Ireland scrap South Africa plan

Ireland have shelved plans to play South Africa at a neutral “non-traditional” venue in November after running out of time.

Sack for teacher sent home 'in disgrace' from school trip

A TEACHER at one of Scotland's leading fee-paying schools, sent home in apparent disgrace from a student expedition to East Africa, has now been sacked.

Only way is up for vibrant St Pat's

Their 47-year wait for an away victory in Europe over, Dublin side St Patrick's Athletic FC travel to face Hertha BSC Berlin in the UEFA Cup as underdogs but with the ambition to pull off a "phenomenal" upset.

Another UK tour operator goes bust

A second British tour operator has gone bust days after the collapse of XL Leisure sent the travel industry into turmoil, the aviation regulator confirmed today.

XL collapse sees rivals prosper on FTSE

The collapse of a rival operator buoyed holiday giants TUI Travel and Thomas Cook today as the FTSE 100 Index surged nearly 2% in the final session of the week.

Du Toit Wins 4th Gold At Paralympics

Natalie Du Toit of South Africa won her fourth gold medal in swimming
at the Beijing Paralympics, taking the 400-meter freestyle on Friday in
a world-record time for her disability group.

XL travel rivals see shares rise on FTSE

UK holiday giants TUI Travel and Thomas Cook were experiencing strong gains today as investors digested the collapse of rival operator XL.

More tour operators expected to go under

The collapse of tour operator XL is the latest blow to the UK air travel industry, which has endured a torrid summer with a number of companies closing down.

NHL Suspends Ruutu 2 Games For On-Ice Bite

Ottawa Senators forward Jarkko Ruutu has been suspended by the NHL for
two games without pay for biting Buffalo Sabres enforcer Andrew Peters.

BC Fires Jagodzinski After Coach Meets With Jets

Boston College fired Jeff Jagodzinski on Wednesday, days after he was
warned of dismissal if he interviewed for the coaching job with the New
York Jets.

Dallas Cowboys Release Adam 'Pacman' Jones

Troubled cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones must look elsewhere in the NFL for another chance. The Dallas Cowboys are done with him. Jones
was released Wednesday by the Cowboys following a turbulent season in
which he was suspended six games for an off-field scuffle and made
little impact on the field.

Georgia's Stafford, Moreno Enter 2009 NFL Draft

With Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno headed to the NFL, Georgia
probably won't have to worry about another preseason No. 1 ranking in
2009. Stafford, a junior who set a school record with 25
touchdown passes this season, and Moreno, only the second Georgia
player to rush for more than 1, 000 yards in consecutive seasons, said
Wednesday they are leaving school to enter the NFL draft.

Avs' Sakic Undergoes Back Surgery

Joe Sakic, already sidelined after a snow blower accident last month,
underwent surgery for a herniated disk on Wednesday and will need about
10 weeks to recover.

AP Source: Browns To Hire Mangini As Head Coach

Eric Mangini is the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, a week
after being fired by the New York Jets. A person with knowledge of the
negotiations told The Associated Press that Mangini will be introduced
Thursday at a news conference at the team's headquarters in Berea. The
person spoke on condition of anonymity because Mangini's contract has
not been finalized.

AP Source: Hoffman, Brewers Close To Deal

Career saves leader Trevor Hoffman is closing in on a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. A
person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press the
sides are near an agreement. The person spoke on condition of anonymity
because the contract hadn't been completed Wednesday night.

Northwestern Falls To Wisconsin 74-45

Jason Bohannon scored a career-high 20 points and Wisconsin used a long second-half run to take control in a 74-45 victory over Northwestern on Wednesday.

L. T. Confirms Torn Tendon In Groin

LaDainian Tomlinson confirmed Wednesday that he has a torn tendon in
his groin and listed himself as doubtful for the San Diego Chargers'
playoff game at Pittsburgh on Sunday.

DePaul Smashed By Syracuse 85-68

DePaul coach Jerry Wainwright got a first-hand look at hot-shooting Andy Rautins and his Syracuse teammates, and he could only marvel at what they did to his Blue Demons.