https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rssVisit now for the latest news direct from The Independent Sport and updated throughout the dayen-gbCopyright 2026, Independent Digital News & Media LtdSun, 09 Aug 2026 05:02:24 GMT2026-08-09T05:02:24Zen-gbIndependent Digital News & Media Ltd or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/royce-white-transgender-wnba-b3029814.html<p>Royce White’s announcement is the second by a former NBA player in recent days since the WNBA star renewed the debate about transgender athletes in women’s sports</p>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 22:12:27 GMTb3029814APFormer NBA player and U.S. Senate candidate Royce White announced Saturday that he plans to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft amid controversy over the league’s transgender eligibility policies - (AP)Erin Keller2026-08-08T22:12:27+00:00US politicsAmericasWorld<div class="sc-14x1gfp-0 fCHrkm sc-14x1gfp-1" id="main" morss_own_score="5.612903225806452" morss_score="81.34940345050222"><aside><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/insideWashington1_1.png"><h3>Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox</h3><h3>Get our free Inside Washington email</h3><h3>Get our free Inside Washington email</h3><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/insideWashington1_1.png"><p>I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html">Privacy notice</a></p></aside><p>He didn’t score many points in his brief stint in the pros — but an ex-NBA player running for Congress appears to be going to great lengths to make one.</p><p>Former <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/us-sport/james-harden-misdemeanor-gun-charge-dismissed-texas-judge-b3029604.html" title="James Harden’s misdemeanor gun charge dismissed by Texas judge">NBA</a> bust and current <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/trump-michigan-senate-rigged-fraud-b3029782.html" title="Trump makes baseless claim that Michigan Senate race was ‘rigged’">Republican</a> Senate candidate <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/royce-white-klobuchar-senate-gop-b2596291.html">Royce White</a> has announced plans to enter the 2027 <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/lynx-minneapolis-indiana-minnesota-espn-b3026091.html" title="Rallies surround Fever-Lynx game after Sophie Cunningham's stance on transgender athletes">WNBA</a> Draft, claiming he now identifies as <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/transgender-ruling-guidance-summer-sex-samantha-niblett-antoniazzi-b3028651.html" title="MP who called for ‘summer of sex’ in row with fellow Labour MP over single-sex guidance">transgender</a> — for athletic purposes, anyway. </p><p>“I’m transgender. I’m a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purpose of <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/basketball">basketball</a>, professional basketball, so I’ll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027 as well,” White, 35, <a href="https://x.com/FoxNews/status/2085913583502680126?s=20">told Fox News</a> Saturday.</p><p>White’s announcement comes one day after former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom, who is a man, said he also plans to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. Freedom’s statement followed comments from WNBA player <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/us-sport/sophie-cunningham-transgender-athletes-washington-rally-b3023712.html">Sophie Cunningham about transgender athletes</a> that renewed a heated debate on the <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/wnba-indiana-seattle-portland-minneapolis-b3025699.html">league’s policies</a> for transgender players. It also comes as President Donald Trump has made barring transgender women from from competing in women’s sports.</p><p>White, a 6’8” forward who played just three games in the NBA, all in 2014, continued Saturday, “I think I’d be unstoppable. But I’m a team-first guy. I’m a pass-first kind of player. I do the little things. I led my team in all five major stat categories at Iowa State University, so I do a little bit of everything. I’ll do whatever the coach needs me to do. I’ll do whatever the <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/a-level-results-grades-boys-girls-b3029402.html" title="Boys set to outperform girls in top A-level grades this year, expert predicts">girls</a> need me to do.”</p><figure><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/08/08/19/download.-2."><figcaption>Former NBA player and U.S. Senate candidate Royce White announced Saturday that he plans to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft amid controversy over the league’s transgender eligibility policies<span> (AP)</span></figcaption></figure><p>“I think it’s only fair,” he added.</p><p>Freedom said he reviewed the WNBA’s eligibility rules before announcing his plans to enter the league and believes he meets the requirements to play.</p><p>The WNBA’s 2026 collective bargaining agreement states in<a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=44681X1458326&amp;xcust=b3029814&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fsports.yahoo.com%2Farticles%2Fwnba-rulebook-actually-says-enes-214402919.html&amp;sref=/news/world/americas/us-politics/royce-white-transgender-wnba-b3029814.html"> Article XIII</a> that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.” However, the 409-page agreement does not define what qualifies as a “woman” for eligibility purposes.