Written By Unknown on Jumat, 30 November 2012 | 23.06
Updated: Friday, 30 Nov 2012 11:05
Warren Gatland: 'I don't think any team particularly fancies getting Wales in their group'
Audio
Warren Gatland has adopted a philosophical approach to the fate that could await Wales in next Monday's 2015 Rugby World Cup pool draw (Live on www.RTÉ.ie/sport, 2.50pm).
Defeat against Millennium Stadium visitors Australia on Saturday would relegate Wales outside the world's top-eight ranked teams and into tier three for draw purposes.
It could mean that Gatland's Wales are drawn in the same five-nation group as New Zealand and England, for example, South Africa and Ireland or Australia and Argentina. Either way, it increases Wales' degree of difficulty.
They did it the hard way in New Zealand last year, reaching the semi-finals despite being grouped with South Africa and Samoa, and Wales head coach Gatland is not getting worked up about possible scenarios.
"If anyone is looking at us, when it comes around to 2015 and having had the preparation time together, I don't think any team particularly fancies getting Wales in their group," he said.
"We will just see what happens on Monday. We were in a really tough group last time. It is luck of the draw.
"Whatever happens, you are probably going to end up with three pretty tough teams in your group."
Gatland has made four changes - all up-front - for the Wallabies encounter as Wales strive to avoid a seventh successive defeat against all opponents and eighth on the bounce to Australia.
Brian Looney: 'We just don't want to let things slip and I suppose the defeat to Crossmaglen is just as much a motivation'
Live
Audio
Dr Crokes forward Brian Looney insists he is not looking past Sunday's Munster final against Castlehaven but will use last season's All-Ireland semi-final loss as a motivating factor.
The Kerry side were beaten by Crossmaglen in last February's All-Ireland semi and Looney admits that the defeat is still in the back of their minds.
"It is part of our motivation but I think there are a lot of other things that we are using as well," he said in the Irish Examiner.
"Bringing an All-Ireland title to the club is a huge one in itself, just as winning a Munster club is, especially in a county like Kerry.
"We just don't want to let things slip and I suppose the defeat to Crossmaglen is just as much a motivation and in fellas' minds as losing to them in the All-Ireland club final replay in 2007. It's there a small bit is what I would say."
"The Kerry-Cork rivalry is there too so expect it'll go down to the wire" - Brian Looney
He added: "We know it's going to be a tough game. They beat a very good Duhallow side in the Cork final and when you beat a quality side like that, you can take a lot from it. It's going to be close, the toughest we'll have all year.
"The Kerry-Cork rivalry is there too so expect it'll go down to the wire."
Jonathan Sexton returns from international duty to start for Leinster
Live
Jonathan Sexton and Gordon D'Arcy return to the Leinster side to face Zebre in Saturday evening's RaboDirect PRO12 clash in the RDS, kick-off 6.00pm.
Watch Leinster v Zebre live on RTÉ TWO and online on RTE.ie on Saturday from 5:45pm.
Several Leinster players return from international duty and D'Arcy, making his 211th appearance for the province, will start at outside centre, while Eoin Reddan will partner Sexton at half back.
Fergus McFadden is named in the back three alongside Andrew Conway and Isa Nacewa, while Leo Cullen leads the team and partners Damian Browne at second row.
There are home debuts for Ireland tight-head prop Michael Bent , who is named in the front row alongside returning internationals Sean Cronin and South Africa's Heinke van der Merwe.
Centre Andrew Goodman, who has featured in the province's last two away league games, also makes his home debut for Joe Schmidt's side.
Cian Healy, Mike Ross and Isaac Boss have been named on a strong replacements bench.
Leinster XV v Zebre: Isa Nacewa, Andrew Conway, Gordon D'Arcy, Andrew Goodman, Fergus McFadde, Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan, Heinke van der Merwe, Sean Cronin, Michael Bent, Leo Cullen (Capt), Damian Browne, Kevin McLaughlin, Rhys Ruddock, Sean O'Brien.
Replacements: Aaron Dundon, Cian Healy, Mike Ross, Tom Denton, Jordi Murphy, Isaac Boss, Ian Madigan, Fionn Carr.
Graeme McDowell is, once again, impressing at the event that he won in 2010Nick Watney is the first-round leader
Nick Watney topped the leaderboard after the first round of the World Challenge in California, with European Ryder Cup hero Graeme McDowell in a chasing pack of three.
Watney shot a five-under 67 to get the better of a strong 18-man field, with four birdies after the turn at Thousand Oaks.
Portrush man McDowell was two shots back after signing for 69, including back-to-back birdies to finish his round.
Keegan Bradley, one of the most vocal defenders of the now endangered belly putter, also shot three under as did his USA Ryder Cup team-mate Jim Furyk.
Webb Simpson and Bo Van Pelt are another shot back alongside Tiger Woods, who birdied the second but struggled for fluency thereafter.
"I had a guy telling me to send my application in to Burger King for 2016" - Keegan Bradley
McDowell aside there were only two other non-Americans in the field, with Australia's Jason Day in a share of eighth on one under and England's Ian Poulter tied for 11th after carding 73.
Bradley, who has spoken up on several occasions for those who use so-called 'pivot points' with long putters, was quizzed about the joint proposal by USGA and Royal & Ancient to outlaw the technique from 2016 at the end of his round.
He revealed he had received abuse for his favoured putting stroke on Twitter and called for a greater empathy from those within the game.
"I've been catching such flak on Twitter and these other places and it would be good to kind of quiet them a little bit. I had a guy telling me to send my application in to Burger King for 2016," he told reporters at the event.
"I hope that people look at us - guys who use a long putter or belly putter - for the accomplishments and the players that we are, not look at us for using an unconventional putter.
"I feel like the USGA has really put an 'X' on our back and really shone a light on us, and I don't know if that's exactly fair.
"When we started putting with it, they were legal, and they still are. It's a sticky situation, and I hope people can see through that."
Ruby Walsh will be fit to ride at Newbury on Saturday
Ruby Walsh is expected to be fit to ride on Saturday despite being stood down after a fall at Newbury on Friday.
Walsh suffered a fall aboard Curtain Razer in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle, with the racecourse doctor ruling him out of his two remaining rides on the card.
The jockey is planning to be back in action on Saturday, with Tidal Bay in the Hennessy and Big Buck's in the Long Distance Hurdle the pick of his Newbury rides.
Clerk of the course Richard Osgood said: "He's got a sprained thumb and was stood down today, so he will have to be checked over by the doctors in the morning."
Chelsea remain without John Terry, Frank Lampard and Daniel Sturridge.
Terry (knee) and Lampard (calf) are back in training but interim manager Rafael Benitez is refusing to rush either back with the Club World Cup on the horizon.
The game also comes too soon for Daniel Sturridge (hamstring), meaning Fernando Torres will once again lead the line.
Chelsea will also be without the suspended David Luiz, who picked up his fifth domestic booking of the season against Fulham.
Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna is doubtful because of a foot injury.
Forwards Theo Walcott (ankle) and Lukas Podolski (virus) will also be assessed.
Defender Laurent Koscielny (thigh) is set for a spell on the sidelines, while defender Andre Santos (stomach muscle) and midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) continue their rehabilitation.
Pablo Hernandez is to miss out for Swansea after picking up a thigh injury.
The in-form winger suffered the injury in the midweek win over West Brom and will not feature against the Gunners, with Jonathan de Guzman set to return to the starting line-up in his place.
Chico Flores should be available despite a shoulder problem, while striker Danny Graham will not be risked despite returning to training after an illness.
Fulham will be able to call upon Kieran Richardson again.
The 28-year-old returns after missing recent games with a hamstring injury, although similar issues will keep Alex Kacaniklic and Bryan Ruiz out for a further week.
Brede Hangeland serves the final game of a three-match ban against Spurs and Simon Davies also misses out as he continues his return from a hip complaint.
