In a memo sent to team presidents, general managers and coaches Friday, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert advised the league’s leaders on their approach to the topic of transgender participation in women’s sports. The commissioner stressed approaching it with integrity and respect, without specifically defining the league’s stance.

The issue has dominated conversation around the WNBA in the wake of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s recent comments in favor of excluding trans athletes from women’s sports.

Engelbert listed three guiding principles for the league in the discussion but did not clarify whether or not trans athletes are allowed to play in the WNBA.

“First, we will always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the long-standing values of our league,” she wrote in the memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Athletic. “Second, our player eligibility rules, unlike the eligibility rules of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained. Lastly, preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the league’s highest priorities.”

There is no mention of trans athletes in the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement, although the document does state that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.”

Engelbert wrote in the memo that the league has a previously scheduled meeting of a task force of presidents and GMs in the coming week that will address this conversation and other league issues.

In the wake of Cunningham’s comments and the subsequent rallies that have followed the Indiana Fever at road games, the commissioner acknowledged that she expects “this topic will continue to receive significant attention.” She praised team leadership for their response to increasing questions and invited them to continue reaching out to her with questions and perspectives.

Coaches around the league have frequently been asked about the issue since Cunningham first told ESPN she wants to “protect young girls in a locker room” and that “they shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”

Cheryl Reeve has been the loudest voice in favor of inclusion of transgender kids in particular. Golden State Valkyries All-Star Gabby Williams welcomed transgender athletes joining the WNBA, while the Women’s National Basketball Players Association released a statement denouncing “hate, abuse, and demonization” of the transgender community.

South Africa scraped past Argentina 17-10 in Test rugby at the possible expense of inspirational captain Siya Kolisi in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

Kolisi, in his first match in seven weeks following a hamstring injury, trudged off in the 25th minute. He may be a doubt to lead the Springboks back home against New Zealand in two weeks in the opening Test of the blockbuster Greatest Rivalry series.

“I hurt my hamstring again unfortunately,” he said. “It’s tough but I can’t be sad about it. There’s nothing I can do but go in for a scan and see how long I’m out for.”

The skipper was among a core group of Springbok stalwarts given match time in Buenos Aires after missing the Nations Championship in July because of injuries.

Caps record-holder Eben Etzebeth and fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu played every minute and lock Lood de Jager, coming back from a hip injury, lasted until the third quarter.

They got to celebrate a 12th straight Test win, but only just.

The depleted Pumas almost snatched a draw after the full-time whistle. From a tap penalty in front of the Springbok posts, they pounded the visitors for 15 phases until the final high pass to an unmarked Matías Moroni was dropped.

Argentina Coach Felipe Contepomi pounded the coaches’ booth and Moroni was in tears.

Watch South Africa’s four-Test series against New Zealand live on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream rugby with no contract.

Substitute Yoane Wissa scored twice to give Matthias Jaissle a winning start as Newcastle boss with a 2-1 comeback pre-season win at 10-man Valencia.

But the friendly at the Mestalla threatened to be overshadowed by Jose Gaya’s red-card horror tackle on Anthony Elanga, which saw the Newcastle winger stretchered off in the first half and led to both sets of players clashing.

Fortunately for the Sweden international, his injury does not appear to be serious, with Elanga later up and walking after a contusion to the shin.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Jaissle was “relaxed” over Elanga’s injury.

The German said: “It seems to be not bad, so we are pleased. I hope it’s true, then he can start again next week.”

He added: “Of course I was in fear [it was a serious injury], definitely, but now I’m more relaxed as the medical department is showing almost green lights, and there’s nothing serious.”

Elanga’s injury after Valencia’s Filip Ugrinic’s stunning fifth-minute opener had given Jaissle a nightmare start to life in the Newcastle dugout.

But his half-time changes sparked a Toon turnaround with new signings Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur impressing.

It was last summer’s signing Wissa who pounced on a mistake to level in the 52nd minute.

New arrival Toure then broke clear of the Valencia defence to unselfishly set up Wissa for a tap-in to complete the comeback in the 76th minute.

Toure should have had a second assist after fine work down the left, but Jacob Murphy put over his cross in stoppage time.

The win brings some relief to Newcastle on the day they lost their captain Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal.

Jaissle’s next pre-season test will come on Wednesday as his new side face Everton at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

Wissa’s fresh start under Jaissle

Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie at the Mestalla:

“A good end to a positive week in Spain for Newcastle – and a trophy for Jaissle in his first match in charge as they lift the ‘Orange Cup’.

“Some impressive signs from new signings Aladji Bamba, Steur and Toure.

“Newcastle’s travelling fans sent home from The Mestalla with a spring in their step.

“One major positive was Wissa’s performance.

“Newcastle really need him to come good this season. It was a huge £55m outlay on a 29-year-old, and last season was a nightmare for him.

“He looks sharp and is coming off a good World Cup showing. Maybe this could be a fresh start for the striker.”

Jaissle keeping ‘balanced’ after debut win

Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle speaking at his post-match press conference:

“First of all, I’m really happy that there are no serious injuries. Anthony, we are happy, and it seems to be okay, actually – that was the most important thing.

“Of course, winning games always helps to gain confidence, but we also knew that we had a hard week behind us. The players did well in the camp; there was a pure commitment in each session.

“We had a hard load, so therefore now we deserve two days off, and then we start again.

“It was a friendly today; we will not smash the locker room now and celebrate a lot.

“We’re quite balanced; we know what it is about. Now it’s pre-season, and we’re still looking to work on it.

“It’s just a journey; we don’t want to hang onto that.

“The victory is higher than it is, but also we don’t see the losses lower than it is then, so we should be quite balanced in our approach.

“We should just analyse the situation and develop from there, and that’s what we’re going to do.

“Now next week, there are things we need to work on, definitely.”