THE moment of truth dawns for Ireland in Melbourne tomorrow morning.

THIERRY HENRY’S move to the New York Red Bulls will help Major League Soccer in its goal to become one of the “world’s elite soccer leagues”, according to vice-president of marketing and communications, Dan Courtemanche.

ENGLAND coach Clive Woodward is determined to lead his world champions back to winning ways on the summer tour to New Zealand and Australia, with or without Jonny Wilkinson.

Lord Sam is set to revert to hurdling with connections already eyeing a crack at the Cheltenham Festival.

Legendary Brazilian striker Romario has announced he is to bring an end to his illustrious career, according to the newspaper O Globo.

Charlton have agreed a fee for Denmark winger Dennis Rommedahl with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

A powerful group of top European football clubs is set to lobby for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to take place between April and May.

Cameroon’s football federation (FECAFOOT) is to investigate allegations of match-fixing by its players at the World Cup finals.

Ulster lock Iain Henderson admitted head coach Schmidt is “keeping us in the dark” over selection for the first of four World Cup warm-up matches.

Thomas Waldrom has joined England’s Rugby World Cup squad as the official replacement for injured prop Andrew Sheridan, manager Martin Johnson has announced.

Australia coach Robbie Deans has signed a new two-year contract and will remain in charge of the Wallabies until the end of the 2013 international season.

FIFA will come under pressure to change their rules after Thierry Henry escaped punishment for his handball against Ireland.

Fernando Torres may not have hit top form in the World Cup yet but Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque insists the Liverpool striker remains a major threat to opposition defenders.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque will have to choose between Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas to face Germany in tonight’s World Cup semi-final.

The New Zealand Rugby Union have launched an investigation after winger Doug Howlett was arrested in London on suspicion of criminal damage.

BOLIVIA and Venezuela will open a new round of the South American World Cup qualifiers tonight, while Argentina and Brazil will both be in action tomorrow looking to go a step closer to booking their place at Germany 2006.

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering knee ligament damage on Saturday.