Creating a sports blog

I want to create a sports blog dedicated to rugby, more specifically the rugby world cup in 2011. This will include the latest news including: updates on injurys or results from games etc.

I would really like it if you could suggest me some ideas for a domain name, which should be short, memorable, and standout in a search engine results page. Also which ending should i go for i.e. .co.uk, .com, .net etc.

There are so many blogging applications i.e. Wordpress, WordPad, Blogger etc. its difficult to choose which best suits me. WordPad seems to have exactly what i want and includes a domain name so i understand why you are paying a small fee. But i haven't ruled out Wordpress or Blogger. Let me know what you think is best and why?

How much would it cost for somone to design you a theme for something wordpress

Thanks in advance

My personal choice would be Wordpress installed where you want. I would do this to be in control of what you were doing at all times (ie you can move host anytime you want and configure anything you desire on the site).
Wordpress is dead easy to manipulate into what ever site you want so your sorted in that respect.

For the domain, .com is king but if you want to protect your brand register all the major extensions. Though if your looking for mainly a UK audience and doing this as purely a hobby a simple .co.uk may suffice.