Sharks sign All Blacks legend Ma’a Nonu

The Sharks have secured one of rugby’s most decorated players, with two-time Rugby World Cup winner Ma’a Nonu joining the Durban-based franchise in a unique mentorship role ahead of the new season. iwanktv.club

The 44-year-old former All Blacks centre, who earned 103 Test caps for New Zealand, will spend the next few months with the Sharks as part of a high-performance programme designed to accelerate the development of the club’s emerging talent.

Nonu to mentor Sharks’ next generation

Rather than arriving as a marquee signing, Nonu will primarily serve as a mentor and leadership figure, working alongside head coach JP Pietersen and the coaching staff to strengthen the Sharks’ high-performance culture.

The former Toulon, Hurricanes and Blues star will help develop a number of promising outside backs, including Jurenzo Julius, Jaco Williams and Zekhethelo Siyaya.

However, according to reports, Nonu remains available for selection if required, potentially providing experienced cover at inside centre while Springbok star André Esterhuizen is away on international duty.

Pietersen: ‘He leaves standards’

Pietersen, who faced Nonu numerous times during their Springbok-All Blacks rivalry before later becoming team-mates at Toulon, believes the New Zealander’s influence will extend well beyond the training field.

“The best players don’t just leave memories, they leave standards. That’s what Ma’a brings.

“Every conversation, every training session and every interaction is an opportunity for our players to learn what excellence looks like.”

‘A chance to give back’

Nonu said the opportunity to work with one of South Africa’s biggest rugby brands appealed immediately.

“The Sharks are one of the world’s most iconic rugby clubs and Durban has always been a special place for me to travel to.

“One of my earliest away matches in Super Rugby was played here, and I’ve carried fond memories of this city and its passionate rugby fans ever since.”

He also praised Pietersen, saying: “I have immense respect for JP. We competed against each other for many years, and I’m looking forward to working with him and the team.

“This is a great opportunity to give back to the game. Working alongside the future stars of our sport is exciting, and I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to help the club during my time there.”

Sharks CEO welcomes world-class experience

Sharks CEO Shaun Bryans believes bringing in someone of Nonu’s stature will have a lasting impact on the squad.

“Opportunities for someone of Ma’a’s calibre to spend time in our environment don’t come around often.

“While his achievements on field are exceptional, it is his professionalism, leadership and understanding of what it takes to consistently perform at the highest level that makes this such an exciting opportunity for our club.”

A two-time Rugby World Cup winner in 2011 and 2015, Nonu also enjoyed successful spells with the Hurricanes, Blues, Highlanders, Black Rams Tokyo, San Diego Legion and Toulon, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest inside centres of the professional era.

His arrival gives the Sharks a wealth of championship-winning experience as the Durban outfit continues to build for the future under Pietersen.

Welcome to the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Ma'a Nonu. 🦈

The former All Black joins the club as part of a high-performance mentorship programme, helping develop the next generation.

Afio mai i Durban.#SharksRugby pic.twitter.com/hzqd4g62Rs

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) July 25, 2026

BUDAPEST, Hungary, Jul 25 – McLaren’s Lando Norris took his first grand prix pole position of the season, beating Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton by 0.012 seconds with the final lap of the session in Hungary.

Hamilton had been fastest on the first runs, by just over 0.1secs from Norris, but neither the seven-time champion nor team-mate Charles Leclerc could improve on their final attempts.

Norris pulled out pole, following one in the sprint in Miami, in a chaotic end to the session caused by a spin at the final corner by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

The four-time champion’s error affected Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, who were forced to slow, ending up fourth and seventh.

Verstappen had got going again before Norris came around as the last driver on track to clinch pole in the upgraded McLaren.

Hamilton was a second slower on his second run than on his first, and he also faces an investigation for impeding McLaren’s Oscar Piastri at Turn One after he finished his final lap.

Antonelli is another driver off to the stewards, in his case for an alleged yellow-flag infringement.

Verstappen, who railed about the unpredictable handling of the Red Bull over the radio after his spin, managed to take sixth, ahead of Russell and the second Red Bull of Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad and Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg.

Alonso ‘optimistic’ after progressing to Q2

Fernando Alonso made a major breakthrough for Aston Martin on the weekend they debuted their virtually new car by breaking out of the first session for the first time this season.

Alonso will start 16th, 2.8secs off pole – but that was two seconds faster in relative pace than they had managed for some time.

The veteran Spaniard, who is 45 next week, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I feel relieved a little bit, feeling that the team understood the weaknesses of the car and this is the first step in the right direction.

“We brought a few updates to this car early in the season, and it didn’t work much. And we come from two years of disappointments of upgrades. So definitely there is a change in optimism in the factory and I feel optimistic.”

Alonso faces a decision this summer as to whether to continue his career after this season. He said that while he had no doubts managing technical partner Adrian Newey would lead the team to success in the future, he was not sure whether it would happen soon enough for him.

“No one should doubt Adrian Newey or the potential we have in Silverstone. It is a matter of time before we have the best chassis and it is a matter of time before Honda have the best engine in F1. It is a question of when.”

