Provincial preparations continue
The eyes of the world may currently be fixed on the build up to the Rugby World Cup, but tonight Ireland’s four provinces clash in two friendly games as their preparations for the domestic season continue.
And Leinster's trip to play Ulster at Ravenhill is a significant oneas it marks the beginning of a new era under the stewardship of Leo Cullen.
Cullen was announced as head coach this week and the 37-year-old is beginning to shape his backroom staff but is starting life as boss without Leinster’s senior international players, who are potentially unavailable until the middle of November should Ireland make it to the World Cup semi-finals.
Kevin McLaughlin, who was blighted by injury last term, has been promoted to the role of captain in the absence of Jamie Heaslip, however Cullen suggested Ireland’s number eight might not automatically regain the role on his return.
Elsewhere Connacht travel to Thomond Park to play Munster tonight and scrumhalf Kieran Marmion will feature for Pat Lam's side, as he looks to impress Joe Schmidt and earn himself a place in Ireland's 31-man World Cup squad.
In his column Liam Toland looks at the rules of the breakdown and how they are interpreted and the difference between the tackle-area and the ruck, suggesting better understanding of the laws could bring a new dimension to the game.
GAA red faced over red card
The GAA disciplinary system has been left embarrassed this week after a number of charges were rejected by the Central Hearings Committee on Wednesday night, with the decision to overturn Kevin Keane's red card following the Mayo man's sending off against Donegal for striking Michael Murphy a particular cause for consternation at Croke Park.
Former All-Ireland winning Armagh manager Joe Kernan will take charge of this year's Ireland side in a one Test International Rules series, and he suggests his team will go back to basics to try and beat Australia.
Meanwhile Kerry are set to field all of their big guns for Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final against Tyrone on Sunday with Kieran Donaghy and James O'Donoghue starting despite injury concerns.
In his column John Allen looks at the decision to retain the current structure of the All-Ireland hurling Championship and the Allianz League, and how under the current system counties outside of the elite have little chance of breaking into it.
Dunne through to quarters in Chicago
Paul Dunne made it through to the quarter-finals of the US Amateur Championship in Chicago last night following comfortable 3 and 2 wins over 17-year-old Caleb Proveaux Colorado's David Oraee. Dunne will face Bryson DeChambeau tonight in the next round, a likely opponent in next month's Walker Cup.
Tiger Woods carded his lowest score on the PGA Tour in two years in the opening round of the Wyndham Championship. The 14-time Major winner needs victory in the tournament to secure a place in the FedEx play-offs and is on course following his 64.
Barr hoping to make history in Beijing
Thomas Barr is hoping to make history and become Ireland's first athleteto make it into the World Championships 400m final when the action begins in Beijing tomorrow.
Chelsea sign Pedro
Chelsea confirmed the signing of Spanish winger Pedro from Barcelona yesterday, with the 28-year-old representing the champions' first star signing of the summer. Manchester United had been interested in the World Cup winner until boss Louis van Gaal pulled the plug on a potential deal, leaving Chelsea free to swoop.
What to watch out for:
Football
Cork City welcome St Pat's to Turner's Cross tonight in the FAI Cup and captain Alan Bennett recognises the importance of the fixture with the league now Dundalk's to lose. RTE 2, 7.25pm.
Elsewhere Athlone Town travel to Sheriff YC, Bohemians welcome Bray to Dalymount, Derry City play Drogheda, champions Dundalk travel west to Galway and Tolka Rovers face Killester United.
Cricket
The second day of the final Ashes Test match at The Oval gets underway today with Australia in a commanding position as they look for some consolation after their series defeat. Sky Sports 2 10am.
Golf
The US Amateur Open continues in Chicago with Paul Dunne's quarter-final match getting underway at 7.15pm. Sky Sports 4 red button, 8pm.
Tiger Woods starts his second round in contention at the Wyndham Championshop. Sky Sports 4 8pm-11pm.
Peter Lawrie heads into the second round of the Made in Denmark tournament three shots off the lead of David Horsey. Sky Sports 4 10.30am-12.30pm, 2.30pm-5.30pm.
