Wasps captain Joe Launchbury has signed a new undisclosed-length contract with the Premiership side.

The England lock, 28, has made 142 appearances in 10 seasons at the club.

Launchbury has 62 international caps and was part of the England squad that reached the World Cup final in Japan earlier this month.

"There have been some special moments during the past 10 years and I want to create more of those over the coming seasons," he told the club website.

"Hopefully as a club we keep developing and growing more and more Premiership-class players, and compete for silverware moving forward."

Launchbury made his top-flight debut for Wasps in 2011 as a teenager, skippering them to the Premiership final in 2016-17.

In England colours he featured at the 2015 World Cup and was a part of the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam-winning squad.

"He is a born leader, who adds a lot to this team and having someone of his ilk pledging their future to the club is a real statement of intent," said Wasps director of rugby Dai Young.

YAS ISLAND, Abu Dhabi – ROKiT Williams Racing has confirmed Canadian Nicholas Latifi will join George Russell as a team driver next year in the FIA Formula One World Championship.

The Formula Two competitor has spent this year as a reserve driver for the Williams F-1 program and will replace outgoing driver Robert Kubica, who opted not to return to the team after one season.

Latifi, who has taken part in six F-1 practice sessions, has enjoyed a successful career in junior formulas, winning multiple races in Formula Two. He sits second in Formula Two points entering the season finale. Prior to this, he competed in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series and Formula Three.

“I am thrilled to be stepping up as race driver for 2020,” said Latifi. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team this year, supporting them with the development of the car, and assisting wherever I can trackside and at the factory. I look forward to the journey ahead with the team, and I am excited to make my Formula One debut at the Australian Grand Prix in 2020.”

“I am delighted to announce that Nicholas will be stepping up to the role of race driver to partner George in 2020,” said Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal. “All of us at Williams have been immensely impressed at what he has achieved this year in FIA Formula Two, along with his commitment to the team, and the work that he has put in behind the scenes. Nicholas has become an established and well-respected member of Williams, and we look forward to him stepping up into this new role, as we look to fight our way back to the midfield.”

Jeetan Patel has stepped down as Warwickshire's captain ahead of his retirement at the end of next season, with allrounder Will Rhodes replacing him in the role.

Patel, who has captained the club for the last two seasons, will retire from all forms of cricket after the 2020 season, and looks set for a career as a coach, having worked as a spin-bowling consultant for England during their T20I series in New Zealand last month.

ALSO READ: Patel to work with England during T20I series

Rhodes, 24, joined Warwickshire from Yorkshire ahead of the 2018 season, and has become a fixture at the top of the order in the County Championship, opening the batting alongside Dom Sibley.

Paul Farbrace, the club's sport director said: "Despite being only 24, Will has quickly become recognised as a senior member of the dressing room and he has demonstrated excellent leadership qualities that have impressed the cricket management team.

"He can benefit from the wealth of experience that Jeetan offers as a former captain and player who, alongside Ian Bell and Tim Ambrose, knows what it takes to win trophies over a sustained period of time with Warwickshire.

"Jeetan is an outstanding cricketer and we're very grateful for the job that he has done as captain over the last two years. He took on the role at a difficult time, but he has played a critical role in securing our place back in Division One of the County Championship while also managing the transition of bringing many young players into the senior ranks."

Rhodes described his appointment as "a real honour," and credited Patel with aiding his development at Edgbaston. "Jeets has been my first captain here at Warwickshire," he said. "He's played a huge role in helping me settle at the club so quickly and in establishing myself here across all formats.

"Following in the footsteps of a true Warwickshire legend is a very exciting prospect and he will be a great support for me as captain."

Patel said the decision to step back from the captaincy had been a joint decision. "It is no secret that the club is held close to my heart, and renouncing the captain's role, as much as I've enjoyed the challenge of being at the helm over such a challenging period, is a result [sic] that both management and myself have come to with the club's future in mind.

"With my official retirement from playing all forms of cricket at the conclusion of the 2020 season, Will gives the club the opportunity to continue to transition smoothly into a young, hardworking and successful team with growth at the forefront of the Bears journey.

"I am wholly committed in my duty to support Will and the team wherever possible throughout my last playing season."

Rhodes will captain both the County Championship and 50-over teams, with Sibley continuing as vice-captain, while the club said that an announcement regarding their T20 captain would be made "in due course".

