THE International Rugby Board has been warned there is a “serious risk” of the global game “going backwards” if the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand is a commercial failure.

Billy Stickland of Inpho has picked his favourite pictures from the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Sven-Goran Eriksson reiterated his belief England will triumph in their World Cup quarter-final against Portugal.

Veteran coach Luis Aragones has signed a contract extension that will see him remain in charge of Spain until the end of the 2008 European Championships.

Brian Ashton has retained the team that sent Australia crashing out of the World Cup for Saturday’s semi-final against France.

England striker Michael Owen expects to go to the World Cup “100% fit”.

Miroslav Klose insists he is focused on Germany’s World Cup campaign and not on trying to secure a move away from Werder Bremen once the tournament is completed.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted continued uncertainty over his long-term future is not deflecting his concentration from leading England’s bid for World Cup glory.

The British Government has weighed into the FIFA controversy by urging the world governing body to publish the Garcia report into World Cup bidding in full.

The Wallabies’ most-capped hooker Jeremy Paul has sent a shockwave through Australian rugby by announcing he is considering quitting the international scene before next year’s World Cup in France.

Alan Hansen has announced he will quit his role as a Match of the Day pundit after the 2014 World Cup.

UEFA has denied a report that it wants to revamp the European Championship so that it rivals the World Cup.

Paul O’Connell hopes to guide Ireland to World Cup glory in 2015 in what potentially could be the end of his career.

It's a year away, but now is the time to get organised if you are planning a trip to England for next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Germany moved into the Women's World Cup semi-finals thanks to a penalty shootout victory over France in Montreal last night.

Former Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison fears for our World Cup qualification hopes if Robbie Keane can't provide the goals.

Reigning European champions Leinster have announced the signing of New Zealand World Cup winner Brad Thorn on a three-month contract.

Germany’s national team have agreed on a structure of bonuses for their qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup.

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has announced he will retire from the national team after the World Cup.