You know when you're in the midst of an argument, and have that moment when you realise you've backed yourself into a corner?

In a market that is set to become even more competitive given increased revenues from their domestic and European broadcast deals, the English and French clubs are set to make life a lot more difficult for the Irish provinces.

The IRFU’s chief executive has suggested the union will not seek to dictate which provinces its centrally contracted players should play for.

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is unsure over his long-term future and admits he would like to work under former team-mate Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.

Stephen McGuinness, secretary of the Players’ Football Association of Ireland (PFAI), is adamant that serious barriers have to be broken down to facilitate players coming out as gay.

Patrice Evra insists Manchester United have learned their lesson and plan to ignore what Manchester City get up to this season.

Yann M’Vila has admitted he would love to join Arsenal.

Didier Drogba repeated his desire to stay at Chelsea for “as long as possible” after their historic Champions League comeback against Napoli but insisted: “I am not master of my destiny”.

Marouane Chamakh admits he cannot remain a bit-part player with Arsenal “forever” and is hoping to get more chances to impress at Emirates Stadium.

Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano insists the Spanish giants have not been in contact with Arsenal regarding a possible move for Cesc Fabregas.

Manchester United’s Patrice Evra has lit the fuse for a potentially explosive Old Trafford clash on Monday by launching a withering attack on Arsenal.

France veteran Thierry Henry has today said that he felt “isolated” in the French World Cup squad and spoke of a “sickness” at the heart of the training camp.

Real Madrid’s leading scorer Gonzalo Higuain has played down the penalty row between Xabi Alonso and Cristiano Ronaldo during the 6-2 win over Villarreal.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he is looking to bring in reinforcements in January but does not know if the cash will be available.

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas wants to lead his club back into the Barclays Premier League title race, after sealing a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The fixtures, dates and kick-off times the first four Rounds of the 2008/09 Heineken Cup tournament were today announced by ERC with a record 10 matches being televised on each of the opening two weekends in October.

AC MILAN “have an advantage” over their city rivals Inter in the negotiations to sign Barcelona star Ronaldinho, according to the player’s agent and brother, Roberto de Assis.

AC Milan “have an advantage” over their city rivals Inter in the negotiations to sign Barcelona star Ronaldinho, according to the player’s agent and brother, Roberto de Assis.

In-form David Nalbandian claimed his second Masters Series title in the space of a fortnight when he destroyed Rafael Nadal in straight sets in the final of the Paris tournament on Sunday.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has insisted the responsibility for the Mastercard debacle which cost the world governing body £45 million (€66.8m) rests solely on his shoulders.

FRENCH centrist Francois Bayrou, whose voters hold the key to next month’s presidential election, accused front-runner Nicolas Sarkozy yesterday of subverting free speech by stifling a televised debate with a rival.

Serge Blanco and the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR), the offical representatives from the French Top-14 Championship, have made the explovie decision to boycott next season's Heineken Cup.

France captain Fabien Pelous has returned to training after a spell on the sidelines with an ankle problem.

Jose Mourinho has finally got his man, it seems, after Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas last night admitted Michael Essien will join Chelsea.

AFTER a couple of days of uncertainty and hours of laborious negotiation, RTÉ announced yesterday evening that it has secured the rights to broadcast live, Ireland’s vital Euro 2004 qualifier with Georgia in Tblisi on Saturday.