Jonathan Sexton has no doubt Ireland’s best is yet to come as they approach the Rugby World Cup and the out-half believes the team can do just that by embracing the attacking approach that cut Scotland to shreds last March and retained the Six Nations title.

FORMER German star Dietmar Hamann believes England’s inability to keep possession will be their downfall at the World Cup finals.

BRAZIL star Ronaldo is splitting from his wife and has complained that footballers were portrayed in his homeland as ignorant.

A REBEL “Super 14” style breakaway by many of Europe’s top clubs is on the cards.

STEVEN GERRARD has described England’s performance in Denmark as ‘a shambles’ and urged manager Sven-Goran Eriksson to call an emergency meeting to discuss problems arising from an embarrassing 4-1 defeat.

Owen Farrell displayed his true "controlled" temperament in England's stunning 32-20 win over Ireland in Dublin, according to Mike Ford.

Graeme McDowell believes representing Ireland at this week’s World Cup of Golf in Melbourne may mean he will “have to play” for the country at the Olympic Games in 2016.

The Republic of Ireland are expected to figure among the second seeds for the Euro 2016 qualifying draw in Nice on February 23 next year.

The idea of Ireland hosting Euro 2020 was mooted by the FAI last year. Ireland has also been suggested as a host for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

WORLD CUP GROUP D:

IT HASN’T been easy but I have had to face reality. This will probably be my last World Cup.

FORMER Tottenham and Newcastle midfielder David Ginola is suing his one-time France coach Gerard Houllier.

PRESSURE is growing on FIFA to launch a full investigation into fresh allegations that six executive committee members asked for bribes or favours, including a knighthood, in return for World Cup votes.

France coach Raymond Domenech admitted judgment days were looming for his team ahead of the World Cup qualifying double-header with the Faroe Islands and the Republic of Ireland.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez wants his summer spending wrapped up before the World Cup starts.

FIFA officials have potentially set a precedent for overruling refereeing decisions after ordering Uzbekistan’s World Cup qualifier against Bahrain to be replayed.

Eddie O’Sullivan admitted he was hugely relieved to have achieved his goal of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals after the team’s nail-biting 16-15 win over Argentina in Adelaide.