Midfielder Lucas Leiva returns to Liverpool's match-day squad to face Southampton at Anfield after a three-month injury absence.
The Brazil international has finally recovered from a thigh injury, while Joe Cole has overcome a hamstring problem which forced him out of the midweek defeat at Tottenham.
Defender Andre Wisdom, on the bench at White Hart Lane after a knee injury, could come back into contention for a starting place.
Under-fire goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga looks set to start for Southampton.
The 20-year-old Argentinian has come under increasing scrutiny following a number of recent high-profile mistakes, including the one that saw Norwich grab an equaliser in midweek.
Danny Fox could return from a knee complaint, while Frazer Richardson and Richard Chaplow are closing in on a return.
Provisional squad: K Davis, Gazzaniga, Boruc, Richardson, Butterfield, Stephens, Clyne, Fox, Shaw, Yoshida, Hooiveld, Fonte, Reeves, Ward-Prowse, Do Prado, Cork, Chaplow, De Ridder, Lallana, Ramirez, Schneiderlin, Lee, Puncheon, S Davis, Lambert, Rodriguez, Mayuka.
MAN CITY v EVERTON
Manchester City midfielder James Milner will miss the champions' clash with Everton.
The England international limped off with a hamstring injury soon after scoring in the midweek win at Wigan but could return for the eagerly-anticipated derby with Manchester United next week.
Fellow midfielder Jack Rodwell (hamstring) and left-back Gael Clichy (ankle) are close but not yet ready to return while right-back Micah Richards (knee) is also still sidelined.
Everton defender Leighton Baines is a major doubt but manager David Moyes will wait as long as possible before ruling him out.
If the left-back does not overcome the hamstring problem sustained in the midweek draw against Arsenal then either Sylvain Distin or Bryan Oviedo will fill in.
Midfielder Seamus Coleman and forwards Kevin Mirallas and Victor Anichebe (both hamstring) are unlikely to be fit to return.
Aston Villa left-back Enda Stevens (above) has been ruled out with the ankle injury suffered during the midweek win over Reading.
Eric Lichaj is set to replace the former Shamrock Rovers player as Villa look for a third consecutive clean sheet.
Skipper and centre-back Ron Vlaar remains a major doubt with a calf problem but utility player Chris Herd is back in contention after recovering from a knee injury.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will be without utility man James Perch for Monday night's crucial home clash with Wigan.
The former Nottingham Forest defender is suspended after collecting his fifth booking of the campaign at Stoke on Wednesday evening on his return from a thigh injury.
Pardew will still be unable to call upon central defender Steven Taylor (hamstring), midfielders Hatem Ben Arfa (hamstring), Gabriel Obertan (toe) and Yohan Cabaye (groin surgery) and striker Shola Ameobi (groin) as he attempts to end a run of four successive Barclays Premier League defeats.
Written By Unknown on Kamis, 29 November 2012 | 23.06
Updated: Thursday, 29 Nov 2012 11:46
Pádraic Joyce won two All-Ireland medals as Galway beat Kildare in 1998 and Meath in 2001Pádraic Joyce celebrates his goal in the 1998 All-Ireland finalThe Killererin man also represented Ireland in the International Rules series
Audio
Galway legend Pádraic Joyce has decided to retire from inter-county football after 14 years service at senior level.
The 35-year-old made his debut for the Tribesmen in 1998, and went on to win two All-Ireland medals, three All-Stars awards and a Footballer of the Year award.
Ray Silke, who captained Galway to the 1998 All-Ireland, paid tribute to his former team-mate, calling him a "special" player.
Silke told RTÉ Sport: "He had a fantastic brain for Gaelic football. He saw things faster than other people did, pinpoint passing, incredibly cool under pressure.
"In 1998, in his first season, against Kildare he had a goal to score and he did it.
"In 2001 he took his points incredibly well, he was just a fantastic footballer, and deceptively strong, he was a very very strong player."
"There's a bit of sadness in Galway football that he is the last on the 1998-2001 brigade" - Ray Silke
He added: "Some of his best displays were with Killererin, who he led to four county Championships, and on some occasions he was magnificent, scoring 1-10 and 3-06 and 2-08.
"The tallies he put up at club level were quite phenomenal.
"Joyce was a very special player and when you look back in the context of Connacht and Galway football he would be one of the finest forwards that we ever had.
"There's a bit of sadness in Galway football that he is the last on the 1998-2001 brigade."
These three usual suspects will, once again, be getting the fine threads out for the Ballon d'Or event
Lionel Messi is in contention for a fourth successive FIFA Ballon d'Or crown after being named on a three-man shortlist today alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta.
Barcelona superstar Messi has enjoyed an incredible year and stands on the brink of another milestone.
His 82 goals in 2012 mean he is just three shy of former West Germany and Bayern Munich striker Gerd Muller's record of 85, set in 1972.
Ronaldo, who won the award in 2008, provides strong competition after playing a key role as Real Madrid edged arch-rivals Barca in the Primera Division title race.
The Portuguese scored a phenomenal 60 goals in all competitions in the 2011/12 season as Jose Mourinho's side also reached the last four of the Champions League before going down to Bayern Munich.
He already has 19 to his name so far this term.
Third nominee Iniesta is another who plies his trade in the Primera Division, for Barcelona.
The Spain playmaker has had an outstanding year, shining for both club and country.
His performances for the Catalan giants enabled them to finish a close second to Madrid in the title race while he shone at Euro 2012, being named as the tournament's best player as his country swept to a stunning success with a 4-0 thrashing of Italy in the final.
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said: "It shows how strong football in Spain is.
"We have seen again what they did at the Euros and it will be interesting to see what happens in the Confederations Cup."
There was also a Spanish theme to the FIFA World Coach of the Year award.
National team boss Vicente Del Bosque was nominated for his role in guiding Spain to a successful defence of their European crown in Poland and Ukraine while former Barca boss Pep Guardiola and current Madrid coach Jose Mourinho were also named on the shortlist.
Hoops boss Trevor Croly with new signing Barry Murphy (right) and Conor Powell who has re-signed for Rovers for 2013
Barry Murphy is returning to Shamrock Rovers for his second stint at the club after signing a deal with the Hoops.
The former Rovers number one, who spent the 2012 season at St Patrick's Athletic, played for the Hoops at schoolboy level and spent six years at the club before joining Bohemians in 2010.
Speaking about his return to Rovers, Murphy said: "I'm delighted to be back at Shamrock Rovers. I spent a couple of years away from the club, but before that I was here for most of my career.
"I worked with Trevor at St Pat's last season and I'm looking forward to working with him again next season. I think Trevor is putting a good squad together and I'm delighted to be part of that."
Rovers boss Croly has further added to his squad signing former UCD midfielder Daniel Ledwith and re-signing left back Conor Powell.
Powell (25) signed for the Hoops at the start of the 2012 season and will stay with the club for the 2013 campaign.
Pictured below: New Rovers signing Daniel Ledwith in action for UCD against his new club during last year's league clash at The UCD Bowl
Powell said: "I'm really glad to be staying at the club. Last year was massively disappointing and I'm glad I'll get the chance to stay on and make amends for that. I think we'll have a very good side next year.
"It's good to have my contract sorted early. It can be an uncertain time for players, but now I can just concentrate on getting ready for next season."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen (centre) is embarrassed by Andrew Hore's (left) tackle on Bradley Davies
Steve Hansen today admitted New Zealand are embarrassed by Andrew Hore's assault on Bradley Davies and understands the disapproval around the nature of his ban.
Hore was yesterday suspended for five weeks for striking Davies from behind in an attack that left the Wales second row with concussion.
Crucially, however, the Highlanders hooker will only miss two competitive matches - the first against England on Saturday - with provincial pre-season games accounting for the other three.
The International Rugby Board's judicial officer has been criticised for the decision and Hansen sympathises with the objections.
