The Republic of Ireland's superb 1-0 victory over Holland has seen Mick McCarthy's team jump four places in FIFA's official rankings to 21.

Currys and PC World parent Dixons Retail today predicted Christmas trading would be competitive and tough as it reported slowing UK sales growth.

Ernie Els was two up on Angel Cabrera after seven holes of their HSBC World Match Play final at Wentworth today.

IRELAND’S Graeme McDowell will replace Tiger Woods at this weeks Chevron World Challenge in California following the World Number One’s withdrawal from the exclusive limited field event.

USA 0 Germany 1

FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has brushed aside last night’s controversial BBC Panorama programme insisting he has no interest in the claims made.

Australia coach Robbie Deans has admitted he has no idea what his own future holds beyond this season.

Mark Cueto will replace the injured Josh Lewsey in England’s team to play South Africa in the World Cup final on Saturday.

THE SENIOR FIFA figure at the centre of a World Cup ticket scandal faces becoming the first person to be kicked off the organisation’s executive committee in its 102-year history.

Sweden pulled off a shock 2-1 victory over Germany in Rennes to reach the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup.

France coach Raymond Domenech has admitted the forthcoming match with South Korea had assumed critical importance for Les Bleus after they were held 0-0 by Switzerland in their World Cup Group G opener.

Tony Marsh today rubbished England boss Clive Woodward’s comment that France are red-hot favourites to beat the Six Nations champions in their World Cup semi-final showdown.

Win, lose or draw today, Mick McCarthy is in a wonderful position to fulfil a personal dream - or even two.

“We are ready to bring the world to us, to share in our heritage and create a tournament … full of timeless memories for all.”

THE IRFU have reinstated Mike McGurn as fitness coach to the Irish team with immediate effect following a stand-off of almost four months.

English fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has thrown his support behind the Heineken Cup

Heineken Cup chiefs have offered no major response to the threat of next season’s flagship competition being decimated by a French boycott.