Middlesex women turned-around ‘almost certain defeat’ into a stunning win, and move forward to play Glamorgan women in the final at Bristol on 26 September. Batting first,  Middx women were bowled-out for a relatively low-score on the same high-scoring ground. Abbie Whybrow [75 runs (from 75)] made top-score with an ‘extraordinary innings.’ Steelbacks women replied well, at power-play with two wickets advantage [50/0(vs 34/2)]; gaining another two wickets advantage by mid-way [108/3(vs 92/7).] An ‘extraordinary match’ unfolded. Summarising the match, commentator (Kevin Hand, Sports journalist) lauded Middx womens’ skipper Saskia Horley who turned fortunes around in a ‘stunning fashion.’ When batting, Middlesex women who were ‘well behind’ and fell short of a half-decent score. Weather intervened brining light drizzle interruptions with nine overs docked from each innings. Steelbacks reply seemed destined for a ‘carbon-copy’ re-run of 9 August, when Steelbacks women by 105 runs. Instead, the home team (who’d been written-off by commentator’s curse) staged an ‘astounding fight-back.’  Weather: overcast with rain stoppages 16C.

Middlesex women wearing navy-blue split with lilac fronts, underarm splash and navy pads, skipper Saskia Horley (Scottish international); [Chloe Hill keeping wicket for Steelbacks women]; *with Pippa Sproul (Scots international & Hants women); *With ‘movement off-the-seam,’ Artemis Downer was bowled with her off-stump flattened by Mabel Reid, for a third-ball ‘duck;’ *Riva Pindoria ‘pulled away,’ caught aerial at ‘mid-wicket’ by Lenny Sims, from Beth Robinson *Score 34/2 after 10 overs power-play;  *Issy Routledge was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ by Gemma Marriott; *Saskia Horley was caught one-handed, diving to ‘slip’ by keeper Chloe Hill, from Beth Robinson; *Left-handed batter Scarlett Hughes was caught at ‘short-square’ by rolling Ava Clive, from Gemma Marriott; *Pippa Sproul was bowled with her ‘off-stump flattened’ by Amelia Kemp; *Commentator’s curse struck ‘with work to do’ also ‘tough for Middx’ when Hannah Davis was caught aerial from a ‘leading-edge’ at ‘forward-square’ by Ella Phillips running round, from Amelia Kemp; *Mid-way after 25 overs: score 92/7; *Siya Nanavati was caught by a rolling catch at ‘cover’ by Ava Clive, from Ilenia ‘Lenny’ Sims; *Abbie Whybrow was caught by keeper Chloe Hill, from Anisha Patel; *Lauren Turner was caught-and-bowled by Lenny Sims; Middlesex women batting: Abbie Whybrow 75(75); Saskia Horley 23(21); Issy Routledge 16(43); Pippa Sproul 11(22); Steelbacks women: Amelia Kemp 2/23(9); Beth Robinson 2/23(9); Gemma Marriott 2/30(6); Ilenia ‘Lenny’  Sims 2/34(5); Anisha Patel 1/12(3); Mabel Reid 1/29(7);

Northampton Steelbacks women [Scarlett Hughes keeping wicket for Middx women]; *also with Michaela Kirk (The Blaze academy loan); *Score 50/0(vs 34/2) after 10 overs power-play; *Amelia Kemp was caught by keeper Scarlet Hughes, from Issy Routledge; *Michaela Kirk was caught ‘aerial’ at ‘extra-cover’ by Abi Whybrow, from Hannah Davis; *May Drinkell was clean-bowled ‘top-of-middle’ by Saskia Horley; *Mid-way after 25 overs: score 108/3(vs92/7) *Chloe Hill ‘hit-wicket,’ flattening her ‘off-stump,’ bowled by Rachana Cambampaty; *Ava Clive was caught inside-the-circle’ at ‘cover’ by Saskia Horley, from Siya Nanavati; *Ilenia ‘Lenny’ Sims feathered-an-edge, caught by keeper Scarlett Hughes, from Saskia Horley; *Mabel Reid was bowled ‘top-of-middle’ by Saskia Horley for a ‘golden duck;’ *Ella V Phillips, went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Saskia Horley; *Raising her bat, Anisha Patel padded ‘leg-before’ to Hannah Davis for a fifth-ball ‘duck;’ *With hesitation, Beth Robinson was ‘run-out’ by Rachana Cambampaty’s throw to Saskia Horley, breaking the non-striker’s-end stumps, for a fourth-ball ‘duck;’; Steelbacks women batting: Chloe Hill 46(81); Amelia Kemp 27(36); Gemma Marriott 26*not out(31); Michaela Kirk 15(22); Middlesex women bowling: Saskia Horley 4/27(8.5); Hannah Davis 2/42(8); Rachana Cambampati; 1/48(3); Issy Routledge 1/24(5);