All the drivers were battling with a track surface that was breaking up, especially in the final two corners, where Norris said it was especially difficult to judge the grip level.

Even before the incident with Verstappen, Russell was afflicted on his final run by a water leak, which was spraying water on to his rear tyres.

Mercedes asked him to pull over immediately after crossing the line, and he parked at Turn One, in an attempt to avoid damaging the engine.

Antonelli said: “I think we were just slightly out of the window with tyres, then in Q3 we did a good step and the car just felt finally a bit more alive. For sure it was a shame with the yellow flags, but it happens. P3 was on the table today but still not good enough for pole.”

Top 10

1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:17.207

2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.012

3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.238

4. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.272

5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.477

6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.518

7. George Russell (Mercedes) +0.533

8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +0.649

9. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) +1.074

10. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) +1.479

SuperSport on DStv and GOtv presents another amazing week of live sporting action from around the world, headlined by LIV Golf from the United Kingdom, Currie Cup rugby, The Hundred cricket in England, the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix and the final week of the Tour de France.

All times CAT.

Golf

Golf fans are in for a packed stretch as three major events unfold across the same week, offering a blend of heritage, innovation and high-stakes competition. The Senior Open brings together the game’s most decorated veterans, where experience and course management take centre stage. With legends chasing another title, expect a tactical battle shaped by precision rather than power.

In contrast, LIV Golf’s United Kingdom stop delivers a fast-paced, team-driven spectacle. Its shorter format and shotgun starts create constant momentum, while a world-class field ensures no shortage of drama. The unique scoring system keeps both individual and team contests alive deep into the final round.

Meanwhile, the PGA Tour’s 3M Open provides a crucial opportunity for players to make a late push in the season. With playoff spots and rankings on the line, motivation will be high, particularly among those hovering around the qualification bubble. The course traditionally rewards aggressive play, setting the stage for low scoring and leaderboard volatility.

Together, these events showcase the global depth of golf, from seasoned champions to emerging contenders, all competing under very different but equally compelling formats.

The Senior Open

Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 July – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

LIV Golf: United Kingdom

Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 July – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2

PGA Tour: 3M Open

Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 July – LIVE on SuperSport Golf

Rugby

South Africa’s premier domestic rugby competition gathers momentum with a full slate of Currie Cup action, as teams continue to jostle for position in both the Premier and First Divisions. The weekend opens with a compelling clash between the Cheetahs and Sharks, where attacking ambition meets physical intensity, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested round.

Saturday delivers a double-header of intrigue. The Lions host the Pumas in a fixture that often produces high tempo and unpredictability, while Griquas take on the Bulls in a battle between a side known for its resilience at home and one of the competition’s traditional powerhouses. Each result could have a significant impact on the standings as the race for playoff spots tightens.

Attention then turns to Sunday, where the Kavaliers face the Stormers. With the Stormers’ depth and structure up against a determined Kavaliers outfit, this encounter offers another fascinating contrast in styles.

In the First Division, the spotlight falls on the final, where a season’s worth of effort culminates in one decisive showdown. With promotion and pride on the line, expect a high-intensity contest as both sides chase silverware and a place among the elite.

Currie Cup – Premier Division

Friday 24 July

17:05: Cheetahs v Sharks – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

Saturday 25 July

15:05: Lions v Pumas – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

17:10: Griquas v Bulls – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

Sunday 26 July

15:05: Kavaliers v Stormers – LIVE on SuperSport Rugby

Currie Cup – First Division

Saturday 25 July

15:05: Final – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2

Cricket

A packed week of international and franchise cricket offers something for every fan, from explosive short-format action to the endurance of Test match cricket. The Hundred continues to redefine the modern game, with both the men’s and women’s competitions running in tandem. Its fast-paced 100-ball format, combined with world-class talent, ensures high-scoring drama and constant entertainment, as teams look to build early momentum in the race for knockout places.

In the Caribbean, the ODI series between West Indies and New Zealand reaches its decisive phase with the fifth match. With pride and series honours on the line, expect an intense contest shaped by power hitting and disciplined seam bowling, particularly on pitches that can reward both aggression and control.

Attention then shifts to the longest format as West Indies host Pakistan in a Test series that promises a fascinating clash of styles. The hosts will look to use familiar conditions to their advantage, while Pakistan’s varied attack and technically gifted batting lineup aim to assert themselves over five demanding days.

The Hundred – Men’s & Women’s

Broadcast until Monday 27 July

16:00 (Women’s) and 19:30 (Men’s) – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket and SuperSport Variety 1

West Indies v Pakistan Test Series

Saturday 25 – Wednesday 29 July

16:00: Days 1 – 5 – LIVE on SuperSport Cricket

Motorsport

A thrilling weekend of motorsport spans three continents, blending cutting-edge innovation, technical precision and oval-track intensity. Formula E heads to Tokyo for a decisive double-header, where the tight, twisty street circuit places a premium on energy management and race craft. With two races in quick succession, consistency will be key as drivers balance aggression with efficiency in the battle for crucial championship points.