</p><p>Following Freedom’s announcement, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbvzUCKRLEr/">said in a statement</a>: “We embrace justice equity, diversity, and inclusion. Those are the values that unite this Union and allow it to protect women’s sports while creating transformational change.”</p><p>“Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations,” the group added in the Instagram post. “But we will not be used as political pawns.”</p><p>White said Saturday that the WNBA could end the controversy by clearly stating its policy on whether males are eligible to compete in women’s sports.</p><p>“I think the WNBA could come out and make a definitive statement about guys with a pair of balls playing in the Women’s Association,” he said, adding he will continue moving forward in his draft bid unless the league addresses the controversial issue.</p><p>In a memo obtained by the Associated Press, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told teams that a discussion about the inclusion of trans athletes “will continue to receive significant attention.”</p><p>“I wanted to reach out to share how we are approaching these conversations at the league office and to thank those of you who have responded to questions from the media with thoughtfulness and professionalism,” she wrote Friday.</p><p>“We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic, and we will continue to have important conversations with all of you and the Players Association in the weeks and months ahead,” Engelbert continued. “We also plan to convene additional discussions and offer listening sessions for any team leaders who would like to participate. Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts.”</p><figure><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/08/08/19/1239778623.."><figcaption>Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom was the first to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft on Friday<span> (AFP/Getty)</span></figcaption></figure><figure><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/08/08/19/2289515081.."><figcaption>The WNBA’s transgender athlete debate intensified in July after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham criticized trans participation in women’s sports<span> (Getty)</span></figcaption></figure><p>White further claimed he could take legal action if he is not drafted or signed by a WNBA team.</p><p>“I have to file a discrimination lawsuit, right? I mean, that’s, that’s ridiculous,” he told Fox News. “We’re gonna have to have a huge legal battle about discrimination if I can’t play.”</p><p>White was selected 16th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2012 NBA Draft out of Iowa State but never played for the team because of severe anxiety and a fear of flying.</p><p>Nowadays, he is running in Minnesota’s August 11 Republican primary for U.S. Senate. White previously ran as the Republican nominee against Democratic <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/mike-lindell-mypillow-minnesota-governor-b3028165.html" title="Mike Lindell quits MyPillow so he can focus on his run for Minnesota governor">Sen. Amy Klobuchar </a>in 2024 but lost the general election.</p><p>The debate over transgender athletes in the WNBA intensified last month after Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/lynx-minneapolis-indiana-minnesota-espn-b3026091.html">criticized trans participation </a>in women’s sports.</p><p>“I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men,” Cunningham told <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/c/1259348/531511/9070?clickref=b3029814%7CPLACEHOLDER_WEB&amp;u=https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/49538591/amid-tension-cunningham-says-wants-get-back-basketball">ESPN</a>, later doubling down on her comments, claiming they were “common sense.”</p><p><em>The Independent</em> has contacted the WNBA and WNBPA for comment. </p></div>https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fifa-gianni-infantino-uefa-football-world-cup-b3029848.html<p>Infantino has faced calls to resign over an abandoned plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup</p>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 22:11:27 GMTb3029848APFifa president Gianni Infantino is under pressure - (AP)Harry Latham-Coyle2026-08-08T22:11:27+00:00FootballSport<div class="sc-14x1gfp-0 fCHrkm sc-14x1gfp-1" id="main" morss_own_score="5.444564047362756" morss_score="49.400748117489854"><aside><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/InsideSport1_1.png"><h3>Inside Sport newsletter: Get an expert guide to the biggest moments shaping the world of sport</h3><h3>Get our free Inside Sport newsletter</h3><h3>Get our free Inside Sport newsletter</h3><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/InsideSport1_1.png"><p>I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html">Privacy notice</a></p></aside><p>Fifa has hit out at what it described as attempts to “undermine” its embattled president, <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/gianni-infantino">Gianni Infantino</a>.