At 80, Ken Loach was inspired to come out of retirement for his Newcastle-set tale. Winning at Cannes was a nice bonus too, writes Helen Barlow

Clive Woodward has backed the continued pursuit of rugby league’s greatest talents as the New South Wales Rugby Union close in on the signing of superstar Australian half-back Andrew Johns.

Australian rugby league star Andrew Johns is reportedly considering a switch to rugby union, lured by the prospect of squaring up against Jonny Wilkinson at the 2007 World Cup.