The Scottish Premier League have confirmed there will be no winter break next season – although it may be back the following year.

Jamie Heaslip has challenged his players to back up victory over Wales last week with another big performance against England tomorrow as Ireland strive to be regarded as one of the best teams in the world.

WORLD refereeing chief Paddy O’Brien has urged for consistency throughout rugby in the application of recently introduced interpretations of the game’s laws.

Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has admitted he is only staying at the club because they were relegated to Serie B this summer.

Ireland U-19 15 Scotland U-19 8

MIDDLESBROUGH boss Steve McClaren yesterday brought back memories of the big-spending Bryan Robson days as he launched a shock bid to re-sign World Cup winner Juninho and finally got his hands on Massimo Maccarone.

YOU KNOW you’re in trouble when an interview starts with a list of questions that are off-limits.

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington received a boost when Jonny Evans joined the squad in training today.

Padraig Harrington is three shots off the pace after the opening round of the Williams World Challenge at the Sherwood Country Club course, Thousand Oaks.

Ireland cruised to an eight-wicket win against Hong Kong in their opening T20 World Cup qualifier in the United Arab Emirates.

What have 11 Irish women done that 11 Irish men couldn’t? Answer: Got into the quarter-finals of a world cup.

Barcelona star Ludovic Giuly has revealed he expects Thierry Henry to join the Spanish giants from Arsenal this summer.

France coach Roger Lemerre has warned his world and European champions to be on their guard against a shock against Senegal today.

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.

Football clubs are to be compensated for letting their players appear in the final stages of the European Championships and World Cup.

Joe Schmidt praised Rory Best’s work ethic and ability to bounce back from is personal Twickenham disappointments as he confirmed the veteran hooker as Ireland’s captain to lead his team into the World Cup in Japan.

A look back on the eight previous Rugby World Cup finals.

The Irish U21 women’s side had their status in the top tier of European competition assured thanks to an EHF executive board decision this week which keeps alive their hopes of playing in the 2020 Junior World Cup.