</p><p><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/gianni-infantino-fifa-norway-lise-klaveness-b3029295.html" title="Gianni Infantino told ‘there is no way back’ as Norway chief urges him to quit">Infantino has faced calls to resign from his role</a> in the aftermath of a saga that saw him abandon a proposed plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup and other Fifa competitions.</p><p>That proposal brought the threat of a boycott from Uefa, European football’s governing body, with England’s Football Association (FA) among those to <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/gianni-infantino-fa-no-confidence-fifa-support-b3028659.html">officially withdraw their support for the Fifa president.</a></p><p>Infantino is due to seek re-election in March of next year. <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/who-support-gianni-infantino-fifa-president-uefa-boycott-b3029205.html" title="Who is supporting Gianni Infantino? Every country’s stance on Fifa president crisis">He has received backing from South American body Conmebol</a> and the Confederation of African Football (Caf).</p><figure><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/08/08/22/download.."><figcaption>Fifa president Gianni Infantino is under pressure<span> (AP)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Infantino succeeded Sepp Blatter as president of <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/fifa">Fifa i</a>n February 2016 having previously served as Uefa’s general secretary for seven years.</p><p><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/gianni-infantino">Infantino</a> has <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/gianni-infantino-uefa-lover-paid-off-mistress-fifa-b3029694.html">strongly denied a claim made by <em>The Telegraph</em></a><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/uefa">Uefa</a> paid off his alleged lover with a six-figure sum during his time working at European football’s governing body, and has now been given fresh backing by Fifa.</p><p>“Echoing the recent statements of Conmebol and Caf, as well as discussions with Fifa Member Associations and Confederations from around the world, Fifa will not support, facilitate or tolerate any process concerning the election of the Fifa President that is inconsistent with Fifa’s Statutes, democratic procedures and established governance framework,” a Fifa spokesperson said. “The Fifa President was democratically elected by Fifa’s Member Associations and continues to serve with their mandate.</p><figure><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/08/08/09/88a184db5d84aa360dd6cd8fc6b5bda4Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzg2MjU5NDI0-2.85488909.jpg"><figcaption>Fifa’s management board backed Infantino at a meeting in Morocco on Wednesday (Sam Corum/PA)<span> (PA Wire)</span></figcaption></figure><p>“It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine Fifa and its President. Those who do not have the support of FIFA’s Member Associations should not seek to achieve through allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through Fifa’s established democratic processes.</p><p>“Recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning Fifa and its President. Speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and repetition does not make an allegation true.</p><p>“The Fifa President has dedicated more than 30 years of his professional life to European and world football, contributing to significant change in the game and, in particular, to broadening access, resources and opportunity across world football. Change inevitably challenges established interests, but disagreement with that change cannot justify efforts to undermine the democratic mandate of Fifa’s President or the institution he was elected to lead.</p><p>“Fifa welcomes legitimate scrutiny. But scrutiny is not a licence to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations or manufacture distractions designed to undermine progress. Where reporting is inaccurate or misleading, Fifa will challenge it directly and vigorously.</p><p>“Fifa’s responsibility is to its 211 Member Associations and to football around the world. We will not be distracted or diverted from strengthening the organisation, delivering for our Member Associations and continuing the work of making football truly global. Through the FIfa President and the Fifa administration, our focus remains firmly on that mission, and we are more determined than ever to fulfil it.”</p><p>Uefa has said that its threat to boycott remains in place despite the abandonment of the sell-off plans.</p><p>Fifa’s management board backed Infantino at a meeting in Morocco on Wednesday.</p></div>https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/argentina-south-africa-live-score-result-springboks-b3029320.html<p><strong>Argentina 10-17 South Africa: </strong>A sloppy performance did not prove costly as the Springboks held firm at the last</p>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:48:49 GMTb3029320APHarry Latham-Coyle2026-08-08T21:48:49+00:00Rugby UnionRugbySport<div class="sc-14x1gfp-0 fCHrkm sc-14x1gfp-1" id="main" morss_own_score="5.339622641509434" morss_score="14.676104997719493"><figure><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/08/08/20/download.-1."