Team of the Week - 08.05.26

Cornish Pirates & Exeter Rugby

Investment boost for rugby

A wave of investment has flooded into English domestic rugby union this week, with a takeover of Exeter Chiefs from the owners of Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, alongside Pittsburgh-based private equity firm Stonewood Capital investing in Cornish Pirates. Champ side, Pirates, has become the first England rugby union club to complete a significant deal with wealthy American-based backers, while Exeter are in the process of American investors, Cannae Holdings' Black Knight Sports and Entertainment, purchasing all shares in the Devon club.

PL Clubs in Europe

Trio reach continental finals

Arsenal, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are all through to their respective European competitions following an exhilarating week of semi-final action. Arteta outshone Simeone to set up a rematch with PSG, Emery's rotation gamble against Spurs paid off and Glasner continues to shine for the Eagles after his FA Cup success last year. Will it be a hat-trick of trophies for the Premier League?

Victor Wembanyama

San Antonio’s shining light

The San Antonio Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-95 to level their NBA play-off series at one game apiece, and it would not have been possible without the 2023 first overall draft pick, Victor Wembanyama. The French star recorded 19 points and a huge 15 rebounds, while also playing the joint most minutes in the game, helping to keep the Spurs firmly in the series.

Claire Dowling

First female R&A captain

Claire Dowling has been appointed as the first ever female captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. The amateur golfer is the club’s first female captain in its 272-year history after it opened its membership to women 12 years ago. The Dublin-born golfer represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup on four occasions and was a member of the 1986 team that secured a first victory over the United States on American soil.