National Sports

Like many Italians, Lorenzo Dalle Piagge's life has been turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic.

TORONTO — World rugby is taking a financial beating because of the COVID-19 shutdown. USA Rugby, its bottom line battered, has already filed for bankruptcy. Rugby Canada is expecting a sizable hit. How big depends on how long the lockdown continues.

TORONTO — This time last year, the Guelph Storm were playing their way to an Ontario Hockey League title and a spot in the Memorial Cup.

Dwight Powell was enjoying a season unlike any other. His Dallas Mavericks were on a path for the NBA playoffs — finally — and Powell was excited about playing a key role in Canada's quest for a men's basketball spot at the Tokyo Olympics.

TORONTO — Morgan Rielly has been working out at home trying to stay in shape. The Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman is also reading, watching movies and improving his rudimentary cooking skills.

OTTAWA — Atletico Ottawa signed a second goalkeeper Thursday in Spaniard Nacho Zabal.

Canadian forward Jordan Kawaguchi is one of the three finalists for this year's Hobey Baker award, given annually to the top player in NCAA men's hockey. Kawaguchi, from Abbotsford, B.C.

OTTAWA — The owner of the NHL's Ottawa Senators has announced the organization is implementing temporary layoffs and salary reductions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lindsay Agnew has had plenty of time to ponder her recent soccer adventure Down Under.

USA Rugby has filed for bankruptcy. The Australians are facing a black hole of more than $70 million. English rugby leaders have drawn up worst-case scenarios of an even bigger financial hit.