Ireland

Peter O'Mahony's desperate try-saving tackle on Josh Furno spared Ireland's blushes in a 16-9 victory over Italy, as Joe Schmidt's men qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals.

Ireland expect to be "battered up front and pushed to the limit" by Italy in Sunday's crucial World Cup encounter at London's Olympic Stadium.

Fullback Rob Kearney and centre Jared Payne are both unavailable for Ireland's crucial World Cup clash with Italy on Sunday.

Jared Payne must prove his fitness on Thursday to be eligible for selection for Ireland's pivotal Rugby World Cup clash with Italy on Sunday.

Robbie Henshaw remains a doubt for Ireland's second World Cup clash against Romania at Wembley on Sunday.

Former Ireland flanker Kevin McLaughlin is the latest in a worrying trend of rugby stars forced to prematurely retire from the game due to concussion-related issues.

Rob Kearney is "more than happy" to chase peak match sharpness and start Ireland's World Cup clash against Romania at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Ireland got their World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a dominant, eight-try display in Cardiff that saw them run rampant over Canada, 50-7.

Robbie Henshaw will miss Ireland's World Cup opener against Canada after suffering a hamstring injury.

Ireland have received a significant World Cup boost with prop Cian Healy passed fit to start after neck surgery.

Richardt Strauss believes the wake-up call of two Test match defeats will be enough to shock Ireland back into top form at the World Cup.

Joe Schmidt fears Canada could prove "an incredible banana skin" for an Ireland side chasing their best-ever World Cup return.

England will enter the World Cup armed with a confidence-enhancing 21-13 victory over Ireland but will know they should have emerged more convincing winners over the RBS 6 Nations champions in their final warm-up game.

Ireland will wheel out all available big guns for their final World Cup warm-up match against England at Twickenham on Saturday, except Cian Healy and Rob Kearney.

Andrew Trimble has been omitted from Ireland's World Cup squad.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell wants it to be a case of business as usual when he makes his Dublin farewell as a Test match player on Saturday.

Wales flanker Dan Lydiate believes that Saturday's Dublin appointment with reigning RBS 6 Nations champions Ireland is "brilliant preparation" for the World Cup.

Wales star George North will set a new world record when he makes his rugby comeback in Saturday's Test match against Ireland.

George North returns to rugby's international stage on Saturday with Wales coach Warren Gatland underlining that player welfare will always be paramount.

Les Kiss has admitted the clock is ticking on Cian Healy's battle for Rugby World Cup fitness.