BBC Radio 5 Live has secured exclusive radio commentary rights to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Commentary of each game during the tournament, which features England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, will be broadcast on Radio 5 Live and Radio 5 Live Sports Extra.

It runs from 20 September to 2 November.

New Zealand have won the past two tournaments and beat Australia in the 2015 final at Twickenham.

"The Rugby World Cup 2019 is a key moment in this year's sporting calendar," said head of BBC radio and digital sport Ben Gallop.

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont added: "World Rugby is excited about the appointment of the BBC as the rights-holding radio broadcaster for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, which promises to be a very special and game-changing celebration of rugby."

The BBC Sport website and app will have live text and radio commentary of the World Cup.

BBC Rugby Correspondent Chris Jones will lead the BBC Radio commentary team while Sonja McLaughlan and Matt Dawson will lead BBC Radio 5 Live's coverage.

The 20-team tournament will be played in 12 cities across Japan.

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – Gene Haas is the entrepreneurial mastermind behind Haas F1 Team, whose voyage into Formula One has seen the outfit boast improved points finishes in every season since their arrival into the series in 2016.

Speaking to Mobil 1 The Grid, team principal Guenther Steiner joins drivers Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean to discuss the American spirit within the team, as well as how the organisation works with its U.S. cousins, NASCAR outfit Stewart-Haas Racing.

BOWMANVILLE, Ontario – Riley Herbst will tackle a new challenge this weekend, as he goes north of the border to make his NASCAR Pinty’s Series debut at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Herbst will pilot an entry out of the DJK Racing stable, learning the nuances of the 2.459-mile, 10-turn permanent road course under the guidance of team owner and former series champion D.J. Kennington.

The Toyota Racing Development driver will use his time behind the wheel of the No. 28 Monster Energy Drink Dodge – as Toyota does not currently compete in NASCAR’s Canadian championship – to gain track time before he returns with Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Gander Outdoors Truck Series this fall.

“I’m running the Truck Series race in August and really wanted to get some real-world experience at the track, because I’ve never seen the place,” Herbst told SPEED SPORT. “Noah (Gragson) actually did the same thing last year, and it paid off pretty well for him until the last corner. He gave me D.J. Kennington’s number, I got ahold of D.J. and we were able to put this deal together.

“I’m actually running the same car that Noah did, which is really cool,” Herbst added. “Just excited to get out there, learn the track and understand what it takes to go fast around there.”

Sunday’s Pinty’s Series event will mark the seventh different division that Herbst has competed in so far this year, making for one of the most diverse schedules in motorsports, especially for a 20-year-old.

“I’ve run in a bunch of different series this year, between ARCA, the Truck Series, the Xfinity Series, K&N, late models and even Trans-Am, so I’m definitely getting used to hopping from car to car and having to adapt on the fly,” Herbst noted. “Anything with wheels on it, I want a chance to learn, to figure it out and to enhance my race craft. I’m a racer at heart, so every shot I get I’m going to take advantage of it.”

While Herbst grew up on the West Coast – not necessarily spoken of as a hotbed for road racing – he’s been busy growing his chops at the discipline this year, particularly by making his Trans-Am Series debut at Road Atlanta in April.

“Man, that Trans-Am race was awesome; it was so much fun,” recalled Herbst. “Everyone at Mike Cope Racing gave me a great race car to go learn, make mistakes and get better … and I think we did that. If you want to run up front in that series, you really have to be on your road-racing game, and I think by the end of it we were getting a lot closer to being at the level that we needed and wanted to be at.

“This weekend is just another great opportunity to pole-vault me forward and to make me better when it comes to road racing,” Herbst added. “I had a really big goal at the start of this year to improve on that front, and hopefully the races I’ve been doing have helped to make that goal a reality.”

Though he’s fiercely competitive anytime he gets behind the wheel, Herbst isn’t setting a dedicated goal for himself in Sunday’s race, knowing that the focus is on soaking up as much knowledge as he can.

“I just want to go there, earn some respect and have fun behind the wheel,” Herbst said. “There’s no pressure at all this weekend, really, which is kind of cool because my whole season has been a bit under a microscope so far.

“It’ll be good to go up to Canada, relax, have fun and prepare to come back in August.”

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – MX Sports Pro Racing and NBC Sports Group have jointly announced broadcast programming details for Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship season.