Match result: Middlesex (women) 169 ‘All out’ (@4.1 runs-per-over from 41/50 overs.) beat Northampton Steelbacks (women) 135 ‘All out’ (@4.1 r-p-o /with variable DLS target from 32.5/50 ov.) by 29 runs by Duckworth-Lewis-Stern ‘DLS’ method

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play @url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#c651dae65-9bfe-4f8a-897d-180550441e01_m73a915d7-0c1a-40bd-80b0-043bf447e8c0

*Upcoming League two fixtures 50ov (2026) @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2026/04/25/metro-bank-one-day-cup-womens-tournament-for-50-overs-league-two-may-update-2026/

*Top ten 20ov ‘league one’ best batters and bowlers (2026) @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2026/07/28/womens-vitality-blast-league-one-top-ten-for-2026/

*Top ten 20ov ‘league two’ best batters and bowlers (2026) @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2026/07/30/womens-vitality-blast-league-two-top-ten-for-2026/

• BUCS Super Rugby coverage will increase from around 20% to 100% of matches in 2026-27, with every men’s and women’s fixture available to watch live
• 18 matches are free-to-air starting next Wednesday with Bath v Loughborough

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) has announced a new three-year partnership with Clubber TV that will significantly increase the visibility and accessibility of BUCS Super Rugby, with every Men’s and Women’s BUCS Super Rugby fixture streamed live during the 2026-27 season.

The landmark agreement will see 144 BUCS Super Rugby fixtures streamed live, covering the league programme and BUCS Super Rugby Milk Championship phase. It represents a major increase from around 20% of matches being streamed during the 2025-26 season.

A highlights package will be created for every game, while Clubber TV’s live clipping tools will be available to every participating university, giving teams the ability to capture and share key moments directly across their own social media channels.

As part of the partnership, 18 fixtures will be available free-to-air, with one home match from each participating team available for supporters to watch without a subscription. This free-to-air schedule will start on Wednesday 23 September when Bath host Loughborough, in a mouth-watering replay of last season’s Championship Final, when University of Bath triumphed 41-14, Bath Rugby’s Tyler Offiah scoring twice. The women’s competition starts in October.

The partnership will give students, families, alumni and supporters greater access to university rugby, allowing them to follow their teams and players wherever they are, while giving players a bigger platform to showcase their talents.

It will also shine a greater spotlight on the pathway from university rugby into the professional game. More than 40 players who competed in BUCS Super Rugby last season are now playing in Champ Rugby, demonstrating the role university rugby plays in developing players who go on to compete at the next level.

BUCS CEO Will Roberts said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Clubber TV for the next three years. Moving from around 20% of BUCS Super Rugby matches being streamed to every men’s and women’s fixture being available live is a huge step forward for university rugby.

“This is about much more than watching matches. It gives players greater visibility, gives universities more content to share, gives families and supporters the opportunity to follow their teams wherever they are and provides a bigger platform for the next generation of rugby talent.

“Clubber shares our ambition to make student sport more accessible, engaging and sustainable, and we’re excited about what this partnership can do for BUCS Super Rugby and university sport.”

The new partnership will also shine a greater spotlight on the pathway from university rugby into the professional game. Of the players who competed in Men’s BUCS Super Rugby last season, 46 also featured in Prem Rugby or the Prem Rugby Cup, with eight going on to play in the Prem. Players from nine of the 10 BUCS Super Rugby institutions were represented across Prem Rugby or the Prem Rugby Cup, underlining the strength of the competition as a pathway into the professional game. Among the leading players to have progressed through the university system are England internationals Alex Dombrandt, Freddie Steward and Fitz Harding, alongside Wales internationals Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza.

