Wales coach Warren Gatland looks unlikely to face an International Rugby Board investigation following his controversial comments about faking injury, it is understood.

FIFA today announced that France striker Thierry Henry will not be punished for his handball in last November’s World Cup qualification play-off against the Republic of Ireland.

Former manager Gerard Houllier believes France have a "50-50 chance" of qualifying for South Africa following today's draw which pits them against the Republic of Ireland.

Bacary Sagna expects a “crazy game” when France travel to Dublin to face the Republic of Ireland in the first leg of their World Cup qualifying play-off on Saturday.

SPANISH captain Iker Casillas lifted the World Cup to the African night sky as all of Spain celebrated the first World Cup triumph in their history.

SIMON SHAW is ready for the launch of mission improbable tomorrow after completing a 12-year journey into the Lions Test team.

STEVE THOMPSON’S £500,000 gamble paid off handsomely today after he was named as England’s starting hooker to face Australia at Twickenham.

What is the point of the play-offs?

Fernando Torres has warned that Spain are prepared to win at all costs against Chile tonight (8pm) — even if it means abandoning their usual stylish football.

The chief executive of TV3 yesterday insisted the station’s success in winning the primary rights for broadcasting next year’s Rugby World Cup had nothing to do with the Ballymount operation losing out to Sky in the latest GAA TV deal.

WORLD CUP QUARTER-FINAL:

Jurgen Klinsmann admitted he was honoured after being told to stay on as Germany coach by one of his country’s football legends.

Holland coach Marco van Basten insists he would choose Arjen Robben over Wayne Rooney because the Chelsea star “can be the best player in the world”.

Ryan Jones is set to discover whether or not his World Cup dreams have been shattered by a shoulder injury.

Clive Woodward is relishing spending a week with the Wales squad as part of his preparations for next summer’s Lions tour to New Zealand.

England coach Andy Robinson has named an unchanged team for Saturday’s World Cup final rematch against Australia at Twickenham.

France’s hopes of defending their RBS 6 Nations crown evaporated in a 10-minute spell at home to eventual champions Wales, according to national team coach Bernard Laporte.

Ben Cohen is relishing the prospect of England’s World Cup campaign – two years after a “mindless” Lions tour to Australia.