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

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.

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

Liam Finn spoke of his pride after being confirmed as Ireland’s captain for the 2013 World Cup.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni put his faith in Darron Gibson and Glenn Whelan for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Cyprus.

Raphael Ibanez believes the All Blacks will crumble if France dent their confidence early in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.

England hosting the 2018 World Cup would inspire a whole generation – but players’ chief Gordon Taylor feels more must be done to safeguard the future of the national game.

Scotland coach Matt Williams conceded he breathed a sigh of relief at missing out on some tough "minnows" in the 2007 World Cup draw.

AFTER a disappointing 10-6 loss to Scotland on Saturday, insult has been added to injury for Declan Kidney’s men who have dropped two places to sixth in the world, according to the latest IRB World Rankings.

Darren Clarke’s Open Championship victory was not enough to get him into Ireland’s two-man team for the World Cup in China in November.

Liverpool are still to decide whether they will compete in the World Club Championships in Japan in December, according to chief executive Rick Parry.

Former soccer World Cup star Ossie Ardiles is in hospital after a car crash in the Falkland Islands.

Steve Asmussen is hoping American Horse of the Year Curlin will gain recognition as the best animal on the planet after he tackles the Dubai World Cup on March 29.

Mike Catt has ended speculation about his immediate rugby future by agreeing a new one-year deal with London Irish.

Jennifer Capriati has been dropped from the United States' Federation Cup team on the eve of their 2002 World Group first-round game against Austria.

After the most public of auditions, Stuart Lancaster will be interviewed by the RFU today for the full-time position of England head coach.

FOOTBALL's world governing body FIFA have given the all-clear to the FAI to continue using temporary seating at Lansdowne Road for the Republic of Ireland's home qualifying ties for the 2006 World Cup.