Australian Rugby League boss Geoff Carr says he pulled the plug on the presentation of runners-up medals to the Kangaroos late in the World Cup final because “it’s just never done.”

Former England rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward has renewed his criticism of the current national coaching structure following last weekend’s “humiliating” Test defeat at the hands of world champions South Africa.

The NBL released a statement yesterday regarding the dire financial problems of the Sydney based Spirit. At this stage they claim it’s too early to decide on the future of the team, but say the Spirit may not be able to continue for the remainder of the season.

Papua New Guinea forward Neville Costigan has little sympathy for Australian utility Terry Campese, despite possibly ending his Canberra Raiders teammate’s World Cup campaign last night.

There have been articles referring to the A-League crowd slump. I’m sticking with known facts to make some HAL attendance projections for the second half of V4. This is designed to illustrate just what the significance of the crowd decline so far might extrapolate to by the seasons end.

The blatant dive committed by Reds striker Christiano to win a penalty against Melbourne Friday night couldn’t have come at a better time as leading officials call for long-awaited measures to eradicate this blight on the game.

Another day, another gong for Stephanie Rice. The darling of the Beijing Olympics was named Australia’s Swimmer of the Year at an awards ceremony in Sydney tonight.

How the 16 clubs fared in the 2009 AFL draw released today.

Preview of round eight of the A-League this weekend (all times AEST).

AFL premiers Hawthorn are closing in on Sydney star forward Ryan O’Keefe after a positive reaction from the Swan to a meeting with Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson.

The London 2012 Olympics will spend “whatever it takes” to guarantee the security of the Games, British Olympic Association chairman Lord Colin Moynihan said.

It’s the master versus the apprentice as the Bulldogs take on the Swans for the right to take on Geelong in the Preliminary Final. Meanwhile, Collingwood would be absolutely thrilled at how the finals are shaping up for them.

Sydney coach Paul Roos today revived memories of John Kennedy’s famous trenchcoat when he revealed he had “wound the clock back” to breathe new life into the Swans’ finals campaign.
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Perth Glory’s depleted defence has copped another almighty whack with speedster Jimmy Downey succumbing to a calf injury and almost certain to miss Sunday’s A-League clash with Queensland.

Preview of AFL finals matches, week one (all times local).

Only six months have passed since the Mario Jardel-burdened Newcastle Jets were crowned A-League champions. Yet, it already seems the days of clubs left uncompromised by over-priced imports are long gone.

Sydney scored an important 61-point win over Brisbane tonight ahead of next week’s AFL finals series but the Swans could be without midfielder Jude Bolton who appeared to be placed on report.

Football Federation Australia today officially granted licences to the Gold Coast and North Queensland and said expansion wouldn’t dilute the quality of the A-League. The two new Queensland consortia will enter the 2009-10 season and make it a 10-team competition.

Preview of round 22 AFL games (all times local).

Collingwood’s prize for another mugging of Sydney is a place in the AFL finals and possibly another clash with the Swans in a fortnight. The Magpies booked their place in September by winning by 45 points at Telstra Dome tonight, after producing a blistering performance when it was needed most.
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