O’Brien returns in strong Wolfhounds side
All eyes are turned to Musgrave Park tonight as a very strong Ireland Wolfhounds team welcome the England Saxons to Cork.
The Wolfhound’s line up could be mistaken for a full test side, with only Jack Conan yet to be capped by the senior national side.
The big news is that Sean O'Brien will make his long awaited return from injury in the backrow, and if he comes through he could well find himself back in the test squad for the opening fixtures against Italy and France.
As expected, Ian Madigan will marshal the backline from 10 with Gordon D'Arcy and Keith Earls, as Joe Schmidt looks to test out combinations for the opening test as well as offering a number of players the chance to stake a claim for first team selection in Rome.
Johnny Watterson spoke to Ireland coach Joe Schmidt ahead of the game.
Clongowes clatter Castleknock
In the Leinster Senior Schools Cup yesterday Clongowes made an impressive start, thumping Castleknock College 70-8 on the 4G pitch at Donnybrook.
Solid start for Rory
A bogey on the final hole was the solitary blemish in an otherwise perfect round for Rory McIlroy at the Dubai Desert Classic yesterday as he shot an opening 66 to leave him six under par and one shot off the overnight lead of Nicolas Colsaerts.
McIlroy is due to tee off at 8.15am today, and he’ll have some work to do to catch up with compatriot Graeme McDowell, who is currently 11 under and one shot off the lead of England’s Danny Willett.
Costa appeal
Diego Costa will contest the violent conduct charge brought against him by the English FA for his alleged stamp on Emre Can during Chelsea's League Cup semi-final win over Liverpool, and will do so with the full support of boss Jose Mourinho.
Sturridge return
Elsewhere Brendan Rodgers believes the return of Daniel Sturridge will be enough to get Liverpool into the top four, while Ireland international midfielder Glenn Whelan has signed a contract extension at Stoke City.
Murray reaches fourth Australian final
Andy Murray is through to the Australian Open final for the fourth time after he beat Tomas Berdych in four sets in a tempestuous affair which saw Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears attracting controversy after being caught on camera during an interesting looking outburst.
He will play the winner of Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka who start their semi soon at Melbourne Park.
Walsh returns for Kerry
Only six players who played in last year's All-Ireland final will start for Kerry against Mayo on Sunday although the recently returned Tommy Walsh has been named on the bench. Mayo will field a much more familiar side for the replay of last year's epic semi-final.
Roscommon's Senan Kilbride is looking forward to the start of his side's Division Two campaign on Sunday, when they welcome Cavan to their lucky St Bridget's home.
Round-up:
Tipperary rider Sam Bennett enjoyed a solid start to his season on Thursday when he came 10th in the opening leg of the Mallorca challenge, while Annalise Murphy has been showing the form which earnt her fourth place at London 2012 with a good start in the International Sailing Federation's Miami Olympic classes regatta.
What to watch out for:
Rugby:
Ireland Wolfhounds v England Saxons, Musgrave Park, RTE2 & Sky Sports 2, 7.30pm onwards.
Toulon v Bayonne, Sky Sports 2 red button, 7.45pm
Tennis:
Austrlalian Open, Eurosport, 5am-3pm
Soccer:
Bournemouth v Watford, Sky Sports 1, 7.30pm
Golf:
Dubai Desert Classic, Sky Sports 4, 6am-9am 10.30am-1.00am
Phoenix Open, Sky Sports 4, 8pm-midnight
