Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of Ireland’s World Cup quarter-final clash with Argentina, after aggravating his groin problem in training yesterday.

Australia laid down an early marker at the Golf World Cup, taking the clubhouse lead on 11 under par to lead the field by four strokes.

New Zealand’s prime minister John Key put rugby before politics today, telling the nation he had fixed a general election date after the world cup.

Roy Keane believes Wayne Bridge’s decision to make himself unavailable for England selection is further evidence that “international football is no longer the pinnacle” for top players.

Bookmaker Paddy Power has today reported a significant increase in betting on Ireland to qualify for the World Cup following the news that Franck Ribery may miss the upcoming qualifying playoff.

Jacques Rogge has warned that rugby sevens faces “an uphill battle” to be included at future Olympic Games.

Italy coach Pierre Berbizier is in confident mood as preparations begin in earnest for the World Cup.

Freddie Ljungberg is set to play through the pain to face England in the World Cup showdown on Sunday.

Munster’s plans for next season have taken further shape after the IRFU approved its bid to re-sign former Springbok tighthead prop BJ Botha.

A couple of days into the Rugby World Cup schedule in England and the French are already moaning, according to stories hitting the newspapers, one of them in the Guardian and embellished elsewhere.

EDDIE O’SULLIVAN’S USA will face Ireland in the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

FOR one web-based Irish company, the drone of the vuvuzela horn at this year’s World Cup is music to its ears.

UNITED STATES captain Carlos Bocanegra insists his side will not be using their disappointing exit from the 2006 World Cup as added incentive for tonight’s crucial clash with Algeria, although he admits it is in the back of their minds.

IT came too late to save the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dreams but it seems the furore surrounding Thierry Henry’s infamous handball in Paris last November has persuaded UEFA of the need to give referees greater assistance.

PORTSMOUTH midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has apologised to Michael Ballack for the challenge which ruled the Germany captain out of the World Cup.

FULHAM have signed central defender Philippe Senderos from Arsenal on a three-year contract.

REAL MADRID have landed their second Germany international of the summer with the signing of Mesut Ozil from Werder Bremen.

NORTHERN IRELAND striker James Quinn believes Windsor Park could be the launching pad for a successful World Cup qualifying campaign.

FRENCH COACH Bernard Laporte gave an ominous warning to the rest of the Six Nations teams when he said, looking ahead to the World Cup, that New Zealand were a class apart.