Retail sales in the UK bounced unexpectedly higher in May as shoppers splashed out on televisions before the World Cup, official figures showed today.

Brazil will be without Elano for the Friday’s quarter-final against Holland.

Mick McCarthy will be without Gary Kelly for the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifying games against Cyprus and Andorra.

From the Welsh accent to South Sea Island war dances. Here’s a couple of videos reflecting the cultural melting pot that is RWC2015.

Welcome to the Irish Examiner’s Rugby World Cup 2015 data centre where we will ensure you don’t miss anything.

Sweden 1 Paraguay 0

Switzerland 1 Turkey 0

David Beckham is standing down as England captain – but insists he wants to continue his international career.

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has decided to defer selling Rugby World Cup 2003 tickets on-line due to the extraordinary response to its ticket booklet offer.

Cheap flights for travelling Irish fans to the World Cup in Japan could soon be on offer.

The Ireland’s Women’s management team have announced that flanker Claire Molloy will captain the rugby squad during the World Cup, writes Ciara Phelan.

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has warned a summer World Cup in Qatar would be more than inconvenient – it would be dangerous too.

THREE senior FIFA officials who will vote on the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids allegedly took bribes in the 1990s, according to the BBC’s Panorama.

LORD TRIESMAN’S alleged comments about England’s rival bidders for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup are to come under further scrutiny after football’s world governing body announced last night that the FIFA ethics committee will investigate the statements.

The Irish Women’s Rugby Football Union (IWRFU) has welcomed the International Rugby Board’s confirmation of the introduction of the first Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament.

Whether or not Japan, the Brave Blossoms, continue to defy the odds, in this Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final, the success of Jamie Joseph’s side, on home soil, should open doors at world rugby’s top table.

Leinster coach Michael Cheika is convinced the province's star players will not suffer from the memory of their ill-fated Rugby World Cup in France when they return to the country for Sunday's Heineken cup clash with Toulouse.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has defended the 2010 World Cup from criticism over empty seats and poor refereeing standards.