"You don't want to see that in the game. Andrew was embarrassed, we were embarrassed. Our thoughts were with Bradley Davies," the All Blacks coach said.
"I understand the issue with pre-season games being included and can see that being quite frustrating, but that's the rules the IRB set and we live within those rules.
"Although we might say they're only pre-season games, (Highlanders coach) Jamie Joseph might not say the same thing.
"Do we agree with it? Probably not, but it's there."
Davies was knocked out by Hore's swinging forearm and will miss Saturday's clash with Australia as a result.
Wales coach Rob Howley branded the 34-year-old "an absolute disgrace" and Hansen also condemned an incident that he insisted was out of character.
"We don't want to see that in the game and although we love Andrew, we didn't love what he did," Hansen said.
"The intent was to do something else but he got it drastically wrong. As a result of that he hit the man on the chin and knocked him out.
"Andrew has played 300 first-class games and not made that mistake before so clearly he's not a dirty player.
"But in this instance he's made a poor decision and has paid for it. Our group has a zero-tolerance approach to foul play, we're not a dirty side.
"For me it's about taking responsibility, whether it's an accident or not, and we've done that in this case.
"We hope people will accept that and I know Bradley Davies has from his conversations with Andrew.
"Andrew's already said he let us down. If it's one of your own children at some stage you've got to learn to forgive.
"He's been given the message by us and the IRB and now we've forgiven him."
Hore's forearm smash and subsequent disciplinary hearing have not been the only distractions to the 1/12 favourites' preparations for Saturday's clash.
All but two of the squad have been afflicted by Norovirus, the vomiting and diarrhoea bug that is sweeping the nation, although Hansen anticipates no withdrawals from the 23 to face England.
The virus struck in the build up to Saturday's 33-10 victory over Wales and many of the players spent yesterday's down day confined to their bedrooms.
Even if any lingering sickness remains when they arrive at Twickenham, the All Blacks should enjoy a successful conclusion to their season.
Unbeaten in 20 Tests and eager to give skipper Richie McCaw a triumphant send-off before beginning his six-month sabbatical, they appear destined to maintain their decade-long mastery of European opposition during the autumn.
Only a seismic upset will topple the world champions, but Hansen refuses to underestimate an England side that has endured successive defeats to Australia and South Africa.
"They will be desperate. (England coach) Stuart Lancaster is doing a pretty good job and has a fair idea of what he wants, but it will take him time," he said.
"He's had to bring in a lot of young guys because they have probably hung onto guys too long in the past.
"But they will be physical and the back three is as good a back three as in world rugby.
"If we go out and play badly we will be hacked off. If we go out and play well and get beaten then you accept it."
Munster's newest Ireland international, Dave Kilcoyne, returns to the pack
A host of Ireland internationals return to the Munster team for their home RaboDirect PRO12 game with Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.
Keith Earls, Simon Zebo, Ronan O'Gara, Donncha O'Callaghan, Donncha Ryan and Dave Kilcoyne all return to the starting XV for Thomond Park's 7.45pm kick-off.
James Coughlan also returns following a lengthy lay off with a groin injury, while CJ Stander makes his first start for the province.
Munster: F Jones; D Howlett capt, K Earls, J Downey, S Zebo; R O'Gara, D Williams; D Kilcoyne, M Sherry, BJ Botha; D O'Callaghan, D Ryan; CJ Stander, T O'Donnell, J Coughlan.
Replacements: D Varley, W du Preez, S Archer, B Holland, P Butler, P Stringer, I Keatley, C Laulala.
Bryan Habana is seventh in the all-time list of leading rugby union Test try scorers with 47
Bryan Habana's spectacular score against New Zealand in the inaugural Rugby Championship has been named as the International Rugby Players' Association's (IRPA) Try of the Year 2012.
The wing becomes the second South African to win the award after fellow Springbok Jaque Fourie was awarded the honour in 2009 for his try in the second Test against the British & Irish Lions.
Fourie, All Blacks centurion Mils Muliaina, former IRB Player of the Year Shane Williams and Japan's Daisuke Ohata, the leading try scorer in Test Rugby, formed the panel of judges who opted for Habana's effort ahead of the three other shortlisted tries scored by New Zealand duo Hosea Gear and Julian Savea and Julien Malzieu of France.
Consideration was also given to votes cast by rugby fans from all around the world via the IRB's interactive platforms.
Habana, the IRB Player of the Year in 2007, stunned the All Blacks when he burst onto a pass from flanker Francois Louw at full speed, chipped ahead and gathered to score a try that briefly handed the Springboks the lead seven minutes into the second half of the contest in Dunedin. New Zealand went on to win 21-11.
"Scoring a try against the All Blacks is always special, but scoring against them in New Zealand, is even more special," said Habana.
"I really enjoyed getting across the tryline in Dunedin – contributing to the success of the team and also lifting the spirits of my teammates."
"Winning this award is very special and hopefully I can continue scoring tries for the Springboks for a very long time."
Written By Unknown on Rabu, 28 November 2012 | 23.06
Updated: Wednesday, 28 Nov 2012 12:21
Frankie Dolan has again been in sparkling form for St Brigid's.St Brigid's Frankie Dolan and Senan Killbride celebrate scoring a goal in the AIB Connacht Club Senior Football Championship final last weekend
Roscommon manager John Evans has left the door open for Frankie Dolan to return to playing with the county.
Dolan has not lined out for the Rossies in five years but the St Brigid's man has been in star form for his club and Evans is open to the possibility.
The Roscommon boss said: "I wouldn't centre on one individual but we will look at everybody and if we feel there is a contribution to be made we'll go after it."
Evans also spoke about his reasons for taking the job, hoping to develop the Roscommon's upcoming underage sides and get more from the current senior players.
"The challenge is there and they have the potential to rise up and be a strong force. That excited me and everyone who knows me knows I like a challenge.
"Also, Roscommon people are passionate about their football. This is going to be a challenge to bring them up but they are a county with a great tradition and everybody is behind the county team - just like Kerry.
"Roscommon have a good set-up with Fergie O'Donnell and Ross Shannon with the minors and Nigel Dineen with the Under-21s. Young players are getting a good grounding there.
"I'd hope to develop them further at senior level and the development of young players is about getting them to a certain standard of fitness and skill and the skill is most important.
"Whether I can do that in two years we'll wait and see, but that is the challenge."
The Champions League may be changed to a 64-team format
European soccer's governing body UEFA is discussing a possible change in the format of its club competitions.
Asked if there was a plan to scrap the Europa League in favour of a 64-club Champions League, UEFA president Michel Platini told French newspaper Ouest France: "There is a debate to determine what form the European competitions will have between 2015 and 2018.
"We are discussing it, we will make a decision in 2014. There is nothing decided yet."
"We are discussing it, we will make a decision in 2014." - Platini
Platini also left the door ajar for video refereeing to rule on offside decisions.
"There is a complicated thing for which we might, and I say might, need video, it's offside. Because it is very difficult for the referees to rule on that," the Frenchman said.
Keegan Bradley was the first player to win a major using the anchored putting strokeAdam Scott will have to work on a new putting technique for the 2016 season
Three of golf's last five major champions will not be able to continue putting as they do from 2016 under a proposed rule change announced today.
What would be one of the biggest alterations in decades to the way golf is played was finally revealed by the ruling Royal and Ancient Club and United States Golf Association after months of deliberations.
But with a number of leading players having complained about the planned move, the final decision has still to be taken and both the R&A and the USGA "will consider any further comments and suggestions from throughout the golf community".
Under the proposal, long putters like those used by Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson and Ernie Els could still be put in the bag in four years' time, but could not be anchored to the body.
The ruling bodies said in a statement: "The proposed Rule 14-1b, which follows an extensive review by the R&A and the USGA, would prohibit strokes made with the club or a hand gripping the club held directly against the player's body, or with a forearm held against the body to establish an anchor point that indirectly anchors the club.
