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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy admits his team must get used to their new role as European heavyweights.

Robbie Fowler became the latest England World Cup hopeful to suffer an obscure injury as the Leeds striker limped out midway through the first half of Leeds’ meaningless clash at Derby.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has promised David Beckham will retain his England skipper's role during the World Cup.

Ryder Cup golfer Jesper Parnevik feared for his life as two hijacked planes ploughed into the World Trade Centre a kilometre from where he was staying.