Sport News Update, what you need to know

ATHLETICS - A WADA-commissioned report claims Russia's athletics federation should be suspended from all competition, including the 2016 Olympic Games, after outlining evidence of systematic doping with the consent of the government in Moscow.

RUGBY UNION - England bosses have denied making any approach for Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, with reports suggesting the Aussie had been sounded out about replacing Stuart Lancaster as head coach.

RUGBY LEAGUE - North Queensland's premiership-winning hero Johnathan Thurston and former Sydney Roosters fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck have been short-listed for the prestigious Golden Boot Award.

SOCCER - Socceroos talisman Tim Cahill has implored Australia and the world to give rising star Tom Rogic the time and space he needs to flourish, with the 22-year-old midfielder showing signs of living up to the promise after two injury-cruelled seasons.

SOCCER - Wellington's A-League future remains in the balance after talks with FFA powerbrokers on Monday applied further pressure on New Zealand Football to come to the table.

CRICKET - SCG officials are scrambling to resurface the troubled ground in a bid to be ready for the New Year's Test following the embarrassing abandonment of NSW's Sheffield Shield match with Victoria.