The pathway is equally strong in the women’s game. Of the players who competed in Women’s BUCS Super Rugby last season, 49 also played in PWR or the PWR Cup, with 27 featuring in PWR itself. Players from five of the seven BUCS Super Rugby institutions were represented across six of the nine PWR clubs, while 15% of all Women’s BUCS Super Rugby players also played in PWR or the PWR Cup last season. The pathway has produced a host of leading internationals, including England stars Ellie Kildunne, Zoe Aldcroft and Emma Sing, Wales internationals Gwen Crabb and Lleucu George, Scotland internationals Lisa Thomson and Rhona Lloyd, and Ireland international Nancy McGillivray.

It will also provide a significant boost to Women’s BUCS Super Rugby, with every fixture available to watch live and the women’s competition receiving the same comprehensive coverage as the men’s game.

For the first weeks of the partnership, BUCS students and supporters will also be able to access an exclusive discount on Clubber TV season passes, significantly reducing the standard annual price. This season pass will also include access to Clubber’s coverage of Champ Rugby. Profits from the partnership with BUCS will be invested back into the university rugby system.

The partnership is designed to support university sport beyond simply broadcasting matches. Clubber TV’s student-focused approach will provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in sports production, while subscription revenues can be reinvested into the sport programmes of participating universities.

Lar Doyle, COO of Clubber TV, said: “There is some outstanding rugby being played in BUCS Super Rugby and we want more people to see it. Covering every men’s and women’s fixture gives supporters the chance to follow their university throughout the season and gives players the platform they deserve.

“We’ve seen through our coverage of Champ Rugby how powerful it can be to give every game and every player a platform. Extending that approach to BUCS Super Rugby is an exciting next step and creates a clear connection between university rugby and the professional game.”

With thanks to BUCS Rugby/Paul Morgan Media

Glamorgan women progress to play in the final, due to their league position when considering their points and net-run-rate. On the day, after a hiatus following continuing rain and successive pitch inspections it became clear that neither side could complete the minimum playing requirement for five overs for each innings, so there was no result. Weather: persistent rain.

No result: Match abandoned without a solitary ball bowled

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play @url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#mde460169-6009-4b3e-b7be-dae94f30c9dd

*Upcoming League two fixtures 50ov (2026) @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2026/04/25/metro-bank-one-day-cup-womens-tournament-for-50-overs-league-two-may-update-2026/

*Top ten 20ov ‘league one’ best batters and bowlers (2026) @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2026/07/28/womens-vitality-blast-league-one-top-ten-for-2026/

*Top ten 20ov ‘league two’ best batters and bowlers (2026) @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2026/07/30/womens-vitality-blast-league-two-top-ten-for-2026/

Horses posted a strong innings and successfully defended their total score, to qualify for the competition’s semi-final. Top-scorer Kelly Castle – pictured [60 runs (from 73 balls)] laid a solid foundation partnered by Amy Gordon, the pair banking 63 for Horses’ second-wicket. Elsa Barnfather 52(62) also scored ‘fifty,’ adding 43 with Sophie Singer for Horses’ fifth-wicket; adding another 53 with Hannah Hardwick. Evie Booker took 2/60 on debut (seen as confusingly misreported elsewhere as ‘Emily’ Booker when batting; and ‘Becki Brooker,’ when bowling.) Turning to Foxes womens’ reply, ‘All-rounder’ Caitlin Chissell 49(70) made top-score. Other batters’ run-rates were squeezed by three Horses bowlers who took three wickets each (Sydney Gorham 3/31; Megan Belt 3/32; & Isabella James 3/36.) Foxes were bowled-out prematurely, handing Horses a convincing win to finish their group stage on equal points with Steelbacks, but with superior ’net-run-rate.’ Horses women travel to Cardiff for their semi-final fixture, away to Glamorgan. Without Live Stream commentary. Weather: clear blue sky 18C.     

