Britain is still expected to face years of austerity despite official forecasts today showing that the economy will return to its pre-crisis peak during this year.

HEINEKEN CUP POOL FIVE:

The financial success of this Autumn Series is crucial to the IRFU

Uplifting music can boost mental alertness and concentration, according to researchers who studied the effect of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

Sunday’s result was a bad one for Irish rugby, but the way some of our most esteemed pundits reacted to the result bordered on hysteria, embracing the straight-to-execution culture so evident in our society these days.

UK Chancellor George Osborne will warn there are no "miracle cures" for Britain's problems today as he admits more drastic action is needed to balance his government's books.

Jonathan Sexton wants Ireland to take advantage of the winning culture established by the provinces over a decade of Heineken Cup competition as they bid to see off the battle hardened Pumas at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow.

Munster development prop Alan Cotter has joined Bath Rugby on loan from today until the end of the month.

Ulster lock Lewis Stevenson has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks after picking up a knee injury in Friday’s 45-20 win over Edinburgh meaning Neil McComb is the only fit lock head coach Mark Anscombe has at his disposal.

Ryan Jones is “bitterly, bitterly disappointed” to have made an early exit from Wales’ pre-autumn Tests training camp in Poland.

FOR us mere mortals, the honour of representing your country is one of the greatest achievements that can be bestowed in life.

Ireland winger Tommy Bowe was relieved to come away with a win over Argentina; a side that his team have struggled against on many occasions.

Leinster coach Josef Schmidt has named an inexperienced line-up for Sunday’s Magners League clash with the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea. (kick-off 5pm)

FRANK HADDEN has lauded the impact former Ireland defence coach Graham Steadman has made on Scottish fortunes, saying the former rugby league star’s work will pay “rich dividends” in this year’s Six Nations.

RIKI FLUTEY has faced three of the best centres in world rugby over the past two months for England but has his sights set on gunning down another in Brian O’Driscoll.

MUNSTER chief executive, Garrett Fitzgerald, believes Munster could benefit long-term off the back of Tuesday’s hugely successful Zurich Challenge between the Heineken Cup champions and the All Blacks.

IT’S all go for Topflight, one of the largest wholly-owned Irish tour operators.

Ireland’s disappointing performance in the 2005 RBS 6 Nations was summarised succinctly by skipper Brian O’Driscoll as he surveyed the wreckage of his side’s championship failure.

Neath-Swansea Ospreys have made no fewer than five changes from their first day defeat to Stade Francais for the visit of Munster to The Gnoll on Sunday (3pm).

DUAL Ascot Gold Cup winner Royal Rebel heads the entries for the totesport Cesarewitch at Newmarket on October 16.

Springbok skipper Corne Krige believes the criticism directed at South Africa following their brutal display against England at Twickenham last November was “blown out of all proportion”.

Contestants from Big Brother and Survivor are among nine brave volunteers who will face the wrath of acid-tongued quiz show host, Anne Robinson, in a reality gameshow special of The Weakest Link.