Johnny Sexton believes Japan’s shock victory over South Africa has handed Ireland a World Cup “alarm call”.

Coach Joe Schmidt and his management will recognise that the longer they can keep everyone champing at the bit, the better their tournament prospects, writes Ronan O’Gara

Ireland captain Paul O’Connell marches into his fourth and final World Cup tomorrow in Cardiff. Ahead of the World Cup kick-off against Canada, the second-row legend sat down with rugby correspondent Simon Lewis to share memories of tournaments past — and offer insights into his mindset going into his final tour of duty in green.

In his column in tomorrow’s Irish Examiner, Ronan O’Gara provides an insight into life in camp during the early weeks of a Rugby World Cup.

"He has to explain to his fans why he put this team – not to me, not to you."

Houston firm offers space flights for pet remains

Skipper Steven Gerrard insists England will have no excuses for future under-achievement now the National Football Centre has become their new home.

Workers at consumer goods giant Unilever are finalising plans for their first ever strike as part of a widespread day of action over pensions.

The Hilton Hotel Group has announced 1,500 new jobs in more than 20 new hotels in the UK.

Flintshire: A frozen foods factory owned by Kerry Group in Flintshire is to close at the end of April with the loss of 318 jobs.

Falling sales of celebrity biographies and travel books have hit high street bookshop Waterstone’s, the firm’s owner said today.

UK pubs company Marston’s reported slower sales today as the Pedigree brewer became the latest chain to paint a gloomy picture on festive trading.

Supermarket giant Asda boosted its presence in the British midlands today after agreeing a deal to buy four Safeway stores from rival Morrisons.

The British government has given its blessing to the proposed takeover by Whitbread of Spirit Group’s Premier Lodge hotel chain.

Interbrew, the Belgian beer giant which makes famous tipples including Stella Artois and Beck’s lager, today said thirsty drinkers helped grow sales by 4.5% in the first half of 2003.

A THUNDER and lightning delay at the Spanish Open came at the wrong time for Australia’s Corinne Dibnah, who, after a day of two halves, leads by two shots after day two at Campo de Golf Salamanca.

Detectives were tonight continuing to quiz a man over the murder of two women whose butchered bodies were found dumped in bin bags.

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan motored into the last 16 of the Powerhouse UK Championship as Adrian Gunnell’s attempt at pulling off a shock result stalled at York’s Barbican Centre.

Football today mourned the death of former England international and ex-West Bromwich Albion striker, Jeff Astle at the age of 56.

Senior officials and directors at Premier League sponsors Carling are meeting today to decide whether to continue their eight-year association with English top-flight football.