The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 3 March

Sherwood talks up Villa’s survival aim

Tim Sherwood is confident that his Aston Villa side will not find themselves in a relegation fight in the future if they stay up this campaign. Villa can escape the Premier League bottom three with victory against West Bromwich tonight and Sherwood said: “If we get out of this situation this season, we aren’t going to be in it next year because I will have the opportunity to build something.”

Ireland bid to host 2017 Women’s WC

The Irish Rugby Football Union has announced its bid to host the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Its plans are to host pool stages at University College Dublin before switching to Belfast for the semi-finals at Queen’s University Sport and the Kingspan Stadium, where the final would also be held. “We believe Ireland can deliver the best Women’s Rugby World Cup to-date,” said IRFU chief executive Philip Browne.

Bayonne sign up Tait and Taylor

Bayonne have announced the signings of England-capped back Mathew Tait on a two-year contract and All Black Tom Taylor, who has agreed a three-year deal. Tait makes the switch this summer after four years at Leicester. The former Sale player has represented England 38 times, with his last cap coming in 2010. Taylor has three NZ caps and has been playing for the Crusaders in Super Rugby.

‘We are Wales’ ready to hit the road in 2016

Welsh cycling will have its first professional team next year, with the ultimate goal of having riders competing at the Tour de France.

The ‘We are Wales’ (WAW) Pro Cycling Team plans to represent the country on the professional circuit throughout Europe.

Welsh cycling has had some exciting times in recent years, with Olympic champions Nicole Cooke and Geraint Thomas enjoying huge success on the track and the road, but until now there has been no professional team representing Wales.

WAW’s headquarters will be in Cardiff and the team of riders will be based at an elite camp in northern France under director of performance Yann Dejan.

“It’s very exciting to be able to finally announce the creation of the project,” said Eifion Weinzweig, who has joined forces with his former professional coach to create the team. “Our desire has always been to create something special for the people of Wales. The ultimate dream is to one day support a Welsh rider through to the finish of the Tour de France.”

Grima steps down as Broncos coach

London Broncos are looking for a new head coach just a month into the season after Joey Grima decided to step down for personal reasons. Grima, who succeeded Tony Rea last May, wants to take his family back home to Australia. Coach Andrew Henderson will take charge on an interim basis.