><figcaption><span>(AP)</span></figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/south-africa-rugby">South Africa</a> just about clung on for a 17-10 victory over a depleted <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/argentina-rugby">Argentina</a> in Buenos Aires – though were dealt a huge injury scare <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/south-africa-new-zealand-springboks-all-blacks-schedule-fixtures-watch-b3026409.html">ahead of four Tests against New Zealand.</a></p><p>The <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/springboks">Springboks</a> continued their winning streak with a hard-fought win secured by a last goalline stand on a day where both sides failed to fire in attack and defences dominated. Argentina, missing plenty of regular starters, could take huge credit from a strong showing though were left to rue a series of missed opportunities and a faltering second-half set-piece.</p><p><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/rassie-erasmus">Rassie Erasmus</a> will not have been best pleased by the overall Springboks showing with the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks to come over the next few weeks, and watched <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/siya-kolisi">Siya Kolisi</a> limp off in the first half. Will the <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/siya-kolisi-injury-update-south-africa-springboks-b3029847.html" title="Siya Kolisi suffers hamstring injury in huge blow to South Africa ahead of New Zealand series">captain be fit for the marquee matches against New Zealand?</a></p><p><strong><em>Follow all of the latest from the international clash with our live blog below:</em></strong></p><span>Recommended</span><div class="sc-q414ag-0 iionWt" morss_own_score="2.1475409836065573" morss_score="29.72935916542474"><aside><h3>Argentina vs South Africa LIVE</h3></aside><h2>Siya Kolisi suffers hamstring injury in huge blow to South Africa ahead of New Zealand series</h2><p>Could Siya Kolisi miss the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tests?</p><figure><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/08/08/20/2284153487..?trim=0,326,0,326&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800&amp;crop=1200:800"></figure><h3><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/siya-kolisi-injury-update-south-africa-springboks-b3029847.html">Kolisi suffers injury in huge blow to South Africa ahead of New Zealand series</a></h3><div>Kolisi was forced off in the first half of the narrow win over Argentina</div><span>Harry Latham-Coyle</span><span>8 August 2026 22:25</span><h2>Siya Kolisi reacts to South Africa's win</h2><p>“It was a tough game, exactly what we expected. A lot of us are coming back from injuries, so we knew the chemistry and cohesion would not be there. They are very similar to us, that’s why we love coming here.</p><p>“We are looking forward to the upcoming games, it is going to be really tough. This was great preparation for that. The people of Argentina have been amazing to us. They always show so much love to us as a team.</p><p>“I hurt my hamstring again, unfortunately. I’ll go for a scan and see how far it is. It’s really tough, but I can’t be sad about it. There’s nothing I can do now but go for a scan and see how long I’ll be out for.”</p><span>Harry Latham-Coyle</span><span>8 August 2026 22:14</span><h2>FT: Argentina 10-17 South Africa</h2><p>A few relieved faces in the South Africa ranks – they got away with one, there, both in those final knockings and overall on a day where they failed to find fluency. The depleted Argentina side can be proud of their performance, particularly defensively, though must rue what might have been.</p><span>Harry Latham-Coyle</span><span>8 August 2026 22:06</span><h2>FT: Argentina 10-17 South Africa</h2><figure><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/08/08/21/2288901624.."><figcaption><span>(Getty)</span></figcaption></figure><span>Harry Latham-Coyle</span><span>8 August 2026 22:05</span><h2>Argentina 10-17 South Africa, 83 minutes</h2><p>Shades of the end of the England game as Argentina knock on the door. Is there space out wide? Knocked on! South Africa survive! <strong>Cover was coming but Matias Moroni might have got there, had the veteran not found the pass to him too hot to handle!</strong></p><span>Harry Latham-Coyle</span><span>8 August 2026 22:04</span><h2>Argentina 10-17 South Africa, 82 minutes</h2><p>Leonel Oviedo totes it up and sets the stage. Here come the forwards, and the tireless Faustino Sanchez Valarolo from inside centre, too. Oviedo again, making a metre. 10 phases, now 11, but no major metreage made. </p><span>Harry Latham-Coyle</span><span>8 August 2026 22:03</span><h2>Argentina 10-17 South Africa, 81 minutes</h2><p>A penalty under the posts, perhaps harshly, goes against South Africa. It looked like Argentina might have been in at the side first.</p><p>No matter. What do Argentina do? Surely not a scrum? Tap and go? <strong>Yes, off they go! </strong></p><span>Harry Latham-Coyle</span><span>8 August 2026 22:02</span><h2>Argentina 10-17 South Africa, 80 minutes</h2><p>Into the last minute...<strong>and a brilliant 50:22 from Argentina captain Pablo Matera! </strong>A piece of genius from the flanker, spotting space and exploiting with a cultured left boot. Who knew he had that in him?