RBS Six Nations: ENGLAND V SCOTLAND

I took a call this week from a rural development expert from the local council, wanting to pick my brains on how to improve the local economy.

Argentina has asked stock markets in New York and London to warn investors of its claim that five oil exploration companies are working illegally off the Falkland Islands, which Argentina contends were stolen by Britain more than a century ago.

American giant bookseller Borders filed for bankruptcy protection today.

Forget London Irish tomorrow, the first Munster man into action in this season’s Heineken Cup will be running out tonight at Northampton’s Franklin’s Gardens. Simon Lewis explains.

A MAN was convicted yesterday of murdering his fiancée, dismembering her body and dumping the remains in bags.

Around 1,100 staff at struggling British book chain Borders will lose their jobs on Christmas Eve after efforts to sell the business failed.

Administrators of ailing UK book chain Borders warned today that all 1,100 staff would lose their jobs on Christmas Eve unless a buyer is found this week.

Music and games group HMV today said a worsening performance from its Waterstone’s book chain was hitting sales growth as the business suffers in tough markets.

The future of book store chain Borders was hanging in the balance today after it emerged the group had applied to appoint administrators.

Book store chain Borders has gone into administration, insolvency and restructuring firm MCR confirmed today.

British high street book chain Borders is holding emergency rescue talks as it fights to secure its future, it was reported today.

Two weeks ago, Simon Danielli had virtually written off his chances of playing in this year’s RBS 6 Nations.

NINE former Gretna players face a race against time to find new clubs after the Scottish Premier League club’s administrators axed them all on a devastating day for the Borderers yesterday.

GORDON STRACHAN refused to become embroiled in a war of words with Rangers chief executive Martin Bain on the subject of an extended season last night.

Gretna’s administrators Wilson Field have called a press conference for 4.30pm today at the Smith Hotel in Gretna as uncertainty continues to surround the club’s future.

Scotland hooker Ross Ford has signed for Edinburgh and admitted the presence of new head coach Andy Robinson convinced him to move to Murrayfield.

The world’s first mobile phone network to be fully funded by advertising revenues today launched in the UK.

DUBLIN Borders Group, the second-largest US book retailer, has agreed to sell its Irish and British units to Risk Capital Partners.

Book retailer Borders today sold its UK and Ireland business to a private equity firm for up to £20m (€28.6m).

Nikki Walker has fond memories of playing against South Africa and the Scotland winger is planning to create another happy memory when he faces the Springboks again on Saturday.

Celtic made two changes for their visit to Falkirk in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

High street retailer WH Smith is today reportedly looking at expanding its books business by buying the British arm of bookseller Borders.

London Irish have completed the signing of Bryan Rennie on a one-year contract.

HEIGHT won’t be the only reason 29 members of the Irish squad to tour Argentina will look up to Malcolm O’Kelly in the coming fortnight.

Gregor Townsend believes Scotland have scant chance of making progress as an international side under a two-team professional set-up.

Border Reivers 16 Ospreys 24

IT took a late David Humphreys penalty to deny Leinster the Magners League title on the final lap last year but there was no need for drama in the Arms Park last night, where the Irish side’s ambitions disappeared long before the last act.

THERE are a few permutations to juggle with as the chase for the Magners League title takes the bell this weekend, but the bottom line is simple: win with a bonus point in Cardiff tonight and Leinster will be champions.

Gregor Townsend will captain Border Reivers against the Ospreys on Saturday for his – and Reivers’ – last game.

MICHAEL CHEIKA believes the Magners League should incorporate a high-profile end of season play-off system next season.

Leinster 31 Borders 0

Leinster 31 Borders 0

The three men making their last home appearance for Leinster, Reggie Corrigan, Guy Easterby and Will Green, will all start against Border Reivers at Donnybrook in the Magners League tomorrow.

Coach Michael Cheika admits Leinster "need five points" from their final home Magners League game of the season against The Borders at Donnybrook on Saturday.

Border Reivers 14 Cardiff Blues 41

OUTGOING Heineken Cup champions Munster are resigned to the fact there will be no silverware in the trophy cabinet this season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be fired-up for tonight’s Magners League clash against their Cup conquerors, Llanelli Scarlets, at Musgrave Park (7.30).

Borders 9 Ulster 33

MICHAEL CHEIKA accepts that Leinster’s disappointing away form must improve if they are to claim the Magners League title next month.

LEINSTER crashed to a second successive defeat after losing to Glasgow at Hughenden last night in a match that went to the wire. The defeat also ended a ten-match winning sequence by Leinster over Glasgow but more crucially could put a dent in hopes for a Magners League title.

Llanelli Scarlets 53 Border Reivers 11

Scottish Rugby Union president Andy Irvine believes that cutting Scotland’s contingent of professional teams from three teams to two was necessary if the country is to remain a credible force in world rugby.

Magners League side Border Reivers will be disbanded at the end of the season after the Scottish Rugby Union board decided it was unrealistic to keep running three professional teams.

Sloppy Edinburgh surrendered their slim hopes of claiming the Magners League crown as they were sent crashing 10-3 by the Borders basement boys in an error-strewn affair at Netherdale.