Players’ leader Damian Hopley unnerved by grim legacy of concussion
American expert suggested possibility of lawsuits may have caused rugby union's administrators to play down potential link between blows to the head and dementia in later life
Exercise and disability: ‘Now things hurt for the right reasons’
Shana Pezaro's life fell apart when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. But, like many other people with disabilities, exercise has helped her to regain her confidence and self-esteem
Tough Guy competition: an extreme fun day out or an expression of masculinity in crisis?
Alexis Petridis goes behind the scenes of America's fastest growing sport to discover why the Tough Guy race – the ultimate obstacle course – looks set to become a global phenomenon
Wild swimming itself isn’t dangerous, but our behaviour around water can be
Daniel Start: The heatwave has seen many drownings, but the more experience our children have of open waters, the safer they'll be
How I train: Gemma Gibbons, judoka
Judoka Gemma Gibbons on breaking her wrist, putting on weight and going for gold at Rio
How I train: Louis Smith, gymnast
Olympic gymnast and Strictly star Louis Smith on avoiding carbs, crisps and chocolate, training twice a day, six days a week, and looking up to his mum
Marathon training: sometimes less is more
James Ruskin: With the London marathon approaching, many runners will see a day off as a wasted opportunity – but remember that the more you train, the more rest you need - it's quality not quantity that counts
Sex work at the Super Bowl: the myth and its makers
Melissa Gira Grant: Marquee sports events attract moral panics about prostitution and trafficking – but little genuine concern for sex workers' welfare
American football or rugby: which is more dangerous?
Barack Obama has said he thinks the sport may be too violent. But, in terms or risk, how does it measure up against the British equivalent?