The world number one has not been beaten at Melbourne Park since a fourth-round loss to Chung Hyeon back in 2018.

The tournament’s most eagerly-awaited opener for years will unfold between the main two teams on a Friday night in Marseille – and everyone else could be playing catch-up from day one.

Head coach Andy Farrell has kept faith with 26 of the 33 players who ultimately suffered a last-eight defeat to New Zealand in France.

The US embassy in London has intervened in a row over how to make the perfect cup of tea after an American scientist made a controversial suggestion.

Izzy Atkinson, who featured at last summer’s World Cup following a late call-up, has only played seven times for the struggling Hammers this term. 

Kadri said he bears full responsibility for Tunisia's disappointing end to their Cup of Nations campaign.

Aaron McEneff is glad to have fled Perth Glory in the end, on loan for now anyway, with the 28-year-old embracing the stability of success at Rovers and the sight of Champions League exposure visible in the summer.

The EFL plans to stick with the two-leg format for the Carabao Cup semi-finals next season with no new funding agreement in place with the Premier League.

A few months back, somebody suggested I write a column about visiting a medium. I liked the idea straight away, mostly because I’d never have come up with it myself. I’d characterise myself as being both sceptical and open-minded.

The uncapped Bath pair of Max Ojomoh and Will Muir, and Newcastle’s Jamie Blamire, have been added to the squad who have headed out to train in Spain before the side’s tournament opener in Rome.

The Galway star was amongst the Irish athletes that signed a letter demanding a halt to the bombardment in Palestine. 

The comparisons with Gavin Bazunu are unavoidable. Almost three years separates them but the fact the first-choice Ireland goalkeeper has exceeded 150 senior games before his turns 22 next month illustrates the disparity in career paths.

Farrell will become ineligible for England selection until 2026 after agreeing a two-year deal.

The Munster man was taken off during the Champions Cup defeat to Northampton Saints last weekend having been caught twice in the head by the knee of Curtis Langdon.

Molinari was part of the successful 2023 Ryder Cup team where Team Europe defeated USA 16 ½ - 11 ½ in his native Italy.

The former Ireland boss will be a familiar face when Andy Farrell leads the Lions south next year.

THE 2024 Six Nations championship has already started with a whoosh.

The Academy Award nominees have been revealed and Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy has received his first nomination

With tunes such as Brewing Up a Storm and  Half Past Two, The Stunning's debut album proved you didn't have to be part of the Dublin scene to make great music 

Peter O'Mahony has conducted himself carefully in his elongating roll call of duties with the fourth estate through duties with Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions.