Arthur Jones death: Former NFL star and brother of UFC champion Jon Jones, dies aged 39
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Arthur Jones, a defensive lineman who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and won a Super Bowl with the team has died at the age of 39. Emergency services attended his home in Syracuse, New York, just before 11am on Friday morning after his pacemaker went off, automatically sending a message to his doctor. However Jones, who had a pre-existing heart condition, had already passed away by the time medical help arrived, according to reporting by News Channel 9. During his NFL career, Jones spent four seasons with the Ravens after being picked in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, before enjoying brief stints with the Indianapolis Colts and the Washington Commanders.. Jones, whose younger brothers Jon Jones and Chandler Jones are a former UFC heavyweight champion and an ex-New England Patriots star respectively, announced his retirement from the NFL at the end of the 2017 season. “We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’s sudden passing,” Baltimore Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “Arthur’s presence was a gift to everyone he encountered. His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continuously uplifted others. “He was kind, courteous and enthusiastic – always displaying a love for family, teammates and friends. We send our deepest condolences to the Jones family and all who loved Arthur.” open image in gallery Arthur Jones was a key cog in the Baltimore Ravens’s victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII (AP) Jones’s finest moment in the NFL came when he helped the Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl at the end of the 2012 season He sacked 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick just before a power outage at the Superdome in New Orleans and also had a fumble recovery in that Super Bowl. That came during the best period of his career, with 8.5 of his 10 sacks coming in a two-season stretch from 2012-13. Having been born in Rochester, New York, Jones spent his college career at nearby Syracuse and racked up 38.5 tackles for loss in his time there, a school record for an interior defensive lineman. He was a first-team All-Big East selection each of his final two seasons. “Arthur Jones was a tremendous player and even better person,” Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said. “We were fortunate that Arthur continued to support our football program after his playing career. He impacted many of our student-athletes, always with a smile and uplifting message.” Additional reporting by Associated Press
Brave Fiji show grit in Pacific Cup loss – FBC News
[Source: Australian Schools Rugby/Facebook] The Australian Schoolboys have sealed the Pacific Cup with a 35-10 victory over the Fijian Schoolboys at Viking Park, but the scoreline belies a much stronger showing from the visitors. After their heavy 61-26 defeat in game one, Fiji lifted their performance significantly in the second test, producing a far more disciplined and determined effort. The contest was marked by heavy defensive battles and brave goal-line stands from both sides. Article continues after advertisement Fiji found themselves reduced to 13 men after back-to-back yellow cards for cynical fouls, yet they still managed to break through when prop Esira Livicala powered over for their opening try. Scrum-half Carter Mucunabitu added a second with a clever dart down the blindside, showing Fiji’s resilience even when the odds were against them. The Australians, however, proved clinical in the key moments. Centre Glassie Glassie stole the show with a hat-trick of tries, including a solo effort from halfway, while skipper Thomas Haslam and backrower Noah Rylands were also strong. Replacement half Jeremy Rath and James Finegan added further spark to ensure the hosts held control. Despite the loss, Fiji will take heart from their improved structure, defensive grit, and ability to compete physically throughout the 70 minutes. The sharper showing offered a glimpse of their potential as they continue to build towards future international campaigns. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Ellie Kildunne: England star says R360 among a range of options for future
England’s world champion full-back Ellie Kildunne said she is “open to anything” when questioned whether she would be involved in the proposed new R360 league. “It doesn’t mean that I’d take it, but I’d like to understand the league a little bit more to see if that’s an opportunity that I’d like to take,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. The 26-year-old was speaking at Bracknell Rugby Club to help launch the Rugby Football Union’s Rugby Fest weekend. The initiative is aimed at ensuring the legacy of England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup win. As the Red Roses visit clubs up and down the country, rumours surrounding the future of the club game in men’s and women’s rugby refuse to go away, with the R360 breakaway league consistently in the headlines. The Daily Telegraph reported on Thursday that Kildunne is a top target for R360, and that it had been told “a significant number” of her England team-mates have already signed pre-contract agreements to join R360., external Kildunne is currently contracted to Premiership Women’s Rugby side Harlequins, who open the league season on Friday, 24 October against Loughborough Lightening at the Twickenham Stoop. “I’m just focused on the Harlequins season that I’ve got, and you know this week has been absolutely crazy, so I can’t look too far ahead – I don’t even know what I’m having for dinner tonight,” added Kildunne. “There’s going to be lots of investment into the game now, lots of changes that people will see and I think that’s the direction that rugby needs to go. “We’ve made something happen and that’s going to come with talking points and debates. “This league (R360) is still something we don’t know too much about.”
