Revenue across all sections of UTV Media’s business in the UK and Ireland increased in the first nine months of the year, helped partly by improving economic conditions and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Another week, another trophy lifting exercise for Paul O’Connell who was yesterday awarded the RBS Player of the Six Nations Championship.

THIS country is about to vote on defining social legislation and if the amendment on marriage equality is endorsed next week it will be an indication of how quick and profound change can be once it is agreed. Opponents of the amendment warn of some kind of social catastrophe if it is adopted.

The former World Cup final whistler has been handed a new role as performance director for England’s professional referees.

Sven-Goran Eriksson pulled out of a conference looking back at the World Cup because he was fed up with accusations of incompetence from his critics, according to UEFA president Lennart Johansson.

Togo’s players claim they still have not received money they claim they are owed for qualifying for the World Cup but the players have relented on their boycott threat and will travel to Cologne for their last Group G fixture with France.

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will take his time before deciding whether to retire from international football following Holland’s exit from the World Cup.

Substitute Francesco Totti scored an injury-time penalty to stun Australia and guide 10-man Italy to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Wayne Rooney will travel to Germany on Monday with England’s World Cup squad.

South Africa have hit prop problems in the build-up to Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against Fiji at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.

Sol Campbell and John Terry are ready to forge a partnership at the heart of England’s defence with Rio Ferdinand – as expected – set to be the one to miss the World Cup qualifier against Austria at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Cologne want to end Jerzy Dudek’s stay at Liverpool and offer him a lifeline to save his World Cup dreams, according to the player’s agent.

Aston Villa full-back Ulises De la Cruz wants to leave the club after finding his first-team opportunities limited at Villa Park.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Chris Moller has refused to criticise France for their decision to tour the country with an under-strength side next year.

Ireland will return to their Polish training camp on Saturday as they step up preparations for the nation’s most eagerly-awaited World Cup campaign.

Wales’ World Cup plans have received a timely boost with fly-half Stephen Jones expected to play a full part in the tournament.

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez looks certain to ring the changes tomorrow for the World Cup qualifier against Wales in Cardiff.

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Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie is adamant that Andrew Johnson still has a chance of making the England squad for the World Cup finals in Germany this summer.

Zinedine Zidane has publicly apologised for his sending-off in the World Cup final, but claimed he did not regret his actions against Marco Materazzi.