England’s World Cup rivals Sweden have appointed scouts to watch each of their three opponents in Germany this summer.

Austin Healey’s brief World Cup stint ended today after England backs Josh Lewsey and Iain Balshaw were declared fit.

France captain Fabien Galthie may miss his side’s last match ahead of the World Cup after he injured his left wrist during training.

Spain's 3-2 victory over South Africa confirmed top spot in Group B for them and a second-round clash against the Republic of Ireland.

Oliver Kahn has been named winner of the Golden Ball award for his World Cup displays, despite his howler against Brazil.

Ireland captain Roy Keane is due to have a scan on his knee today, sparking fresh fears that the influential midfielder could miss the World Cup in Japan and South Korea this summer.

South Korea’s second largest labour group has threatened to call a nationwide strike during the World Cup unless the country’s government ends its crackdown on striking power workers.

Twickenham has been confirmed as the host of next season’s Heineken Cup final after European Rugby Cup revealed the tournament structure today.

World Rugby has cleared Ireland of accusations levelled by a Sunday newspaper that the IRFU applied pressure on the World Cup organisers to stop the Japan v Scotland match being rearranged in the wake of Typhoon Hagibis.

Two-thirds of Britons do not know when the Second World War ended and nearly half have no idea what year England won the soccer World Cup, a survey showed today.

Human rights group Amnesty International has called on FIFA to take a stance against the “abuse of migrant workers” in Qatar, the host for the 2022 World Cup.

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

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.

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.

A country ranked 174th in the world, with a population of 165,000 and coached by a former Bognor Regis player has beaten India in qualifying for the World Cup.