Rugby Union: The financial implications the Rugby Football Union could suffer for moving England matches away from Twickenham to raise the sport’s profile outweighs the potential benefits of northern tests, RFU chairman Andy Cosslett has said. After the success of hosting a World Cup match against Uruguay in Manchester last year, the RFU has come under pressure to host more senior international matches away from London. “It’s not simply a case of would you like to do it, because as a Mancunian, of course I would and everybody had a great day at the Etihad. But the Union has demands on its finances,” Cosslett said.

Athletics: Usain Bolt is set to race in Australia for the first time in his career after it was confirmed the nine-times Olympic gold medallist will take part in the inaugural edition of the Nitro Summer Series in February. The 30-year-old is likely to earn upwards of $1 million for his appearance, according to local media reports. Bolt has already said he plans to retire from the sport after the Aug. 5-13 world championships in London.

Cycling: Former Tour de France winner Bjarne Riis and Lars Seier Christensen, co-owner of online forex brokerage Saxo Bank, have become part of the group of owners of the Danish third-tier cycling team Team Virtu Pro-Veloconcept. The team will act as a development team to an outfit they hope will have the World Tour (elite) status in 2018, they said at a press meeting in Copenhagen yesterday. Michael Sand, one of the existing owners, will remain as co-owner of the team.