WOMEN’S RUGBY UNION: Japan came from from behind to beat Spain 29-21 in their final Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool C match in York at the weekend.

With both sides looking to secure a first win of the tournament, Spain were 14-5 ahead of the break following tries for Cristina Blanco Herrera and Monica Castelo after Sora Nishimura’s early score for Japan.

Japan, though, rallied in the second half to score three tries in 16 minutes from Nijiho Nagata, Wako Kitano and Komachi Imakugi before Spain saw Anne Fernandez de Corres shown a yellow card.

Jennifer Nduka added another try for Japan, with Victoria Rosell Martinez touching down a late consolation for the Spain, who finish bottom.

ATHLETICS: Eilish McColgan believes her third-placed finish in the Great North Run today is a “good starting point” for upcoming races.

Competing in windy and overcast conditions, the 34-year-old earned a spot on the podium behind Kenyan duo Sheila Chepkirui and Vivian Cheruiyot after finishing the half-marathon in one hour, nine minutes and 42 seconds.

McColgan was 10 seconds behind winner Chepkirui, who won the New York Marathon in 2024, and admitted that, while the course was challenging, it has put her in a good position.

Kenya’s Alex Mutiso won the men’s race in 1:00.52.

Belgium’s Bashir Abdi finished six seconds back, while last year’s winner Abel Kipchumba of Kenya was third.

MEN’S CRICKET: Doug Watson has left his role as Scotland men’s head coach.

Cricket Scotland said Watson’s departure followed “a review of recent results and subsequent planning around future fixtures and allocation of budget.”

Scotland failed to qualify for next year’s T20 World Cup, losing to Italy and Jersey in the Europe Region Final.

Cricket Scotland said the recruitment process to identify Watson’s replacement would begin shortly, with a view to an appointment being made by March 2026.