Sportswear retailer JJB Sports today said spring and early summer sales had failed to match the surge seen last year when World Cup fever sparked soaring demand for replica England kits.

TOP-CLASS novice Dunguib is set to take his chance in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown on Friday.

TOP-CLASS novice Dunguib is set to take his chance in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown on Friday.

Wayne Rooney intends to finish the season on a high by helping Manchester United secure some silverware before turning his attentions to World Cup glory with England.

“These injuries can happen in training, and can happen in games. Hindsight’s a wonderful thing."

Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal has angrily denied allegations of doping made against the triple European champions.

ENGLAND fans basking in the glory of their side’s heroics Down Under have been given another reason to celebrate — Clive Woodward wants to deliver further World Cup glory.

South African veteran Victor Matfield has his World Cup winners’ medal from 2007 but insists winning another next October at Twickenham is still top of his priority list as the Springboks head into their northern hemisphere tour opener against Ireland this Saturday.

Steve Hansen believes that Wales’ August schedule of warm-up Tests could make or break some players’ World Cup prospects.

England have just missed out on a place among the top seeds for next summer's World Cup.

Ireland all-rounder Andrew White admits he is fulfilling a "schoolboy dream" by playing in the World Cup.

FIFA CLAIM its ticketing policy is the right one, insisting that sales or distribution of tickets should “never” be done at a stadium on a matchday to avoid scenes like the one at the Makhulong Stadium on Sunday.

Eddie O’Sullivan is delighted South African referee Jonathan Kaplan will take charge of Ireland’s World Cup quarter-final against France on Sunday.

New Zealand rugby legend Sean Fitzpatrick believes Ireland are right to apply to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Wayne Rooney insists the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal is not about revenge.

Lee Westwood has been named the European Tour’s Golfer of the Month for November following his six-stroke Dubai World Championship victory, which enabled him to win a second Order of Merit title.

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has been nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

The new Borders professional team have called a press conference at Gala RFC for 8pm tonight where they are expected to unveil Gregor Townsend as their latest signing.

World number 29 Chris Small picked up his first ranking tournament title with a fine victory over Alan McManus in the all-Scottish LG Cup final in Preston.