Sexton misses Six Nations start
Johnny Sexton will miss the start of Ireland's Six Nations championship defence after being advised by Parisian neurologist Dr Jean-Francois Cherman, who is employed by Racing Metro, to rest for 12 weeks following the concussion he suffered during Ireland's November victory over Australia.
Sexton is out until February 14th meaning he won’t be available to face Italy, but would be in line for a comeback against France at the Aviva Stadium the following week, should Joe Schmidt choose to pick the out half after three months without a game.
All Black legend and world leading points scorer Dan Carter is set to replace Sexton at Racing Metro on a three-year contract worth €1.6 million a year which will make him rugby's highest paid player.
McLaughlin returns for Leinster
Tonight Leinster welcome Connacht to the RDS and the men from the West arrive in Dublin with their tails up, a stark contrast to their opponents. Robbie Henshaw returns for Connacht to form a formidable midfield partnership with Bundee Aki, while Dave Kearney and Kevin McLaughlin start for Matt O'Connor's side.
Ahead of tonight's match John O'Sullivan spoke to returning flanker McLaughlin.
Rising star of the West
In his column, Liam Toland looks at the rising star of Connacht rugby, and how the foundations have been laid for the province to challenge their domestic rivals.
Matthews reprieved
Meanwhile Harlequins lock Charlie Matthews has had a citing complaint against him thrown out by an EPCR disciplinary committee after he was sin-binned in the closing stages of Leinster's 14-13 win last Saturday.
Delon Armitage wasn't so lucky however, and Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal claims the club could take legal action against the Leicester supporters whose testimony led to the fullback's 12-week suspension.
Woman’s Sports Awards
Tonight the Irish Times and Irish Sports Council Sportswoman of the Year awards take place, and Mary Hanningan suggests the awards will ultimately reach their goal when they are no longer necessary and the country's greatest sportswomen are held in the same acclaim as the men.
Murhpy’s club loyalty
Eamon Donoghue spoke to Kerry footballer Paul Murphy, who put club loyalties first when he dropped out of last month's All Star trip to Boston to represent Rathmore in the East Kerry final against Legion - a game his side won.
Hickey welcomes Daly
Elsewhere Limerick All Star Seamus Hickey has welcomed the appointment of home-grown Anthony Daly as academy head coach.
At the launch of a new GPA sponsored initiative, the Jim Madden leadership programme, GAA director general Paraic Duffy said it it "ridiculous" to criticise the GPA for working too closely with the GAA.
Balotelli banned
Mario Balotelli has been banned for one match and fined €32,000 after being found guilty of breaching English FA rules following his controversial 'Super Mario' Instagram post. The ban will apply immediately although Brendan Rodgers' reluctance to play a striker means it might not be too much of an issue for Liverpool.
Balotelli's captain Steven Gerrard has urged his team-mates to "roll up your sleeves and fight for the club" as Liverpool try to kick start their season against Arsenal on Sunday.
Mascot mark-up
More than half the Premier League clubs have been accused of "excluding families from poorer backgrounds" after a Guardian study found clubs are charging up to €765 for children to be mascots.
Sydney-Hobart
World sailing interest focuses on Australia today as a record 119 yachts gather for the 70th Sydney-Hobart race, which will include a number of Irish crews.
Row-down
Meanwhile Ireland's top rowers are set to fight it out at the National Rowing Centre in a bid to catch the eye of international selectors ahead of the coming season, with crews to be finalised next February.
Hockey holidays
Ireland's senior men's hockey team are heading to South Africa in January as their main preparation camp ahead of next February's World League Round Two competition in San Diego.
Hurrican Fly versus Jezki VI
Hurricane Fly and Jezki are set for round six in their rivalry with headline entries in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 29th. Hurrican Fly has won the Grade One three times, and is currently three-two up on Jezki.
