West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara has announced he will retire from all forms of international cricket after Saturday's World Cup match against England.

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

Brazil maintained their record of being the only nation to qualify for every World Cup finals tournament by booking their place in Germany next year with a thrilling 5-0 win over Chile.

Freddy Adu’s agent is expected to speak to representatives of Celtic next week which might pave the way for the talented American youngster to move to Glasgow.

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

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.

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.

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.

By Mark Gallagher

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

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

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.

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.

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.