In his column this morning Johnny Watterson has looked at the widely derided plans for a biennual World Cup in football and rugby. This is something he feels could not only taint the prestige of both competitions, but in the latter have serious health consequences for players who are already struggling for breathing space in a heavily congested calendar. He writes: "Fifa and World Rugby's recent contemplations on filling the unforgiving minute with more World Cups, seems in rugby at least, the perfect way to burn down the club system and established international competitions such as Ireland's cash cow, the Six Nations Championship. In the process squeeze more juice out of players." He adds: "Those in power now, if not for the protection of current tournaments with long histories then for the players themselves, should be thinking less is more, shouting not on my watch."
Ulster have landed a major coup as they announced the signing of Springboks number eight Duane Vermeulen yesterday. Vermeulen was named man of the match in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final win over England and returned to action in the Rugby Championship last weekend after missing this summer's Lions tour through injury. And former Ulster backrow Stephen Ferris believes the signing is a major boost to the province's hopes of lifting silverware this season: "He's a brilliant maul defender, he's a colossus of a man and very steady at the back of a scrum. Vermeulen can draw defenders, put boys into holes, he can get through contact and he's a pretty good defender. He's a World Cup winner and vastly experienced and I think he's the perfect player to come over here. And it's not just what he's going to bring on the pitch but off it with those younger lads."
Celtic got off to a flying start in Seville last night but were brought crashing back to earth with a bang, as they were beaten 4-3 by Real Betis in their Europa League opener. Ange Postecoglou's side found themselves 2-0 up after 27 minutes at Estadio Benito Villamarin but quickfire goals in the 32nd and 35th, then 51st and 53rd minutes, saw the hosts flip the tie, with Anthony Ralston scoring a late consolation for the Bhoys. Elsewhere West Ham's return to Europe was a successful one, with Michail Antonio and Declan Rice giving them a 2-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb. In the later games, Leicester City drew 2-2 at home to Napoli.
Davy Russell makes his return to the saddle at Downpatrick today after a lengthy absence. The 42-year-old dislocated and fractured vertebrae in a fall at Limerick last October but is back in action - he partners Gordon Elliott's The Greek in the opener at 1.25pm.
And the FAI Cup quarter-finals take place tonight, with Maynooth University looking for a giant killing against Bohemians at Dalymount Park (kick-off 7.45pm). In the other ties St Pat's host Wexford, UCD host Waterford and Dundalk travel to Finn Harps.
