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European Challenge Cup: Ulster ‘need full cohort’ to win trophies – Henderson

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Ulster captain Iain Henderson said the province need their “full cohort” to compete in both the European Challenge Cup and United Rugby Championship.

Richie Murphy’s side face Exeter Chiefs in a European semi-final at the Affidea Stadium on Saturday before URC games against top two Stormers and Glasgow Warriors as they aim to secure a top-eight finish and passage to the play-offs.

The province have been hit with a spate of injuries recently, which led to Murphy fielding a youthful side in a 41-14 defeat by Munster as he looks to balance the demands of challenging on both fronts.

With the likes of Nick Timoney, Tom O’Toole, James Hume, Bryn Ward and Jude Postlethwaite back in full training, Henderson hopes they can finish the season strongly and end their 20-year trophy drought in one or both competitions.

“In comparison to last year, we’ve had a more favourable injury run. We do need a full cohort with the games we have ahead to compete on both fronts,” he told BBC Sport NI.

“We’ve got to concentrate this week on the Challenge Cup, that’s the game right in front of us. To have a home knockout match is incredibly exciting and really important, so we’re looking forward to it.”

Henderson, who has been with Ulster since 2012, added that trying to bring silverware to the club hasn’t been a “burden”, but has been “frustrating” at times.

He is confident that the current crop of young players can deliver for Ulster and reach May’s final in Bilbao if they approach the last four tie properly.

“These young lads have the bit between their teeth and want to see the club do well,” he continue.

“You have to come into the game slightly differently and understand your European season will be over if you’re not on the ball, there’s an element of that.

“Knockout rugby brings a sense of excitement, so you have to play into those emotions but not let them overcome you. That’s something our guys are all still learning.”

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Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly miss out on latest Lionesses squad

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Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone and Arsenal forward Chloe Kelly have not been selected for England’s World Cup qualifying matches next month.

Toone, 27, misses out after an inconsistent start to the season, while 28-year-old Kelly has also been omitted.

In addition, Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones and Arsenal duo Lotte Wubben-Moy and Taylor Hinds have not made the 23-player squad.

Captain Leah Williamson returns having missed June’s 4-0 defeat by Spain and 3-0 win over Ukraine.

There is a first senior call-up for Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter, 20, who has impressed alongside England’s Keira Walsh in the Women’s Super League.

She has started three of Chelsea’s opening four matches and was a standout performer in their 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday.

There is also a return to the squad for uncapped midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson, 18, who has excelled since joining North Carolina Courage in the summer.

Manchester City full-back Niamh Charles made her return from injury as a substitute in their 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday and is included.

London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey and Liverpool defender Grace Fisk are the other two uncapped players named.

England play a double-header against Greece, first in Crete on Friday, 9 October (17:30 BST) and then in Leicester on Tuesday, 13 October (19:30 BST).

If they win the two-legged tie, they progress to round two of the play-offs where they can compete for a place in next summer’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

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Ferrari back Frederic Vasseur as F1 team principal

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Ferrari entered the 2026 season hoping their preparations for widespread rule changes covering cars and engines would give them a chance to become championship contenders.

But, although their chassis started the season regarded as the best in F1, their engine has fallen short of the performance set by Mercedes and Red Bull.

Ferrari are second in the constructors’ championship after 15 of a scheduled 23 races, but a massive 160 points behind leaders Mercedes and more concerned about fending off a challenge from McLaren, who are 72 points adrift in third place.

On Saturday after the race Lewis Hamilton was asked whether he was still confident Ferrari were heading in the right direction under Vasseur. He replied: “Yes.”

Vasseur said after the race in Baku in reference to speculation about his future: “We are not working in the perfect serenity. For me, first, but for everybody in the team, for the media, for 50% of the questions [to be] about this, it’s a bit of a frustrating situation.

“We are fighting for P2 in the championship, and at the end of the day we are all speaking a lot about this, and even for the guys in the garage, to discuss about this, it’s the best discussion that we can have.

“But it is what it is – it’s not in my hands. Mr Horner is looking for a job – that everybody knows – everywhere.

“But what can I do? Just try to do my best to push the team, to rise them to be motivated.”

Vasseur signed a new contract with Ferrari in July last year. Ferrari did not say how long it lasted beyond describing it as “a multi-year contract for the coming Formula 1 seasons”.

Vasseur joined Ferrari at the start of 2023 after former team principal Mattia Binotto was removed following a bright start to the previous regulation set in 2022 was followed by a slump marked by poor reliability and questionable operational decisions.

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What about Browns' 2-1 start is real, and what still needs to be fixed?

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Cleveland has gotten off to a surprising start, winning two straight after a lopsided loss in Week 1. Can the team keep this momentum up?

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