Former Scotland captain David Sole has heavily criticised coach Matt Williams following his side’s record 46-22 defeat to Wales on Sunday.

Scotland 0 France 31

British Prime Minister Tony Blair today paid tribute to the British forces in Iraq, giving thanks “from the bottom of my heart”.

Alan Curbishley is poised for a New Year plunge into the transfer market after admitting his squad is stretched to breaking point.

Leeds boss Peter Reid was left criticising his team’s attitude and desire following a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Leicester.

Glasgow 34 Neath-Swansea Ospreys 31

Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira accused Ruud van Nistelrooy of attempting to stamp on him at Old Trafford as he joined Arsene Wenger in labelling the Dutchman a cheat.

Tim Henman reached a Grand Slam quarter-final for the first time outside Wimbledon today when he defeated Frenchman Michael Llodra at the French Open.

Lance Armstrong was fiercely criticised by Domina Vacanze team manager Vincenzo Santoni after the American rider renewed his personal feud with Italian cyclist Filippo Simeoni during the 18th stage of the Tour de France.

Dwain Chambers has been joined by two more Americans to have tested positive for the new designer drug which is rocking athletics.

Germany midfielder Michael Ballack insists he and his team-mates are under no extra pressure as they attempt to book their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2004.

Hanami will bid for back-to-back victories in the Audi Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.

Ireland 37 Scotland 16

Clare 7-19 Laois 2-15

A protest march against the arrival of US President George Bush at Shannon airport passed off peacefully tonight.

A Ruud Van Nistelrooy double helped Holland sweep past Latvia to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2004, with a helping hand from the Czech Republic.

Toulouse 32 Northampton 16

The 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan burst into life with a stunning opening extravaganza encompassing the old and the new, as befits a traditional nation which has helped inspire a technological revolution across the globe.

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry was sent off in France’s do-or-die World Cup clash with Uruguay for a lunging tackle on Marcelo Romero.

A header by England defender Ugo Ehiogu put Middlesbrough on course to cut the gap on second-placed Liverpool to one point in the Barclaycard Premiership.