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Rugby Union: Shorn of 16 men selected for the British and Irish Lions, England coach Eddie Jones (picture) yesterday named 15 un-capped players in his 31-man squad for the two-test tour of Argentina in June. Dylan Hartley, beaten to Lions selection by his England understudy Jamie George, will captain the side with support from experienced vice-captains Mike Brown, Danny Care and George Ford. A core of other experienced players, including James Haskell, Joe Launchbury, Jonny May and former captain Chris Robshaw, are also included.
Cricket: Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc and batsman Chris Lynn have been named as part of a formidable squad for next month’s Champions Trophy in England and Wales despite nursing injuries. Starc was forced to pull out midway through the India tour last month with a fractured foot while Lynn has been sidelined with a shoulder injury during the Indian Premier League. Both are expected to be fit for Australia’s opener on June 2 against New Zealand.
Athletics: Former Olympic high jumper Germaine Mason has died after a motorcycle crash, according to Jamaican police. The 34-year-old won silver for Great Britain at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing after changing his allegiance from Jamaica in 2006. The Jamaica Constabulary wrote on Twitter: “Germaine Mason, 34, Jamaican-born athlete and former national high jumper, died in a motorcycle crash this morning.” Reports have claimed he was riding in a convoy with a number of athletes when he lost control of his bike.
Motor Racing: British Formula Four driver Billy Monger has had his lower legs amputated after a horrific crash at the Donington Park circuit on Sunday, series organisers said yesterday. The 17-year-old, who smashed at speed into the back of another car that had halted on the track, was trapped in the wreckage for more than 90 minutes before being extricated and flown to hospital. A crowd-funding site was set up to raise funds for the teenager’s medical treatment and recovery, with Formula One drivers joining the motorsport community in expressing support on Twitter.
Cycling: Simon Yates will return to the Tour de France this summer after missing last year’s event due to a failed drugs test. The 24-year-old from Bury will race alongside Orica-Scott team-mate Esteban Chaves at this year’s Tour, the team announced yesterday. The Colombian had been expected to carry the team’s general classification hopes but Yates’ inclusion means they effectively now plan to make a two-pronged attack on the overall podium.