Leinster qualified for their 11th European Cup semi-final just 36 hours earlier, but a “bizarre mood” hung over the province’s HQ on Monday morning.

Jose Mourinho should be sent to prison over his treatment of Bastian Schweinsteiger, according to a member of world players' union FifPro.

Graham Shaw says the lure of his “dream role” in New Zealand was too good to turn down, as he leaves behind a World Cup silver-medal- winning team for the world number six Blacksticks.

SPRINGBOK coach Jake White believes that beating the All Blacks would be like winning the World Cup.

Cesc Fabregas dedicated his World Cup triumph to Arsenal – but his future with the north London giants remains shrouded in mystery.

JASON ROBINSON keeps trying to push thoughts of World Cup celebration out of his mind as he prepares to bring one of rugby’s most brilliant careers to a close.

PAVEL Nedved has announced he will retire from international football following the Czech Republic’s friendly clash with Serbia tonight.

Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan has been charged with common assault, police have said.

Frank Lampard will not be offered a new contract with Chelsea under any circumstances, according to the midfielder’s agent.

Anthony Stokes hopes to earn a return to Republic of Ireland favour after manager Giovanni Trapattoni’s departure.

Declan Kidney’s Irish team have been dealt a serious blow ahead of their departure to New Zealand with the news that Ulster back row Stephen Ferris will not take part in the three Test series against the All Blacks.

Danny Care will be excluded from England’s Six Nations squad after being arrested for drink driving, the Rugby Football Union have confirmed.

Master Of Hounds will go for either the Qipco 2000 Guineas or the Kentucky Derby following his gallant effort in the UAE Derby.

Germany coach Joachim Low has raised doubts as to whether Michael Ballack will ever return to the national team following his latest injury setback.

The Football Association were today investigating whether Liverpool forward Ryan Babel would face disciplinary action following his criticism of referee Howard Webb on Twitter.

Ireland 82 Serbia 0

It is all but impossible to imagine how Dublin football manager Jim Gavin’s successor might emulate his record five-in-in-a-row All Ireland titles.

ENGLAND flanker James Haskell has been passed fit for selection against Ireland on Saturday.

GORDON D’ARCY has undergone surgery on an ankle injury sustained in Leinster’s Heineken Cup victory over Northampton Saints in Cardiff last month.

ENGLAND World Cup hopeful Manu Tuilagi looks likely to miss the English Premiership final with Saracens after a “thuggishness” attack on Northampton winger Chris Ashton.