JOHN TERRY would have been applauded in some countries rather than sacked as national team captain for having an alleged affair, according to FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

CARETAKER coach Nigel Davies insists the door should not be closed on any player as Wales attempt to bounce back from their World Cup woes.

Ulster know what to expect from Harlequins in general and their front-five talisman Joe Marler in particular when the Champions Cup resumes this weekend.

THE waiting is over. The sixth Rugby World Cup kicked off last night, with 20 teams competing for the coveted William Webb Ellis trophy.

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.

Danny Brough has turned his back on Scotland for a second time in a bid to achieve his dream of playing for England against Australia.

ARSENE WENGER last night welcomed the news Thierry Henry wanted his future sorted out before the start of the World Cup, but maintained he would not rush the Arsenal captain to make a decision.

Ireland flanker David Wallace is ready to put ankle injury problems behind him and spearhead his country’s bid for success at the World Cup in France.

Germany’s jubilation at their historic 7-1 World Cup semi-final win over Brazil was kept in check by the realisation that their ambitions will be unfulfilled if they do not triumph in Sunday’s final.

Newly-appointed Ireland coach Declan Kidney has hinted he may take the captaincy away from Brian O’Driscoll.

JUVENTUS defender Lilian Thuram looks set to follow Zinedine Zidane and Claude Makelele in coming out of international retirement after receiving a call-up from the French football federation for the friendly against the Ivory Coast on August 17.

South Africa flanker Schalk Burger wants his team-mates to “keep it simple” when they take on England in the World Cup final tonight.

Irish show jumpers drove to victory across Europe at the weekend, with Jessica Kurten in the driving seat when claiming a €40,000 Subaru car in the grand prix in Odense, Copenhagen.

The England women’s football team were disappointed at a decision to exclude them from playing in the next Olympics but were determined not to let it spoil their upcoming World Cup campaign, coach Hope Powell said today.

Brian Kerr has urged Republic of Ireland fans to be “realistic” about their hopes of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup.