Irish bid for World Cup

Rugby league: Ireland have launched a bid to take the 2013 World Cup to the Munster rugby union fortress of Thomond Park. The bid, which was the last of around 25 submitted to the Rugby Football League before last Friday’s deadline, is backed by Shannon Development and the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau. The revamped 25,600-capacity Thomond Park will stage its first rugby league fixture on November 4 when Ireland play France, and Rugby League Ireland (RLE) are hoping it will also host their World Cup group game against Australia.

Hanks at work

RUGBY UNION: Sale Sharks have appointed former Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks as their new first-team coach. The 40-year-old New Zealander, who left his post with Wasps in February, took up his new role when he took charge of training at the Sharks’ Carrington base yesterday.

Red Bull denial

Motorsport: Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has dismissed rumours the team are poised to sign Kimi Raikkonen for next season. Speculation regarding a potential return has surfaced following the team orders saga in Sunday’s British Grand Prix, when Mark Webber ignored repeated instructions to maintain a gap to team-mate Sebastian Vettel.

Ellie’s record

Golf: Ellie Robinson of Middlesborough shot a new course record of 69 in the morning qualifying round of the Northern Ladies Championship at Huddersfield Golf Club, Fixby. She then equalled the record with a further 69 in the afternoon on the par 73 course. Rochelle Morris, of Crosland Heath, was the only Huddersfield entrant to qualify for the last 16 matchplay.

Junior clash

BOWLING: Huddersfield’s Junior Inter-district side play Skipton at Bradley & Colne on Saturday (7.00). Team from Harry Lumb, Thomas Gledhill, Patrick Higgins, Danny Kilburn, Bethany Radcliffe, Oliver Fox, Courtney Allett, James Arnold, Alex Conroy, Meg Lumb. Meet Bradley at 6.45. If unavailable contact team manager Dave Fox (07887 843363).