The International Rugby Board (IRB) has confirmed that a drop-goal shoot-out will be introduced for the first time at the 2003 World Cup.

CHRIS PATERSON will now reflect on a record-filled Scotland career after yesterday announcing his retirement from international rugby.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has indicated his desire to expand the World Cup finals format from 32 to 48 teams.

NELSON MANDELA pulled out of the opening ceremony of the World Cup following the death of his great-granddaughter in a car crash.

FIFA PRESIDENT Sepp Blatter yesterday promised he will not let a celebration match between France and Brazil in May interfere with preparations for the FA Cup final — but he signalled his belief there are too many domestic games in England.

England lock Danny Grewcock was last night digesting the bitter reality that his hopes of playing at the World Cup were all but wrecked – and his international career could be over.

“They did the country proud!”

ALL BLACKS full-back Israel Dagg has expressed his sympathy for disgraced England centre Mike Tindall and believes he could have been the one taking all the flak had New Zealand not won the World Cup.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger fears French midfield star Robert Pires will need surgery on the cruciate ligament injury which has wrecked his World Cup hopes.

Germany have lost their first confrontation of the World Cup after complaining about journalists staying at their team hotel.

ENGLAND’S Football Association will send a full dossier of the latest allegations of World Cup bidding corruption to FIFA as the world governing body’s president Sepp Blatter promised swift action to deal with the new claims.

German World Cup veteran Stefan Effenberg has announced he expects to sign for Fulham this summer.

The North’s Executive is committed to delivering a “compelling” bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the First Minister has said.