Republic of Ireland assistant manager Liam Brady has outlined the importance of the Republic of Ireland’s friendly against Australia on Wednesday, by saying that the match will act as good preparation for the World Cup qualifier in Cyprus next month.

New Zealand full-back Mils Muliaina is a doubt for the World Cup encounter with Scotland after picking up a hamstring injury in the victory over Portugal.

Ireland 58 Russia 18

South Africa back Francois Steyn has been cleared of biting an opponent in his country’s World Cup victory over Tonga.

Samoa head coach Michael Jones is counting the cost of injuries suffered during warm-up games in England ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

The Ireland squad broke camp today before they reassemble on Sunday evening for the start of the Rugby World Cup campaign.

Scotland number eight Simon Taylor admits every player involved in the World Cup defeat by Argentina will be forever "haunted" by the result.

Today’s women’s World Cup group games in China between Australia and Canada and China and New Zealand have been put back one day due to a typhoon in the region.

Ireland's Jessica Kurten was one of 14 riders through to the jump-off in tonight's Grand Prix at the World Cup show in Vigo, Spain, but one mistake kept her out of the top 10 at the finish.

Tickets for Connacht's high-profile friendly with World Cup contenders South Africa on August 21 have been selling fast today, with the main stand terrace having already sold out.

Argentina have returned to Buenos Aires to resume their preparations for the World Cup after a 14-day training camp in the United States.

Recently-crowned Argentina World Cup Under-20 winner Angel Di Maria claims negotiations with English Premier League club Arsenal are going well.

Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda is eager to get his men working hard after they arrive on Sunday in Pensicola, Florida to begin training for the World Cup.

Manchester City trio Robinho, Jo and Elano have both been named in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Colombia next month but there is no place for Ronaldinho.

Ireland’s hopes of reaching the final of the ICC World Cup qualifiers were hit by a 22-run defeat to Afghanistan in the first Super Eight match today.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has been ruled out of Germany’s forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Finland.

England coach Fabio Capello is expected to return to London on Monday and has urged his side to build on their first friendlies under his leadership with the 2010 World Cup qualifiers starting in September.

Former England manager Bobby Robson has admitted he will lose his battle with lung cancer “sooner rather than later”.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid is desperate to win his place back in Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Inter Milan have denied receiving an offer from Tottenham or any other Barclays Premier League side for their Italy World Cup-winning defender Marco Materazzi.