Weekly Sports Roundup (26th Feb 2025)

February 26, 2025

The global sporting landscape witnessed seismic shifts this past week, with the Six Nations reaching a critical juncture, Liverpool cementing their Premier League dominance, and the ICC Champions Trophy delivering unforgettable moments. Let’s dive into the most significant developments across the sporting world.

Six Nations: Grand Slam Dreams and Record-Breaking Performances

Ireland kept their Grand Slam hopes alive with a nail-biting 27-18 victory over Wales in Cardiff. The match featured high drama when Ellis Mee’s potential match-winning try for Wales was ruled out by mere millimeters. Despite an early 10-0 deficit, Wales showed tremendous heart through flanker Tommy Reffell’s breakdown mastery and rookie fly-half Sam Prendergast’s tactical kicking prowess.

France delivered a historic performance against Italy, setting a new Six Nations points record with a staggering 73-24 victory in Rome. Captain Antoine Dupont was at his brilliant best, orchestrating nine tries including a double of his own. Fullback Leo Barre’s explosive acceleration repeatedly tore through Italy’s defensive lines, raising serious questions about Italy’s development pathway after conceding 18 tries in just three matches.

England reclaimed the Calcutta Cup with a pragmatic 16-15 win over Scotland. Despite being outscored three tries to one, England’s defensive resilience—led by Maro Itoje’s impressive 23 tackles—proved decisive. George Ford’s four penalties and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s try were enough to secure victory after Scotland’s Finn Russell missed a last-gasp conversion that would have ended their 22-year Twickenham drought.

Key Fixture to Watch: France vs. Scotland on March 8, where a French victory could set up a potential title decider against Ireland.

Premier League: Liverpool’s Title Charge Gains Momentum

Liverpool’s commanding 2-0 victory at Manchester City, featuring Mohamed Salah’s 50th goal contribution this season, has dramatically shifted the Premier League landscape. The result was so convincing that Paddy Power has already paid out on Liverpool winning the title.

Arsenal’s unexpected 1-0 home defeat to West Ham—their first at the Emirates since May 2024—coupled with Manchester United’s 2-2 draw at Everton has left the Reds sitting seven points clear at the top of the table.

Salah’s evolution has been remarkable this season. Now just four assists away from breaking Thierry Henry’s Premier League record (20), he has transformed from pure finisher to creative playmaker, averaging an impressive 3.5 key passes per game since December.

Newcastle’s attacking philosophy under Eddie Howe was on full display in their thrilling 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest, with Alexander Isak netting a hat-trick. However, their persistent defensive frailties remain a concern, having conceded 12 goals already in 2025.

Women’s Football’s Rising Influence

Chelsea’s remarkable 18-match winning streak in the WSL continues to set new standards in women’s football. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s 16-year-old sensation Lacey-May Jones made history by becoming the youngest scorer ever in Champions League competition, further highlighting the bright future of the women’s game.

ICC Champions Trophy: Records Fall as Drama Unfolds

The ICC Champions Trophy has delivered exceptional cricket and compelling narratives. Leeds-born Josh Inglis produced a stunning 120 not out from just 86 balls to guide Australia to a record 352-run chase against England at Headingley. Inglis, intimately familiar with the ground’s unique characteristics, produced a match-winning performance highlighted by an audacious reverse-scoop off Jofra Archer that immediately went viral.

Virat Kohli demonstrated his enduring class with an unbeaten 112 from 104 balls, anchoring India’s six-wicket victory over Pakistan. The win effectively eliminated Pakistan from semi-final contention. India’s tactical mastery under Rahul Dravid was evident as they exploited Pakistan’s death-over bowling weakness, accumulating 78 runs in the final seven overs.

As the tournament progresses, South Africa and New Zealand are leading Group B, while India’s impressive net run rate (+1.89) makes them strong favorites to top Group A.

Beyond the Headlines: Stories You Might Have Missed

Netball Super League Relaunch

The UK’s elite netball competition is set for a major reboot on March 5 with an exciting new format. The Cardiff Dragons—Wales’ only semi-professional team—will feature prominently alongside a new one-day Netball Super Cup. The league is looking to build on last year’s impressive 87% surge in attendance.

Hamilton’s Ferrari Journey Begins

Lewis Hamilton has begun private testing at Fiorano as he adapts to Ferrari’s revolutionary SF-25 chassis. Inside sources report that his feedback has already influenced rear-wing modifications ahead of March’s pre-season tests in Bahrain.

Littler vs. Humphries: Darts’ New Rivalry

Luke Littler continues to rewrite the darts record books, delivering a spectacular nine-dart finish during Premier League Night 2 at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro. The 18-year-old phenomenon recorded a tournament-record 123.4 average, extending his lead over world number one Luke Humphries.

Upcoming Events Worth Your Attention

• Red Bull Featured BMX (April 12, Manchester Central): Sebastian Keep’s innovative competition breaks traditional boundaries with no rules—only creative expression. Local talent Mia Hartley is expected to attempt her groundbreaking “double tailwhip backflip.”
• Rugby Championship at Twickenham (October 4): South Africa vs. Argentina headlines a historic London-based clash, marking the first Southern Hemisphere fixture held in Europe since 2019.
• UFC London (March 22, The O2): Leon Edwards faces Jack Della Maddalena in a crucial welterweight eliminator, with the winner likely challenging for the title at July’s International Fight Week.

Looking Ahead

As March approaches, we can expect the Six Nations and Champions Trophy to reach thrilling conclusions. Strategic brilliance, not just raw talent, will ultimately separate the champions from the contenders.

Stay tuned for our upcoming deep dive into the Paris 2025 Olympic qualifiers and Formula 1’s regulatory changes that promise to reshape both competitions.

What sporting events are you most looking forward to in the coming weeks? Let us know in the comments below!

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