Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 19 June 12:30 pm

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

# We kick off with rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says they are well on track with preparations for their clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town next Saturday. The Boks are close to being a full contingent of players following the arrival of the Bulls players, Leinster lock RG Snyman, and Leicester Tigers flyhalf Handre Pollard, after their involvement in the United Rugby Championship and Premiership finals last weekend. Erasmus says some of the players are also making a strong return from injury:

Meanwhile, the organisers of the clash have released new blocks of tickets to mark South Africa’s 1995 World Cup victory. The victory 30 years ago will resonate with a flyover by a jumbo jet when the Boks kick off their season. The “95 Remembered” category of tickets at 950-rand each is now available for seats on the northern and southern pavillions. The Boks beat the All Blacks 15-12 at Ellis Park on 24 June 1995.

# Motorsport: Governing body, the FIA, has approved Kyalami in Johannesburg’s upgrade plans to become Africa’s only Grade 1 circuit, paving the way for Formula One to return to South African soil. The upgrades, estimated to cost around 180-million-rand, will not alter the track layout, but include modifications to meet modern safety and technical standards. The FIA has given the circuit a three-year window to complete the upgrades. Kyalami hosted 21 Grand Prix races from 1967 to ’93.

# Netball: The world governing body announced plans for a World Cup every two years instead of the current four because of uncertainty over the future of the Commonwealth Games. The Games’ organisers are struggling to find host cities because of escalating costs. The next World Cup is set to take place in Australia in two year’s time. World Netball says they want to grow the sport over the long term. It also announced plans to introduce a men’s World Cup since the men’s game is gaining momentum rapidly.

# And finally, tennis: The US Open is introducing a different format to the mixed doubles event this year, and a host of big names already committed to playing. It will take place over two days before the main tournament starts on the 24th of August, with the organisers hoping this will attract more high-profile singles players. Among the entries received so far are Spanish world number two Carlos Alcaraz, who plans to team up with Britain’s Emma Raducano, world number one, Jannik Sinner of Italy, and Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

Stay tuned for more news………….