IRISH fly-half Jeremy Staunton was Leicester’s inspiration as they compounded a miserable week for Sale with a stunning 54-21 Aviva Premiership victory at Welford Road yesterday.

Mike Brewer has been sacked as the head coach of the Sale Sharks, the club have announced.

An oil spill that is threatening to eclipse the Exxon Valdez disaster spread out of control and started washing ashore along America's Gulf Coast early today.

FORMER All Black skipper Mike Brewer believes Ireland are ‘perfectly placed’ to beat world champions South Africa in Croke Park on Saturday.

Denis Leamy seems certain to miss out on Ireland’s final autumn international against South Africa after he was carried off with an ankle injury in the 41-6 victory over Fiji at the RDS in Dublin.

IT’S when you examine the clubs of the Fijian players in this evening’s Guinness Series international against Ireland at the RDS that you appreciate how short they are of the quality needed for success at the highest level.

A STUDY of the clubs providing Fijian players for this evening’s Guinness Series international against Ireland is an interesting indicator of the challenge Declan Kidney’s side can expect.

IRELAND coach Declan Kidney went along expected lines yesterday by announcing a considerably changed line up for Saturday’s second of the autumn internationals against Fiji at the RDS.

ANDY ROBINSON yesterday insisted he had no fears about his return to Test rugby and nothing to prove to anybody as he prepared for his first match in charge of Scotland.

Leinster utility back Isa Nacewa could restart his international career for Fiji aganst Ireland in the November international.

The SRU will interview a short-list of candidates for the vacant Scotland head coach position in the coming weeks – but Mike Brewer is out of the running.

Andy Robinson today finally ended any doubt he wants to be the next Scotland head coach by confirming he has applied for the role.

TRYING to gain an edge, that’s what rugby is about at the top level, and that’s why — according to Ireland coach Declan Kidney — Scotland have a slight but perhaps crucial advantage going in to today’s Six-Nations match in Murrayfield.

Declan Kidney fears inside knowledge could be Ireland’s undoing in their quest for the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam.

IF knowing your enemy is the key to sporting success, then Scotland hold a major advantage ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations clash with unbeaten Ireland.

FRANK HADDEN has lauded the impact former Ireland defence coach Graham Steadman has made on Scottish fortunes, saying the former rugby league star’s work will pay “rich dividends” in this year’s Six Nations.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden insists his team have learned their lessons from their New Zealand mauling and are confident of victory over South Africa on Saturday.

Mike Brewer and Graham Steadman have joined Scotland boss Frank Hadden's coaching staff.

LEINSTER are on the lookout for two new coaches with the confirmation from Michael Cheika that assistants David Knox and Mike Brewer will be leaving the province at the end of the season.

LEINSTER have reappointed Brian O’Driscoll as captain for the third consecutive year.

THE doubts surrounding Leinster’s ability to qualify from Pool Two of the Heineken Cup are swirling overhead as they depart for France, but Michael Cheika insists his side have what it takes to surpass even last year’s achievement.

FORMER All-Black tight-head Craig Dowd made a very notable description of rugby props around the world by comparing them to fine wines in that they take time to mature.

THE big boys are back for Leinster and Munster — most of them at least.

IRFU disciplinary chiefs have handed down a three-week ban to Munster back row Denis Leamy, after the UCC ace was cited following an AIB All Ireland League clash with Old Belvedere.

AS Old Belvedere hold the immediate future of Munster’s Denis Leamy in their hands, Donnacha O’Callaghan, one of the stars of Munster’s Celtic league victory over Connacht at Musgrave Park last week, could miss the forthcoming Heineken Cup fixture against Viadana at the same venue.