Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga has urged his financially stricken team to go out on a high as the Super Rugby club prepare to play their final match, barring a last-minute reprieve.

Tunisian international Ali Abdi on Thursday received the backing of his French club Nice amid a "barrage of threats" for joining his national team before the Ligue 1's side crucial play-off.

Serena Williams' reported future doubles partner Victoria Mboko says it is up to the tennis great to announce a potential comeback to the sport next month.

Lionel Messi will captain Argentina at the World Cup, national coach Lionel Scaloni announced on Thursday as he unveiled his 26-man squad.

Jannik Sinner succumbed to illness and a remarkable Juan Manuel Cerundolo comeback to crash out of the French Open on Thursday, blowing the men's tournament wide open, as Aryna Sabalenka safely avoided a similar fate.