</p><p>A lineout, then 10 metres out, and a last chance to level...</p><span>Harry Latham-Coyle</span><span>8 August 2026 22:00</span><h2>Argentina 10-17 South Africa, 79 minutes</h2><p>Argentina successfully extract the ball from the scrum with haste, and spread the ball away to the left. Edwill van der Merwe covers across, and Canan Moodie is then there to prevent Matias Moroni’s in-field offload finding a teammate.</p><p>It was Moodie with the last touch, though. Argentina’s lineout as we enter the final 90 seconds.</p><span>Harry Latham-Coyle</span><span>8 August 2026 21:59</span><h2>Argentina 10-17 South Africa, 78 minutes</h2><p>Argentina have got some joy with the kick-pass today, a tactic that teams like the All Blacks have used successfully against this Springboks blitz defence in the past. Santiago Carreras nearly finds Rodrigo Isgro with the latest example, and Pablo Matera scoops up in support, though Ethan Hooker stays with the flanker and scrags him. A knock-on each way will tick more time away as South Africa edge closer to victory.</p><span>Harry Latham-Coyle</span><span>8 August 2026 21:57</span><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/argentina-south-africa-live-score-result-springboks-b3029320.html?page=1" title="Previous page"><span>Newer</span></a><aside><span>1</span> / 9</aside><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/argentina-south-africa-live-score-result-springboks-b3029320.html?page=2" title="Next page"><span>Older</span></a></div></div>https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/siya-kolisi-injury-update-south-africa-springboks-b3029847.html<p>Kolisi was forced off in the first half of the narrow win over Argentina</p>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:47:12 GMTb3029847GettySiya Kollisi could be set to miss the Springboks’ four Tests against New Zealand - (Getty)Harry Latham-Coyle2026-08-08T21:47:12+00:00Rugby UnionRugbySport<div class="sc-14x1gfp-0 fCHrkm sc-14x1gfp-1" id="main" morss_own_score="5.405940594059406" morss_score="37.697410648505866"><aside><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/InsideSport1_1.png"><h3>Inside Sport newsletter: Get an expert guide to the biggest moments shaping the world of sport</h3><h3>Get our free Inside Sport newsletter</h3><h3>Get our free Inside Sport newsletter</h3><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/InsideSport1_1.png"><p>I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html">Privacy notice</a></p></aside><p><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/siya-kolisi">Siya Kolisi</a> has emerged as a major doubt for <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/south-africa-rugby">South Africa rugby</a>’s series against New Zealand rugby after suffering a hamstring injury.</p><p>Kolisi was forced off in discomfort in the 25th minute of the <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/springboks">Springboks</a>’ 17-10 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires, with the veteran flanker grasping at the back of his leg.</p><p>The 35-year-old has already missed three Tests this year with a hamstring issue, withdrawing late ahead of the <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/south-africa-england-springboks-result-nations-championship-borthwick-b3009012.html">Nations Championship game against England</a> and then missing subsequent clashes with Scotland and Wales.</p><figure><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/08/08/22/2288906980.."><figcaption>Siya Kolisi suffered an injury against Argentina<span> (Getty)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Kolisi now faces scans on a possible recurrence of the injury with just two weeks until South Africa play the first of four Tests against the All Blacks.</p><p>“I hurt my hamstring again, unfortunately,” Kolisi said to the host broadcaster in Argentina. “I’ll go for a scan and see how it is. </p><p>“It’s really tough, but I can’t be sad about it. There’s nothing I can do now but go for a scan and see how long I’ll be out for.”</p><p>Rassie Erasmus had been pleased to be able to return Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to his starting side for the game against Argentina, though saw his side look rusty in a clunky attacking performance.</p><figure><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/08/08/21/2288901624.."><figcaption>South Africa overcame Argentina<span> (Getty)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Tries from Edwill van der ​Merwe ⁠and Cameron Hanekom proved enough for victory after Benjamin Grondona had struck early for the hosts, who had several first-choice players unavailable because of club commitments in Europe.</p><p>Marco van Staden replaced Kolisi after his injury and is his likely replacement on the openside flank if the Springboks skipper misses part or all of the All Blacks series.</p><p>The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour brings together the two southern hemisphere heavyweights in a series of this kind for the first time in 30 years, with t<a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/south-africa-new-zealand-springboks-all-blacks-schedule-fixtures-watch-b3026409.html">hree Tests held on South African soiil and a fourth in Baltimore in September.