American Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman pulled out of the American Express World Championship before the start at The Grove near Watford today in order to attend the funeral of golf legend Byron Nelson.

Ireland international Alan Quinlan will make his return after a shoulder injury in the World Cup for Munster's trip to Cardiff Blues in the Celtic League on Friday night.

Gloucester’s South African World Cup star Thinus Delport is out for the season after suffering serious knee ligament damage.

Last year’s champion older horse Sakhee has been retired, it was announced today.

WHATEVER about the final score against New Zealand a few weeks ago, the 2011 World Cup will go down as a personal disappointment for Montpellier’s Fulgence Ouedraogo.

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

Germany coach Joachim Low says the world champions will bounce back after suffering a bit of a slump after winning the World Cup.

Jacques Santini has saluted Arsenal striker Thierry Henry for showing resolve and bouncing back from his disappointing France 98 to become one of the world’s greatest players.

PAUL O’CONNELL will captain Ireland against England tomorrow looking to end the frustrations of three World Cup warm-up defeats in a row.

England’s Grand Slam triumph simply confirmed they are favourites to win the World Cup in Australia later this year, according to France coach Bernard Laporte.

Frankie Dettori is relishing the prospect of seeking his fourth win in the world’s richest race, the Dubai World Cup, on Saturday night.

Fiji winger Rupeni Caucau has been called to a hearing by the Rugby World Cup citing commissioner for his involvement in a melee in the match against France in Brisbane on Saturday evening.

A wonderfully talented and powerful midfielder, Vieira is one of the most hardworking, battling players in world football.

Ireland manager Mick McCarthy, preparing to meet President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at a reception in the head of state’s official residence, in Phoenix Park, said he was pleased to be back.

London Irish’s recruitment drive has continued with the signing of hooker Robbie Russell and centre Rodd Penney for next season.

AUSTRALIA’S gamble on rugby league converts Wendell Sailor, Mat Rogers and Lote Tuqiri to help them retain the World Cup faces an All Black examination in tomorrow’s Bledisloe Cup match.

When France’s new coach sets forward his plans for the national team, he does not speak of ambitions. Guy Noves has been around long enough to know he has a duty to the cause of picking up the pieces of his national team.

The All Blacks juggernaut hit a road bump in the British and Irish Lions series but it should be back to business as usual for the world champions when they take on South Africa, Australia and Argentina in the Rugby Championship.

Spain will be crowned world champions for the first time in their history on Sunday, according to German coach Joachim Low.