Are the Munster faithful beginning to lose faith? Gerry Thornley ponders the question after a less-than-full house for the visit of Leinster in the United Rugby Championship. Munster believe there were 19,000 at the game, a far cry from a time when Munster-Leinster was the best-attended non-international fixture in the world. Meanwhile, Owen Doyle says in his column (Subscriber Only) paltry suspensions for dangerous tackles need to be shown the red card and asks why not equate the length of suspension to the period of an injured player's rehabilitation?
The GAA have hinted at some progress towards resolution of expenses dispute as the top officials have made positive noises about a deal with the GPA as they launch their latest strategic report. The new strategic plan aims to make the GAA "more diverse and inclusive" and plan includes recruitment of referees and expanding the reach of hurling. The plan also emphasises amalgamating women's football and camogie with men's Gaelic games under one umbrella.
Derry City stretched to six points clear at the top of the Premier Division after their victory over UCD, with late goals from Will Patching and Ronan Boyce, while in the English Premier League, Crystal Palace put a dent in Arsenal's Champions League ambitions with a thumping 3-0 victory, which Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will wonder where on earth this came from. Tonight Liverpool and Manchester City are both in action in the Champions League, as a defiant City boss Pep Guardiola joked about "overthinking" the Champions League knockout stage in the past with "stupid tactics".
Tiger Woods practised at Augusta National ahead of the Masters for the second day running, with the five-time champion now largely expected to return to competitive golf, having not played in a top-level event since being involved in a horrific car crash in February 2021. He said he will make a "game-time decision" on his participation before Thursday. Meanwhile, Pádraig Harrington is not at Augusta to smell the azaleas and is also expecting Séamus Power, making a first appearance, to impress at the first Major of the year.
