A boost from World Cup betting failed to prevent a slide in profits at Ladbrokes today as the bookmaker counted the cost of unfavourable sporting results.

There are just hours to go until the World Cup gets underway, with an opening ceremony in Sao Paulo which WILL feature Jennifer Lopez.

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

The veteran half-back will lead Ireland against Russia and Spain.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Braam van Straaten is today reported to have agreed a one-year contract with Zurich Premiership title challengers Sale Sharks.

Ireland’s bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023 would not be damaged if a proposed ban on drinks companies sponsoring sports event was imposed.

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.

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

Gary Neville was back in full training with his England team-mates for the first time in a fortnight when they began preparations today for the World Cup quarter-final clash against Portugal at the weekend.

Rio Ferdinand is praying he has not become the latest victim of England’s World Cup injury jinx.

Alex Ferguson has reiterated his belief that England should not risk taking Wayne Rooney to the World Cup unless the striker has made a 100% recovery from his broken foot.

Theo Walcott is looking to emulate the World Cup exploits of record-breaking striker Ronaldo after comparing his experience in Germany this summer to the Brazilian's first taste of football's showpiece event in 1994.

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

France Under-21 boss Raymond Domenech has emerged as a leading candidate in the three-horse race to succeed Jacques Santini as France head coach after a late intervention on his behalf by Aime Jacquet.

The Scottish Rugby Union has appointed Marty Hulme as full-time fitness coach to the national side. It is hoped he will assist former Leinster boss Matt Williams in transforming the team's fortunes.