Healy’s return
Following their 24-11 Pro 12 victory over Ulster last weekend, Leinster have been handed some further good news as injured star prop Cian Healy could be ready for a return to action well ahead of schedule.
Surgery on a hamstring injury sustained in September was supposed to keep Healy out of action for five months, however he could be in line for a return in the province’s final two Champions Cup fixtures against Castres Olympique and London Wasps.
The participation of fellow prop Jack McGrath is in doubt though after he was cited for stamping on Ulster captain Rory Best.
McFadden not on the move
After his return to action against Ulster, Fergus McFadden has stated his desire to stay at Leinster despite admitting to a foreign 'curiosity'.
Henshaw hounded
Over in Connacht, coach Pat Lam has said any speculation over the future of talisman Robbie Henshaw is not a source of distraction for the team, but he feels the young star is being hounded about any potential switch.
Gerrard the difference
Steven Gerrard gave Liverpool a glimpse of what they will be missing when he swans of to finish his career in LA at the end of the season.
The Liverpool skipper scored twice as his side saw off AFC Wimbledon 2-1 in the FA Cup third round in South London to help avoid the very real threat of an upset.
FA Cup fourth round draw
Liverpool will play Bolton Wanderers at home in the fourth round, with holders Arsenal travelling to Brighton and Manchester City welcoming Middlesbrough to the Etihad.
In the other picks of the round Birmingham City host West Bromwich Albion in a West Midlands derby, Chelsea will host Millwall if their London rivals beat Bradford City in a replay, and Louis Van Gaal's Manchester United will travel to play League Two Cambridge United.
In last night's other game, a late equaliser from Sam Vokes means Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur will need a replay to see who will host Leicester City in the next round.
Laois Quigley boost
Laois have received a boost after it was announced last year's New York senior football captain Brendan Quigley will return to their senior panel for the 2015 season.
Meanwhile Kildare manager Jason Ryan has welcomed his side's return to action in the O'Byrne Cup.
Ireland World Cup squad
Ireland have announced their squad for next month's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, and the final 15 is the same as the one picked for the upcoming tri-series against Afghanistan and Scotland.
In the squad there are five survivor’s from the 2007 competition, including skipper William Porterfield, Niall and Kevin O’Brien, John Mooney and Ed Joyce.
Lawrie looks to capitalise
Peter Lawrie, who lost his tour card last season after holding it for 12 straight years, will be hoping to capitalise on an invitation to the South African Open in Johannesburg.
Rise of the arrows
Following Gary Anderson's victory in the PDC World Darts Championship on Sunday night, promoter Barry Hearn is looking at helping the sport grow as it becomes increasingly popular.
