Brumbies 14 British & Irish Lions 12 Warren Gatland's hopes of his British & Irish Lions going unbeaten for 10 games in 2013 came to crashing halt at the Canberra Stadium on Tuesday as the ACT Brumbies scored a famous victory in the Australian capital.

Manchester United will start the 2013-14 season at League Cup winners Swansea.

The GAA's decision to break new ground by hosting a Friday night fixture in the first round of the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers next week has been criticised by some of the players who will be involved in the game.

Joe Kinnear last night risked alienating the Newcastle fans further by claiming to have "more intelligence than them".

British and Irish Lions wing George North has been passed fit to face Australia in Saturday's opening Test at Suncorp Stadium.

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland conceded his side "got what they deserved" after seeing their unbeaten tour record disappear in a disappointing showing against the Brumbies.

Adam Ashley-Cooper insists Brian O'Driscoll remains as dangerous as ever as the rivals prepare to meet for the first time in Saturday's opening Test between Australia and the British and Irish Lions.

Ireland have been dealt two serious blows ahead of the European team championships in Dublin this weekend.