The big guns are back
Ireland play France at the Aviva tomorrow knowing a win is pretty much a must if they want to successfully defend their Six Nations crown, and they have been boosted by the return of Lions trio Johnny Sexton, Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip.
Joe Schmidt’s side is as predicted with Rory Best joining the triumvirate in the starting line-up having passed return to play protocols while Cian Healy has a spot on the bench, meaning he is likely to come on for a second half rumble and get his first action since injuring his hamstring last year.
But while the big boys are back and fit the fact remains they haven't played in a long time and a French side whose individual brilliance is giving Schmidt sleepless nights will offer the ultimate test on their return.
Ireland women
Before Ireland take centre-stage tomorrow it's the turn of Ireland women tonight when they face a powerful and heavily fancied France side at Ashbourne.
U-20s await physical battle
The Under-20s also take on their French counterparts tonight at Dubarry Park and prop Oisin Heffernan is aware of the physical challenge Les Bleus will pose.
Gilroy notches century
Away from the International glitz and glamour the Pro12 also begins back in earnest tonight as Ulster welcome Treviso to Ravenshill.
23-year-old Craig Gilroy will become the youngest player to win 100 caps for the province when he lines out tonight but coach Neil Doak received a blow with the news Andrew Trimble will miss the rest of the season after a reoccurrence of a toe injury.
Maher looking for seventh time lucky
Elsewhere, Tipperary captain Brendan Maher is ready to go again in 2015 after a string of six heartbreaking championship defeats including last year's All Ireland hurling final loss to Kilkenny.
Tyrell the elder statesman
Meanwhile Kilkenny's Jackie Tyrell, at 32 now the oldest man on the Cats' panel, is looking forward to a year of transition with some fresh faces donning the amber and black.
But despite missing half their side from last season's All-Ireland final replay Brian Cody has fielded a side without any debutants for tomorrow's trip to face Munster champions Cork.
Ireland slip below Equatorial Guinea
Ireland have slipped a further three places in the latest Fifa world rankings having been leapfrogged by Equatorial Guinea, Australia and the United Arab Emirates, and this could have a serious consequences for qualification for Russia 2018, writes Emmet Malone.
Ivanovic escapes punishment
Branislav Ivanovic has escaped retrospective action from the English FA following his coming together with James McCarthy in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Everton on Wednesday night.
Harrington goes well in pro-am
Padraig Harrington is currently tied for 26th place after he carded an impressive four under par 68 in the opening round of the AT&T pro am, leaving him four shots off the lead off Justin Hicks and J.B. Holmes.
Michael Hoey is currently one under par for the day and nine under par for the tournament after seven holes of his second round in the Thailand classic, leaving him two shots off the lead of Miguel Angel Jimenez.
What to watch out for:
Rugby:
Belvedere v CB Monkstown, Setanta, from 2.55pm
Ireland U-20s v France, Dubarry Park, RTE 2, from 7pm
Pro12, Ulster v Treviso, Ravenshill, BBC2 from 7.30pm
England U-20s V Italy, Sky Sports 3, from 7.30pm
Golf:
Thailand Classic, Sky Sports 4, 6am-11am
National Pro-Am, Pebble Beach, Sky Sports 4, 8pm-11am
