World Rugby's plans to revamp the international calendar with the launch of a 12-team World League from 2020 were revealed on Thursday, and this morning Gerry Thornley explains why they've more holes in them than a soup strainer. "In seeking to enhance the international game, World Rugby's 'League' might prompt more players to abandon it," he writes. "World Rugby have, either directly or indirectly, managed to antagonise almost everybody that matters, which merely shows how cack-handed this proposed World Rugby League has thus far been handled." In his column this morning, Matt Williams argues a lack of leadership is the reason for Ireland's on-field crisis and slow start to their Six Nations defence. Tonight in Pro14 action, Leinster host the Cheetahs at the RDS - read Johnny Watterson's preview here.
Last night Dr Crokes' Johnny Buckley was cleared to play against champions Corofin in the All-Ireland club football final. He was appealing a red card shown to him for striking in the semi-final against Longford champions, Mullinalaghta. Seán Moran writes in this morning's pages that a number of issues will have to be resolved before the International Rules series is up and running again and time is getting tight if the intention is to stage a series later this year. If this doesn't happen it would be the first time since the modern internationals began, in 1999, that two years had elapsed without the game being played.
Fulham have sacked manager Claudio Ranieri, with the club's directors and supporters having lost confidence in him. Scott Parker, the former Cottagers captain, has been placed in caretaker charge on Thursday after Ranieri's reign was terminated after just three months and with the club 19th in the Premier League. Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos has been suspended for an extra European match after Uefa found him guilty of "clearly receiving a yellow card on purpose". Back In Ireland and Shamrock Rovers will ask their members to approve a major investment by billionaire businessman Dermot Desmond. The deal is believed to be worth in the region of €3 million and to be invested into the club's academy.
There are 12 Irish athletes, from the team of 16, in action today on day one of the European Indoor Championships, with Mark English (800m), Phil Healy (400m) and Ciara Mageean (1,500m) all eying up final spots in their event. Ian O'Riordan has a full lowdown on the Irish in action here.
