English rugby can expect eventful times ahead after Eddie Jones became the first foreign coach to be charged with reviving the wilted red rose. The Australian globetrotter – in his 13th job in 20 years – takes the helm at Twickenham having most recently guided Japan to one of the great World Cup victories over South Africa. Known for his candour, Jones immediately signalled a refreshingly clear-headed approach towards rebuilding world rugby’s perennial underachievers: “All I have to do is select the right players, get the players to understand the style of play and get out there and beat Scotland,” he surmised.
McIlroy crowned Europe’s No 1
Golf doffed its sweaty cap to Rory McIlroy, who was crowned Europe’s No 1 player for the third time in four seasons after winning the Race to Dubai, the misleadingly titled end-of-season event which does not involve anyone racing to Dubai. “I’ve ended the season on a high and I’m happy to put the clubs away for a while,” said the 26-year-old Northern Irishman after edging out England’s Andy Sullivan by a single shot, earning him a $3m winner’s cheque. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods accepted a backroom vice-captain’s role on the 2016 US Ryder Cup team, a move interpreted by some as evidence he may be preparing to wind down his playing career.
Aussie Johnson calls it a day
An unusually hectic week of cricketing action was headlined by Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, who called time on a glorious international career after the drawn second Test against New Zealand in Perth. Johnson retires as his country’s fourth-highest Test wicket-taker, having tormented international batsmen everywhere, not least during the 5-0 Ashes whitewash over England in 2013-14. At least things are looking up for England’s one-day team as they sealed an impressive 3-1 series win over Pakistan, Jos Buttler smashing his country’s fastest-ever ODI 100 off 46 balls in the series decider in Dubai. There were no such fireworks in Bangalore, though, where the second Test between India and South Africa ended in a rain-spoiled draw.
Barcelona thrash Real Madrid
Few football matches around the world can channel more intensity than a Spanish clásico but Barcelona made the latest version look akin to a park kickabout, hammering Real Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabéu in one of the most lopsided encounters for years. Luis Suárez (2), Neymar and Andrés Iniesta scored the goals that ruthlessly shredded Real coach Rafa Benítez’s ambitious attacking formation. In the Euro 2016 playoffs, meanwhile, Ukraine and Sweden became the last two nations to advance to next summer’s finals in France after aggregate wins over Slovenia and Denmark, respectively.
