UEFA president Michel Platini has criticised Arsene Wenger’s policy of bringing teenage players to the Emirates Stadium.

Henrik Larsson insists Sweden must believe they can reach the World Cup final in Germany this summer.

An exact return date remains unclear, but the signs are that Cian Healy will not just make the Rugby World Cup but that the powerful prop will feature in the warm-up clashes.

The Republic of Ireland squad launch their latest bid for play-off glory on Saturday evening when they face Denmark in Copenhagen with a place at next summer’s World Cup finals at stake.

Juan Martin Hernandez believes Argentina can prove Ireland's World Cup scourge once more in a fourth "El Clasico".

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson has made five changes for Sunday’s World Cup Pool B clash with Argentina – and resisted a recall for tournament captain Alastair Kellock.

France coach Marc Lievremont has conceded after the “shame” of yesterday’s shock defeat to Tonga that his squad are not united in pursuit of a first Rugby World Cup title.

The FAI's plea to be allowed to play in the World Cup finals will be discussed by FIFA tomorrow – but looks doomed to failure.

Steve Finnan admits he ended his international retirement because he could not resist the lure of another World Cup finals tournament.

Look past the feelgood, fuzzy factor from the news of Ireland’s success in winning the rights to host the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and one point stands out above all others: it increases the host team’s chances of success.

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas feels the experience of reaching the Champions League final has equipped him to deal with the pressure of Spain’s World Cup bid.

TURKEY can match Brazil for skill and defeat them on teamwork, Turkish midfielder Yildiray Basturk believes.

DERMOT WELD has pencilled in the Tattersalls Gold Cup as a possible starting point for stable star Grey Swallow.

Tadhg Furlong has warned that to switch off even for a second against New Zealand will cost Ireland the chance of a maiden World Cup semi-final.

Carlow’s Steve Lennon will cap a meteoric rise when he lines out for the Republic of Ireland tomorrow in his first PDC World Cup of Darts.

Graeme Morrison will return to the Scotland team for Saturday’s EMC Test with Ireland, with Rugby World Cup heartache the driving force for him to perform and secure a place in the squad for this year’s tournament in New Zealand.

Currys and PC World owner DSG International said today that persistent summer downpours had helped boost sales of flat screen TVs and laptops.

Jonathan Walters will miss both of legs of the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup Playoff next month.