It was going to be the shining moment in Carmelo Anthony's return to the NBA. Just 15 minutes into his debut with the Portland Trail Blazers, the 10-time All-Star rose up for an epic posterizing slam. There was just one problem, and his name was Jaxson Hayes.

"I thought he was going to try and lay it up," Hayes said after the game.

The No. 8 overall pick, himself making just the second start of his career, denied Anthony's dunk attempt, one of three blocks he had in what turned into a 115-104 win for the New Orleans Pelicans.

NOPE!#WontBowDown pic.twitter.com/QV1dY5YUEw

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 20, 2019

A month earlier, when the season began, Hayes found himself in a far different position: glued to the bench. But injuries have forced Hayes and fellow first-round pick Nickeil Alexander-Walker into much bigger roles far earlier than expected.

With No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson shut down after just nine minutes of summer league action in Las Vegas, it was New Orleans' other two first-round picks who shined in the Las Vegas spotlight.

Alexander-Walker, the No. 17 overall pick out of Virginia Tech, was a first-team All-Summer League selection, after averaging 24.3 points, 6.0 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game. Hayes, meanwhile, provided Zion-like highlight dunks and posted averages of 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds. Still, when the regular season arrived, both were out of the rotation.

Alexander-Walker averaged just 13 minutes per night in the first three games of the season, all while shooting a dismal 17% from the field. Hayes didn't play at all in those games and looked like he was going to spend the 2019-20 season sitting and watching. Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin went on record during the summer saying the team initially thought of this season as more of a "redshirt" year for the No. 8 overall pick from Texas.

But on Oct. 28 against the Golden State Warriors, thanks to a combination of injuries and a score that got out of hand in favor of the new tenants in San Francisco, Hayes and Alexander-Walker each had their chance to shine.

That night, the Pelicans fell behind by 17 points at halftime and were down 24 entering the fourth quarter. With the game out of hand, head coach Alvin Gentry gave his rookies extended run.

"I don't think anything can [top] the experience of being in the game," Gentry said last week. "Learning from your mistakes or just figuring out what you can do to help the team in a positive standpoint. Hopefully this is something that can help us down the road."

In his first regular-season game, Hayes had 19 points on 9-of-11 shooting -- and one of those misses was a desperation three-pointer from the other side of the court. He also recorded his first blocked shot against two-time MVP Stephen Curry. Meanwhile, Alexander-Walker seemed to have a breakthrough with 15 points and nine assists on 6-of-11 shooting.

"Garbage time is another man's opportunity to find his rhythm and confidence," said Antonio Daniels, who serves as the New Orleans Pelicans' television color commentator. "Coaches used to tell us, if you're in the end of the game like that, you can find your stroke."

Since that night, with the Pelicans' injuries piling up and the team lacking healthy bodies, the rookies' roles have continued to expand.

When the Pelicans were down to eight healthy players against the Heat on Nov. 16 and nine players against the Warriors the following night, Alexander-Walker averaged 23.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists while hitting 11-of-22 from 3-point range. He's played at least 20 minutes four times this season. In those four games, he's averaging 16.0 PPG while shooting 45.8% from long distance.

He insists he's taking the same shots he took early in the season -- they're just falling more now, like they did in the preseason, when he went 14-of-30 from beyond the arc. Still, his unflappable approach to the game has earned him the respect of his teammates.

"He might be my favorite player on the team," All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday said earlier this season. "Kiel, the way he's coming in, being fearless. It's pretty cool."

Meanwhile, Hayes was thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries to centers Derrick Favors and Jahlil Okafor. Favors left the Miami game with back spasms. After replacing him in the starting five, Hayes averaged 2.3 blocks per game over his first four starts.

Gentry said the 6-foot-11, 220-pound Hayes still has a ways to go on defense, but part of that will come as his body continues to fill in.

"I think he understands that. Part of that is having the strength to hold your position and the core to hold your position," Gentry said. "At 19, his body is still developing. The more he's out there, the more I think it will help."

Hayes said he doesn't feel like a deer in the headlights on defense anymore, and he credits the early playing time in low-pressure situations with helping him get adjusted so quickly.

"Just getting that rhythm and getting used to play a lot more definitely helps," he said. "Whenever somebody can get a rhythm going, it can definitely help."

Both players figure to see their playing time cut when the Pelicans are at full strength, although Hayes could steal away some of Jahlil Okafor's minutes. But they all know their number could get called at any moment.

"Being a rookie, I just learned that being a professional means being ready at all times," Alexander-Walker said. "Guys can go out any minute. I might hear my name get called and be able to be perform."

