Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 28 October 12:30 pm

Good day, let’s look at the latest sports news and scores:

# First up we have rugby: Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi signed a one-year contract with the Stormers following his release from his contract with the Sharks due to disciplinary issues. The Stormers are experiencing a hooker crisis following injuries to André-Hugo Venter, Deon Fourie and Lukhanyo Vokozela, while JJ Kotzé is serving a ban. Veteran number two Scarra Ntubeni, who retired last season, is training with the team this week and could be considered in case of another injury before Saturday’s United Rugby Championship home match against Ulster.

More rugby, 37-year-old Kurtley Beale is back in the Wallabies’ squad for the first time since 2024. He is among three additions for the Nations Championship Northern Series. The 95-Test-capped Beale replaces Hunter Paisami, who is unavailable due to personal reasons. James Ramm is the latest uncapped prospect to receive a call-up, while Kalani Thomas is also back in the touring group. Australia will face England at Twickenham next month before taking on Scotland and Wales ahead of the championship finals in London.

# Tennis: World number two Alexander Zverev survived four match points to beat Spain’s Martin Landaluce and reach the Vienna Open’s round of 16. If the German reaches the quarterfinals, he will become world number one for the first time in his career on Monday, overtaking Italian Jannik Sinner. Seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz defeated Russian Karen Khachanov in their first-round meeting. Italian Flavio Cobolli and American Tommy Paul also advanced to the round of 16.

Meanwhile, Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka ended his professional career after 24 years. The 41-year-old played his last match at the Basel Open in his home country, losing to Czech player Jiří Lehečka in the round of 32. Wawrinka turned professional in 2002 and won three Grand Slam tournaments – the Australian Open in 2014, the French Open the next year, and the US Open in 2016. He reached his highest world ranking of third in January 2014. Wawrinka will still participate in an exhibition tournament in Geneva in December.

# And lastly, soccer: France and Real Madrid’s forward, Kylian Mbappé, has apologised for what he described as ill-judged comments after he was accused of disrespecting China and the Chinese people. He referred to the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a dictator. This resulted in Mbappé losing brand deals with three different Chinese companies: beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy giant Mengniu and cheese maker Milkground. Mbappé says it was not his intention to hurt anyone, emphasising he has deep respect for the Chinese people and their history.

Stay tuned for more news………….