Ireland could find themselves on a revenge Rugby World Cup mission against Argentina next year.

The failure by Uruguayan officials to award England a valid goal in their World Cup last-16 clash with Germany yesterday has been described as a “gross error” by a newspaper column in the South American country.

Spain and Portugal boast “ideal” venues for the World Cup and have a strong chance of being elected as tournament host, according to the head of FIFA’s inspection team.

Marcello Lippi insists he will not renew his contract before the World Cup finals, prompting speculation over the Italy coach’s future.

MICK McCARTHY yesterday celebrated five years at the helm with Wolves and revealed he would love to take the Republic of Ireland to another World Cup.

Coach Philippe Saint-Andre urged French rugby supporters to cast aside their doubts about him and rally behind his squad as they head to England for the rugby World Cup.

Wales fly-half Stephen Jones looks set to miss next Saturday’s World Cup warm-up clash with England after pulling a groin muscle.

Godolphin trainers Saeed bin Suroor and Mahmood Al Zarooni have high hopes for Dubai World Cup night on Saturday.

Glasgow Rugby scrum-half Andy Nicol revealed how agonisingly close he came to making his World Cup dream come true.

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan urged the International Rugby Board to emerge from their meeting on the player availability row with a protocol for the world game that gives Test rugby clear priority.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has made one enforced change for Saturday’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa at Twickenham.

Fabio Capello has one simple aim after being announced as Russia’s new head coach — qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

FIFA’s ruling elite were today preparing to take an historic decision and award the 2010 World Cup to an African country for the first time.

TG4 retain some rights, although eir will have exclusive rights to the Leinster-Munster derby matches.

New Zealand could open the 2011 World Cup with a revenge mission against France - and All Blacks coach Graham Henry has described it as “an intriguing” prospect.

Former UEFA president Michel Platini has been released after being questioned by police over the awarding of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar.

This weekend, rugby confirms its place among the debased, increasingly cynical, and commercially compassed sports of our world.

As they prepare for the pool stages of next month’s Women’s Rugby World Cup at the UCD Bowl, Ireland winger Alison Miller believes they can take inspiration from their historic 2014 win over New Zealand.

The Irish Women's Hockey team takes on world number five China, in their crucial crossover game at the World Cup Qualifying tournament in Rome at midday today.

Jeff Whitley is winning his fight to be fit for Northern Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Saturday.