All Bar One and Harvester owner Mitchells & Butlers today reported slowing sales ahead of the first winter for smoking bans in England and Wales.

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill today ruled himself out of the running to become the new England manager.

Wayne Rooney has been told he will not discover when he can resume training for another three weeks.

Shaka Hislop is looking forward to an “exciting new challenge” after joining American side FC Dallas from West Ham.

Cheryl Tweedy has launched an attack on fellow footballers' wives, claiming that they all lack ambition, apart from Victoria Beckham.

The doctor treating Diego Maradona has denied the Argentina legend’s admission to hospital last week was down to a suicide attempt.

Brazilian giants Flamengo claim they have started negotiations to sign AC Milan striker Ronaldo.

Former England hooker Phil Greening has retired from rugby with immediate effect.

Fernando Torres has pledged his future to Atletico Madrid for at least one more season despite overtures from the likes of Manchester United.

Shares in online casino 888 plunged 6% today after the business reported a drop in active members, while a 23% hike in second quarter revenues fell short of market expectations.

Ireland's public enemy Number one Mikaera Tewhata has been temporarily suspended by the French rugby federation after his punch on Brian O'Driscoll.

Blackburn have dropped plans to give a trial to Korean striker Ahn Jung-Hwan.

French defender Vincent Candela looks set to join Bolton, according to reports in Italy.

Martin Johnson tonight won his appeal against a yellow card which could have landed him a season-ending ban.

Manchester United misfit Kleberson will complete a £2.5m (€3.6m) move to Besiktas today after passing a medical with the Turkish club.

Organisers of Berlin’s Love Parade said today that financial problems had forced them to cancel the techno music festival for the second straight year.

Wales 23 Scotland 9

A special mass is due to take place in Loughinisland, Co Down, to mark the tenth anniversary of the murder of six men in the village by loyalist paramilitaries 10 years ago today.

Gloucester today announced the signing of England Under-21 wing James Bailey.

Springbok captain Corne Krige has announced his retirement from international action, preferring to spend more time with his family and a representative career with the Super 12 Stormers and his club Western Province.