England’s roller-coaster campaign to host the 2018 World Cup ended in defeat in Zurich today.

Cammy Mather is set to captain Glasgow in their Celtic Cup semi-final against Ulster at Hughenden on Friday night - less than a week after playing for Scotland in the World Cup quarter-final against Australia.

Russia’s bid to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022 has now been backed by the required guarantees from Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli yesterday tendered his resignation in the wake of the country’s elimination from the World Cup in Brazil.

THANKFULLY, in the World Cup campaign just ended we had a manager with an Irish accent.

FOLLOWING Ireland’s disastrous showing in the rugby World Cup, would, it now be timely to have Ireland Call changed to Ireland’s Fall.

Bookmaker Paddy Power today announced an 11% hike in profits for the first six months of 2006.

Brazil 1-0 Germany

Japan and Belgium are deadlocked at 0-0 at half-time in their Group H opener in Saitama.

South Korea 2 France 2

Germany 2 Albania 1

John Hartson has added his second goal for Wales to put them into the lead against Armenia.

Tom Prydie’s hopes of challenging for a place in the Wales World Cup squad appear to be over.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s proposal to play the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during January has provoked a mixed reaction from Premier League managers.

World Rugby has announced a reduction in concussion incidents at last year’s World Cup in comparison to the 2018 elite competition average.

World Rugby bosses have hit back at claims 31-man World Cup squads threaten player welfare by insisting top coaches left their objections too late to have any effect for the 2019 tournament in Japan.