Ian McGeechan pledged to take the British and Irish Lions back to their roots after being unveiled as head coach for the 2009 tour to South Africa.

Injury-hit Wales will face world champions South Africa and one of the most powerful back rows in Test rugby without a specialist open-side flanker.

Iain Dowie has been appointed the new first-team coach of Coca-Cola Championship side Queen's Park Rangers.

England have kept faith with their winning line-up from New Zealand and picked an unchanged side for the opening Test against the Kiwis at Lord's on Thursday.

Liverpool are in talks with former midfielder Sammy Lee with a view to him becoming Rafael Benitez's assistant manager at Anfield.

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor admits he is flattered to be linked with a move to Barcelona, but insists he is happy to stay put for the time being.

World number one Justine Henin has announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 25 with immediate effect.

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff remains hopeful of making his Test comeback this summer despite his latest setback.

Paris St Germain forward Amara Diane admits he would jump at the chance to join Newcastle if the two clubs were to reach an agreement on his transfer.

Wigan have signed goalkicking Parramatta hooker Mark Riddell on a three-year deal starting next season.

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