In Formula One, the Hungarian Grand Prix offers a contrasting challenge at the Hungaroring, a circuit often described as Monaco without the walls. Its narrow layout and limited overtaking opportunities put added emphasis on qualifying performance and strategic execution. Teams will fine-tune setups through practice before delivering one-lap precision in qualifying, knowing track position is likely to dictate Sunday’s outcome. With the title race intensifying, every detail will matter.

Across the Atlantic, the NASCAR Cup Series takes centre stage with the iconic Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. One of the sport’s crown-jewel events, it demands both speed and endurance on a historic oval where track position and tyre management are critical.

Formula E: Round 14 & 15, Tokyo

Saturday 25 July

08:00: Race Round 14 Tokyo – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport

Sunday 26 July

08:00: Race Round 14 Tokyo – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport

Formula One: Hungarian Grand Prix

Friday 24 July

13:30: Practice 1 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1

17:00: Practice 2 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1

Saturday 25 July

12:30: Practice 3 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1

16:00: Qualifying – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1

Sunday 26 July

15:00: Grand Prix – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1

NASCAR Cup

Sunday 26 July

20:00: Brickyard 400 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport

Variety

A packed week of global sport delivers drama across cycling, multi-sport action, and combat arenas. The Tour de France reaches its critical phase with a decisive run of stages. An individual time trial between Évian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains tests pure power and precision, before the peloton tackles demanding Alpine routes. Back-to-back summit finishes, including the legendary Alpe d’Huez, are set to shape the general classification, where climbers and overall contenders must seize their moment. The traditional finale on the Champs-Élysées provides a ceremonial sprint and crowning glory in Paris.

In combat sports, UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Rountree Jr headlines a compelling card, as two explosive light heavyweights collide in a bout with major divisional implications. Power and precision will be on full display inside the Octagon.

Locally, Aquila Boxing IBO All Africa Featherweight Title: Khuzwayo v Ndwandwe offers a high-stakes showdown, with pride and continental honours on the line in what promises to be an intense and closely fought contest.

Tour de France

Tuesday 21 July

12:50: Stage 16, Evian les Bains / Thonon les Bains (Individual TT) – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Wednesday 22 July

13:10: Stage 17, Chambéry / Voiron – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Thursday 23 July

12:25: Stage 18, Voiron / Orcières Merlette – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Friday 24 July

13:50: Stage 19, Gap / Alpe d’Huez – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Saturday 25 July

11:10: Stage 20, Le Bourg d’Oisans / Alpe d’Huez – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

Sunday 26 July

16:05: Stage 21, Thoiry / Champs Elysées – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

20:30: Winner Press Conference – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 1

UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov

Saturday 25 July, 18:00 (main card) – LIVE on SuperSport Action and SuperSport Maximo 1

Aquila Boxing: IBO All Africa Featherweight Title: Khuzwayo v Ndwandwe

Saturday 25 July, 19:00 – LIVE on SuperSport Africa 1

The post The best action on SuperSport this week appeared first on SportsAfrica - Sports news | Live scores | Match highlights | Betting tips.

L’équipe féminine de l’Olympique Lyonnais vient de réaliser un gros coup sur le marché des transferts. Le club français a officialisé samedi la signature de Salma Paralluelo, libre après la fin de son contrat au FC Barcelone.

L’attaquante de 22 ans s’est engagée pour quatre saisons, jusqu’au 30 juin 2030, et découvrira pour la première fois un championnat hors d’Espagne.

Un départ acté après quatre saisons au Barça

Arrivée à l’été 2022 en provenance de Villarreal, Salma Paralluelo quittait déjà l’athlétisme pour se consacrer pleinement au football. En quatre exercices sous le maillot blaugrana, elle est devenue l’une des figures de l’attaque barcelonaise. Son bilan est 131 matchs disputés, 72 buts inscrits et une collection impressionnante de 15 titres. La liste comprend trois Ligues des champions, quatre Liga F, trois Coupes de la Reine, quatre Supercoupes d’Espagne et une Coupe de Catalogne. Formée à Saragosse puis révélée à Villarreal, l’internationale espagnole quitte donc le Barça au sommet de sa forme.

Un contrat long jusqu’en 2030 avec l’OL Lyonnes

L’OL Lyonnes a misé sur la durée pour attirer la championne du monde. En la liant jusqu’en 2030, le club rhodanien sécurise l’un des plus grands potentiels du football féminin européen. Salma Paralluelo vient renforcer un effectif en reconstruction et apporter de la vitesse, de la percussion et une vraie efficacité devant le but. Pour Lyon, il s’agit aussi d’un signal fort envoyé en Ligue 1 féminine française et en Ligue des champions.

Des débuts attendus dès la pré-saison

Salma Paralluelo et les autres nouvelles recrues lyonnaises prendront part dès ce lundi 27 juillet au lancement de la pré-saison. Leur présentation officielle aux supporters et aux médias est programmée pour le vendredi 31 juillet. L’OL Lyonnes espère ainsi intégrer rapidement sa nouvelle star pour viser tous les trophées dès la rentrée.

The post Transfert (F) : Salma Paralluelo quitte le Barça pour l’OL Lyonnes appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.