Roy Keane would consider going to see a musical based on the infamous bust-up which saw him walk out of the 2002 World Cup – but only if it came to Manchester and he received a free ticket.

David Healy will miss Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on October 9 as he serves a one-match ban.

Having watched Pool A rivals Australia and Argentina make an unconvincing start to their World Cup in Sydney last night, Ireland stepped into the fray looking to confirm their status as the third best team on the planet.

Ireland have announced the squad that will take part in two tournaments in the European Sevens Circuit that will act as pre-qualifiers for the sevens Rugby World Cup in 2005.

England’s record-breaking England prop Jason Leonard has had a train named after him.

World Cup-winning scrum-half Matt Dawson has revealed he came close to quitting the game two years ago.

Ireland captain Keith Wood admitted his side’s poor first-half display cost them dearly as they slipped to a 43-21 defeat to France in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Scottish Rugby Union executive board chairman David Mackay maintains Scotland’s poor World Cup display was not the sole reason for the dismissal of Bill Watson as SRU chief executive yesterday.

Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli will keep his job – at least until the board of SA Rugby convenes on December 4.

Croatia claim they will be satisfied with a point against European champions France as they believe the key to qualification lies in beating England in their final match.

Middlesbrough’s Brazilian World Cup winner Juninho will return to action tomorrow night for the first time since injury wrecked his Premiership homecoming.

Zimbabwe fast bowler Henry Olonga has been expelled from his domestic cricket club following his political protest at the World Cup.

Wales took a major step towards the IRB Under-21 World Cup semi-finals after beating Argentina 24-18 at Iffley Road, Oxford today.

Bolton midfielder Stig Tofting was today jailed for four months after being found guilty of assault at a Copenhagen restaurant.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce is confident of signing Aliou Cisse after agreeing personal terms with the midfielder.

South Korea captain Hong Myung-bo says his team don't fear anybody ahead of the World Cup semi-final against Germany.

Dundee defender Fan Zhiyi has denied claims that he, along with his international team-mates, threw China’s World Cup opener against Costa Rica for money.

The Minister for Agriculture is asking Irish football supporters to be conscious of the dangers posed by foot-and-mouth disease, as hundreds try to get the cash together to travel to the next round of the World Cup in South Korea.

Ireland have still to register a point at the women’s World Cup in Australia after slumping to their fifth successive defeat against Spain.

Graham Taylor is confident Ulises De La Cruz will complete his move to Aston Villa over the weekend.