EURO 2012

… told Sky Sports after beating Graeme McDowell by one hole in the Match Play final: “It’s very big, it’s always been a dream of mine as a kid to play the Ryder Cup.
“There’s still a long way to go, still a dozen tournaments and a lot of candidates. I’m well-placed – a lot better after this – but there’s a long way to go.”
McDowell was the man who sealed European glory at Celtic Manor two years ago, winning the final singles clash against Hunter Mahan to spark wild celebrations in Wales.

Head coach Warren Gatland is backing Wales, 1/2 with bet365 to win the Grand Slam, to be ruthless when they take on Italy at the Millennium Stadium.

A win over the Azzurri will set up a … complacent and with one eye on the French game, but nothing less than victory on Saturday will be accepted.
“All of that leaves the players themselves brimming with ruthless intent.”
Wales will be missing injured captain Sam Warburton when they run out against Italy, with prop Gethin Jones leading the side.

… recovering from a sternum injury.

Interim coach Stuart Lancaster still retains a small hope of winning the Six Nations title following England’s 24-22 win over France in Paris last weekend, and they are 20/1 with bet365 to steal the tournament from Wales.
Strettle is recalled at the expense of Charlie Sharples in the only change to the side that stunned Les Bleus.
“Graham (Rowntree), Andy (Farrell) and myself firmly believe in this group of players and the direction we are going,” said …

… the right decisions and that’s to stay with Brumbies.”
Meanwhile, Lancaster has named an unchanged XV for the clash with France in the Stade de France on Sunday, with Owen Farrell retained at fly-half, despite Charlie Hodgson being fit to return to the matchday squad.
Lancaster, whose side are 12/5 with bet365 to win in Paris, said: “We were really disappointed to lose to Wales, but we took a lot out of the performance and felt it was right to pick the same starting team to go to Paris.”

England interim coach Stuart Lancaster has made four changes to the line-up to face Wales in their Six Nations clash on Saturday.

Manu Tuilagi returns for the first time since the World Cup, while Geoff Parling, Ben Morgan and Lee Dickson have been handed their first starts for England, who are 6/4 with bet365 to win their first home game of the campaign.
Owen Farrell moves to fly-half with Charlie Hodgson out of action with a finger injury. Toby Flood is on the bench alongside Phil Dowson …

Neil Jenkins has urged Wales to grab their opportunity with both hands when they face France in a World Cup semi-final on Saturday.

The Wales skills coach has described the upcoming semi-final, which Wales are 5/6 with bet365 to win, as the biggest game…”And it’s the biggest maybe in Welsh rugby history.”
Wales have lost their last three encounters against the French. … Saturday,” said Jenkins, who was capped 84 times by Wales.
Rhys Priestland and Luke Charteris should return for the game…

Iestyn Harris has named Lee Briers as the Wales captain for the upcoming Four Nations tournament.

The Warrington stand-off has represented Wales, 150/1 with bet365 to win the tournament, since the 2000 … Shaun Wane’s coaching staff.
“He is a fantastic servant for Wales. He is our most experienced squad member, has become a great … younger members of our squad. That’s what Lee is all about.”
Wales warm up for the Four Nations with a home clash against …

Wales have named Chris Coleman as the national team manager following Gary Speed’s untimely death in November.

The 41-year-old won 32 caps for Wales during his playing career, which was cut short by a car accident. His former clubs include Swansea, …, who resigned as coach of Greek side Larissa last week, was unveiled by the Football Association of Wales on Thursday.
The FAW’S chief executive Jonathan Ford said: “All along we believe that we …

James Hook replaces the injured Rhys Priestland in the Wales starting XV in their only change for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against France.

… at fly-half. Stephen Jones will take Hook’s place on the bench for the game, which Wales are now 4/5 with bet365 to win.
“Time was against Rhys, but we are happy that we have the talent and ability elsewhere in the squad to cover him,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
“Rhys has done everything we have asked of him and more during this World…

…’s only injury doubt in the build-up to Saturday’s World Cup semi-final between Wales, 4/1 with bet365 to win the game by between one and five points, and France, is Rhys Priestland.

The fly-half injured his shoulder during Wales‘ quarter-final victory against Ireland and has been unable to train this week.
Luke Charteris,… Warburton have also not trained but are expected to be fit for Saturday’s match which Wales are 7/1 to win by between 11-15 points.
Head coach Gatland will …