</a></p></div>https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/nfl/roger-craig-vascular-dementia-hall-of-fame-b3029849.html<p>Craig said his doctors believe ‘it may be related, at least in part, to the concussions’ from his playing career</p>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:24:10 GMTb3029849Nick Cammett/Getty ImagesCraig was selected from the seniors category and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 - (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)Rob Maaddi2026-08-08T21:24:10+00:00NFLSport<div class="sc-14x1gfp-0 fCHrkm sc-14x1gfp-1" id="main" morss_own_score="5.793340987370838" morss_score="52.631022146791125"><aside><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/InsideSport1_1.png"><h3>Inside Sport newsletter: Get an expert guide to the biggest moments shaping the world of sport</h3><h3>Get our free Inside Sport newsletter</h3><h3>Get our free Inside Sport newsletter</h3><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/InsideSport1_1.png"><p>I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html">Privacy notice</a></p></aside><p>Former <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/san-francisco-49ers">San Francisco 49ers</a> star<a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/nfl/robert-kraft-bill-belichick-patriots-hall-of-fame-b2913079.html" title="Patriots owner Robert Kraft misses out on Hall of Fame after Bill Belichick snub"> Roger Craig</a> revealed during his <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/nfl/ahman-green-parkinsons-disease-green-bay-packers-b3024789.html" title="Packers great Ahman Green, 49, reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis">Pro Football Hall of Fame</a> induction speech that he has vascular <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/dementia">dementia</a>.</p><p>He spoke in a prerecorded video from the stage at Tom Benson Stadium Saturday, wearing his gold jacket. Presented by Jamie Williams, he received a standing ovation and embraces from fellow Hall of Famers.</p><p>Nearly eight minutes into his nine-minute address, Craig announced his <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/diagnosis">diagnosis</a>, stating doctors believe it "may be related, at least in part, to concussions" from his playing career.</p><p>"The changes were gradual," Craig said. "At first, easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed, too."</p><figure><img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/08/08/22/2026-08-08T202916Z_1521751734_MT1USATODAY29544010_RTRMADP_3_NFL-PRO-FOOTBALL-HALL-OF-FAME-CLASS-OF-2.JPG"><figcaption>Selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 1983 draft as a fullback out of Nebraska, Craig became one of the most versatile players in league history<span> (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Symptoms of vascular dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic, include confusion; trouble finding the right words; difficulty paying attention; trouble organizing thoughts or actions; difficulty planning and following through with plans; slowed thinking; uncertainty about what to do next; and memory issues.</p><p>“Two things could be true,” Craig said. “Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I can imagine. It helped shape the man I became. At the same time, we know more today about brain health than when I played. I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.</p><p>“I want people to know that this diagnosis doesn’t define me. I am still Roger Craig. I am still a father, still a husband, a teammate, a friend and someone who loves this game and the people who brought it to my life. If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it’s worth it. Football gave me everything: opportunity, discipline, lifelong friends and the platform to grow as a man. This honor belongs to my parents who started it all.”</p><p>Selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 1983 draft as a fullback out of Nebraska, Craig became one of the most versatile players in league history.</p><p>He excelled as a runner, receiver and blocker, helping the 49ers win three of their five Super Bowls.</p><p>In 1985, Craig became the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in a season. He was the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988.</p><p>“When I learned that Bill Walsh wanted me, that meant something because he saw something in me that others didn’t,” Craig said. “He didn’t just want a running back, he wanted a complete football player. He trusted me to do whatever the team needed. That’s why a 1,000-yard rushing, 1,000-yard receiving season means so much to me. We weren’t chasing numbers. We were chasing wins. I didn’t realize I was making history. It just felt like we were doing something special as a team. Looking back, I can appreciate how difficult it is and how few players have done it since.</p><p>“What means the most is knowing we helped expand what people thought a running back could be. None of that happens without great teammates. What made those 49ers teams special: We weren’t selfish. We didn’t care who got the credit. We cared about winning.”</p><p>Craig was selected from the seniors category and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 with Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri.</p></div>