"The proposed new rule would not alter current equipment rules and would allow the continued use of all conforming golf clubs, including belly-length and long putters, provided such clubs are not anchored during a stroke.
"The proposed rule narrowly targets only a few types of strokes, while preserving a golfer's ability to play a wide variety of strokes in his or her individual style."
"The proposed Rule...would prohibit strokes made with the club or a hand gripping the club held directly against the player's body." - Golf's ruling bodies
Peter Dawson, the R&A chief executive, said: "We believe we have considered this issue from every angle, but given the wide-ranging interest in this subject we would like to give stakeholders in the game the opportunity to put forward any new matters for consideration.
"Anchored strokes have become the preferred option for a growing number of players and this has caused us to review these strokes and their impact on the game.
Pictured below: Matt Kuchar's wrist-supported stroke looks like it will remain legal in 2016
"Our concern is that anchored strokes threaten to supplant traditional putting strokes which are integral to the long-standing character of the sport."
The proposed rule change would take effect on 1 January, 2016, in accordance with the regular four-year cycle for changes to the Rules of Golf.
The statement adds: "This timetable would also provide an extended period in which golfers may, if necessary, adapt their method of stroke to the requirements of the rule.
"In proposing the new rule, the R&A and the USGA concluded that the long-term interests of the game would be served by confirming a stroke as the swinging of the entire club at the ball.
"This proposal reflects the R&A's and USGA's responsibility to define how the game is to be played.
"Aspects of how a player must make a stroke have been addressed in past rules changes, such as the century-old rule codifying that the ball must be fairly struck and not be pushed, scraped or spooned and the 1968 prohibition on the 'croquet' style of putting."
Mike Davis, USGA executive director, said: "Throughout the 600-year history of golf, the essence of playing the game has been to grip the club with the hands and swing it freely at the ball.
"The player's challenge is to control the movement of the entire club in striking the ball and anchoring the club alters the nature of that challenge.
"Our conclusion is that the Rules of Golf should be amended to preserve the traditional character of the golf swing by eliminating the growing practice of anchoring the club.
"As governing bodies we monitor and evaluate playing practices and developments in golf, with our primary mandate being to ensure that the Rules of Golf continue to preserve the fundamental characteristics of the game."
The statement also says: "Although anchoring the club is not new, until recently it was uncommon and typically seen as a method of last resort by a small number of players.
"In the last two years, however, more and more players have adopted the anchored stroke.
"Golf's governing bodies have observed this upsurge at all levels of the game and noted that more coaches and players are advocating this method.
"The decision to act now is based on a strong desire to reverse this trend and to preserve the traditional golf stroke."
Each organisation is expected to take a final decision on the proposed change in spring 2013 and anyone wishing to provide written comments to the appropriate governing body is encouraged to do so by 28 February.
Andrew Hore was widely criticised for striking Wales lock Bradley Davies
New Zealand hooker Andrew Hore has been handed a five-week ban for striking Wales lock Bradley Davies during last weekend's Test in Cardiff and will miss Saturday's Test against England, Six Nations Rugby has confirmed.
Hore's king hit, which was not seen by referee Craig Joubert or his assistants, left Davies with concussion that has ruled him and out of Wales' final autumn Test against Australia.
With veteran All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu struggling with a calf injury, New Zealand coach Steve Hansen may have to award Dane Coles his first Test start.
A statement issued by Six Nations Rugby, which oversees the disciplinary process for the autumn Tests, read: "The judicial officer (Crerar) held that the act of foul play was inherently dangerous, being a deliberate swinging of the arm, delivered with significant force, causing serious injury to the victim player, Bradley Davies, who was unsighted.
"However, the judicial officer found that the player had not intended to make contact with the victim player's head.
"In categorising the seriousness of the offence the judicial officer held that it was worthy of a top end entry point under the IRB's sanctions table, and that the entry point should be eight weeks.
"The judicial officer held that there were no aggravating factors.
"The judicial officer acknowledged the mitigating factors of acceptance of guilt by the player, his genuine remorse, as evidenced by his daily contact with the injured player, his exemplary disciplinary record, and his conduct throughout the hearing and imposed a suspension of five weeks."
Alan Smith is set to return to action in the coming weeks
Newbridge Sarsfields and Kildare star Alan Smith is set to return from a knee injury in a matter of weeks, not months, as first feared.
Smith injured his knee playing for Sarsfields in their Leinster Club Senior Football Championship defeat to Ballymun Kickhams on Sunday, and it was believed the injury was serious.
However, following a scan, Smith has revealed on Twitter that he has not damaged his cruciate ligament, but instead is suffering from bone swelling and damaged muscle behind the knee.
The left-half-forward is due to return to training in the coming weeks.
Aaron Callaghan has committed his future to Bohemians by signing a new two year contract that will keep him at Dalymount until 2015.
The Gypsies boss has agreed a new contract that will run for two years from 1 January 2013, while Owen Heary has also agreed a new deal and will continue his position as assistant and under-19 team manager.
"We're very happy that Aaron and Owen will be with us again next season. They achieved so much in difficult circumstances in the 2012 season," said club president Chris Brien.
"Having their services gives us continuity in the rebuilding project which has started so well."
Callaghan has begun assembling a squad for next season. Those signed or committed for 2013 include key players from last season's squad.
The new season's squad will include: Ryan McEvoy, Derek Pender, Luke Byrne, Keith Buckley, Greg Murray, Michael Barker, Dave Scully, Roberto Lopes, Stephen Traynor, Andy Mulligan and John O'Connor.
Among those joining Bohemians from outside will be former UCD midfielder Ciaran Nangle.
The Dalymount side have also agreed terms with Charlton for the transfer of defender Kevin Feely. His move will take effect from 1 January 2013, when the English Football League Championship transfer window opens.
Written By Unknown on Selasa, 27 November 2012 | 23.06
Updated: Tuesday, 27 Nov 2012 10:06
Quinn Roux faces a long spell on the sidelinesNiall Ronan's injury is not as serious as first thought
Video
Leinster second-row Quinn Roux has been ruled out of action for four to five months after dislocating his shoulder.
The South African suffered the injury towards the end of the first half of Leinster's 6-0 win over Glasgow on Friday night.
The 22-year-old has made just three appearances for the province since signing from the Stormers in July.
Meanwhile, Munster's Niall Ronan was released from hospital this morning after scan showed the player did not suffer any significant damage after an incident in the province's defeat to Scarlets on Sunday.
Martin O'Neill is waiting on the fitness of John O'Shea and Lee Cattermole
Video
Audio
SUNDERLAND V QPR, 7.45pm Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is waiting for news of key duo John O'Shea and Lee Cattermole.
Central defender O'Shea limped out of Saturday's 4-2 home defeat by West Brom with a calf problem and is a major doubt, while midfielder Cattermole's chances of playing are not a great deal better after he aggravated a knee injury during the same game.
O'Neill also admitted he has a series of other knocks which are a concern, but declined to elaborate as he prepared his side to face a team managed for a first game by Harry Redknapp.
Harry Redknapp should be able to call on QPR captain Park Ji-sung for his first game in charge.
Park failed to recover from a knee problem in time for Saturday's defeat at former club Manchester United but is expected to be in contention for the Barclays Premier League trip to the Stadium of Light.
Jose Bosingwa is thought to have recovered from the virus that ruled him out at the weekend but strikers Bobby Zamora (hip) and Andrew Johnson (knee) are longer-term concerns.
Stephen Hunt has 39 Ireland caps and is determined to add to that total
Stephen Hunt has set his sights on starting for the Republic of Ireland when they face Sweden in a crucial World Cup qualifier in March.
The Wolves winger is currently recovering from a hip operation and is expected to be out for another six to eight weeks.
Now he has revealed that his target is to force his way into Giovanni Trapattoni's selection for the Group C game in Stockholm on 22 March.
