The FAI were making no comment yesterday on Sepp Blatter’s suggestion that the UK and Ireland could jointly host the 2030 World Cup.

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy insisted the Roy Keane bombshell will not affect the rest of his squad’s preparation for the World Cup finals.

Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Roberts will miss Friday’s Heineken Cup clash against London Irish with a twisted knee, coach Justin Burnell has confirmed.

Bath lock Danny Grewcock has been suspended for seven weeks after being found guilty of stamping on Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris in last weekend’s Heineken Cup game, the ERC have announced.

Former Premier League referee Graham Poll believes Phil Dowd used a technicality in the rules to avoid sending off Nemanja Vidic during Manchester United’s Carling Cup victory over Aston Villa yesterday.

Ryder Cup watch; Irish Open winner Mikko Ilonen has put himself in the Ryder Cup conversation thanks to his stress-free, wire-to-wire victory at Fota Island.

David Junior will bypass the Baileys Irish Champion Stakes in September and next week’s Juddmonte International at York.

Dan Luger could be playing his club rugby in France next season with Heineken Cup semi-finalists Perpignan.

BEFORE John Gallagher took the final few steps of his journey from the streets of London into the inner sanctum of the All Blacks, one of the all-time greats had a word in his ear.

The Qatar diplomatic crisis can end if Doha gives up hosting the 2022 Fifa World Cup, a top Emirati security official has said.

FIFA has said there has been no evidence of match-fixing at any World Cup match and called on a German magazine which made allegations concerning Cameroon to offer proof.

Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli hailed his “rebels” after the South Americans knocked reigning champions Spain out of the World Cup.

Wales want to put down an immediate marker in terms of their discipline when they face opening World Cup warm-up opponents Ireland on Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo's superb free-kick gave Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Brazilian side Gremio as they retained their FIFA Club World Cup title in Abu Dhabi.

Boris Johnson sowed confusion over England's World Cup involvement - before his team rejected suggestions that Gareth Southgate's squad could be pulled from the competition.

England captain Lewis Moody heaped praise on Scotland after Martin Johnson’s side secured a dramatic 16-12 victory in today’s World Cup Pool B clash in Auckland.

Brian O’Driscoll has urged Ireland’s fringe players to make their presence felt at the World Cup.

Brian O’Driscoll expects to lead Ireland out in their World Cup opener against the United States on September 11.

Andres Iniesta today reiterated his desire to be reunited with Cesc Fabregas at Barcelona next season after the two players combined to win the World Cup for Spain on Sunday.

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has rejected claims that Diego Maradona was forced out of the Argentina job by player power, insisting the former boss had the full respect of his squad.