Kent (Horses) women wearing pale blue tops with red-and-black neck chevrons and dark blue joggers, pads and horses logo caps; *skipper Megan Belt *[Lucy Western keeping wicket for Foxes women]; *with Genevieve ‘Gen’ Jeer (England Women U19 Tri-Series Squad 2026); *Mis-timing a ‘cut,’ Coco Streets snicked-an-edge to keeper Lucy Western, from Evie Booker; *Score 36/1 after 10 overs power-play;  *Amy Gordon was caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Emma Thatcher, from seamer Caitlin Chissell; *Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones snicked-an-edge, caught by Lucy Western from Caitlin Chissell;*Kelly Castle was bowled ‘middle-and-off’ by Holly Whitfield; *Mid-way after 25 overs: score 120/4; *Playing across-the-line,’ Sophie Singer went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Caitlin Chissell; *Hannah Hardwick was bowled ‘middle-and-leg’ by Evie Booker; *Elsa Barnfather sliced aerial, caught at ‘mid-off’ by Aimee Colquhoun, from Grace Hall ; *Playing across-the-line,’ Sophie Singer went plumb ‘leg-before’ to Grace Hall; Kent (Horses) women batting: Kelly Castle 60(73); Elsa Barnfather 52(62); Hannah Hardwick 30(24); Sydney Gorham 22*not out(20); Sophie Singer 20(30); Amy Gordon 19(37); Hollie Young 17(19); Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones 16(24); Foxes women bowling: Caitlin Chissell 3/32(10); Grace Hall 2/59(10); Evie Booker 2/60(10); Holly Whitfield 1/34(7);

Foxes women wearing two-tone red-and-black with black joggers; *skipper Becki Brooker; *[Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones keeping wicket for Kent (Horses) women]; *debutante Evie Booker (elsewhere ‘Emily’); *Becki Brooker was clean-bowled, with her off-stump skittled by Hannah Hardwick for a second-ball ‘duck’; *Lucy Western snicked-an-edge, caught by fellow keeper Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones, from Sydney Gorham; *Score 56/2(vs36/1) after 10 overs power-play;  *Amelia Oliver steepled aerial, caught-and-bowled effortlessly, by Isabella James; *Lucy Weston was caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Coco Streets, from Megan Belt; *Aimee Colquhoun was caught at ‘long-on’ by Sydney Gorham, from Megan Belt; *Drinks taken on 24.5ov; *Mid-way after 25 overs: score 123/5(vs120/4); *Next over, Caitlin Chissell whilst playing ‘forward’ was stumped by keeper Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones, from Isabella James; *Grace Hall wafered-an-edge, caught by keeper Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones, from Sydney Gorham; *Missing a ’slog,’ Holly Whitfield was stumped by Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones, from Sydney Gorham; *April Herathge was caught at ‘mid-off’ by Isabella James, from Megan Belt; *Evie Booker was caught at ‘extra cover’ by Hollie Young, from Isabella James; Foxes women batting: Caitlin Chissell 49(70); Evie Booker 39(44); Amelia Oliver 32(38); Lucy Western 10(19); Kent (Horses) women bowling: Sydney Gorham 3/31(7); Megan Belt 3/32(9); Isabella James 3/36(9.4); Hannah Hardwick 1/31(6);

Match result: Kent (Horses) (women) 272/8 (@5.4 runs-per-over50 overs.) beat Leicestershire Foxes (women) 184 ‘All out’ (@4.6 r-p-o /target 273 from 39.4/50 ov.) by 88 runs with 62 balls remaining

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play @url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#c651dae65-9bfe-4f8a-897d-180550441e01_mc5520000-6664-a623-0c03-08de2dc24ff5

*Upcoming League two fixtures 50ov (2026) @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2026/04/25/metro-bank-one-day-cup-womens-tournament-for-50-overs-league-two-may-update-2026/

*Top ten 20ov ‘league one’ best batters and bowlers (2026) @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2026/07/28/womens-vitality-blast-league-one-top-ten-for-2026/

*Top ten 20ov ‘league two’ best batters and bowlers (2026) @url: http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2026/07/30/womens-vitality-blast-league-two-top-ten-for-2026/

Footnote: Actual post-match photo of Kelly Castle

An ever-present in the 2025 Rugby World Cup, Breach is back on the wing while Matthews – a two-try hero in the final victory over the Canadians – resumes her role as vice-captain from Number 8.

Hooker Bryony Field scored on her international debut last weekend in the win over Australia and earns a maiden start in an all-changed front row, including Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir. Morwenna Talling is also back amongst the starting contingent from the second row.

Lucy Packer – another try scorer against the Wallaroos – is named at scrum-half with fly-half Zoe Harrison outside her. Helena Rowland is reinstated to the midfield alongside captain Megan Jones.

Three Exeter Chiefs players – Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Maddie Feaunati and Flo Robinson – are in the squad as the Red Roses prepare to play at their club stadium, Sandy Park, for the first time since defeating Canada there in September 2023 by a 50-24 scoreline.

The squad contains 974 England caps while 14 players in the matchday 23 were involved in the 2025 Rugby World Cup final triumph at Allianz Stadium.

