Chelsea failed to capitalise on Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham's defeats over the weekend as they drew with Burnley last night. Ireland midfielder Jeff Hendrick scored the opener in a 2-2 draw - a win would've moved Chelsea into third spot. Tonight Spurs host Brighton and will look to give themselves some breathing space as the battle for the top four goes to the wire, they're ahead of Chelsea on goal difference with a game in hand.

In his column this morning, Gerry Thornley explains why Leinster and Saracens are a cut above the rest: "So the two sides arrive in Newcastle pretty much at the zenith of their considerable powers. These are, as one writer noted, more efficient than effervescent, and while it may not be the most fluent final ever, it is sure to be a compelling clash between two superbly coached teams who like to dominate their opponents but for once may struggle to do so." Munster head coach Johann van Graan says he will not take a chance with the fitness of Joey Carbery or Keith Earls as his team bid for a home semi-final in the Pro14. To have any chance of topping Conference A in the league and securing a last-four tie at Thomond Park, Munster must beat Connacht on Saturday, and hope that Edinburgh can deny current leaders Glasgow Warriors in their last game.

Shane Lowry has been reflecting on finishing in a tie for third place behind tournament winner CT Pan in the RBC Heritage classic over the weekend, he told John O'Sullivan: "This was my best week in quite a while, so many positives to take, and I'm looking forward to next week. Look, after coming so close, it's hard to describe what it's like, but I'm sure I'll get over it and move on to next week."

Meanwhile, Willie Mullins filled another glaring gap on his glittering CV when Burrows Saint and Ruby Walsh led home a famous 1-2-3 for the champion trainer in Easter Monday's Boylesports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.