The Rugby World Cup just completed in France has amassed a new team from a range of countries - the Retirees XV - who have chosen this high moment to step away from the game. Some may be stepping back, of course.

What lessons have we learned about next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris following the conclusion last night of the Rugby World Cup, which ended with South Africa beating New Zealand to lift the Webb Ellis trophy for a record fourth time?

Unlike many Presidents of International Federations (IF) seeking Olympic inclusion, Antonio Espinos is not afraid of speaking out against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) when he feels he has been wronged.

The passing of Sir Bobby Charlton last weekend severed one of the last links what was arguably perhaps the greatest single gathering of talent in the history of Wembley Stadium.

World sports organisations have been the focus of public criticism for some time.

In my close association with Bobby Charlton from the time of his teenage FA Cup finals - at the time I was a contemporary England Amateur XI winger -he was always a quiet, yet frank, commentator on the stage where he was himself incomparable.

I have reached an age when many of the giants responsible for my childhood love of sport are being snatched away.

When you meet someone famous who means a lot to you - someone like Bobby Charlton, for instance - you have to watch your step.

On Friday ,  in the presence of 50,000 spectators, 4,100 athletes from 41 countries and 650 million viewers across America, the Pan American Games Opening Ceremony displayed a great three-hour showcase of Chile, its land and its people!

For years, cricket has been the heart and soul of India's sporting landscape, commanding the hearts of millions. Beyond the cricketing arena, other sports such as football, hockey, boxing, and athletics, have also claimed their places in the spotlight.

Mumbai, the city which has been hosting the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session this past week, is a world away from the German spa town of Baden-Baden where the IOC met 60 years ago.

It has been a remarkable couple of weeks in the Olympic Movement, which never ceases to amaze in its ability to bend rules. something that came to the fore at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Mumbai.

The most famous comebacks in sport took place on a football pitch, golf course, boxing ring, cricket pitch or tennis court as far as most fans are concerned.

As we learnt on Sunday, some International Olympic Committee (IOC) members are keen for Thomas Bach to stay on as IOC President until 2029, even though this would require an amendment to the Olympic Charter.