The world’s most prestigious off-road motorcycle racing series will continue its longstanding presence across NBC, NBC Sports Network (NBCSN), and MAVTV this summer, highlighted by 123 hours of content across network broadcasts and digital platforms, which includes a combined 94 hours of live coverage via each respective avenue.

A trio of live network television broadcast specials on NBC serve as the cornerstone of the schedule, where the final 450 Class moto will be showcased from the Circle K High Point National (June 15) and the Circle K RedBud National (June 6), while the final 250 Class moto will be featured from the Circle K Unadilla National (August 10).

These telecasts will bring the captivating and unpredictable competition of American motocross into millions of homes across the country. Additionally, the opening motos of both the 450 Class and 250 Class at all 12 rounds of the championship will be featured live on the continuously growing MAVTV, while NBCSN will carry live second moto coverage from four rounds on the schedule.

The tremendously popular digital platform from NBC Sports Gold will once again provide fans with the opportunity to watch the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship from anywhere, at their leisure. The “Pro Motocross Pass” provides the best value in the sport with exclusive on-demand access of the Nationals at just $54.99 for the season.

Subscribers will receive live, commercial-free coverage from all 12 rounds, which are accompanied by exclusive live streams of timed qualifying throughout the summer. In addition to the live content, users can also watch full-event replays of the completed rounds of the 2019 season, as well as the 2017 and 2018 seasons through NBC Sports Gold’s on-demand options. This unparalleled level of access to the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship breaks down to less than $5 per race over the course of 12 weekends.

“Following our extension with NBC Sports Group, MAVTV, and Lucas Oil this past winter, MX Sports Pro Racing, and the sport as a whole, is fortunate to have such dedicated partners that posses an unwavering commitment to bringing the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship to fans around the world,” said Davey Coombs, President of MX Sports Pro Racing. “We have one of the most dynamic broadcast packages in motorsports, anchored by our live broadcasts on NBC and the best digital platform around on NBC Sports Gold. The way our fans consume the championship continues to evolve, and the overall reach of our global audience continues to expand, so providing an extensive broadcast schedule that is complemented by a user-friendly digital experience gives us the best opportunity to bring American motocross to the masses.”

All 12 rounds of the season will by accompanied by one-hour highlight shows following every National on NBCSN. Additionally, NBCSN will produce a special midseason recap, along with a pair of year-end recaps that will highlight all the drama and excitement that took unfolded in the championship battles of both the 450 Class and 250 Class.

The on-air broadcast team that will bring the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship into households around the world will feature the veteran commentating duo of Jason Weigandt, who will handle play-by-play duties, and former series champion Grant Langston, who will serve as the color analyst. Trackside reporter Will Christien returns for a second season to round out the broadcast trio, where she’ll share the latest breaking news during the races and let viewers hear directly from the riders both at the starting gate and on the podium.

The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicks off this Saturday, May 18, with the Bell Helmets Hangtown Motocross Classic from Prairie City OHV Park in Sacramento, Calif.

Click here for the full Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship broadcast schedule.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Ryan Repko, a 19-year-old racer who recently completed his freshman year at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, is doing his part to honor the victims of the April 30 shooting on the school’s campus.

Repko’s No. 14 late model stock car will feature a special UNC Charlotte tribute paint scheme during Saturday’s CARS Tour Heritage Truck Centers 250 at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Va.

The car will feature the UNC Charlotte logo and colors and the phrase “Charlotte Strong” will be emblazoned on the hood of Repko’s car. The names of the two victims who died in the shooting — Ellis Parlier and Riley Howell — will appear above the doors of the car.

“For the last year UNC Charlotte has been a second home to me,” said Repko, who is majoring in finance at UNC Charlotte. “A lot of the times when you see a tragedy that hits close to home for a driver you’ll honor the area with a small decal or something like that. I just really wanted to do the whole car.”

Repko is offering race fans the chance to purchase laps during the Heritage Truck Centers 250. Fans can visit https://crowdfund.uncc.edu/project/15641 to make a donation. Repko is asking for $20 donation per lap.

The late model stock portion of the Heritage Truck Centers 250 is 125 laps and if Repko is able to sell every lap for $20, he’ll raise $2,500.

“I wanted to turn it into a fundraising effort because I didn’t feel like it really … it provided emotional support but it doesn’t really help anything unless I generate money to go help the cause,” Repko said. “The goal would be to fill up all those spots (laps).