Hunt told TV3: "I want to be starting for the Sweden game away. That's my plan, that's my aim.
"It's something that people might think will never happen but in my eyes I'll be starting against Sweden."
"In terms of how he's gone about his job, he's ruthless" - Stephen Hunt
Hunt, 31, featured in seven competitive fixtures in-a-row immediately preceding the European Championships, but despite Ireland's dreadful performances, Trapattoni decided not to introduce the Waterford man in Poland.
He said of the Italian: "In terms of how he's gone about his job, he's ruthless. He has brought me on or played me in every game for the last four or five years leading up to the Euros and in the three games, where we went behind, he didn't see me as the player to come on and get back in the game, win the game.
"Obviously, I disagree but he's ruthless. He'll do things his way. He'll get the results his way. He's a top professional.
"I know he likes me as a person and we get on well but I still didn't drag him around into bringing me on. I disagree but we'll crack on and hopefully work together in the future."
Despite admitting to severe frustration in the wake of Euro 2012, Hunt has given his backing to the under-fire manager.
"It's a results-based game. You have to win games to qualify for tournaments and then make money, we've done that the last time," Hunt added.
"Financially, he's done a good job for the FAI in terms of what he's achieved. He's brought back some good times as well.
"Obviously, the Euros was a disappointment. It put him under pressure but I think he's used to that, he's been around the block a few times."
Racing at Fairyhouse looks set to go ahead this weekend
Fairyhouse report no problems with the weather as they build-up to a top-class weekend of racing featuring three Grade Ones on Sunday.
The fixture has been badly affected by the weather in recent seasons, but general manager Peter Roe has no such concerns this week.
"The forecast is we are dry now all the way through to Sunday for a cracking weekend's racing," he told At The Races.
"The Met Office are saying it's going to be cold but not severe. Three years ago we were snowed out for this fixture.
"I think we will be just slightly below freezing at night and up to three or four degrees and we are on fresh ground which will take the frost a lot better.
"This fixture in the past has been rained off, snowed off, hurricaned off, but this year it looks like we are getting the perfect run in for a perfect weekend of top-class racing."
David Cassidy leaves Shelbourne for European football with Drogheda United next seasonPaul O'Conor will play for the Boynesiders next season
Drogheda United have confirmed three new signings for the new season along with contract extensions for Alan McNally and Alan Byrne.
Paul O'Conor and Graham Rusk join the 2012 Airtricity Premier Division runners-up from UCD, while David Cassidy has moved from Shelbourne.
McNally and Byrne's commitment makes it 16 players signed up by Mick Cooke for 2013.
Cooke is happy with the business he has done so far: "I'm very pleased that we've been able to secure so many good players ahead of the Christmas break."
"I think some of the players I've had my eye on have been overshadowed by others in their previous clubs" - Mick Cooke
He added: "All these players will be having the usual medical tests next week and then we'll have a month off before starting straight into training on the 5 January.
"I think some of the players I've had my eye on have been overshadowed by others in their previous clubs and I believe that they will really come into their own in Drogheda and play a major part in our plans for next season."
Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell are in danger of losing their starting places on the Irish teamMalcolm O'Kelly (l) says that even the great Brian O'Driscoll will have to fight for his placePaul O'Connell (r) is currently sidelined with a back injury
Video
Audio
By Micil Glennon
Former Ireland second-row Malcolm O'Kelly says that even Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell will have to fight for their places in Declan Kidney's team.
Ireland thrashed Argentina in Lansdowne Road on Saturday with the backline scoring six of seven tries and lock Donnacha Ryan winning Man of the Match.
O'Kelly says that these players are now in the strongest position to start in the Six Nations.
"I think the guys coming back in, like Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll, have to prove that they are capable of taking on that green jersey," O'Kelly told RTÉ Sport.
"There is no right to ownership of the Irish jersey, they'll know themselves. They will back their own ability as well but if they are 100%, they'll think they are good enough and that's then for Declan Kidney to make his decision on.
"He knows now that he's got players that he can trust as well as the players that are coming in and it's a good position for Kidney to be in."
"Paul O'Connell and Brian O'Driscoll have to prove that they are capable of taking on that green jersey" - Malcolm O'Kelly
Ireland endured a miserable 2012, losing to Wales, England, South Africa and going down 60-0 to New Zealand in the last of three tour defeats against the All Blacks.
However, the win over the Pumas, with encouraging performances from the likes of Craig Gilroy, Simon Zebo, Jonathan Sexton and Ryan means that Ireland can look forward to the opening championship game, away to Wales on 2 February, with optimism, according to the former Leinster man.
O'Kelly, winner of 92 caps, added: "There is nothing like a big victory and you could see by the way they played that it wasn't in any way lucky.
"It was well-structured, the game plan they took in was very obvious and they knew exactly how to break down Argentina. The skill level was very high and Argentina couldn't live with it.
"The players will see that their work has borne fruit.
"There is obviously a number of key senior players that will more than likely be fit, but the players that finish with the jersey have the right to be in it for the next time around, especially with a convincing win like that."
Written By Unknown on Senin, 26 November 2012 | 23.06
Updated: Monday, 26 Nov 2012 11:01
Rory McIlroy with the DP World Tour Championship Trophy and grounds crew and staff after his win yesterday
Audio
Rory McIlroy is bound to find himself even more in demand after what he did in Dubai this weekend.
But the 23-year-old - world number one, European Tour number one, Ryder Cup hero and leading money-winner in the States this year as well - says he is going to take a ruthless approach next season.
"I've done my schedule. I'm sticking to it and I'm not letting anyone persuade me to go anywhere else," McIlroy said after winning the DP World Tour title with five closing birdies.
"I've learned my lesson over the last couple of years."
The Northern Irishman, yet to unveil a deal with Nike reported to be worth €193million over the next 10 years, is still hesitant to make public all his 2013 tournament plans, however.
Tiger Woods has never done that before the start of a season and with each passing month McIlroy is moving closer to the American's league in terms of superstardom around the world.
He has said he intends to play less and concentrate on quality more than quantity, but when asked what places he went to this year and will not be going to next year he replied: "I don't really want to make any comment on that so far.
"I guess Singapore and Hong Kong are question marks on whether they are going to be on the Tour schedule. They are probably ones that you can omit.
"Plus maybe Memphis before the US Open. I added that this year just to try to get a little bit more golf because I was only playing two-round tournaments!"
By that remark McIlroy showed he had not forgotten the fact that he missed four cuts in five starts in mid-season, but what a long time ago that must feel now.
Dubai was his fourth victory since and fifth of the year and he now holds a huge lead over Luke Donald - joint third in what was also his final 2012 event - at the top of the world rankings.
McIlroy's next start is in Abu Dhabi in January and before the US Masters in April he expects to be at the world championships in Tucson and Miami, defend the Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens in between and have his final warm-up for Augusta at the Houston Open.
He is also determined to show he can conquer Sawgrass, home of the Players Championship, in mid-May. In three visits he has yet to survive the cut.
"I'm determined. I feel like I'm a good enough player to get around that course.
"I'm a good enough player hopefully to get around any course, but I at least want to see what the weekend is like there."
McIlroy looked as if he might be denied yesterday when Justin Rose produced a dazzling 62 - a course record by two and his lowest European Tour round by two.
It was nearly a 61 when an amazing eagle attempt from around 100 feet on the final green almost stopped on a ridge and then trickled down to the holeside.
But from two behind McIlroy turned on the style to triumph by two with a 66 and 23 under par total that matched Lee Westwood's 2009 tournament record.
Rose finished runner-up both in the event and on the Order of Merit. That was worth €1.196m - McIlroy's reward was over €1.73million - but there was also his climb to a career-high fourth in the world to celebrate.
Leading 2007 money-winner Rose, who has knocked Westwood out of the top four for the first time in three years, said of his amazing putt: "I knew it was hero or zero - I was one roll away from looking like an idiot.