Review follows four-year ban of former Nike Oregon Project head coach Alberto Salazar

UK Athletics (UKA) has commissioned an independent review into the national governing body’s dealings with the now-disbanded Nike Oregon Project (NOP), following the four-year ban handed to former Oregon Project head coach Alberto Salazar.

In September 2015, UKA said it had found “no reason to be concerned” about the engagement of British athletes and coaches with the Oregon Project, despite doping allegations having been made against Salazar (pictured above).

But the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced last month that Salazar and Dr Jeffrey Brown had been banned for four years for “multiple anti-doping rule violations”.

Both Salazar and Brown are appealing their bans, with the hearings unlikely to take place before March.

Salazar coached a number of top athletes at the Oregon Project, including Britain’s Mo Farah.

The American coach has denied any wrongdoing, while there is no suggestion that Farah has violated any rules.

UKA performance director Neil Black stepped down in October following criticism of the governing body and Black for using Salazar as an advisor and allowing Farah to work with him.

“UKA acknowledges the seriousness of the decision by USADA,” reads a UKA statement in part. “It has now commissioned the Independent Review to review the processes under which the issues concerning the NOP were investigated in 2015 and 2017 and the subsequent related decisions made by the UKA Board at those respective times. The Independent Review will also set out any recommendations to assist UKA ensure its future governance and assurance framework is robust.”

UKA added that the review will be undertaken by John Mehrzad – a sports law barrister and sub-3hr marathon runner with Mornington Chasers.

According to the UKA statement, the independent review will address the following:

A. UKA commissioned a review of the issues raised by the BBC Panorama programme ‘Catch me if you can’, broadcast in June 2015:
1) Were the terms of reference for that review reasonable given the nature of the allegations?
2) Were that review’s findings and conclusions presented in a reasonable way to enable the UKA Board to make informed decisions?
3) Were the subsequent decisions and recommendations made by the UKA Board reasonable with regard to the evidence available at the time?

B. Did the UKA Board give reasonable consideration to the ‘Fancy Bears’ leaking of the draft USADA report in 2017? Were the subsequent actions of the UKA Board reasonable with regard to the evidence available at the time?

C. Did UKA seek advice from UK Sport, UKAD and USADA in relation to the above issues in 2015 and 2017 respectively and, if so, did any of those bodies provide any formal response or guidance to the UKA in either 2015 or 2017?

D. Were the recommendations in the 2015 review reasonably actioned, tracked and documented by UKA in a manner which minimised future risk?

E. What lessons can be learnt from the above matters that can assist with the future governance of UKA?

“There has been much written about what the Oregon Project review looked into, found or concluded in 2015, and I therefore welcome this review as an opportunity to establish the full facts and for those facts to be published for all to see,” said Sarah Rowell, chair of the UKA performance oversight committee and of the governing body’s 2015 Oregon Project review.

UKA chair Chris Clark said: “The UKA Board recognises the seriousness of the USADA decision released at the start of October. It has unanimously agreed that an independent review should now be carried out with the aim that findings and recommendations are published in or around spring 2020.

“Our staff, athletes and coaches show immense dedication to this sport and are proud to be associated with British Athletics. We need to ensure we have a clear way forward that gives us confidence in the integrity of our coaching efforts.

“If there are lessons to be learnt, we plan to implement any recommendations into a future focused, transparent and accountable way of working.”

Former Coventry Godiva chairman seeking “root and branch” review of UKA

Zara Hyde Peters has been called on to apologise over the controversy which has resulted in her not taking up the position of UK Athletics chief executive.

The former endurance athlete had been due to start work with the governing body on December 1 but, following claims she allowed her husband Mike Peters to continue to coach at Coventry Godiva Harriers following his ban from teaching due to an “inappropriate relationship” with a 15-year-old girl, Hyde Peters’ second spell at UKA ended on Monday before it had even begun.

Multiple reports by The Times newspaper alleged that Peters managed and coached a team with Coventry Godiva Harriers, which included athletes under the age of 18, following his teaching ban and that he did so without the relevant disclosure checks or coaching licence.

At the time Hyde Peters was a coaching co-ordinator and then vice-chair at the club but reportedly did not raise any safeguarding issues.

An emergency UKA Board meeting was convened on Sunday, at which it was decided Hyde Peters’ position was untenable.

