The Republic of Ireland has fallen eight spots to 36th in the latest FIFA rankings.

Scotland will hope to have forwards Jonny Gray and Ross Ford in their team to face Australia in the World Cup quarter-final after confirming they are appealing the three week ban handed to the pair.

WORLD CUP winner Ossie Ardiles is one of three new faces on the RTÉ Sport team for their extensive coverage of this summer’s tournament in South Africa.

REFEREE Martin Hansson broke his silence yesterday by insisting “life must go on” after his blunder contributed to the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup exit.

COLIN MONTGOMERIE has decided that he is fit enough to play in this week's Linde German Masters.

The small market town of Marcoussis used to supply Paris with tomatoes and strawberries. Today, it will deliver to the French capital an Irish women’s rugby team intent on making history.

England World Cup winner Neil Back has admitted his shock at being axed from the squad for the RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Italy – but has vowed to win back his international place.

ROY KEANE’S latest explosion was inevitable because he is a consummate professional, claims a leading psychologist.

Sven-Goran Eriksson hopes his players show the spirit of Munich when England play Argentina in Friday's World Cup clash.

Mick McCarthy says he should have quit as manager of the Republic of Ireland immediately after their World Cup exit.

Ireland's 15-6 victory over Australia has seen them move up two places to sixth in the IRB World Rankings as Australia drop one place to third.

Robbie Keane is convinced the Republic of Ireland can beat Italy and book their own trip to South Africa 2010 via World Cup qualifying Group Eight at the reigning champions' expense.

GETTING dropped was a new experience for Luke Fitzgerald last season and it’s not one he wants to repeat.

JAPAN’S first World Cup win in 45 years could provide the inspiration for a new generation of players in the country, Shigeki Maruyama believes.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has named Holland, Australia and the United States as the trio he would like England to avoid in this evening’s World Cup draw.

West Ham manager Alan Pardew believes the Football Association stooped to an all-time low when they appointed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager.

Returning Scotland lock Stuart Grimes admits he was far more concerned about regaining his place in Ian McGeechan’s World Cup plans than winning a 50th cap.