"I actually got goosebumps. I thought it was going to go in for a second."
It was only in September, of course, that his dramatic 35-foot putt against Phil Mickelson helped Europe win the Ryder Cup.
"This was probably four Mickelsons, maybe five," he joked.
Harry Redknapp's side are seven points from safety
Harry Redknapp has vowed to axe any QPR player who did not pull his weight as he faced up to the "toughest" challenge of his managerial career.
Redknapp insisted Rangers' "nice" owners had not been given the results they deserved for the money they had paid for their squad in transfer fees and wages.
New QPR boss Redknapp has only been in the Loftus Road hotseat for two days but it took him little time to assess what had led his new side to make the worst start to a season in Barclays Premier League history.
The man who rescued Tottenham and Portsmouth from relegation said at his official unveiling this morning: "We've got four points from 13 games, which is an incredible, low total.
"We've got to do better to give ourselves and opportunity to get out of this mess. I need people that are going to work.
"When they lose the ball, chase it. It's what you learnt when you were at school. That's what you did in the playground. I need 11 people with the ability to put effort in. And if they give that effort then we've got a chance of surviving.
"If they don't, they're not going to play to start with and I'll find another 11 who will run about and work hard.
He added: "I've got no time for people losing the ball and throwing their arms up in air, and standing around with their hands on their hips.
"We're in a relegation battle, we've got four points. It's their fault - it's nobody else's fault. If everyone works, the ability's there. I've got to make them work and get the best out of them now.
"If they do that then we'll be okay, we'll survive."
Spurs and Portsmouth were also in dire trouble when Redknapp took charge and he transformed both club's fortunes in spectacular fashion.
But he said ahead of his first game in charge against Sunderland tomorrow night: "We mustn't kid ourselves. This is much tougher than those two jobs in my opinion, but I'm optimistic we can pull it off."
Redknapp was set to be reunited with former assistants Joe Jordan and Kevin Bond after revealing QPR's board were close to agreeing a deal to bring them on board.
He added of his new bosses, who sacked Mark Hughes on Friday: "They don't deserve to be where they are because they have put so much in during the summer.
"They brought 12... loads of players in. They've done so much work on this training ground, they've invested, and they are nice people.
"That, for me, was important. I think they found it very hard last week to let Mark go, that's for sure.
"They're not ruthless people, they're nice people. So I would love to bring some success to them. They deserve it."
Redknapp accepted there would be no "wholesale spending" in January after the club recruited extensively during the previous three transfer windows.
But admitted they were very short up front, with Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson both long-term injury victims.
On the possibility of bring in midfield star David Beckham, he said: "I got a lovely text from David the other night, just wishing me well here.
"To have him at any football club would be a great influence on the club, but we've not discussed anything."
Redknapp has also been linked with Michael Dawson, who came close to joining QPR in the summer.
"Michael's a top player," he said, before insisting adding to his squad in January was the last thing on his mind.
"There are so many games between now and then, if we don't pick some points up, what's point of loaning players or buying players?"
Beckham was not the only person to congratulate Redknapp, who revealed Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy called him on Saturday.
He added of the man who sacked him last summer: "I don't spend my life holding grudges against people. It's not my style.
"What's the good? What happens happens."
Redknapp, 65, insisted he still had the hunger for management and denied he was in a no-lose situation.
"Every Saturday, if we don't win, will be a nightmare for me," he said.
"But when we do win, the highs are fantastic and I miss that."
Craig Breen has won a second World Rally title in as many years
Craig Breen has been voted World Rally Driver of the Year by the WRC.
The poll which was carried out on WRC.com saw the Waterford driver gain 39% of the vote with Norwegian driver Mads Ostberg second securing 38% of the vote.
Sebastien Loeb, who clinched his ninth World Rally title in 2012 came third with 8% of the vote.
Breen has had a turbulent season having come in to 2012 as the WRC Academy champion.
The 22-year-old began the season as he left off, winning the opening round of the SWRC in Monte Carlo and he followed this up with a second place finish in Sweden in the second round of the Super 2000 category.
Tragedy struck in June though when a crash at the Targa Florio rally in Sicily saw Breen lose his co-driver and best friend, Welshman Gareth Roberts.
Despite this, Breen got back behind the wheel weeks later and on Roberts' home event, Rally GB, Breen secured another SWRC win.
He backed this up with a win in France and, two weeks ago, a victory in at the Rally de Espana to take the Super 2000 World Rally Championship.
It is Breen's second world rally title in as many years .
Toby Flood has been ruled out of England's autumn international against New Zealand with a toe injury, head coach Stuart Lancaster has confirmed.
The Leicester fly-half suffered ligament damage in the big toe of his right foot during England's 16-15 defeat to South Africa.
Owen Farrell, who came off the bench on Saturday, is set to take over at fly-half against the All Blacks with the uncapped Freddie Burns likely to be named on the bench when Lancaster confirms his 23-man squad on Thursday.
Lancaster said: "Toby won't be fit for the weekend so Freddie Burns has come in and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out he will play some part in the squad.
"Toby's injury isn't as bad as first feared but it will definitely keep him out of this weekend."
Tidal Bay leads the challenge at the Hennessy Gold Cup
Tidal Bay heads the weights after 22 horses were confirmed for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday.
The enigmatic 11-year-old ended last season with victory in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown and made a winning return back over smaller obstacles in the John Smith's Hurdle at Wetherby.
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls could also saddle Harry The Viking, who is at the other end of the weights on 10st 2lb, but stable companion Michel Le Bon is a notable defection.
The ante-post favourite for the race is Nicky Henderson's Bobs Worth (11st 6lb), last seen winning the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Henderson may also saddle Robert Goldback, who made a winning start for new connections at Ascot.
Other leading contenders include The Package, Hold On Julio, Frisco Depot and Saint Are.
Last year's Hennessy hero Carruthers is also in contention - as is the 2010 winner Diamond Harry.
There is also a strong representation from Ireland, headed by the Mouse Morris-trained First Lieutenant.
Irish National winner Lion Na Bearnai and Magnanimity from Dessie Hughes' yard may also make the journey.
Frisco Depot's trainer Charlie Longsdon is hopeful of a bold run.
The eight-year-old showed smart form for Hughes in Ireland and was in the process of running a big race at Ascot on his debut for Longsdon when falling three fences from home.
Sam Waley-Cohen, son of part-owner Robert, will keep the ride this weekend.
Longsdon said: "It was the lightest Sam had ever ridden when he rode him last time.
"He will probably do 2lb over weight on the day and I think we will put a stronger bit in his mouth because he was a bit keen last time.
"I don't think the ground will be a problem as all his runs in Ireland were on heavy ground."
Ciarán Kilkenny will hope to break into the Hawthorn team soon as he adapts to AFL
Audio
Former Dublin star and new AFL recruit Ciarán Kilkenny has said he is ready for the challenge of professional sport with Hawthorn in Australia.
In a wide-ranging interview with Seán Bán Breathnach, recorded for RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta shortly before he left Ireland, the underage dual star revealed he knows he has work to do but feels ready to take on a new sport.
Kilkenny said: "I really like the game of Australian Rules. It has a great mix of skill, strength and speed and that appeals to me.
"The tackle, and releasing the ball when tackled, are the main things that I will have to practise and learn. I don't think it's a rough game. I think I'm ready for it and I'll be alright.
"I went in to do a bit of boxing with Billy Walsh and the Irish team and they were saying that I was big, but when I went on trial to Australia they were wondering if I was going to get taller!
"The players are so tall over there. I am 6'3, which is the average for a player over there. I would be one of the slighter players compared to the others in the squad, but I think I will be ok."
"When I went on trial to Australia they were wondering if I was going to get taller"
Kilkenny is also looking forward to the professional training regime, although he will not be able to compare the workout to Pat Gilroy's famous early morning sessions with the Dublin footballers.
