Bookmaker Ladbrokes looked forward to a summer of sport today after posting a 5% hike in profits in the first four months of the year.

Jonny Wilkinson’s inclusion in the British and Irish Lions squad may have come as no surprise to New Zealand skipper Tana Umaga – but that does not mean he has to like it.

England arrived at the World Cup tonight with coach Clive Woodward repeating his belief that host nation and defending champions Australia will be the team to beat.

Australia 51 England 15

Wayne Rooney will not be tempted out of international retirement for one more shot at a World Cup.

The Republic of Ireland's World Cup journey came to a shuddering halt last night as Denmark turned on the style in Dublin to book their ticket to Russia.

Wales suffered a second Women's Rugby World Cup defeat as Canada won a bruising contest 15-0 at Billings Park in Dublin.

Luis Suarez just couldn't help himself after inspiring Uruguay to a crucial World Cup victory at the expense of England.

Warren Gatland took England defence coach Andy Farrell on the British and Irish Lions tour with him so he could get an insight into how Wales’ Six Nations rivals will prepare for the World Cup clash between the sides.

England have named an unchanged starting XV for Friday’s World Cup opener against Fiji at Twickenham.

Ireland’s stars will not be “spooked” by the hip injury that threatens to end Tommy O’Donnell’s World Cup chances, according to Joe Schmidt.

So You Think and Aidan O’Brien’s large contingent of Dubai runners have arrived safely in the Gulf ahead of Saturday’s World Cup meeting.

Roque Santa Cruz hopes to play a major role in Paraguay’s World Cup campaign despite revealing a niggling injury kept him out of Monday’s opening match.

Charges against the England fan who walked into the team's dressing room after the World Cup match against Algeria were dropped today.

Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden is planning to resume full training in two weeks and aims to be back in action for the final two games of the Barclays Premier League season.

Stephen Ireland has revealed he never enjoyed playing for the Republic of Ireland and is adamant he will feel no sense of regret should they qualify for the World Cup without him.

There was plenty of sympathy for the Republic of Ireland in the French media this morning after the controversial extra-time goal that denied them a place in next summer’s World Cup finals.

Graeme McDowell (pictured) insists the debate over which country to represent at the Olympics will not stop him from playing in the World Cup.

SLOVAKIA striker Erik Jendrisek hopes his side maintain their focus for the whole game tomorrow when they face Paraguay in Bloemfontein.

MISSING the call to spot Thierry Henry’s handball made referee Martin Hansson cry and will likely prevent the Swedish referee taking charge of a match at this World Cup.