Rugby: Canada's leading rugby players are determined to boycott three upcoming internationals unless sacked coach Dave Clark is reinstated, players' representative Mike Holmes has warned.

The players are angry over the decision by Rugby Canada to dismiss Australian Clark and have threatened to withdraw from the internationals against Australia, Scotland and Ireland in October and November.

In a letter to the respective unions, Holmes said the action would continue until Rugby Canada "agrees to the compromise offered by the players, namely the reinstatement of Mr Clark".

Holmes added: "The players I represent are extremely dismayed and outraged over the manner and fact of the dismissal of their . . . coach David Clark."

He claimed Canadian rugby was in a state of crisis "unparalleled in our history". Holmes said: "The players will not waiver from their current position without significant compromise."

Cycling: Team Ireland rider Tommy Evans registered another strong ride with a good performance in the three-day Tour de Landes near Bordeaux. Evans finished 10th on the first stage of the 2.12.1 ranked race, then took the lead in the king of the mountains competition with a strong ride on the third stage, where he also finished fourth.

Evans was 25th on the final stage and in eighth place overall, one minute and nine seconds off race winner Adrian Gagala. Evans was also fourth in the mountains classification and 11th in the points ranking.