Drinks brands Lucozade and Ribena were today reported to be a £1bn takeover target for the owner of Irn-Bru.

Twelve years ago George Smith was gearing up for the Wallabies’ crunch third Test with Graham Henry’s Lions outfit in Sydney’s magnificent Olympic Stadium.

Flanker George Smith has been recalled to the Australia team to face the British and Irish Lions in the third and final Test in Sydney.

Code-hopper Israel Folau is one of three new caps in Australia’s preliminary 25-man squad to face the British and Irish Lions, with in-form Reds playmaker Quade Cooper the most notable omission.

Smirnoff owner Diageo is reportedly eyeing a slice of US-based whisky producer Beam.

USA head coach Eddie O’Sullivan last night said he believed he had picked his strongest available squad for the World Cup.

AS Irish Open sponsors “3”continue their search for a suitable date for the Irish Open in 2010 with their preference currently heading towards the August weekend, they may take some consolation from the unfortunate situation in which another big spending European Tour sponsor, Volvo, find themselves.

Eddie Jones has stepped down as Saracens director of rugby with immediate effect, the club announced this afternoon.

FOOD is big business, bigger in some places more than others.

THE Japanese are staying cool as a cucumber this summer with Pepsi Ice Cucumber — a soft drink based on the green gourd.

Japanese will be able to stay cool as a cucumber this summer with Pepsi Ice Cucumber.

Drinks company Blavod Extreme Spirits today reported its “best UK performance” in five years with a 39% rise in year-on-year revenues.

UK drinks company Blavod Extreme Spirits unveiled plans to roll out new brands today as part of a joint venture with Asian beverages giant Suntory.

Wales players have been warned to expect a stiff test on their five-match summer tour to Japan.

Scott Gibbs will not tour Japan with Wales this summer following his shock omission from the Lions squad.