GRIDIRON: McNary charged with rape

Prosecutors in Indianapolis filed charges of rape, criminal confinement with bodily injury and battery resulting in bodily injury on Wednesday against backup Colts linebacker Josh McNary.

Peg McLeish, a spokeswoman in the city prosecutor’s office, confirmed that the charges were filed. No details were released.
The army graduate has been with the Colts for two seasons.

The Colts declined to comment.

RUGBY UNION: Four surprise names in Italy squad

Italy head coach Jacques Brunel named four uncapped players yesterday in a 30-man squad for the Six Nations Championship.

Wing Michele Visentin, centre Giulio Bisegni, utility back Simone Ragusi and scrum-half Marcello Violi have been selected, while players sidelined through injury include Gonzalo Canale and Alberto Sgarbi.

Italy kick off their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Rome.

FOOTBALL: Villa boss hopes fans show up

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert yesterday pleaded with fans to not protest at tomorrow’s match against Liverpool.

Fan websites Villa Blog, My Old Man Said and A Villa Fan have called on fellow supporters to boycott the opening eight minutes of the game.

Lambert said: “I understand the fans’ frustrations, but we’ll have a better chance of winning a game of football if they don’t protest and stick with the lads.”

RUGBY UNION: Props handed new deal at Quins

Premiership club Harlequins yesterday announced new contracts for props Will Collier and Kyle Sinckler.

Collier has agreed terms until 2018, while Sinckler’s contract extension is until the end of the 2016-17 season.

Quins head coach John Kingston said: “They are both outstandingly talented young tighthead props who I have absolutely no doubt can go on to achieve the highest honours in the English game.”