Dallaglio still keen to be involved with England

RUGBY:Lawrence Dallaglio has no intention of letting go of his international career. The 35-year-old played only a limited role in England's recent World Cup campaign and there is a feeling the team may look for fresh blood next year.

But Wasps' veteran forward Dallaglio, who sparked controversy with comments criticising coach Brian Ashton in a book published straight after the tournament in France, is not stepping down.

He told BBC radio: "I have already announced my retirement once from international rugby and ended up coming back. I enjoyed my World Cup experience. Reaching the final and just missing out was unfortunate but it was still a tremendous achievement.

"The only thing I have thought about since I came back is playing at Wasps. If you feel you are at a club that is top of the domestic game, current European champions and you're captain of that club, you've got every right to feel you should be involved in international rugby."

Dallaglio came under fire after the controversial elements of his autobiography were serialised in a national newspaper within days of England's World Cup final defeat.

The Rugby Football Union chose not to censure the player or team-mate Mike Catt, who wrote similarly damaging remarks.

Hatton camp happy with choice of referee Cortez

BOXING:Veteran Puerto Rican Joe Cortez has been appointed to referee the welterweight world title bout between Floyd Mayweather and Ricky Hatton on Saturday night.

Hatton's trainer Billy Graham had spoken of his concern that attempts to rein in his fighter's trademark rugged style could dash his hopes of becoming the first man to dethrone the self-styled "Pretty Boy".

Cortez - who mutters the catchphrase "firm but fair" before every first bell, bossed Hatton's four-round win over Jose Luis Castillo in the summer with no complaints from the Mancunian's camp.

Graham wants Hatton to be allowed to draw Mayweather into a close-up confrontation and is also concerned that he be given a fair chance if he is cut up by the champion's slashing hands. Graham said: "All we want is a fair shake and hopefully we're going to get one."