UK £1bn Rugby World Cup lift November 18, 2014 BRITAIN’S economy is set to receive a boost totalling close to £1bn from hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup, a report commissioned by the tournament’s organising committee revealed yesterday. An economic impact study undertaken by accountancy firm EY predicts the showpiece event, which will be staged at 13 stadia in 11 cities across England in [...]
Ireland hit United States for four as Ronaldo and Messi fail to fire November 18, 2014 REPUBLIC of Ireland bounced back from their Euro 2016 qualification setback against Scotland to brush aside the United States 4-1 in a friendly clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last night. Hull City’s Robbie Brady netted twice as Anthony Pilkington and James McClean also registered for Martin O’Neill’s side, with Max Diskerud on target for [...]
Hodgson: Three Lions will thrive in Scotland test November 17, 2014 ENGLAND boss Roy Hodgson believes tonight’s highly-charged friendly against rivals Scotland at Celtic Park can provide some of the intensity which is lacking from their tepid Euro 2016 qualifying group. The Three Lions infamously endured their worst World Cup showing for more than half a century during the summer but currently sit pretty at the [...]
Golf Comment: Stenson and Westwood hit stride for Dubai November 17, 2014 ACROSS the Atlantic they have talked of Brooks Koepka being a potential Major winner for some time. The Turkish Airlines Open may not be a Major, but as one of the European Tour’s biggest events the field is just about as good. Koepka’s win there on Sunday is another step towards fulfilling his promise and [...]
Caterham woes prompt rethink from Ecclestone November 17, 2014 FORMULA One chief Bernie Ecclestone has revealed talks are underway about the sport’s future direction after the Caterham and Marussia teams collapsed into administration last month. Ecclestone says his aims for the coming year are preventing more teams from hitting the wall and taking over media accreditation to curb a proliferation of online media in [...]
Lancaster: England’s slump is not terminal November 17, 2014 ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster has dismissed suggestions his side’s slump in form represents a crisis despite mounting pressure ahead of their crunch showdown with Samoa at Twickenham on Saturday. Lancaster has added five players to the 23-man squad on duty against South Africa at the weekend with centres Luther Burrell and Billy Twelvetrees, scrum-half [...]
Dyke Fifa report publication plea November 17, 2014 FOOTBALL Association chairman Greg Dyke has urged world governing body Fifa’s most influential figures to demand full publication of an investigation into alleged World Cup bid corruption. Dyke has written to all 25 members of Fifa’s executive committee following outcry at last week’s summary report – which cleared Qatar and Russia – saying: “We cannot [...]
Henry suffers brain problem November 17, 2014 IRELAND flanker Chris Henry faces a prolonged period on the sidelines after tests revealed he has a blocked blood vessel in his brain. The 30-year-old Ulsterman missed Ireland’s victory over South Africa on Saturday 8 November due to an unspecified virus, which was later thought to be a severe migraine. Ireland and Ulster officials are [...]
Driving ban for Frankel jockey November 17, 2014 FRANKEL’S jockey Tom Queally was yesterday banned from driving for 22 months after claiming he was sleep walking while drink driving. The 30-year-old was more than twice the legal limit when found asleep at the wheel of his BMW in March. Lawyer Nick Freeman, who has successfully defended David Beckham and Andrew Flintoff, argued his client [...]
Novak Djokovic’s $2.1m ATP World Tour Finals 2014 prize money sees him finish season as tour’s biggest earner November 17, 2014 In the end, the climax to the 2014 men’s professional tennis season was all a bit, well, anti-climatic. Novak Djokovic took ATP World Tour Finals title for the third successive year after opponent Roger Federer withdrew due to a back injury. It was not quite the crowning glory the Serbian ace would have [...]