Ireland boss Joe Schmidt has branded Saturday’s Canada clash in Cardiff a potential “banana skin”, but Crowley has told his Canucks squad to be realistic about their World Cup aims.

THE Republic of Ireland women’s U17 side will make history today when they step onto the world stage in Trinidad to face Brazil in the FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup.

Qatar’s economy looks far from top form as it wraps up a flurry of building projects for the 2022 World Cup.

The Republic of Ireland’s 40-year run of misery against Denmark has continued as Ireland were left to retreat to the back-up of a Euro 2020 play-off.

Ex-Australian star winger David Campese has launched another broadside at England coach Clive Woodward, saying he will not still be coaching the side in 2007 because his players will become “sick of him”.

A war of words has erupted in Australia as the recriminations over their World Cup exit begin in earnest.

Head coach Joachim Löw says 2019 is "the new start" for the German side.

Kasey Keller has added to the criticism of the World Cup ball.

World Rugby has commissioned an independent disputes committee to review the controversial end to Europe's World Cup qualification period.

Robert Heffernan and Olive Loughnane will lead the Irish teams for the European Race Walking Cup in Miskolc, Hungary, on Saturday, May 21.

Irish rugby put its best foot forward this week as it made the case for Ireland to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup, writes Declan Jordan.

Ulster have been hit with the disastrous news that Irish back row player Stephen Ferris will be injured for up to six weeks.

SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA has ended speculation over his future by agreeing a one-year extension to his Celtic contract.

Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura has hinted he is prepared to see out his contract with the Hoops.

Bolton captain Jay-Jay Okocha could come into contention for the Barclays Premiership home match against Norwich on Saturday after returning to training.

Wales’ top players will be limited to 20 appearances for their clubs next season.

Stuart Lancaster has backed his Leinster double winners to lay down a big marker for Ireland’s World Cup hopes next year when they take on Australia over three Tests this summer.

BRIAN CARNEY’S return to rugby league is set to provide Ireland with a major boost for the end-of-season European Nations Cup.

The Republic of Ireland are up five places to 36th in the latest FIFA world rankings despite not having participated in the World Cup.

DIEGO MARADONA rose from the slums of Buenos Aires to find fame on the football pitch — reaching meteoric heights with his “Hand of God” goal against England in the summer of 1986.