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.

The Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Wales in March at the Aviva Stadium is officially sold out.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

Ireland will wear its updated jersey just 12 times before new kit suppliers Canterbury provide a re-design ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

Paul O’Connell has signalled his ambition to bow out of professional rugby in style — by leading Ireland to victory in next year’s World Cup.

Returning Australia winger Lote Tuqiri believes a good performance against in-form South Africa on Saturday at Newlands would bode well for Australia’s World Cup campaign.

Wales 34 Fiji 38

Mario Melchiot has set his sights on producing an extra special season for Birmingham to ensure he is part of Holland’s plans for the 2006 World Cup.

Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr has warned England, Wales and Northern Ireland not to under-estimate Poland when the World Cup qualifying campaign gets under way.

Eddie O’Sullivan says he has based the selection of the team to play Romania in Ireland’s opening game of Rugby World Cup 2003 on experience.

Aston Villa have opened talks with representatives of England starlet Darius Vassell over a new improved contract.

Sven-Goran Eriksson tonight pledged his future to England beyond the World Cup - but revealed he only rates his side as ‘‘dark horses’’ for success in Japan next month.