RUGBY UNION: England have agreed a lucrative new four-and-a-half year deal with Nike as official kit suppliers to the national team. Although the existing sponsorship arrangement does not expire for another six months, Nike have put pen to paper until the summer of 2008.

RUGBY UNION: England A will face the United States in the final of the Churchill Cup on June 28 after the Eagles knocked out hosts Canada.

Bath number eight Dan Lyle inspired his side to a 16-11 victory to book their place regardless of the outcome of Saturday's clash pool clash with England at Vancouver's Thunderbird Stadium.

Canada, who lost 43-7 to Jim Mallinder's side on the opening day, had a dream start with a try from full-back Quentin Fyffe and Bob Ross penalty.

But with Lyle leading the second-half fightback, full-back Link Wilfley kicked three penalties and a conversion to Philip Eloff's try.

FOOTBALL: England's Under-20s slumped to their fourth defeat in a row in the Toulon Tournament as they lost 1-0 to Japan.The only goal of the game came after only two minutes when Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan made a howler and Spurs' Ben Bowditch's attempt at clearing the danger failed as he put the ball into his own net.