Bath survive conditions and brutal battle with Sale to underline Prem credentials
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Bath were made to work and it was not until Max Ojomoh’s try two minutes from time that they put the game to bed as they recorded a 28-16 win over Sale Sharks. It was a nervous display and Ojomoh scored the bonus-point try in the 78th minute. But head of rugby Johann van Graan will be just as concerned at the injury toll with second rows Charlie Ewels and Quinn Roux, limping off to be followed by Ted Hill. With Ojomoh still minding the number 10 shirt before Finn Russell’s expected return to action next week, it was down to Bath’s ever-reliable skipper Ben Spencer to steer his side home, converting all four tries and kicking nervelessly out-of-hand. Sale struck first with a George Ford penalty after Bath failed to clear their lines from the kick-off. When the ball squirted free just outside the Bath 22, Ollie Lawrence suddenly burst out of defence with Henry Arundell on his shoulder. A one-handed offload sent the left wing away and he made the conversion fairly straightforward for Spencer to put Bath 7-3 ahead. open image in gallery Henry Arundell continued his strong early-season form with another try (Getty Images) Ewels struggled on with a leg injury until being replaced by Ross Molony and there were anxious faces in the home coaches’ box when Roux went down in obvious pain from a knock to his knee. After surviving a spell of sustained Bath pressure, the masterly Ford added a snap drop goal on 19 minutes. Spencer answered with a raking 60-metre kick upfield which earned a line-out inside the visitors 22 and a simple wrap-around move saw Tom Dunn put Cameron Redpath over unopposed, with Spencer adding the points. Although Ford hit the post with a penalty downwind – Warr had to steady the ball for each kick – the fly-half landed yet another drop goal on 33 minutes. But with Ernst van Rhyn in the sinbin for a cynical penalty under his own posts, Beno Obano forced his way over for the third Bath try, again converted by Spencer to establish a 21-9 lead at the break. open image in gallery Ben Spencer was in supreme touch to steer Bath out of the storm (Getty Images) Sale regrouped to score the first points of the second half, a close range touchdown by Nathan Jibulu, converted by Ford, to narrow the margin to five points. Meanwhile more rain swept in to make catching the ball a perilous business, especially in the line-out. Van Graan was now on the touchline delivering instructions, but with Roux now off the field, his side was struggling to win useable possession and conceding too many penalties. Bath spurned a kickable penalty for a tap but Sale’s defence held firm. The visitors even broke free, chasing a dangerous loose ball downfield but conceded a penalty for a shove off the ball. After a missed penalty by Spencer, Ojomoh put the result beyond doubt by touching down his captain’s deft chip over the defence to secure the try bonus point. PA
Naitasiri U20 downs Suva at Naluwai – FBC News
The Naitasiri Under-20s held their nerve at home to defeat Suva 19-7 in a gripping round eight Skipper Cup encounter at Naluwai this afternoon. The Highlanders made a blistering start, powering to a 14-0 lead by halftime with strong forward play and relentless pressure. Suva fought back after the break, scoring to narrow the gap, but handling errors and Naitasiri’s resilient defense kept them from closing in further. Article continues after advertisement The result underlined Naitasiri’s strength on home turf, as the young Highlanders proved too tough for a determined Suva outfit. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Winning title with Liverpool would be ‘class’ – Ekitike
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike tells Kelly Somers about his “pride” to play for the Reds and his hopes and ambitions for the future at Anfield.
