WORLD CUP GROUP D:

Brian O’Driscoll last night dismissed the possibility he will play any part in Ireland’s next World Cup campaign.

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.

The South African government have approved a €170m guarantee to strengthen the country’s chances of hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Former Heineken Cup winning Munster scrum-half Peter Stringer is the latest name to be linked with a move to current Pro 12 Champions Leinster.

Former World Cup winning coach Bob Dwyer has agreed to coach the Barbarians on their three-match tour next month.

SVEN-GORAN Eriksson has launched a pre-emptive strike in a bid to prevent further embarrassing disclosures from the News of the World.

An Irish referee will make history this month as she joins a team of female officials at this month’s UEFA Super Cup clash between Chelsea and Liverpool.

LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO has warned Twickenham officials not to make a panic appointment and hand World Cup-winning skipper Martin Johnson the vacant England coach’s role.

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke has expressed surprise Manchester United will not be allowed to wear their ’world champions’ badge in Premier League games.

Referee Jaco Peyper was not considered for a World Cup semi-final appointment after an “inappropriate” picture of him with Welsh fans appeared on social media.

Hundreds of supporters welcomed home the Irish Womens Rugby team at Dublin Airport yesterday evening following their fourth place finish at the Womens Rugby World Cup in France.

World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo has declared himself fully fit to take on Germany in the much-anticipated Group G opener in Salvador.

Paul O’Connell has admitted Ireland are a “long, long way away” from winning the Rugby World Cup after last week’s defeat to Wales in Dublin.

Jean de Villiers cannot see himself playing for any other South African except the Stormers, following his revelation last week that he will quit Munster in favour of a return to his homeland.