“I have agreed with the Board of UK Athletics that for the good of the sport I will not take up the role of CEO in light of recent media reporting,” said Hyde Peters, who worked with UKA from 2000-2008. “This has been one of the most painful experiences I have ever had to face.

“‘Trial by media’ is almost impossible to deal with and is not a process that properly protects the rights of those caught up in it. I have been a life long participant in, and contributor to, the sport of athletics.

“I have always respected the interests of the sport and my fellow competitors, the officials, and all the many volunteers involved; these are the most important things to me.”

However Martin Slevin, the former Coventry Godiva chair and police detective chief inspector who brought the claims against the Peters’ to light, said: “My view is that she is clearly not accepting that any action she took was inappropriate.”

Asked if Hyde Peters needed to make an apology, Slevins added: “Absolutely she does. I tried in vain to deal with this matter appropriately through the Coventry Godiva committee in 2016 and when they took no action I again endeavoured to deal with the matter in April and May of 2017 when I became aware that Mike Peters was still officiating at the club in terms of the Midlands track and field league where any scrutiny would have shown 15 and 16-year-old girls were in that team and I wasn’t prepared at that point to let it be swept under the carpet.”

Coventry Godiva have been approached for comment, but in a statement posted to the club’s website, the committee said: “Following recent news in the press regarding current and former members, the Club assures all members that welfare and safeguarding matters are taken very seriously to ensure there is a safe environment for all. The Club follows UKA Guidance on Codes of Conduct for athletes and volunteers, and DBS checks for all volunteers with a UKA qualification.

“Earlier this year the Club started a consultation with members as it approaches its 150th anniversary. Alongside this we will reflect how the Club and UKA dealt with past issues, and ensure that current welfare and safeguarding procedures reflect best practice going forward. If members or their families have any concerns they should speak with the Club Welfare Officer – Job King, and for all serious matters raise directly with UKA Welfare or the Police.”

Slevin also believes an independent “root and branch” review of UKA is now required.

“When you look at all the issues they’ve faced – in terms of poor financial management over the World Cup, the VAT bill for £500,000, the Nike Oregon project issue and now this – how can anyone in our sport have confidence going forward unless there is a root and branch review of the processes and leadership currently at UK Athletics?

“It’s important for the sport going forward that these things are now out in the open and that there is a full and independent review. (UKA chair) Chris Clark now has a mountain to climb and his comments coming out in support of Zara Hyde Peters were ill-judged. I think he’s got a long way to go now to really establish his credibility in the sport. Whether he manages to do that, only time will tell.

“The sport is in a crisis and is at a crossroads where strong and impartial leadership is called for.”

Tennis player Elena Baltacha is to be remembered in a BBC Alba documentary.

Olympian Baltacha died of cancer in 2014 at the age of 30, having retired from tennis a few months earlier.

The documentary, to be broadcast on Sunday, 1 December at 21:00 GMT, will feature interviews with her husband Nino Severino and her former Fed Cup captain Judy Murray.

Brazilian side Chapecoense have been relegated to the second division for the first time in their history, three years after a tragic plane crash that killed most of their players.

Chapecoense lost 1-0 at home to Botafogo on Wednesday to end their hopes of remaining in the top division for a seventh straight campaign.

- Sam Borden: The Unthinkable Fate of Chapecoense

The result left Chapecoense second bottom out of 20 teams, with 28 points and three games remaining.

While they could still catch 16th-placed Ceara, who hold the last position of safety with 37 points, they would still finish behind them as the competition's first tiebreaker is games won. Chapecoense have won six games while Ceara have won 10.

Chapecoense made it to Serie A for the first time in 2014 and finished 15th and 14th in their first two top-flight seasons.

"I want to apologise to the fans for not achieving our aim to remain in the division," Chapecoense coach Marquinhos Santos told reporters. "I'm certain that Chapecoense will return much stronger."

Captain Douglas said: "It's a delicate moment, difficult to find words in this situation. We players are very sorry to leave Chapecoense in this situation, but Chapecoense has always shown unity.

"I think this is the time for the whole community to unite again, rearrange things, leave everything on track for Chapecoense to return to Serie A, which is the club's place, and continue to build this beautiful story."

Despite losing 19 players and staff on Nov. 28, 2016, in a plane crash near Medelllin, Colombia, the team avoided relegation that season. They lifted the Santa Caterina state championship in May 2017; their first title since the plane crash that killed 71 of the 77 people on board.

The crash occurred as the squad travelled to face Colombian side Atletico Nacional in the final of the Copa Sudamericana.