Irish rugby int'l ANDREW TRIMBLE will retire from rugby at the end of the season. Trimble is Top14 side Ulster's "most capped player of all time," playing 229 times for the province over a 13-year career. He also won 70 Ireland caps (IRISH TIMES, 5/3). ... Former ManU and England defender RIO FERDINAND said that he is "disappointed" after being refused a professional boxing license. The 39-year-old, who retired from football in '15, launched his new career in September. The British Boxing Board of Control said that it would "not be reviewing his application" (BBC, 5/3). ... Kenya's former Olympic 15,000m Champion ASBEL KPROP said that he will prove he is a "clean athlete" after reports he failed an out-of-competition drug test. The 28-year-old three-time world champion reportedly tested positive for banned blood-boosting agent EPO. In a statement he said that he would not "ruin" his career by doping (BBC, 5/2). ... India cricket captain VIRAT KOHLI agreed to a deal to play for Surrey County Cricket Club in June. The 29-year-old will feature in three County Championship matches and three One-Day cup games. He said, "It's long been an ambition of mine to play county cricket and I'm thankful to ALEC STEWART and Surrey for allowing me the opportunity" (BBC, 5/3). ... SERENA WILLIAMS withdrew from the Madrid Open as she "continues to regain full fitness ahead of the French Open later this month," the tournament's organizers said. Tournament Dir MANOLO SANTANA said, "We regret the absence of Serena and we wish her a speedy recovery" (REUTERS, 5/3).
