Ross Rennie is focusing on performing well in his first Scotland start this weekend, rather than the prize of a place in the Rugby World Cup squad.

Warren Gatland believes Wales and England taking black change kits to the World Cup next month is a mark of respect towards host nation New Zealand.

The Republic of Ireland Women's U-17 side went top of their group after defeating Canada 1-0 last night in the FIFA World Cup.

England’s 2018 World Cup bid leaders are gearing up for a 15-month campaign that they believe will be the most challenging of any such contest.

ALAN GAFFNEY is likely to return to Ireland as assistant to Leinster coach Michael Cheika — and not as backs coach with Ireland.

FRANCE are to keep the same coaching staff for the 2004 Six Nations championship but are to review the set-up in April as part of the overhaul planned for the build-up to the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

William Gallas has reignited the storm around Thierry Henry’s ‘Hand of Gaul’ handball in the 2010 World Cup qualifying play-offs, stating that an Irish player would have acted the same had he scored a goal in similar circumstances.

Luiz Felipe Scolari thanked Germany for staging a “fantastic” World Cup, despite seeing his side lose 3-1 to the host nation to miss out on a bronze medal.

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.

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

William Hill today said the World Cup was one of the best for bookmakers in 40 years after the tournament helped drive a 7% hike in half-year sales at its betting shops.

Coach Guus Hiddink was giving nothing away regarding his future as his Russia side were denied a place at the World Cup finals by Slovenia.

Chuck Blazer was banned for life by Fifa’s ethics committee for widespread corruption, finally ending the career of the long-time most senior American in world football.

Mick McCarthy urged his Republic of Ireland battlers to ‘‘finish the job off’’ and clinch a second-round place at the World Cup finals after Robbie Keane’s last-gasp goal stole a 1-1 draw against Germany.

FIFA have confirmed they will push forward with controversial plans for two new tournaments.

THE Republic of Ireland drop a place to 14th in the FIFA world rankings after their win over Georgia and draw in Albania while England have moved up two places to seventh after their Euro 2004 qualifier wins over Turkey and Liechtenstein earlier this month.

Andy Robinson is set to name his first England squad next week after replacing Clive Woodward as head coach.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has won his battle to secure a four-week break before the World Cup finals next summer after it was announced yesterday the FA Cup final will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2006, at the new Wembley Stadium.