The Dublin footballer said: "Because I was doing the Leaving Cert I missed out on a lot of the winter training that the Dublin lads did under Pat Gilroy. I was lucky that I missed all those early morning sessions!
"In Australia there is a great emphasis on athletics in training. The emphasis they put on things like five kilometre runs is unbelievable. You have to have great aerobic endurance to play the game so they focus on that in training.
"They do a lot of other activities as part of training like boxing and swimming to get you ready for games. Because they play every week the body has to be in peak condition."
The Castleknock clubman also explained how difficult the decision to commit to a future in Australia had been, and believes that Dublin's wealth of emerging talent means he will not be missed too badly.
Kilkenny stated: "It was a hugely difficult decision. I was changing my mind every second day. The decision to stay or go was hanging over me for a year and it was difficult, especially with the Leaving Cert. In the end I decided I did not want to look back in years to come and wonder what would have happened if I had gone to Australia.
"There are some great minor teams coming through, and the underage talent there is in Dublin is unreal, so I think they will be fine. Jim Gavin has already brought in a lot of the young lads into the senior football squad.
"It's a good time for both football and hurling in Dublin right now."
Kilkenny admitted that, as departure day approached, it was difficult on a personal level for him to leave home, but that plans were already in place for him to return to Ireland soon and his parents and girlfriend will also be travelling to Australia.
"I am a bit sad to be leaving, but I will be back home for Christmas. There are blocks of time as well where my parents and girlfriend will be able to come out to Australia.
"With the technology nowadays it's not like it was 10 years ago.
"With the likes of Skype, Twitter and Facebook it's not as difficult to stay in touch as it was in the past."
The 19-year-old is also hopeful of emulating Kerry's Tadhg Kennelly and returning in the future to win an All-Ireland medal, and will bring his experience in Australia to help his club Castleknock, who won the Leinster Junior Club Football Championship on Sunday.
"I'm going to give everything I have towards being a success in the AFL. I would like to come back at some stage but I do not know what the future holds for me.
"Hopefully I will be back in six or eight years time and I will be able to put an All-Ireland medal in my back pocket, and I will be back in the off seasons to play with the club and give them a hand in any way I can."
Written By Unknown on Minggu, 25 November 2012 | 23.06
Updated: Sunday, 25 Nov 2012 11:32
Robinson had been under contract until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup
Andy Robinson has resigned as Scotland head coach.
The Scottish Rugby Union confirmed Robinson's departure this morning, following the 21-15 loss to Tonga in Aberdeen yesterday.
Robinson had been under contract until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
"I am very disappointed by our recent results but I have belief in the players to develop into a winning team." - Andy Robinson
Scotland have lost 10 of their last 13 matches, including elimination from the World Cup at the group phase for the first time.
The Tonga defeat was the 19th in Robinson's 35 matches in charge and comes at the end of a calendar year which began with the RBS 6 Nations wooden spoon.
In a statement issued by the SRU, Robinson, who was appointed in June 2009, said: "It's been a privilege to be the head coach of Scotland and I'd like to thank the fans, players, coaches and staff for all their support over the years.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the players and the coaches in the last few years.
"I believe I have left the team in a better position than when I took over and have great confidence in the players and the coaches for the future.
"I am very disappointed by our recent results but I have belief in the players to develop into a winning team."
Craig Breen: 'I was down in 20th position but apart from the punctures, I've been really happy with my speed'
Super 2000 World Rally Champion Craig Breen has finished in third position at Rallye du Var, France.
Breen went into the final day of the season-ended race in sixth but only trailed Charles Zuccarelli (5th) by 38 seconds.
The Waterford man had reduced the deficit to just 11.1 seconds after this morning's first stage before race leader Robert Kubica crashed out in the penultimate stage.
On the final 32km stage, Breen pulled out all the stops and with his second fastest stage time in succession managed to overhaul a 35-second deficit over Gillies Nantet to claim 3rd overall and cap an unbelievable drive.
Speaking after the race, Breen said: "I'm really delighted, this has been a hectic rally and I'm thrilled to finish third and get on the podium. We knew this morning that fourth was possible, so we decided to for it. I'm sorry for Robert (Kubica); he had a great drive all weekend."
He added: "At one point yesterday I was down in 20th position but apart from the punctures I've been really happy with my speed.
"Setting fastest time on stage 11 this morning was great and then on the final stage we still had to push and it worked, it's been a fantastic rally. I want to thank all the Sainteloc team, the 207 (Peugeot) has been great.
"I've really enjoyed my time all year with the team and have learned a huge amount. It's ideal to finish the year here in France. I began the season just up the road on the Monte (Rallye Monte Carlo) in January and Rallye du Var bookends another big season for me."
It was Rory McIlroy's fifth victory during a 2012, which included a second major titleMcIlroy finished on -23
Rory McIlroy put the icing on the best year of his golfing life by winning the DP World Tour Championship with five closing birdies in Dubai today.
McIlroy had found himself two behind as Justin Rose put the finishing touches to a dazzling course record 62, the lowest round of his European Tour career by two.
But Northern Ireland's world number one, tied for the lead with second-ranked Luke Donald overnight, was not to be denied.
He chipped close on the long 14th, pitched to three feet at the next, made a 20-foot effort on the 16th and went one ahead with a six-foot putt on the short 17th.
Rose had done miraculously well to two-putt the par five last for birdie from around 100 feet, but McIlroy matched it to win by two. He shot 66 for 23 under.
By adding the title to his European Tour money list crown McIlroy earned himself a combined £1.46million.
Padraig Harrington was tied for ninth on 14 under and Peter Lawrie was a shot further back after both men shot 68s today.
Michael Hoey and Graeme McDowell both ended on 1 under after shooting 75 and 69 respectively.
It was his fifth victory during a 2012 which included a second major title - like the first by eight shots - and the same money list double on both sides of the Atlantic achieved by Donald last year.
After joining in the water on the last Donald shared third place with South African Charl Schwartzel.
McIlroy said: "I saw Justin make a charge - I heard the cheers - but to finish like that was great.
"I saw Justin make a charge - I heard the cheers - but to finish like that was great" - Rory McIlroy
"I could not have wished for any better. To back up 2011 with another major (like the first by a runaway eight-shot margin) and to be part of an unbelievable story at the Ryder Cup has made it an incredible year.
"But hopefully I can emulate it or do even better next year!"
He started his burst to the line by chipping to three feet on the long 14th, pitched just as close at the next, then made a 20-foot effort on the following green.
That made him and Rose level and, with the par five 18th, McIlroy was favourite.
But he did not wait until then to go back in front, a five-iron to the difficult 17th - over 200 yards into the wind over water - pulling only six feet from the flag.
It gave him the comfort of being able to lay up on the last and to get down in a pitch-and-putt was only right and proper.
Rose's compensation for second place in both the event and the money list race was not only the £968,000 it brought him.
He is now up to a career-high fourth in the world, knocking Lee Westwood out of the top four for the first time in three years.
The 32-year-old also has the memory of perhaps the putt of the year - even if the 35-footer he sank against Mickelson on the 17th hole at the Ryder Cup wins "Shot of the Year" given the circumstances in which it came.
The one he faced from the back of the 18th green was, in his own words, "probably four Mickelsons, maybe five", but actually estimated at around 100 feet given the amount of break involved.
It looked to be stopping on the top of the ridge, but then trickled down to the side of the hole for the easiest of tap-in birdies.
"I knew it was hero or zero there," said the Englishman. "I was one roll away from looking like an idiot.
"I actually got goosebumps. I thought it was going to go in for a second."
Rose played the last six holes in six under with an eagle on the 14th and four birdies, but it was not enough.
Donald finished joint third with Schwartzel five strokes behind McIlroy, his 71 including bogeys at the third and 12th after he had gone a remarkable 102 holes on the course without dropping a shot.
