Australia and Japan have signed an historic accord designed to promote co-operation between the two rugby football unions.

Wayne Rooney admits he was “disappointed” by Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo’s actions during the controversial World Cup semi-final between England and Portugal but has forgiven him.

Newly-appointed Blackburn manager Mark Hughes is delighted he will be allowed to remain in charge of Wales for their World Cup qualifiers against England and Poland next month.

The job of All Blacks head coach is up for grabs after New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs invited applications for the role.

Argentina have named 19 foreign-based players in their squad for the first two matches in their South American qualifying round for the 2006 World Cup.

Irish captain Keith Wood has provided his fellow World Cup squad members with a tremendous psychological boost by declaring that they are the best he has played with.

France were short-handed but in an upbeat mood as they trained at Brisbane’s Ballymore Stadium today.

Australian international Toutai Kefu has called for England to be docked points over the Dan Luger 16-man saga.

Birmingham striker Clinton Morrison has set himself a 10-goal target in the hope of earning a place in the Republic of Ireland’s starting line-up for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.

British Lions and Wales number eight Scott Quinnell is poised to announce his retirement from international rugby because of a persistent knee injury.

GLENN HODDLE yesterday followed revelations that Irish World Cup star Robbie Keane is on Tottenham's shopping list by confirming his plans to delve into the transfer market.

A scintillating goal from Neymar drew him level with Romario in Brazil’s all-time top scorers list as they cruised to a 3-0 win against Austria yesterday.

Former Uefa president Michel Platini always opposed the introduction of technology in football because he felt that, once it gained a foothold, it would quickly expand and change the character of the sport altogether.

Northern Ireland face a huge battle to keep hold of in-demand manager Michael O’Neill after the Scottish Football Association yesterday made an official approach for the Armagh man.

Germany national team head scout Urs Siegenthaler believes coach Joachim Low is on the verge of the crowning moment of his coaching career.