The double World Cup winner on childhood, global glory and the gangland violence in Cape Town he is trying to tackle.

After suffering the biggest tournament defeat since Brazil at the 2014 World Cup and sacking their coach mid-stream, the hosts lifted the trophy on Sunday.

Rassie Erasmus has returned to combining Director of Rugby and head coach duties with the Springboks in the wake of Nienaber’s departure to Leinster and he has identified Jerry Flannery as the perfect candidate to take over the defensive reins.

The Co. Carlow trainer believes there is a potential chink in the armour of the superstar horse trained less than six kilometres but a world away.

The Elephants were the story of the competition as they sacked manager Jean-Louis Gasset after a poor group-stage performance and still went on to lift the trophy.

She is a regular on red carpets around the world, but seems utterly unaffected by fame. Esther McCarthy meets the refreshingly down-to-earth Jessie Buckley

A moderate caffeine intake is linked with a lower risk of some cancers and a reduced likelihood of developing heart disease, Parkinson's and type 2 diabetes

It’s very difficult to envision anything other than another championship success for Farrell’s men.

Finlay Bealham did all that he could to put pressure on Tadhg Furlong for the starting tighthead shirt with a dominant display.

The Parkhead boss has come under fire for the Hoops' style of play this season and also for his recruitment.

Its forensic examination broke all records for the longest the tournament has known, a state of suspense lasting for the best part of five minutes.

"He can beat me 10 times this season and if I beat him in the Olympic final, I’m the Olympic champion.” 

Ange Postecoglou believes that Heung Min Son is the best attacking player in the Premier League.

The Armagh man — unlike practically everybody else — has made no secret of his desire for the job, and of all the abilities he may list on his patchy resume, availability may be the most prescient one.

With Cape Verde, Angola, Mauritania and Equatorial Guinea all making an impression, this Cup of Nations is full of positives

Warren Gatland's visitors led 14-5 at the break at Twickenham and had chances to extend lead but let rivals edge back in to take scruffy win

Andy Farrell’s men launched their campaign with a record bonus-point win away to France, while the Azzurri were narrowly beaten by England.

The champions are favourites to win a fourth Premier League title in succession and are also in strong contention to retain the Champions League and FA Cup.

The Wales centre, who wins his 119th cap against England at Twickenham on Saturday, also clocks up 50 appearances in the Six Nations Championship.

Farrell ruled himself out of the Guinness Six Nations for mental wellbeing reasons and having agreed to join Racing 92 next season, will then be ineligible for international selection.