Jessica Kurten gave Ireland a top class result to end the year when she took second place in Belgium's World Cup Qualifier class at Mechelen this evening.

Fifa last night vowed to keep empty seats to a “strict minimum” at the next World Cup.

WARREN GATLAND believes Wales should have a no-fear attitude when they head to the World Cup in eight days’ time.

THE big story in New Zealand this week is the row between the players and the NZRFU over player bonuses for the World Cup.

Tonga confirmed their arrival as a force in rugby league with a stunning 16-12 win over world champions Australia.

The game's global governing body appears to have settled on a compromise date aimed at appeasing all parties ahead of the crucial World Cup draw.

England manager Gareth Southgate has been told his job is safe even if the Three Lions lose all their group matches at next summer's World Cup.

Schalke and Borussia Monchengladbach have hit back at Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge for suggesting the rest of the Bundesliga are plotting against his side.

A brutal brawl between opposing supporters has erupted during a football match in Brazil just days after the World Cup draw took place for next year’s tournament in the same country.

Paul O'Connell has fired up Ireland's forwards for Sunday's pivotal battle with France by detailing all their World Cup shortcomings.

Watches each worth more than €20,000 were handed out to a representative from all 32 countries at the World Cup, according to FIFA’s ethics investigators.

The Homeless World Cup is taking place in Chile at the moment and the Irish team are through to the second group stage.

England’s decision to axe assistant coach Andy Farrell was sparked by heavy criticism from senior players in the post-World Cup review.

Captain Richie McCaw spoke of his pride after New Zealand ended their 24-year wait to regain the World Cup with a hard-fought 8-7 victory over France.

The Portuguese Football Federation have dismissed reports Nani was sent home from the World Cup for reasons other than a shoulder injury.

Leicester’s New Zealand-born number eight Thomas Waldrom is targeting a place in England’s Rugby World Cup squad after discovering his grandmother was born in this country.