“This is the first Test of an exciting three-Test series between the number one and number three teams in the world,” Mitchell said.

“You need rivalries in our sport and our rivalry with Canada is one that has evolved to a great level. They are a well-coached team who will bring a different challenge to the one Australia presented. We will be expected to raise our standards.”

Red Roses team to play Canada

15 Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 63 caps)
14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 57 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 39) – captain
12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 52 caps)
11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 41 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 71 caps)
9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 45 caps)
1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 63 caps)
2 Bryony Field (Saracens, 1 cap)
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 54 caps)
4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 30 caps)
5 Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 8 caps)
6 Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 9 caps)
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 32 caps)
8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 82 caps) – vice captain

Replacements 

16 May Campbell (Saracens, 6 caps)
17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 29 caps)
18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 85 caps)
19 Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 7 caps)
20 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 28 caps)
21 Marlie Packer (Harlequins, 117 caps)
22 Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 5 caps)
23 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 50 caps)

With thanks to the RFU

The match will be played at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh marking the second Northern Hemisphere Test of the WXV Global Series campaign broadcast live on Sky Sport 1.

Prop Ngano Tavake and fullback Maia Davis are in-line to make their Black Ferns debuts after being named in the match-day 23, both providing fresh impact off the bench.

A host of changes have also been made to the starting XV. The front row will see props Maddison Robinson and Mo’omo’oga Palu start with captain Georgia Ponsonby at hooker.

The locking duo will see Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu and Laura Bayfield, while loose forwards Layla Sae and Elinor-Plum King have been named along with Mia Anderson in the no. 8 jersey.

In the backline, halfback Tara Turner starts alongside first five-eighth Hannah King, with the combination of Alena Saili and Amy Du Plessis in the midfield. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a earns a starting spot alongside Justine McGregor on the wings, with Braxton Sorensen-McGee in fullback.

Vici-Rose Green, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Amarante Sititi, Maia Joseph and Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt join Tavake and Davis on the bench.

Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen said: “While this campaign is certainly about growing continuity and connections, the match against Scotland presents an exciting opportunity for some new talent to experience Test rugby. I want to congratulate Ngano and Maia on being named to make their Black Ferns debut, it will be a special moment for them and their whānau.

“Ngano’s actions speak louder than her words. She’s incredibly humble, hardworking and has continued to impress us with what she brings to the group, both on and off the field.

“Maia is a talented athlete, and we’ve all loved supporting her growth in this environment. She has so much to offer this team, both now and into the future, and this is just the beginning of something special for her and for us.”

Highlights of the match will be available on Black Ferns YouTube, 48 hours after the final whistle.

Black Ferns v Scotland (Test caps bracketed, *denotes debut) 

1. Maddison Robinson (6)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (43) – captain
3. Mo’omo’oga Palu (1)
4. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (13)
5. Laura Bayfield (11)
6. Layla Sae (20)
7. Elinor-Plum King (3)
8. Mia Anderson (6)
9. Tara Turner (5)
10. Hannah King (16)
11. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (2)
12. Alena Saili (6)
13. Amy Du Plessis (28)
14. Justine McGregor (5)
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (12)

16. Vici-Rose Green (8)
17. Ngano Tavake*
18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (9)
19. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (44)
20. Amarante Sititi (2)
21. Maia Joseph (22)
22. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (35)
23. Maia Davis*

Unavailable due to injury: Kaipo Olsen-Baker (shoulder), Ayesha Leti-I’iga (calf).

With thanks to New Zealand Rugby

The updates relate to four matches with changes to assistant referees, Television Match Officials and Foul Play Review Officers.

The matches involved are Ireland v USA (20 September), Zealand v France (24 October), USA v England (30 October) and New Zealand v France (31 October) with changes shown in italics.

