drama, Northampton Saints edged past Saracens in a tightly contested clash hosted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Caroline Dubois will defend her WBC lightweight title against WBO champion Terri Harper at London’s Olympia on Sunday in a pivotal unification bout for women’s boxing.

The highly anticipated domestic clash pits two active world champions against each other in a genuine rivalry.

Harper enters the ring as a seasoned veteran of 10 world title fights across four different weight classes over the past six years.

The 27-year-old has remarkably claimed global belts at both super-featherweight and super-welterweight since leaving her job in a local fish and chip shop.

Chasing the elusive number one spot

Dubois remains undefeated in 13 professional contests and views this bout as a crucial stepping stone towards undisputed status.

The young Londoner ultimately hopes to succeed Irish legend Katie Taylor as the premier female fighter in the sport.

American star Alycia Baumgardner also remains a primary target for the ambitious unbeaten prospect.

She is certainly a good talker.

Terri Harper

New promotional partnerships

Sunday’s historic Olympia card marks the first British event hosted by Most Valuable Promotions.

The American company, spearheaded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, represents both fighters and has facilitated the domestic showdown.

The event also signals Sky Sports’ return to live boxing broadcasts in the United Kingdom.

Fans will witness a remarkable eight female fights on the night, including four world title matchups.

Cameron seeks fresh world honours

Elsewhere on the momentous London card, Chantelle Cameron will jump up two weight divisions.

The former undisputed champion is challenging for the vacant WBO super-welterweight title.

Cameron famously inflicted Katie Taylor’s first professional defeat in 2023 and remains a major force in the upper echelons of the sport.