The International Rugby Board has deferred the election of its chairman and vice-chairman positions until December.

France defender William Gallas is a minor doubt for their second World Cup Group A game after missing training with a muscular problem.

Holland winger Arjen Robben is to rejoin the Dutch squad tomorrow, two days before their World Cup opener against Denmark.

Oscar Cardozo is a fitness worry for Paraguay with just four days to go before their World Cup opener against Italy in Cape Town.

Steven Gerrard today insisted he has no intention of quitting international football.

Keeper Joe Murphy returned to training today as the Republic of Ireland continued their preparations for Saturday’s World Cup play-off clash with France.

The Russian Football Union are to launch an investigation into reports of inappropriate behaviour by the national squad during the World Cup play-offs.

Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy has retired from international rugby after failing to make the squad for the tour to New Zealand.

FRANCE World Cup legend Zinedine Zidane is confident Les Bleus will overcome Ireland in their play-off battle.

PORTUGAL coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has made changes for the World Cup double header with Liechtenstein and Latvia that should see the national side qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

SO OUR old friend Sepp Blatter, this time urged on by South Africa’s World Cup Organising Committee for 2010, has come up with another cracker to pop in the ‘Believe It Or Not File’.

A total of 48 matches will be played at 12 venues over six weeks in this year's Rugby World Cup, with the final taking place at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama on November 2.

Last week, it was reported that FIFA had invited the 12 young soccer players and their coach trapped in a cave in Thailand to attend Sunday's World Cup final in Russia.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

Less than half of Brazilians favour the nation’s hosting of the World Cup in June, with a majority in the football-crazed nation believing that the tournament will do more harm than good, a poll reveals.

Italy defender Alessandro Nesta has been ruled out of the World Cup clash against Australia on Monday because of a groin muscle injury.

Former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer has admitted defeat in his battle to make the World Cup.

Italy defender Alessandro Nesta looks certain to miss tomorrow’s World Cup semi-final against Germany because of a thigh injury.

Holland coach Marco van Basten has called for the so-called minnows of European football to be made to play preliminary qualifying matches between themselves prior to taking part in the qualifying stages proper of the World Cup.