“If one kid gets killed at school, that’s one too many. But at the same time, it means a lot to be able to help provide some sort of support and relief to my community.”

Saturday’s race at Motor Mile Speedway will be Repko’s first of the season with the CARS Tour. He has 10 career starts with the series and earned a best finish of fourth last year at Tri-County Motor Speedway in Hudson, N.C.

“We tested up at Motor Mile last week and we had a lot of speed,” Repko said. “It would be a really special win for myself, but not only myself and the area that I’m in — Charlotte — if we were able to put it in victory lane. It would really be something special.”

Repko said the plan is only to run the tribute scheme this weekend at Motor Mile, but if the fundraising effort takes off he may run the car a few more times this year or even for the full season.

“We don’t have any plans as far as raising money beyond this weekend, but if it’s something that people seem to like we have tossed out the possibility of running the paint scheme the rest of the season, or if not a few more races,” Repko said.

“I’m honestly tickled to death with how much this has taken off and how much people are supporting it. It’s just insane. I’m so proud of the community I’m a part of.”

RALEIGH, N.C. -- On the heels of yet another officiating controversy in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour passionately advocated for expanded video review.

"It's been time forever," Brind'Amour said Thursday. "It's time to get the calls right, because it's just too important. Games matter so much. That was tough last night to watch."

Brind'Amour was referring to the NHL's latest officiating snafu, in overtime of Game 3 of the Western Conference finals between the San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues. Erik Karlsson's overtime winner counted, giving the Sharks a 5-4 victory. However, it should have been whistled down considering the assist was off a hand pass from teammate Timo Meier.

The NHL's Rule 79 specifically states that a player can't bat the puck with his hand to a teammate or allow "his team to gain an advantage."

However, the league said in a statement: "Plays of this nature are not reviewable. A hand pass that goes into the net can be reviewed, but a hand pass between teammates cannot be reviewed."

Kay Whitmore, the NHL's supervisor of officials for the series, told a pool reporter: "It's a nonreviewable play. You can read between the lines. You can figure out what you want. You watched the video. But it's just nonreviewable. I know that sounds like a cop-out answer, but that's the truth."

That incensed the Blues -- GM Doug Armstrong slammed his hand on the door of the officials' dressing room, yelling that the decision was "f---ing garbage" -- as well as many around the NHL, including Brind'Amour.

"Help the refs," Brind'Amour said. "These refs are great refs. A lot of you can't tell. I'm telling you. So many of the calls, I don't really know. I look down to see, then I lose my mind because I know it was the wrong call, but they can't be expected to make those calls like that. It's way too hard."

Brind'Amour said he believes there's "an easy solution."

The coach's suggested fix?

"Take two refs off the ice," said Brind'Amour, who had a 20-year NHL career before retiring in 2010. "Put them in the penalty box -- have their skates on if they want. One guy can be watching the calls. The linesman can be watching the offsides. Get them out of the way. They're getting in the way. It's hard, the game is so fast. You watch how often the puck hits them. To me, you can get these calls done quickly and done right, and that's all you want. As a player, as a coach, as a fan. You just want to make sure you get the calls right. I think. But we'll see."

After Wednesday night's game, San Jose captain Joe Pavelski admitted his team might have lucked out on the call.

"Everyone keeps talking about the hand pass, so there must have been something there," Pavelski said. "But at the end of the day, there are calls that go both ways. That's the playoffs."

The captain added: "[The refs are] not trying to screw anybody. They really aren't. They're good guys. May not always seem that way, but tonight, we may have caught a break. But there were a lot of breaks going both ways all night, all series."

ESPN's Greg Wyshynski contributed to this report.

NEW YORK -- Jim Schoenfeld has resigned as vice president and assistant general manager of the New York Rangers.

The former NHL defenseman and coach spent 17 seasons in the Rangers' organization, serving in a variety of roles. He spent most of that time as general manager of the AHL's Hartford franchise, which he also coached for two seasons.

Among the standout players Schoenfeld helped develop for the Rangers are Ryan McDonagh, Mats Zuccarello and Ryan Callahan.

"In nearly two decades with the Rangers, Jim made an impact on every level of the organization," Rangers President Glen Sather said Thursday. "His tireless efforts and contributions were vital to the extended run of success we experienced during his tenure in New York."

