What is known about the Brazilian coronavirus variant?
A new coronavirus variant has been identified in Brazil, raising questions about whether it could cause more severe disease, or be immune to current vaccines.
South Africa
Lions fans start petition urging for tour of South Africa to be held in 2022
Lions supporters have started a petition calling for this summer’s tour to South Africa to be postponed to 2022 rather than being staged in the UK and Ireland.
Africa tops three million confirmed coronavirus cases
Africa has passed the milestone of three million confirmed cases of Covid-19, including more than 72,000 deaths, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Staging South Africa series on home soil among Lions’ Covid-19 contingency plans
The Lions playing their series against South Africa in the UK and Ireland is one of three contingency plans under consideration in case this summer’s tour is called off because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Six Nations organisers ‘planning for tournament to go ahead as scheduled’
Six Nations organisers have confirmed the 2021 Championship will take place in February and March as planned in response to suggestions it could be moved to the summer.
South African coronavirus variant not anticipated to beat vaccine – Expert
The new South African coronavirus variant is not anticipated to bypass the protection of current vaccines, an expert has said.
Lions chief reveals talks taking place on future of summer South Africa tour
The British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa has been placed in doubt after managing director Ben Calveley revealed talks are being held over its viability.
What is on the schedule for sport fans in 2021?
Sport is hoping for a happy new year after 12 months of uncertainty when the coronavirus pandemic brought delays, postponements and cancellations to the 2020 calendar.
Star cricketer Solo Nqweni hopes to return to north-east after recovery from rare illness
A star cricketer who was struck down by a rare illness has revealed he wants to return to the game he loves – and the north-east.
Half of new coronavirus cases in England could be mutant strain – ONS
Around half of all new coronavirus cases in England could be the new variant discovered in the UK, according to analysis by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Another new variant of coronavirus ’emerges in Nigeria’
Another new variant of coronavirus appears to have emerged in Nigeria, but further investigation is needed, Africa’s leading public health official has said.
Travel ban on South Africa arrivals over another new Covid strain
The Government has implemented a travel ban on passengers arriving in England from South Africa after two cases of another new strain of Covid-19 linked to the country were identified in the UK.
New coronavirus strain behind surge in cases in South Africa discovered in UK
A “highly concerning” new variant of the Covid-19 virus which is believed to spread easier than the mutant strain that resulted in the creation of the new Tier 4 restrictions has been discovered in the UK, Matt Hancock has said.
Film about surfer who lost brother to shark attack wins competition
A surfer who lost his brother to a shark attack said he hopes to inspire others with a short film which won what was billed as the world’s largest competition for shorts.
Being too lax with England requests our only failing, claims acting CSA chief
The acting head of Cricket South Africa has offered a combative assessment over England’s abandoned one-day tour, absolving the home board of any blame beyond “being too lax with the English”.
Coronavirus vaccine inequality criticised by African health official
Coronavirus cases are surging across Africa while people in richer countries are being vaccinated against Covid-19.
BAT lowers expected pandemic hit after South Africa lifts cigarette ban
Cigarette giant British American Tobacco believes it will take a smaller hit from the pandemic than previously thought after South Africa ended a ban on cigarette sales early.
England’s two ‘unconfirmed positives’ given coronavirus all-clear in Cape Town
Two members of England’s touring party in South Africa who returned “unconfirmed positives” for Covid-19 over the weekend have been given the all-clear after independent analysis of follow-up tests.
Eddie Jones’ England to host South Africa and Australia in autumn 2021
England will face their World Cup conquerors South Africa as part of a three-Test campaign at Twickenham next autumn.
England await follow-up Covid test results after South Africa series cancelled
England’s tour of South Africa was cancelled on Monday due to a mounting sense of anxiety about the presence of coronavirus in the team hotel, leaving two members of the travelling party awaiting the results of follow-up tests.
ECB insists safety and health of England squad not compromised by nets switch
The England and Wales Cricket Board insists its decision to use alternative net facilities at Newlands “did not compromise the safety and health” of the squad on their abandoned tour of South Africa.
England players to be offered ‘mental-health screening’ ahead of future tours
England players will be offered “mental health screening” before committing to any further tours this winter after the one-day series in South Africa was cancelled due to concerns over a coronavirus outbreak inside the team’s bubble.
England tour of South Africa abandoned due to coronavirus concerns
England’s tour of South Africa has been abandoned “to ensure the mental and physical health” of both sides following concerns over a coronavirus outbreak at the teams’ shared base near Cape Town.
England tour of South Africa abandoned due to coronavirus concerns
England’s tour of South Africa has been abandoned due to concerns over a Covid-19 outbreak, the PA news agency understands.
Tom Curran pulls out of Big Bash League as bubble life takes it toll
Tom Curran has become the latest England player to withdraw from the Big Bash League citing bubble fatigue.
England tour of South Africa at risk of cancellation after latest postponement
England’s tour of South Africa is in danger of being abandoned after further coronavirus chaos forced planned matches on Sunday and Monday to be called off.
England’s South Africa tour suffers another false start as second ODI called off
England’s tour of South Africa descended into further disarray as Monday’s one-day international at Newlands was called off, the third time the start of the series has been delayed following an apparent Covid-19 outbreak.
South Africa tour in danger as England return ‘unconfirmed positive’ Covid tests
England’s tour of South Africa could be abandoned if two “unconfirmed” cases of Covid-19 in their camp are verified, with difficult decisions ahead not just about the series but also what the team does next.
South Africa tour in danger as England return ‘unconfirmed positive’ Covid tests
England’s one-day series against South Africa was on the verge of cancellation after two members of the touring party received “unconfirmed positive tests” for Covid-19 and the opening match was abandoned for the second time.
England ODI tour in serious doubt as opener abandoned after hotel Covid scare
England’s one-day tour against South Africa was plunged into fresh doubt after Sunday’s rescheduled series opener was abandoned following a coronavirus scare at the team hotel.