The New Zealand Rugby Union have confirmed Tests against France and Canada as part of their preparations for next year’s Tri-Nations and World Cup.

Diego Maradona believes Wayne Rooney can inspire England to lead the European challenge at the World Cup next summer.

Pizza delivery chain Domino’s Pizza today served up a 25% increase in profits thanks to the launch of its Simpsons branded pizza and the World Cup effect.

The French Rugby Federation (FRF) are to open an inquiry following the incidents in Ireland’s World Cup warm-up match in Bayonne which saw Brian O’Driscoll sustain a fracture to his sinus.

Michael Owen is stepping up his rehabilitation programme after suffering knee ligament damage during the World Cup by beginning running sessions with Newcastle this week.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is confident Steven Gerrard will be fit to play in the World Cup qualifier against Austria on Saturday, despite missing the end of today‘s training session with a groin injury.

England coach Sven Goran-Eriksson had the luxury of training with a full squad today before flying out to Vienna this afternoon ahead of the opening World Cup qualifier against Austria on Saturday.

West Brom’s Andy Johnson has withdrawn from the Wales squad to face Northern Ireland following a family bereavement.

Mark Regan has become the eighth member of England’s World Cup-winning squad to retire from international rugby.

Mick Kinane hopes that Gold For Sale can be the one to break his Dubai World Cup meeting duck when the Saudi Arabian runner lines-up in Saturday’s UAE Derby.

Leinster have included most of their World Cup contingent, including Brian O'Driscoll and Malcolm O'Kelly, for Saturday's Celtic League tie at the Neath/Swansea Ospreys at The Gnoll.

Ireland winger Denis Hickie has been ruled out of the World Cup after medics confirmed he will require immediate surgery on a serious Achilles injury suffered in yesterday’s nailbiting 17-16 defeat to Australia.

Former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat has resigned as coach of Holland, the KNVB confirmed today.

England look certain to be without Wayne Rooney for their first two World Cup qualifiers.

England scrum-half Kyran Bracken has decided to retire from the international arena.

Machiavellian, one of Europe’s leading stallions and sire of two Dubai World Cup winners, has been put down at the age of 17.

A list of major sports events to be made available on free-to-air television was today published by the Government.

Ireland have kicked off their World Cup campaign against Cameroon at Niigata.

Cameroon fear the Roy Keane factor could count against them in Saturday’s World Cup opener against the Republic of Ireland in Niigata.

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy believes Saudi Arabia will be highly motivated to knock his team out of the World Cup.