The Ireland coach also admitted Donnacha Ryan was unlucky not to have featured more prominently until now.

The Leinster captain has described how “you have to back yourself as a player” when faced with criticism.

Don’t you just hate it when a commentator utters a phrase you’ve heard a zillion times before? Well, here’s some of the worst offenders for your sins.

Athletes including Bernard Brogan, Sean O’Brien and Deirdre Ryan describe how sport can lift the nation in these tough economic times.

From #seanobrienfacts to Marc Lievremont’s penchant for pessimism, we round up the memorable words of wisdom from some of the sport’s most eminent figures… And George Hook.

Rumours abound that the Swiss official will not fulfil his four-year term, despite his dismissal of the speculation via Twitter.

Dmitri Torbinski has denied that his side are the favourites going into today’s vital Group B encounter.

Ex-City player says he can relate to the Italian star’s complaints.

Look who the Manchester United manager relaxed with at the Argentina versus Brazil game.