The Champions Cup returns this weekend, with the competition's opening two rounds having already been heavily affected by Covid-19 enforced postponements. And in his column this morning, Gerry Thornley has suggested the tournament desperately needs a shot in the arm having lost a lot of its romance and lustre over the past few years. He writes: "There's no doubt the European brand has been damaged over the last two seasons, not just by Covid-enforced disruptions to the itinerary, but also the spectator unfriendly remodelled format, reduced schedule and devaluation of the Challenge Cup. Through little fault of their own, the European competitions are at their lowest ebb in years. More than ever, it seems, the love Irish rugby holds for the competition isn't quite shared to the same extent elsewhere." All four Irish provinces will be in action at the weekend, starting with Munster's trip to play Castres on Friday night (kick-off 8pm). Connacht host Leicester on Saturday (3.15pm), before Leinster welcome Bath to the RDS on Sunday (1pm) and Ulster travel to Northampton (3.15pm).
Manchester United are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup after they scraped past Aston Villa at Old Trafford last night. Scott McTominay's early header proved the difference in a 1-0 win, with the visitors left to rue a number of missed chances and two disallowed goals - one controversially chalked off by VAR. It was another lacklustre, disjointed display from Ralf Rangnick's side, who next travel to Villa Park for a Premier League fixture on Saturday (5.30pm). United will now play Middlesbrough in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Tonight there is one Premier League fixture, with Southampton welcoming Brentford to St Mary's (7.45pm).
Novak Djokovic is training ahead of the Australian Open, after the decision to cancel his visa was quashed in court yesterday. There remains a possibility the world number one could still be deported from Australia, should immigration minister Alex Hawke use his discretionary powers to reinforce the visa ban. However as of Tuesday morning (Irish time), Hawke was yet to confirm whether or not he would do so. The year's first Grand Slam gets underway next Monday January 17th, with Djokovic looking for a fourth-consecutive title.
In his column this morning Owen Doyle has looked at the recent performances of Munster, which he describes as "pretty woeful." And he believes the decision to keep the outgoing Johann van Graan in charge ahead of his departure for Bath in the summer has been a bad one for the province. He writes: "Given all of the circumstances, it is very hard to argue with those who think a change in the Munster coaching ticket right now would be the correct decision. Why not give Rowntree the job until the World Cup, with an in-built proviso to review the state of play at that point? This long goodbye doesn't seem to serve any worthwhile purpose for either side of the equation." Meanwhile Munster announced six players have signed contract extensions yesterday, with Simon Zebo extending his deal until 2024.
And Ireland's second ODI against the West Indies - scheduled to take place today - has been postponed due to Covid-19 cases and injuries within the touring squad.
