National Sports

DUBLIN — Nigel Owens will pick up where he left off at the Rugby World Cup when the Welshman referees the opening match in September between host Japan and Russia.

MONTREAL — Veteran defensive end John Bowman has seen his fair share of coaches throughout his 14-year CFL career. But he says there's something special about new Montreal Alouettes head coach Khari Jones.

Donald (Cowboy) Cerrone will face Justin Gaethje in the main event of a UFC televised card in September in Vancouver. Cerrone (36-12-0 with one no contest) is ranked No. 4 among lightweight contenders while Gaethje (20-2-0) is No. 5.

The Toronto Wolfpack can earn their third trophy in as many years with a win Sunday at Widnes Vikings.

TORONTO — A rare goal by Ashtone Morgan helped Toronto FC secure the win over the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night. While scoring is not Morgan's forte, Toronto's longest-serving player still brings plenty to the table without much fanfare.

PAU, France — If there was a smiley-face jersey for the happiest rider at the Tour de France, to go alongside the iconic yellow shirt worn by the race leader, Canadian Mike Woods would be in the running for it.

WINNIPEG — Greg Payonk has travelled to watch three NFL games, but he's skipping the one in his own backyard because of the ticket prices. The Winnipeg resident doesn't appear to be the only one making that decision.

TORONTO — Kyle Lowry has undergone surgery to repair damaged ligaments in his left thumb, an injury he played through during the last two rounds of Toronto's run to the NBA championship.

It has brought Dennis Casey Park plenty of fame and notoriety and even led to him meeting his wife. Tuesday marked the 25th anniversary of Park botching "O Canada" before the Las Vegas Posse's first CFL home game July 16, 1994.

CALGARY — Nick Arbuckle knew that he and Juwan Brescacin had good chemistry in practice. The pair went out and showed off that connection in game action on Thursday.