Having converted a low cross from the right to give Nigeria the lead against Bulgaria, Yekini stood in the goal, arms through the net, hands alternately clenched around the strings and clasped to his face as tears rolled down his cheeks.

THIS morning we can, not for the first or last time, look abroad to see the Irish perform at their very best.

Yesterday’s announcement that TV3 has secured the rights for all 48 games in next year’s Rugby World Cup is another blow for public service broadcaster RTÉ. It rubs salt into the wound left by the divisive GAA decision to sell a number of significant inter-county matches to pay-to-view broadcaster Sky.

The most famous afro in world football is no more.

Australian captain George Gregan claims his side found it tough at times in today’s World Cup Pool A match, despite running in 13 tries during their 90-8 demolition of Romania in Brisbane.

Republic of Ireland manager, Brian Kerr, is pleased with his team's 2006 World Cup draw, even if they have to face the mighty French.

Scrum-half Tom Tierney is preparing to fight his way into Ireland’s World Cup squad after signing for Zurich Premiership champions Leicester Tigers.

Dublin Bus is to provide 170 buses to help transport people from Dublin city centre to the Phoenix Park to welcome home Ireland’s World Cup squad tonight.

A 151kg tea bag has been unveiled in Australia.

Ever wondered who has won the most matches. Who has yet to wn any and who won in 1991?

Ian Woosnam, disappointed not to be leading Europe in next year's Ryder Cup, insisted today that his ambition now is to win back a place on the team and then be captain in 2006.

Joe Schmidt has urged his players to be “cleaner than clean” and not hand their World Cup fates over to match officials during Ireland’s summer Tests.

Bolton Wanderers have today confirmed that Manchester City midfielder Vladimir Weiss has joined them on loan until the end of the season.

Ulster coach Matt Williams rates Heineken Cup rivals Stade Francais as the best in the world ahead of their clash at Ravenhill on Saturday.

Connacht have been boosted by confirmation Bundee Aki will be available to face Leinster in their first interprovincial game of the season, as well as their return to Champions Cup rugby the following week.

Paul Casey is just one win away from a £1m (€1.48m) jackpot – but he wants to win the Ryder Cup even more next week.