JAPAN coach Takeshi Okada believes his side have the ability to reach their first-ever World Cup quarter-final at the expense of an impressive Paraguay side.

JEAN DE VILLIERS cannot see himself playing for any other South African except the Stormers, following his revelation last week that he will quit Munster in favour of a return to his homeland.

THE International Rugby Board (IRB) could face a revolt by players over its refusal to share some of the profits from this year’s World Cup, a leading players’ representative has warned.

GLASGOW struck gold yesterday as the city landed the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

ENGLAND boss Brian Ashton has hailed Dan Ward-Smith as “an incredibly fit athlete” after the uncapped Bristol forward thrust himself into World Cup contention.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON will have “no excuses” if England fail at the 2006 World Cup finals after being granted his four-week break ahead of the tournament.

CHRISTY O’CONNOR Snr has been accorded honorary life membership of the European Tour.

UKRAINE midfielder Sergei Rebrov is finally beginning to believe he and his team-mates could become World Cup winners on July 9.

Head coach Eddie Jones will face a decision about his long-term England future after the 32-12 World Cup final defeat against South Africa.

Rugby World Cup Pool D

Republic of Ireland have been given a tough group in today’s 2010 World Cup Qualifying draw.

David James has blasted Steve McClaren's "ludicrous" treatment of his goalkeepers during his ill-fated England reign.

All of the focus may be on the Six Nations and World Cup next year but Ireland are also looking beyond that, with a three-match summer tour to South Africa confirmed for 2016.

Scotland and Wales joined a congested group at the top of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup leaderboard as the opening round headed towards a close today.