Schoenfeld has coached the Sabres, Devils, Capitals and Coyotes.

A player for 13 seasons with Buffalo, Detroit and Boston, he skated in 719 games as a stay-at-home defenseman and superb shot blocker. He played in two All-Star games, was the Sabres' captain for three seasons, and in 1974-75 helped Buffalo advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Nashville Predators finally have the kind of security the former expansion franchise has been wanting for years after agreeing to a new 30-year arena lease that runs through 2049.

The Predators announced the agreement Thursday for Bridgestone Arena at a Metro Nashville Sports Authority meeting. The sports authority is expected to vote on the new lease next month.

"This is exactly where we want to be -- in the center of downtown and playing an integral role in our community's growth and development for the next 30 years," said Sean Henry, Predators' chief executive officer and president.

The extension comes 12 years after Craig Leipold, now owner of the Minnesota Wild, announced a deal to sell the franchise to Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie. That deal in May 2007 fell through after Balsillie started taking season-ticket deposits in Hamilton, Ontario, and local businessmen bought the team instead.

Since the Predators and Nashville revised the arena lease last in 2012, more than $78 million has been spent on improvements and renovations. Bridgestone Arena has hosted the 2014 Women's Final Four, the 2016 NHL All-Star Game and the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. The Southeastern Conference has made the arena home for its men's basketball tournament with an occasional women's tournament through 2035.

The Predators will take a 153-game sellout streak into next season.

This new deal will eventually end a Nashville city subsidy that costs Metro Nashville approximately $3.5 million a year for arena maintenance and improvements. The Predators will use money from sales and ticket taxes to help pay those costs. Nashville, through the sports authority, had been responsible for investing an estimated $183 million into the arena over the next 20 years.

Henry also announced at Thursday's meeting the Predators plan to spend $350 million in renovations and maintenance to the arena over the next 20 years. The Tennessean reports the first phase of those renovations scheduled for 2021 to add about 1,200 seats and a new press box.

"It's a moment when the city can look back and say, 'Aha, our investment in this team has paid off," Nashville Mayor David Briley said. "And now we're at a point where we don't need to worry about public subsidy for this team."

Despite a missed hand pass that led to St. Louis' loss Wednesday, the Blues say they can't dwell on what happened while they look to come back from a 2-1 deficit to the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference finals.

"It is hard [to move on], for sure. It's not easy to do. It's a test. That's how you look at it," coach Craig Berube said Thursday. "It's a tough play, tough call, but it's just a test, and we've been tested over and over throughout the season and the playoffs, and I think we're pretty good at bouncing back. That's the way I look at it. It's a mental thing more than anything."

A hand pass by the Sharks' Timo Meier -- undetected by the on-ice officials and not reviewable under NHL rules -- led to Erik Karlsson's overtime game winner and the 5-4 victory.

Berube felt his team was moving past the controversy, rather than using it as a rallying cry. Blues players echoed the sentiment.

"We had chances to close the game out. We didn't. Play happened in overtime, we move on, move forward and look to Game 4," said forward Brayden Schenn." I think we've all seen it. Move on from it, don't worry about it."

Forward Vladimir Tarasenko said there's no reason to bring up the controversy because "it's not going to change" no matter how many times it's discussed.

"We have [the] option to discuss it for next days and be not ready for next game or just step over it," Tarasenko said. "We're down in the series, but we have a chance to tie it again. It's our focus and focus on ourselves. ... There's a lot of stuff around. It's your guys' job to do this too, but [it's] our job to prepare ourselves, and I think the best way to prepare is to stay tight and focus on our game and not anything going [on] outside of the team."

There was some good news for those who had wagered on the Blues on Wednesday. A few sportsbooks announced that they were refunding losing bets on the Blues.

But that's no compensation for the Blues.

Whenever a controversial call affects the outcome of a game, the immediate reaction is often outrage. Blues players smashed their sticks on the ice, and general manager Doug Armstrong profanely shouted his displeasure while banging on the officials' dressing room door. But eventually, those emotions can become more introspective; for example, the fact that there wouldn't have been the opportunity for the officials to miss the call in overtime had the Blues not given up a game-tying goal to Logan Couture at 18:59 of the third period.

"We scored four goals in a playoff game, we should win it," said Berube. "Some of it is self-inflicted by us on the goals. We've got to clean that up a little bit."