The day also contained holes-in-one from Stephen Gallacher at the fourth and Joost Luiten at the sixth and when Sergio Garcia eagled the last for the second time in three days it gave him what was then a course record-equalling 64.
Rose has now set a new mark, but McIlroy is the one everyone else must try to catch in the New Year.
Mirco Bergamasco of Italy is stretchered off at Artemio Franchi
Italy's experienced winger and place kicker Mirco Bergamasco looks likely to miss next year's RBS 6 Nations after doctors said he would be out for as much as five months following knee surgery.
Bergamasco fractured his knee cap in yesterday's 22-19 defeat by Australia, which wrapped up Italy's November fixtures, and the Italian Rugby Federation said in a statement he would be out for between "four and five months".
Prop Andrea Lo Cicero also broke ribs yesterday and should return in 45 days.
Raheem Sterling rattled the crossbar in the first half but neither side could find a way through
Brendan Rodgers secured a point on his return to the Liberty Stadium but will feel his Liverpool side deserved more than a 0-0 draw at the home of his former employers.
The Reds had Jose Enrique's first-half strike ruled out for a marginal offside decision, while teenage prodigy Raheem Sterling rattled the bar and Jonjo Shelvey's late strike was beaten out by Gerhard Tremmel.
Man of the match Pablo Hernandez had Swansea's best chances. The Spain winger curled narrowly wide in the first half before having his low-free-kick brilliantly tipped wide by Jose Reina.
Ashley Williams, who shook hands with Luis Suarez prior to kick-off after his criticism of the Liverpool striker, also saw former Swan Joe Allen clear his header off the line.
Despite seeing his side only secure a point, which extended their unbeaten league run to eight games but keeps them below Swansea in the table, Rodgers will have taken heart from another promising performance as he looks to rebuild at Anfield, with Sterling, Enrique and Glen Johnson excelling.
And with his intimate knowledge of Swansea's style, the Northern Irishman, who received a good reception from the home faithful, set Liverpool up to press his former club as high up the pitch as possible.
It proved effective, and Johnson should have given them the lead from Steven Gerrard's corner after Allen had dispossessed Leon Britton.
Wayne Routledge forced a sharp near post save from Reina after turning on the edge of the area, but the game was being played almost exclusively in the Swansea half.
Suarez should have capitalised when Swansea again surrendered the ball, but strayed offside as Enrique advanced, before the Spaniard steered narrowly wide from Sterling's superb cross.
Enrique turned provider with a lovely pass for Johnson in the 26th minute, but Tremmel was out quickly to block his effort.
Swansea were limited to counter-attacks, and one sharp break saw Hernandez go close to breaking the deadlock, his curling strike beating Reina but also the far post.
Liverpool went straight up the other end and failed to convert a trio of clear-cut chances that would have given them a deserved reward for their dominance.
Angel Rangel's brave block denied Suarez a simple finish, before Sterling struck the bar with a thunderous volley.
Enrique had the ball in the net after 34 minutes from Suarez's delicate pass, but the assistant referee ruled offside, although replays suggested he may have been level.
Hernandez, Swansea's most lively operator, shot over the bar as half-time closed in, but there was no denying Liverpool's superiority.
Michael Laudrup brought Ki Sung-yueng on for the anonymous Itay Shechter at half-time and pushed Michu up front in an effort to alter the pattern of the game.
The change succeeded in solidifying the Swans midfield but the visitors still looked the more likely to break the deadlock, with Tremmel beating away a fierce angled drive from Suarez.
After that scare the hosts enjoyed their best spell of the game.
Michu had a header saved by Reina when Hernandez broke free of Johnson's marking before Allen denied his former team by clearing a Williams header off the line at the far post.
Nathan Dyer, just on as a substitute, raced through on goal after robbing Stewart Downing at left-back, but could not beat Reina as the two slid for the loose ball and collided. Both players were fine to continue after treatment.
Michu had a penalty appeal turned down after a grapple with Daniel Agger, and Swansea would have gone behind had Liverpool not blown a golden opportunity with eight minutes to play.
Suarez and Sterling broke from a Swansea corner and had only Ben Davies in front of them, but a laboured pass from the winger forced the Uruguayan wide and Tremmel held his shot.
Hernandez thought he had stolen the points with just three minutes remaining, only for Reina to make a superb fingertip save, before Tremmel blocked Jonjo Shelvey's fizzing strike to ensure the points were shared.
Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 24 November 2012 | 23.06
Updated: Saturday, 24 Nov 2012 12:11
Usain Bolt: "With 28 and 29 coming up, you start going downhill so I want to get those (fast times) out of the way."
Usain Bolt has revealed he wants to compete in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The participation of the Jamaican sprint star would be a huge boost for the event's organisers.
Bolt, who retained his 100, 200 and 4x100 metres titles at London 2012, does not have a Commonwealth gold medal, having missed the 2010 Games.
He told journalists in Barcelona: "That's the only title I don't have so I think it's something I'd like to go for, even if I do just one event."
Bolt also reiterated he would continue to concentrate on the 100m and 200m next year rather than trying out the long jump or 400m.
He added: "We've decided with my coach that we're not going to do the 400 or the long jump so it's going to be the 100 and 200.
"It's all about trying to go as fast as possible. Try to stay injury-free, make sure I do my back exercises so I'm strong and I'm ready. That's one of my main focuses now.
"With 28 and 29 coming up, you start going downhill so I want to get those (fast times) out of the way."
Ronan McGarrity made his Championship debut in 2004
Ronan McGarrity has retired from inter-county football with Mayo, the county have confirmed.
McGarrity, an extremely talented midfielder, saw his career with the Mayo blighted by injury and was regarded as one of the most talented players to emerge from the county in the last decade.
He played in the All-Ireland final defeats to Kerry in 2004 and 2006 and featured in last year's surprise win over Cork in the quarter-final.
McGarrity hoped to be in contention this summer but injuries meant he was unable to make a contribution in their run to the final.
Rory McIlroy shot a 66 to finish on -17Caroline Wozniacki was again supporting boyfriend Rory McIlroy around the course
World top two Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald will go head to head in the final group on the final day of the European Tour season in Dubai tomorrow.
They are both 17 under par after third round 66s at the DP World Tour Championship and Donald has yet to drop a shot in the tournament. Jesper Parnevik in 1995 was the last to do that in winning an event on the circuit.
Donald and McIlroy are three clear of South Africans Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel and five in front of their compatriot Branden Grace and Dutchman Joost Luiten.
Padraig Harrington shot a 68 to finish seven shots off the lead with Peter Lawrie one shot further back.
Michael Hoey is on -4 and Graeme McDowell shot a one over par 73 and is on +2 overall.
"It's going to be fun - great for the crowd and everyone watching around the world" - Luke Donald
Everybody else looks too far back given the pedigree of the leaders.
Donald has now played 100 holes in the event without a bogey.
"I'm not sure I can believe that," he said on being told of the fact.
"That's pretty good. I guess that's my style - I don't make too many mistakes.
"It's going to be fun - great for the crowd and everyone watching around the world.
"Hopefully we can make some birdies."
Donald played the front nine much the better, a four-birdie 32 compared to McIlroy's 35 which contained an opening bogey after he drove into a bunker, but then birdies at the third and sixth.
It was on the inward half that the 23-year-old has really prospered all week, though, and after picking up more shots on the 11th and 12th he found the green in two at the long 14th and holed an eagle putt of around 30 feet.
Donald had needed to sink a 10-footer just for birdie there after twice finding the left-hand rough and he added another at the par five last after pitching to six feet before McIlroy, in rough off the tee, matched it with a putt of similar distance.
Scot Marc Warren, joint halfway leader with Donald and McIlroy, managed only a 72 to remain 11 under, his troubles starting when he pulled his drive down the long second into bushes, took a penalty drop and ran up a bogey six.
