IRFU show interest in staging RWC

SPORTS DIGEST: RUGBY: The IRFU have submitted an interest in staging the Rugby World Cup in either 2015 or 2019.

The International Rugby Board confirmed the interest last night when they revealed there had been a record number of applications to play host to the tournaments.

Eight countries - Australia, England, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Scotland, South Africa and Wales - have applied for the 2015 showpiece, while all of the above, except England, have submitted an interest in the 2019 tournament, with Jamaica and Russia adding their names to the hat.

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "This is tremendous news for Rugby World Cup. The fact that 10 member unions have signalled their intention to tender for the 2015 and 2019 tournaments reflects the growing global prestige of the rugby World Cup."

The unions must submit a detailed tender response and present their cases to the IRB council next May. The host countries will be selected on July 28th, 2009.

Stoner proves fastest

MOTOR CYCLING: Reigning MotoGP champion Casey Stoner put illness behind him to record the fastest lap of the day during yesterday's free practice for the Czech Republic Grand Prix.

The Ducati Marlboro rider was limited to short spells on the track as he suffered from a fever and abdominal pains throughout the day.

Despite that, Stoner was able to lead the time sheets, clocking one minute 57.231 seconds during the afternoon session.

"Unfortunately I've not been feeling well for a few days and I felt very weak today. I even felt sapped of energy just putting my gloves on," Stoner said.

Valentino Rossi, who leads Stoner in the overall standings by 25 points, was the next quickest rider, 0.179 seconds back.

Ben Johnson silent  on lawsuit

ATHLETICS: Disgraced Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson has filed a €24 million lawsuit in Canada against the estate of his former lawyer for allegedly stealing his wealth and failing to protect future earnings, the Toronto Starreported yesterday.

Johnson claims the late Ed Futerman made unauthorised payments from his trust account to pay bills and 20 per cent commissions to a hairdresser who was recruited by the lawyer to act as the sprinter's sports agent.

The suit also claims Futerman ought to have known that Johnson was incapable of understanding complex legal documents since psychiatric experts hired by the lawyer - and paid for by Johnson - concluded in February 1989 that "there is overwhelming evidence that Johnson is intellectually retarded".

The allegations have not been proved in court. Johnson enjoyed a high-profile career in the 1980s and made headlines for his world-record 100 metre win at the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988. However, days after the race he tested positive for the banned steroid stanozolol and was stripped of his gold medal.

Lawyer Michael Kestenberg, whose client died this year, said Futerman's estate and insurers "will be fighting this vehemently. They do not believe there is any truth to any of the allegations."

The newspaper also reported that when it contacted Johnson, he said he had been advised by his current lawyer not to comment.