20 September – Ireland v USA, Tallaght Stadium, Dublin

Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr (New Zealand)
Assistant referee 1: Ella Goldsmith (Australia)
Assistant referee 2: Rebecca Piddlesden (England)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (Wales)
FPRO: Jenny Davies (Wales)

24 October – New Zealand v France, Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei

Referee: Amber McLachan (Australia)
Assistant referee 1: Ella Goldsmith (Australia)
Assistant referee 2: George Myers (Australia)
TMO: Rachel Horton (Australia)
FPRO: Damon Murphy (Australia)

30 October – USA v England, Sports Illustrated Stadium, New Jersey

Referee: Zoe Naude (South Africa)
Assistant referee 1: Emma Gallagher (Canada)
Assistant referee 2: Kristine Lovatt (Canada)
TMO: Leo Colgan (Ireland)
FPRO: Julien Castaignède (France)

31 October – New Zealand v France, One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch

Referee: Ella Goldsmith (Australia)
Assistant referee 1: Amber McLachan (Australia)
Assistant referee 2: Chloe Sampson (New Zealand)
TMO: Rachel Horton (Australia)
FPRO: Reuben Keane (Australia)

VIEW THE FULL APPOINTMENTS FOR WXV GLOBAL SERIES 2026 >>

With thanks to World Rugby

Thousands of people, including Katie Piper, took over the capital this weekend to take part in a trio of Ultra Challenge events across London, raising over £2 million, for charitable causes while showcasing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Across the Thames Moonlight 10, Thames Bridges Trek and Thames Path Challenge, more than 5,500 participants took on distances ranging from 10km to 100km, travelling along the River Thames, crossing historic bridges and experiencing the capital from a unique perspective.

The weekend began on Friday evening with the Thames Moonlight 10, where participants completed either a 10km or 10-mile route past some of London’s most famous landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye.

Saturday saw thousands take part in the Thames Bridges Trek, crossing 16 historic Thames bridges on a 25km route from Putney Bridge to Southwark Park via The Oval and Tower Bridge.

Among those taking part was Katie Piper OBE, who returned to take on the 10km distance, alongside members of the Katie Piper Foundation’s survivor community to raise awareness and funds for people living with burns and traumatic scarring injuries.

The weekend concluded with the flagship Thames Path Challenge, where around 2,800 followed England’s most famous river from Putney through Richmond, Hampton Court and Windsor, with the full-distance Challengers continuing all the way to Henley-on-Thames. Participants could choose from 25km, 50km, 75km and 100km options.

The events also attracted significant corporate participation, with teams representing organisations including Allianz, Credit Agricole CIB, Travelodge, Aldi, BP, Morgan Stanley, BMW and Wizz Air taking on the Challenges as part of fundraising, team-building and wellbeing initiatives.

Nicola Smith, Commercial Director at Ultra Challenge said: “This weekend in London continues to be one of the highlights of our entire calendar and we’re delighted to have welcomed thousands of participants from across the UK to take on these incredible routes.

“Whether crossing London’s historic bridges, enjoying the capital under moonlight or following the Thames towards Windsor and beyond, participants experienced some truly iconic scenery and landmarks along the way.

“The popularity of these events continues to grow year after year, attracting everyone from first-time Challengers and charity fundraisers through to seasoned endurance enthusiasts and corporate teams.

“Most importantly, the fundraising impact has been phenomenal. Collectively, participants have raised well over £2 million for charities and causes close to their hearts, demonstrating the generosity, determination and community spirit that makes these events so special.”

Throughout the weekend, participants were supported by fully staffed rest stops, medical teams and event crews, helping thousands achieve personal goals while raising vital funds for good causes.

With another successful weekend complete, organisers have already opened entries for next year’s events and expect demand to remain high.

Entries for 2027’s events can be found at www.ultrachallenge.com

With thanks to Ultra Challenge/New Reach

Race day details

The event begins at 09:00 on Sunday 20 September, with organisers advising runners to arrive by 08:00 to allow time for bag drop, warm‑up and entry into the correct start pen. The Event Village, located inside Shoreditch Park, will be open from 07:30 to 14:00 for pre‑race preparations and post‑race celebrations.

New route

The new half marathon route takes runners on an extended tour of East London, passing through Hoxton Street Market, Regent’s Canal, Newington Green, Stoke Newington, Clissold Park and De Beauvoir Town before returning to Shoreditch Park.

Bib collection

Most participants will have received their race pack by post. Those who opted for collection, or have not received their pack, can collect their bib from The Saucony Store, Covent Garden in the days leading up to the half marathon.

Collection times:
• Thursday & Friday: 12:00–19:00
• Saturday: 10:00–17:30

Runners must bring their bib on race day, with safety pins attached and emergency details completed. A bag drop will be available, though organisers encourage runners to arrive race ready to reduce queues.

For further information and a race day essentials checklist, check out the Race Day Guide: https://racedayguide.runshoreditch.com/.

