A blue-ribbon panel of scientists is trying to determine the best way to detect and ward off any wandering space rocks that might be on a collision course with Earth.

England captain Phil Vickery has blasted the Rugby Football Union’s handling of the Brian Ashton affair.

Bobby Robson is to become an ambassador for the FAI, the organisation has announced.

THEY’VE moved from behind the green door to behind the green gates — and, even then, there’s still a long and winding road up to the FAI’s new home at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown.

FAI CHIEF John Delaney has flatly contradicted Roy Keane’s accusation that there is an anti-Cork bias underlying Liam Miller’s omission from the Irish squad.

STEVE STAUNTON isn’t inclined to place too much store in the new FIFA World rankings which see the Republic of Ireland retain their lowly 49th position, now one behind Northern Ireland.

WITH new Australian signing Tim McGann making his debut, Declan Kidney is looking for a stronger effort from his Munster charges when they take on Border Reivers in the Magners Celtic League at Thomond Park tonight (7.30).

It has been 2,000 years and possibly much longer since the Earth has run such a fever.

England Saxons head coach Jon Callard believes the International Rugby Board has a responsibility to take over the funding of A-team rugby because it holds such a vital role in the development of future Test stars.

SPORTS Minister John O’Donoghue yesterday announced €20m in funding for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road and said the Government had also approved discussions on moving FAI headquarters from Merrion Square to Abbotstown.

LONDON Irish chief Conor O'Shea is joining the RFU as Director of Regional Academies to head up the network of 14 England regional rugby academies. O'Shea starts his new role in the spring.

The Munster Rugby Academy will be launched at Dolphin RFC next Saturday.

THE last meal of a prehistoric hunter-warrior frozen in ice for 5,000 years was revealed by scientists yesterday.