The AIB League fraternity has been given further motivation to reach for the title with the announcement that the champions will be entered as the Ireland representative in the Languedoc-Roussillon amateur rugby tournament.

Graeme Le Saux believes there are similarities between Glenn Hoddle’s final months as England manager and the current reign of Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The varied and colourful career of Pierre van Hooijdonk came a full circle today when he put pen to paper on a one-year contract with his first professional outfit NAC Breda.

Tony Blair was so impressed by the “fantastic achievement” of England’s World Cup team that he made special arrangements to ensure that all their names were included in the British Honours list published today.

Clive Woodward today led the tributes to England skipper Lawrence Dallaglio following his retirement from international rugby.

England made a nervous opening, and did not settle against Australia in the World Cup final in Sydney today.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan believes his team's Six Nations win over France provides confidence ahead of the two countries' World Cup quarter-final.

The autobiography of England rugby captain Martin Johnson is going on sale, and pre-orders for the book have already exceeded 100,000.

Raul appears to be losing his battle to be fit enough to start Spain's World Cup quarter-final against South Korea on Saturday.

Philippe Troussier has claimed a lack of motivation is the reason behind his decision to quit as Japan coach at the end of the World Cup.

By Mark Gallagher

Mick McCarthy has opted to start Ian Harte at left back for today's mammoth World Cup clash with Spain.

Leading members of Brazil’s World Cup squad admit there is even more pressure on them to win the tournament following the shock elimination of big guns France, Argentina and Portugal.

Peter Thompson has been announced as the first chief executive of the Irish Cricket Union.

By David Francis

More than 56,000 students are today receiving the results of their school-leaving examinations - amid suggestions that the World Cup could have damaged success rates.

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy today paid a special tribute to Tottenham full back Stephen Carr and expressed his sadness and disappointment that the youngster had missed out on going to the World Cup finals.

Brazil captain Emerson has been sent home from the World Cup after dislocating his shoulder in training.

Brazil could face a play-off against Australia for the right to figure in next year’s World Cup finals after blowing the chance of automatic qualification with a 3-1 loss to Bolivia in La Paz.

The term ‘‘krauts’’ may be regarded as ‘‘light-hearted’’ by advertising watchdogs, but Germans said today that they find it offensive.