Further to their maiden WRC win, the Irish duo of Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle (Citroen DS3 WRC) tackle this weekend’s Vodafone Rally de Portugal, round five of the World Rally Championship, in confident mood. They are also expected to benefit from redefined aerodynamics on the front end and a new bumper and redesigned wings.

As the World Rally Championship moves to higher temperatures in Rally Guanajuato Mexico in stark contrast to the two rounds in Monte Carlo and Sweden, the Irish crew of Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle in their Total Abu Dhabi Citroen DS3 WRC know they have to stop making the type of mistakes that have already cost them valuable championship points.

Scarlets’ head of conditioning coach Brad Harrington has been given a 12-week touchline ban for abusing a match official in their victory over Ulster back in October.

Like the little girl with the curl, when Welsh rugby is good it’s very good. When it’s bad it can be rotten.

NEWLY-CROWNED Irish Tarmac Group N champion, Garry Jennings headlines tomorrow’s Bailey NiteClub Redcastle Oceanfront Spa Hotel Donegal Harvest Rally, the penultimate round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship.

WITH an unbeaten record in the current Dunlop National Rally Championship, Tim McNulty, can clinch his first major title on Sunday’s eighth round of the series in Clare although he will need a little help from his rivals.

WARREN GATLAND has thrown a hand grenade into Welsh rugby’s ongoing turmoil by admitting he has questioned his position as national coach.

Three top executives are departing mortgage finance company Freddie Mac, which was seized by the US government nearly three weeks ago.

The US government formally announced today that it was taking control of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in an effort to avert the potential for major financial turmoil.

Former Wales coach Steve Hansen has opened up the possibility of a return to the principality.

Brian O’Driscoll’s decision to sign a new central contract with the Irish Rugby Union can be linked directly to the ferocious demands he believes Europe’s leading clubs place on their top players.

Departing Welsh Rugby Union chief executive David Moffett today issued a bleak warning that the professional game in the Celtic nations will be dead inside five years unless urgent action is taken.

Wales face another packed autumn programme next year after an additional fixture against Australia was confirmed.

Wales fitness coach Andrew Hore is concerned about an increase in injuries caused by the brutal nature of the modern game and the intensity of the fixture list.

Gavin Henson has issued a public and private apology to any of his Wales team-mates who were offended by the controversial contents of his recently-published autobiography.

GAVIN HENSON has been warned: “Keep your opinions to yourself, or you’ll be remembered for one kick and dating Charlotte Church”.

THE Welsh Rugby Union was in shock last night with the resignation of its group chief executive, David Moffett.

A WAR of words has erupted between the Irish, Welsh and Scottish rugby unions following the collapse last night of the 2005-06 Celtic League season.

The Irish Rugby Football Union has today announced the cancellation of the 2005-6 Celtic League season following talks with the Welsh Rugby Union.

The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff will host next season’s Heineken Cup for the second time.

THE suggested formation of a Celtic Tigers representative team to play test rugby against touring sides from the Southern Hemisphere, has received short shrift from the home unions.

New Zealand have had their wish granted and will play all four home unions on their tour later this year.

Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium is set to host the Lions next May in a warm-up game for their tour of New Zealand.

The Welsh Rugby Union are close to receiving a double boost as they look to ease their debt, which stands at around £70m (€104m).

Wales will have four teams in the Heineken Cup next season but European rugby chiefs will cut the guaranteed places to three for the next campaign.

MATT WILLIAMS has challenged fly-half Gordon Ross to prove he is worthy of a Test start against Australia with a dominant display in Scotland’s final midweek tour match, against the NSW Waratahs tomorrow.

Iestyn Harris has moved a step closer to returning to rugby league after the Welsh Rugby Union revealed he wants to quit their code.

Celtic Warriors have been put into liquidation by the Welsh Rugby Union.

Neath-Swansea Ospreys tonight promised to “move heaven and earth” in assisting the Celtic Warriors if they are disbanded by Welsh rugby chiefs.

Celtic Warriors have been bought by the Welsh Rugby Union, fuelling fears the club will be wound up.

WELSH rugby chief executive David Moffett is worried big-spending French clubs could poach all their best players and will raise the issue at the next Six Nations meeting.

Welsh regional side Celtic Warriors have suffered a severe blow with the announcement that their benefactor Leighton Samuel is to withdraw financial support.

IESTYN HARRIS has been added to the list of injury doubts for Wales’s final RBS 6 Nations Championship clash against Italy at The Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

LLANELLI SCARLETS director of rugby Gareth Jenkins has launched a scathing attack on the Welsh Rugby Union for the way they appointed Mike Ruddock as the national coach.

Wales coach Steve Hansen has confirmed his appointment as All Blacks assistant coach after the Six Nations.

Cardiff Blues fans have reacted angrily to their club discussing a potential merger with Celtic Warriors.

Former Wales captains David Pickering and Terry Cobner will be involved in the selection process to appoint a new national coach as successor to Steve Hansen.

Steve Hansen today confirmed his reign as Wales coach will end when his contract runs out after the forthcoming Six Nations campaign.

ALL ‘A’ internationals for next season’s Six Nations tournament have been scrapped.

All ‘A’ internationals for the 2004 Six Nations tournament are set to be scrapped.

Wales coach Steve Hansen is “hopeful” that veteran flanker Colin Charvis will be available for the World Cup.

Wales will be awarding caps to players in all four World Cup preparation matches in August.