Japan and New Zealand are rugby's great entertainers. After a dour summer from a European rugby point of view where the Lions offered up a series of turgid affairs down in South Africa, the arrival of Ireland's first two November opponents to these shores is just the shot in the arm the rugby public needs, writes Gerry Thornley this morning. As shown by Japan's summer clash against a weakened Ireland side and New Zealand's prolific scoring form across the Rugby Championship, the next two weekends should see high-scoring affairs that do nothing but entertain. From an officiating point of view though, the decision to rescind a red card against Jordie Barrett during a summer clash against Australia is the latest among a litany of foul play incidents that could potentially cause problems for World Rugby, claims Owen Doyle. The lack of a centralised disciplinary system under the guises of the sport's governing body is a glaring administrative hole that needs to be rectified. There has also been a somewhat surprise return to coaching for Joe Schmidt as the former Ireland boss takes up a part-time role with the Auckland Blues.
Stephen Kenny has issued a positive injury update ahead of the next batch of internationals to take place next week. Caoimhín Kelleher, Jamie McGrath and Troy Parrott are all expected to come through their respective niggles to take their place in the squad, though Robbie Brady's lack of game time since moving to Bournemouth means that a potential call-up is not possible this time around. In League of Ireland action, Bohemians came back from 0-2 down to secure a thrilling draw against St Pat's in what was a precursor to the FAI Cup final set to take place later this month. Over in England, Antonio Conte has agreed to take over as Tottenham boss following the dismissal of Nuno Espírito Santo.
A temporary exhibition pavilion to be built on the grounds of Trinity College threatens the future of the university's soccer, athletics and cricket clubs. The pavilion is due to be put in place while the Old Library undergoes its €90 million redevelopment, but some of the university's most storied sporting institutions are opposing plans that could see their playing fields at least partly out of action until 2028.
Pádraig Harrington is in action this week at the Portugal Masters as Europe's Ryder Cup captain seeks to break into the top 50 players in the Race to Dubai standings. Currently sitting in 68th, if the Dubliner does move up the leaderboard, he will qualify for the DP World Tour Championship later this month. Elsewhere, Michael Hoey is the sole Irishman to have made it to this week's Grand Final on the Challenge Tour in Mallorca, where precious cards to the full European Tour will be dispensed.