Justin Kluivert hails two-goal Antoine Semenyo after Bournemouth victory
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Justin Kluivert hailed team-mate Antoine Semenyo as “world-class” after the pair combined to send Bournemouth second in the Premier League table courtesy of a 3-1 comeback win over Fulham. Andoni Iraola’s Cherries looked set to suffer a first top-flight defeat since the opening day of the season when the Cottagers snatched a 70th-minute lead at a rain-soaked Vitality Stadium through Ryan Sessegnon. But Semenyo produced a moment of magic to level in the 78th minute before substitute Kluivert further lit up the soggy south-coast encounter by lashing in from distance just six minutes later. Semenyo sealed victory in the sixth minute of added time by clinically finishing a counter-attack led by Ben Gannon-Doak to claim his second goal of the evening and sixth of the campaign. “He is incredible, he shows it every game now,” Kluivert, speaking to Sky Sports, said of Semenyo. “He is just world-class. We are glad to have him and that is why I said we have a good team. He is the one that scores goals for us and we appreciate that. He’s doing an amazing job.” Success for the hosts stretched their unbeaten run to six top-flight games to leave them a point behind leaders Liverpool ahead of the weekend fixtures. Bournemouth boss Iraola added: “Antoine and Justin made the difference. The first two goals, were amazing goals.” After Sessegnon stabbed Fulham in front following a one-two with substitute Samuel Chukwueze, Semenyo swiftly equalised by breezing past Timothy Castagne wide on the Bournemouth left before finishing through the legs of Bernd Leno from a tight angle. Kluivert then unleashed a thunderous effort into the top-left corner to complete the turnaround with his first goal of the season before Semenyo was teed up by Gannon-Doak to kill off the contest. “It’s a big statement,” said Kluivert. “Losing 1-0 and having the team spirit to come back is incredible. “It’s early (in the season), but we have to strive for the highest possible (position). The mentality that we have now is not to look down but up and we will keep doing that.” Fulham lined up without a recognised striker in Dorset, with 18-year-old midfielder Josh King deployed as a false nine in the absence of injured pair Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz. The Cottagers remain 11th in the table and without an away win, having collected eight points from seven games. Fulham manager Marco Silva said: “It was tough to lose the way we lost it. “We scored a great collective goal and the game was completely under control. “Until they equalised, they had zero chances – they arrived in dangerous areas but you don’t see one clear chance from them. “And then two individual moments from two Bournemouth players decided the game. “The second one is a great shot from long range from Kluivert, and the first one – two against one on the side – we have to be strong in that moment, even if Semenyo is difficult to stop.”
Are Scots guilty of ‘navel-gazing’ or are things as bad as we think?
The key thing on the line other than cold, hard cash, is cold, hard coefficient points. These are what determine where your country sits in the rankings, and ultimately decides how many European spots you’re going to get and where you’re getting them. As things stand, Scotland are 40th in the table this season of coefficient points earned. That has them 18th in the overall table – which is based across five seasons – now behind the likes of Cyprus. Unless the nation’s standing can be improved to 14th, Scottish clubs would go into future campaigns in their worst position since 2012. That would mean representation dropping from five to four clubs in two years’ time. Future champions would have three Champions League qualifiers instead of one, the runners-up would have three Conference League qualifiers – along with the team finishing third – instead of three in the Champions League, while the Scottish Cup winners would have four Europa League qualifying ties instead of one. Falling out of the top 12 already means that next season’s Scottish Cup winners will enter the Europa League third qualifying round instead of the play-offs and will not be guaranteed group stage football. Meanwhile, the team finishing third in the Premiership will now enter in the Conference League in the second qualifying round instead of the same stage of the Europa League. Thursday was a grim day for Scottish teams in Europe. Plenty more may lie ahead unless the winds of change sweep in soon.
Naitasiri set for final challenge at Naluwai – FBC News
The stage is set in the highlands as Naitasiri defends the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy for the last time this season against traditional rivals Suva at Naluwai ground this afternoon. For the Highlanders, today is more than just another defence; it’s about protecting their fortress and closing out their 2025 campaign with the prized silverware still in their grasp. What adds spice to this showdown is the calibre of players on display. Article continues after advertisement Naitasiri has the firepower of their Drua stars Jone Naqiri, Kavaia Tagivetaua, John Muller, Motikai Murray, and Breyton Legge, along with the experience of former French international Virimi Vakatawa. But Suva’s depth and physicality make them a dangerous challenger. The Naitasiri side will be led by captain Jone Naqiri at hooker, with Kavaia Tagivetaua and John Muller in the front row. Marika Natau partners Michael Ferei in the locks, while the loose forwards feature Peceli Rokotuivatu, Veniasi Vosawal,e and Motikai Murray at number eight. In the halves, Napolioni Batimala starts at scrum-half with Senijiale Qiokata at fly-half. Viliame Kanatabua and Virimi Vakatawa form the midfield combination, while Sakaraia Soqonakalou and Ilaisa Bete take the wings. At fullback is Etonia Rokotuisawa. On the bench, Naitasiri will rely on Seremaia Komailevuka, Asivorosi Tora, Breyton Legge, Maciu Vakacabeqoli, Saula Qiolevu, Kaminieli Lutumailagi, Wise Bower, and Vatilila Vosawale to provide impact. With pride, histor,y and the Farebrother Trophy at stake, all roads lead to Naluwai for what promises to be a gripping finale. Catch all the action live on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Pereira vs Ankalaev 2: The uncomfortable truth behind UFC 320’s crucial rematch
