What a disaster. Ireland’s race to host the 2023 World Cup exclusively in this country is, on the face of it, all but run before even reaching the starting line of World Rugby’s council vote in London on November 15, writes Donal Lenihan.

Henry Cecil’s Twice Over was a bitter disappointment as Victoire Pisa led home a one-two for Japan in the Dubai World Cup at Meydan.

A German aquarium has introduced eight fortune-telling octopuses to its branches.

Irish raider Common World returns to England tomorrow in a bid to improve on his Lincoln run in the stanjamesuk.com Spring Cup at Newbury.

Ulster centre Jonathan Bell has been forced to withdraw from Ireland’s warm weather training camp in Bilbao this week.

Irish winger Mark Kennedy is out of Saturday's crucial World Cup qualifier against Holland on Saturday.

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill and Northern Ireland counterpart Michael O'Neill were both pleased to avoid four-time winners Italy in today's World Cup play-off draw.

FIFA’s chief ethics investigator was due to meet Qatar 2022 World Cup bid chiefs today as Football Association chairman Greg Dyke called for a re-run of the vote if corruption is proved.

“It’s only full members they’re giving the opportunities to – it may as well be a members’ cup, as opposed to a World Cup.”

Alex Ferguson has thrown his weight behind England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup and the Manchester United manager will play a key role in this week’s visit by FIFA inspectors.

Ireland’s interim coach Michael Bradley has reminded his squad their summer tour could have an impact on their passage through the next World Cup.

Gambling syndicate ‘tried to influence ref’

Lions legend Bill Beaumont said that full Government support and strong partnerships with the GAA and other sporting bodies will be the key to a successful IRFU bid to stage the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has launched a fierce attack on the standard on refereeing at the World Cup.

Kiaran McLaughlin is eyeing a second Breeders’ Cup victory with Invasor following his triumph in the Dubai World Cup.

Marcel Desailly has ended his contract with Chelsea by mutual consent.

HE’S played 505 games for Manchester United, scoring 33 goals. He’s won the Premiership six times, the FA Cup three times, the European Champions League, the European Cup Winner’s Cup, the European Super Cup and the League Cup.

Leicester chairman Peter Tom has criticised the decision to scrap Welford Road as a potential 2015 World Cup venue.