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Image source: Getty ImagesByFfion Wynne, BBC Sport journalist and Timothy Abraham, BBC Sport journalist7 minutes agoThe Marylebone Cricket Club will consider fast-tracking women’s The paper stated that sponsors are looking for ways to reach both men and women, and that the lack of diversity in membership could affect this in the future. The club and its members will discuss the possibility of shortening the waiting time for female members during a consultation process between May and July. Any change to the membership policy of the club would require approval from two-thirds The current rate of progress would take 35 years to reach the target. In 2024, there was a 77% rise in women applying to become player members, while the number women’s matches played by the MCC grew by 34%. A dedicated recruitment officer for female playing members, In 2024, the number of women’s out-matches played by the MCC increased by 34%. A dedicated recruitment officer for women’s playing members – Emma Marsh – was appointed in 2024

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Image Cons: Arbez 4France produced a second-half power show to shrug off a resilient Wales in Cardiff.Wales led through a penalty try as they aimed to end a run of nine defeats in a row at the hands of France.But the visitors simply had too much muscle, class and know-how to be denied a comfortable 38-7 win at the Arms Park.France even survived a spell down to 13 players as Madoussou Fall Raclot hit back before seizing control through Manae Feleu, Lea Marie and player of the match Pauline Bourdon Sansus.Anais Grando added to her try last week with two late scores but it was not enough to prevent France slipping to second in the Six Nations table, behind England on points difference after the Red Roses crushed Scotland 84-7.Women’s Six Nations – Reaction as six-try France overpower WalesLynn ‘super impressed’ by Williams’ Wales leadership23 hours agoWomen’s Six Nations: Fixtures, results, standings and BBC coverage1 day agoWales were eyeing a first victory in the tournament for two years and a first over France in a decade with the scores level at half-time.They had matched Les Bleues, taking the lead through their driving lineout after France prop Yllana Brosseau was shown a yellow card.Gwenllian Pyrs spearheaded an impressive maul and France scrum-half Bourdon Sansus was lured into conceding a penalty try and a second card for the visitors in two minutes.But France not only had the nous but the power up front to emerge from the nine-minute spell with 13 players on level terms, as lock Fall Raclot finished a series of drives to score their first try.Wales, who lost Carys Cox to injury before kick-off, made some headway with fellow centre Courtney Keight and full-back Kayleigh Powell.But there was an over-reliance on the lone kicking of fly-half Lleucu George who had an off-day with the boot.In contrast, France boasted so many options, pinning Wales back time and again through Carla Arbez, Bourdon Sansus and Pauline Barrat.Wales were committed in defence against such overwhelming power as Powell and Seren Singleton – making her first Test start – provided big hits, and Kelsey Jones held up Assia Khalfaoul over the tryline to remain 7-7 at half-time.The defensive effort would take its toll as the French response in the second half was inevitable and immediate.Captain Feleu and scrum-half Bourdon Sansus pulled the strings to ensure France swiftly took control.Each scored a try, as well as creating another for wing Murie in the space of 13 devastating minutes.Wales, to their immense credit, refused to buckle as Singleton and Jenna De Vera, just moments after taking the field for her Test debut, pulled off try-saving tackles.But Grando crossed twice late on to inflict a scoreline that did not reflect Welsh effort.Wales: Powell; Singleton, Dallavalle, Keight, Joyce; George, Lockwood; Pyrs, Jones, Tuipulotu, Aiono, Crabb, Lewis, Williams (capt), King.Replacements: Reardon, Davies, Rose, John, Metcalfe, Evans, Bevan, De Vera.France: Barrat; Grando, Rousset, Vernier, Murie; Arbez, Bourdon Sansus; Brosseau, Lazarko, Khalfaoui, Zago, Fall Raclot, Berthoumieu, M Feleu (capt), L Champon.Replacements: Riffonneau, Mwayembe, Deshaye, Soqeta, Escudero, A Chambon, T Feleu.Sin bin: Brosseau (14), Bourdon Sansus (15)Referee: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU)Assistants: Precious Pazani (ZRU),Emily Hope (RFU)TMO: Estelle Whaiapu (NZR)Related topicsWales SportRugby Union

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I knew news of my exit would not rock players. – IraolaThis is not available in the location you selected. There was an errorBournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said he trusted his players to keep playing hard, despite recent news about his departure at season’s end. They beat Newcastle 2-1 on St. James’ Park. MATCH REPORT : Newcastle 1-2 BournemouthAvailable only to UK users. Premier League42 minutes agoShare this pageAbout sharing

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ByClive LindsayBBC Sport Scotland1 hour agoThe last time Neil Lennon led a side to victory in a Scottish Cup final, he was offered the Celtic job in the Hampden showers after the game.This time, the 54-year-old Northern Irishman could be leading his Dunfermline Athletic side out at the national stadium in opposition to his managerial mentor at Celtic Park, compatriot Martin O’Neill.Dunfermline’s penalty shootout victory over Falkirk on Saturday means they await the winners of Sunday’s second semi-final between Celtic and St Mirren.A win for Celtic and Lennon will stand between O’Neill – who is currently the Scottish champions’ interim manager for the second time this term – and a fourth Scottish Cup triumph in charge of the Glasgow side.Lennon played for O’Neill in all three of those before one more winners’ medal as a player, then winning four more as a manager.Now he has the chance to lead Dunfermline to their third-ever Scottish Cup final triumph and he says even reaching the final is “up there with anything” he has achieved in his career to date.Dunfermline beat bitter rivals Falkirk on penalties to reach Scottish Cup finalFour months on, all change as Celtic & St Mirren meet at Hampden again2 hours agoLennon hails Dunfermline mentalityLennon had himself been appointed Celtic’s interim manager after Brendan Rodgers left the club first time round for Leicester City in 2019.That 2-1 Scottish Cup final win over Hearts completed a domestic treble and led to that famous permanent job offer.It has parallels with his time at East End Park. Celtic He ” The ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” When ” ” Le ” ” This ” It What ” “

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Image North After After ” ” ” ” ” “Exeter: Woodburn; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Rigg, Ridl; Skinner, Varney; Sio, Yeandle, Roots, Jenkins (capt), Zambonin, Hooper, Vintcent, Fisilau.Replacements: Dweba, Burger, Tchumbadze, Tuima, Roots, Cairns, Haydon-Wood, Brown-Bampoe.Yellow card: Feyi-Waboso (63), Ridl (72)Northampton: Furbank (capt); Hendy, Litchfieldm, Dingwall, Sleightholme; F Smith, Mitchell; Iyogun, Wright, Kundiona, Prowse, Lockett, Kemeny, Graham, Chick.Replacements: R Smith, West, Millar Mills, Van Der Mescht, Pollock, McParland, Pater, Freeman.Referee: Adam Leal.Related topicsExeter ChiefsNorthampton SaintsRugby Union