The Dáil has passed legislation to allow Ireland host the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

Holland’s substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul dramatically made two saves in a penalty shoot-out against Costa Rica to carry his side into the semi-finals of the World Cup.

The pitch at Windsor Park will be assessed by FIFA delegates at 2pm this afternoon to check conditions are suitable for Israel to train ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland.

England 4 Montenegro 1

Russian President Vladimir Putin says the United States is meddling in Fifa’s affairs in an attempt to take the 2018 World Cup away from his country.

Bosch slots in for Matias Moroni in head coach Daniel Hourcade’s sole change from last weekend’s 43-20 quarter-final victory over Ireland.

Jonah Lomu admits a decision to move World Cup games away from earthquake-hit Christchurch “could be the worst thing they could do”.

Wasps have signed Leeds Carnegie’s World Cup winner Steve Thompson for the 2011-12 Aviva Premiership season.

Australia should not spend any more money on World Cup bids until FIFA’s corruption investigation has been completed, independent senator Nick Xenophon has urged.

England winger Mark Cueto faces the prospect of a lengthy ban after he was today cited by the Rugby Football Union for “making contact with the eye or eye area” of Northampton’s Christian Day during Sale’s Aviva Premiership match on April 2.

Quade Cooper believes Ireland’s 15-6 victory over Australia has sounded their arrival as a major force at the World Cup.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes he is close to making Mexico midfielder Efrain Juarez his latest summer signing.

South Africa defender Bongani Khumalo today claimed he was on the brink of earning a trial at Tottenham.

New Zealand expect number eight Kieran Read to miss most of the round-robin stage at the World Cup after tests showed he has torn a ligament in his left ankle.

World Cup drink promotions must be given the red card if anti-social behaviour is to be tackled, Gerry Adams warned today.

David James has hinted at dissatisfaction in the England camp with Fabio Capello’s custom of only unveiling the team shortly before kick-off.

Portugal 3 Mozambique 0

Blackburn's Sam Allardyce will assess the emotional and physical effects of World Cup heartache on Keith Andrews before deciding on his side to face former club Bolton on Sunday.

Midfielder Damien Duff has returned to the Republic of Ireland training camp today.

Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne sat out training this morning as he nursed a bruised ankle.