Hanrahan quits Munster
Munster have been served a significant blow with the news JJ Hanrahan has turned down a new contract with the province, instead opting to head to England to join Northampton Saints.
The 22-year-old Kerry-born outhalf had been linked with a move to the Aviva Premiership for a while but it was confirmed yesterday, with Munster's former Young Player of the Year crossing the water in search of regular first team rugby and to pick up a paycheque believed to be worth €190,000 a season.
New deals
The news sullied what had otherwise been a good day for Anthony Foley's side, who earlier were buoyed by the news Ian Keatley, Cian Bohane, Shane Buckley and Jack O'Donoghue had all signed contract extensions.
Leinster may appeal McGrath
Leinster management will meet this morning to discuss whether or not they should appeal Jack McGrath's three week ban, which was imposed by an independent disciplinary committee after he was cited for stamping on Ulster captain Rory Best during last weekend's win at the RDS.
The ban would see McGrath miss Leinster’s two vital Champions Cup games against Castres Olympique and London Wasps.
Biodegradable tees
Want something to warm the cockles on this cold, drizzly Thursday morning? Then read Malachy Clerkin's piece about the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition at the RDS, and how school children are changing the future of sport for the better, whether it's through the design of biodegradable golf tees or hurling specific footwear.
Dublin finish strong
Offaly gave it a good go, but again a very strong finish from Dublin, which included seven points in a row, gave Jim Gavin's experimental side a 0-17 0-13 victory at Parnell Park last night.
In some of the night's other O'Byrne Cup fixtures Meath beat Longford 1-17 1-9, UCD saw off Louth 2-8 0-12 and Westmeath recorded their first win in 20 months thanks to a 3-11 2-13 result against DCU.
Foley goes back to school
Meanwhile Kildare will be heading into the 2015 season without former All Star full-back Mick Foley, who has opted against playing an 11th season in order to concentrate on a career in teaching.
Tiger can compete
With Rory McIlroy looking set to dominate the golfing world yet again in 2015, Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes former world number one and 14-time Major winner Tiger Woods, who is playing competitive golf again after a back operation, could be the man to really challenge Rory.
Cinderella Els
McIlroy will be hoping for a Masters win to help him complete a Major grand slam, but in order to do so he'll have to get past Ernie Els, who still harbours ambitions of a "Cinderella" green jacket victory in April.
Things are getting Messi
There's a storm brewing in Barcelona after manager Luis Enrique failed to quash rumours of a rift between himself and star turn Lionel Messi, with Chelsea lurking in the shadows if the unthinkable does happen and the little wizard leaves Catalonia.
Fifpro tournament
Ireland's participation in the Fifpro winter tournament for out of contract players begins in Oslo today against a strong Finnish side, with hopes a number of Irish players can impress enough to secure full time deal.