Spectator spots

Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets as Shoreditch comes together to celebrate movement. Several locations offer multiple viewing opportunities along the route.

Shoreditch Park allows spectators to witness the start and finish while delivering the biggest atmosphere on course with live music and entertainment on hand. Newington Green offers the best opportunity to see runners more than once, with the route passing through three times.

Other great viewing spots include Balls Pond Road, Downham Road and Clissold Park, which all provide slightly more room for groups to gather and cheer their runners on.

Runners and spectators can access live tracking and event information via the Saucony Run Shoreditch App, available on the Apple Store and Google Play.

Travel advice

Attendees are encouraged to use public transport, with several stations within walking distance. Old Street, Hoxton, Haggerston, Liverpool Street, Dalston Kingsland, Dalston Junction and Essex Road are all suitable options along the route with event signage in place.

Cycle parking will not be provided, and docking stations along the route will be suspended while roads in the area will close from 06:00, with driving not recommended due to limited parking.

Looking ahead

2026’s inaugural event has sold out, but entries for the 2027 Saucony Run Shoreditch Half will open shortly after race day. Those wishing to take part next year can register their interest now at https://www.runshoreditch.com/.

With thanks to New Reach

Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia staged a late comeback to edge out big rivals Alejandro Galán and Fede Chingotto to win the Premier Padel Paris Major on Sunday after Ariana Sánchez Fallada and Andrea Ustero Prieto cruised to the women’s title earlier.

– Coello and Tapia got the upper hand early on in the men’s final after taking the first set 6-3, only for Galán and Chingotto to level at 6-4. The second seeds went 5-3 up in the deciding set, but the top seeds dug deep to take it to a tiebreak which they comfortably won 7-1 to bank the title.

– The top half of the draw at the iconic Stade Roland Garros in France’s capital city saw Coello and Tapia fend off the 11th and seventh seeds to make it to Saturday’s semi-finals where they fended off a spirited showing from third seedsJuan Lebrón and Leandro Augsburger 7-5 6-3 in just over an hour.

– Down the bottom of the draw, Galán and Chingotto did not drop a set in reaching the final with sixth seeds Martín Di Nenno and Francisco Navarro also unable to work them out in a 7-5 6-2 win.

– Sunday was the 11th meeting between the two pairs in the Superclásico this season – and the sixth consecutive Major – with Coello and Tapia 6-4 up, Tapia never having lost in this stadium.

– Chingotto had reached every Paris Major final since 2022, but it was not to be again as the world number one pair triumphed to consolidate their place at the top of the overall 2026 rankings.

– The women’s event was not one to be remembered for second seeds Bea González and Paula Josemaría Martín, who suffered a shock 2-6 7-6 7-6 defeat to fifth seeds Sofia Araújo and Marta Ortega Gallego.

– Top seeds Gemma Triay Pons and Delfina Brea Senesi also had a difficult time of it later in the week as they were bundled out 6-4 6-2 in the semi-finals by Martina Calvo Santamaria and Claudia Fernández Sánchez.

– Sunday’s final then had a distinctly different flavour to it with it being the youngest ever Major final and second youngest Premier Padel final in history between the third and fourth seeds.

– It was Sánchez and Ustero’s sixth final of 2026 with Calvo and Fernández in their third final in just four tournaments together – including their London P1 victory last month – but they were no match for their opponent’s experience and guile in a 6-2 6-0 Sunday win over one hour and 11 minutes.

– Sánchez, 29, said: “Winning another Major here at Roland Garros, in Paris, is just incredible. I think it’s the most special tournament of the year because of everything this venue represents.”

– Ustero, 19, added: “I’m super, super happy. I had never won a Major before, and there’s no better place to do it than here in Paris. Last year I was left with the frustration of losing the final, but I think we truly deserved this title. We’ve been working so hard since the beginning of the year.”

– The players now have a Premier Padel break before they tackle the Rotterdam P2 event from September 28-October 4.

– The 2026 season is another exciting chapter for Premier Padel as the unified global tour expands under the governance of the FIP. With 25 tournaments in 17 countries across five continents, watch the world’s best players compete hard with all the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals streamed live on Red Bull TV.

– The free-to-play mobile game “Red Bull Padel: Court Legends” is available for download now on iOS and Android through the AppStore and Google Play Store respectively, so padel fans can experience the action for themselves.

Watch the 2026 Paris Major event replay on Red Bull TV .

With thanks to Red Bull