Chris Paterson believes Scotland will learn from past mistakes when they head into this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Northern Ireland got just the boost they wanted ahead of the World Cup qualifier against England on Wednesday by beating Azerbaijan at Windsor Park.

France captain Rafael Ibanez led his side to the brink of victory in the RBS 6 Nations with a win over Scotland but insisted it would not “mean anything” in the World Cup.

World Cup Group 4 Qualifier latest:

World Cup Group four qualifier result:

Pierre Berbizier has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Italian national team.

Jonny Wilkinson will make his international comeback on Monday when the Lions face Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.

Mike Catt was taken to hospital in Brisbane this morning after suffering an injury scare during England’s World Cup training.

Berti Vogts has revealed he turned to Scottish Football Association chief executive David Taylor at the end of the World Cup draw and told him to book their hotel for Germany 2006.

Tennis fans hoping to watch Euro 2004 while nibbling on strawberries at Wimbledon will be disappointed to learn England’s match against Croatia will not be shown at the grounds tonight.

Newcastle boss Rob Andrew today heaped praise on a fit-again Jonny Wilkinson after England’s World Cup final hero emerged unscathed from last night's friendly against Connacht.

The FAI has said Roy Keane's statement that he will not now return to the World Cup squad "brings closure to the matter".

England have kicked off their crucial Group F World Cup clash against Argentina in Sapporo.

Keith Wood will return to captain the Ireland side for their World Cup qualifier against Russia in Krasnoyarsk on Saturday.

Canada flanker Dan Baugh won’t be playing for Canada at the upcoming World Cup.

Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho is ready to announce his resignation, according to reports in the Spanish press.

Everton boss David Moyes has described new signing Joseph Yobo as the best player for Nigeria at the World Cup.

The official World Cup draw, due to take place in Sydney next Tuesday, has been postponed.

France coach Raymond Domenech has given midfield enforcer Patrick Vieira a ringing endorsement and all but dismissed reports the 29-year-old might start the World Cup on the bench.

As he trudged off at Malahide on September 12, having scored a 31-ball six in a one-day international against Scotland, Andy Balbirnie might have dwelled upon a sense of missed opportunity.