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Many fans were waiting for a moment that would never come. They were waiting for a moment they had been conditioned – by the granite knuckles and shins of Alex Pereira – to expect, and yet instead, seconds and minutes ticked by. So accustomed to seeing “Poatan” live up to his “Stone Hands” moniker and crush opponents like a pestle in a mortar, they instead watched sands slip through the hourglass of his title defence against Magomed Ankalaev. And indeed, each timely strike from Ankalaev was a grain upon a grain upon a grain, until there was (or should have been) no disputing the reality: the Russian light-heavyweight had simply outfought Pereira, validated by a unanimous-decision win. The 49-46 scorecard was fairest, while the two 48-47s flattered Pereira; and still, there were some fans who protested on behalf of Pereira. Truthfully, the Brazilian was not especially close on that March night in Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena: not close to landing the knockout shot, and not close enough to Ankalaev to rein in the ever-stretching lead forged by the Russian. Pereira did impress in neutralising Ankalaev’s wrestling, and yet, to the surprise of those who had profiled the Dagestani as ‘just another wrestler’, Ankalaev had won the fight on the feet. It should not necessarily have been a surprise. While Ankalaev, 33, does not have the striking pedigree of his kickboxing-champion opponent, he is also not the all-out grappler that some had presumed based on his background – despite contrary evidence. So, although Pereira thwarted Ankalaev’s wrestling, the challenger’s well-rounded game proved enough to keep him a step ahead of the champion, who lost that status atop the 205lb division by the end of the night. There was a sombre shift within a section of the MMA fanbase, and a significant shift in the sport’s landscape. Pereira had been a scintillating champion in the cage, reconfiguring elite fighters into crumpled shapes left stranded on the canvas, and an entertaining one outside of it, leaning into meme culture and displaying an unexpected sense of humour. open image in gallery Magomed Ankalaev (right) always seemed a step ahead of Alex Pereira in March (AP) Like the Brazilian, Ankalaev’s English is lacking, yet there hasn’t been the same ability to connect with the wider fanbase in spite of this language barrier. Furthermore, Ankalaev is not a stranger to a stoppage, but he has not proven himself capable of delivering them with the same consistency or emphasis as Poatan. The prospect, therefore, of Ankalaev taking Pereira’s throne was a dispiriting one to many fans. And for those deflated fans, UFC 320 may not offer a reprieve. Ankalaev and Pereira return to the T-Mobile Arena on Saturday (4 October) as the latter tries to wrestle back the crown at 205lb. Well, “wrestle” might not be the word, yet Ankalaev’s coach seems to think such a tactic would be Pereira’s best chance of victory, as he dismissed the Brazilian’s power in the latest example of unexpected needle between the fighters and their teams. “Alex will go for the clinch, wrestle,” claimed coach Sukhrab Magomedov. “Why? Because in the stand-up, nothing will work out for him. Alex Pereira, there’s nothing with which he can surprise us. Not his work in the stand-up, in wrestling he definitely cannot surprise. He cannot surprise with anything. His technique is standard, his strikes are standard. He’s an old kickboxer. He has no speed.” open image in gallery Ankalaev brought Pereira’s enthralling title reign to an end (Getty Images) Then came the kicker. “Powerful punch? Alex has a punch, but not the kind that can really knock you out.” It was a jibe that followed Pereira’s own dig at Ankalaev, when the rivals came face to face at the UFC Performance Institute in Vegas last week. “I never said anything; he talked,” Pereira said through a translator. “Now he comes out of nowhere and we’re face to face, you’re a coward.” These latest exchanges come after the fallout from March’s fight, when Pereira hinted at an injury that almost led him to withdraw, while coach Magomedov suggested the Brazilian had been “greasing” (to make himself harder to grapple). “It seemed to me that Pereira had some kind of substance on him. The sweat didn’t flow off his body, it gelled up. [Ankalaev] said afterwards that he smelled like he had some ointment on and was sticky.” Pereira denied the allegations, sniping: “Sounds to me like [Ankalaev’s coach is] trying to make an excuse to justify the fact that he trained a guy to take me down, but the guy got stuffed on 12 takedowns. You mess up and you try to make excuses to justify that. You should ask if we put Vaseline on the mat as well?” open image in gallery Pereira moments after his decision defeat by Ankalaev in Las Vegas (Getty Images) This needle has helped to raise anticipation for the rematch somewhat, yet the hype has not equalled that of past Pereira outings. And any antagonism aside, does coach Magomedov actually