Rugby World Cup guide
With just over a week to go until the Rugby World Cup today sees the release of the Irish Times World Cup guide and we will be releasing content from the 48-page magazine on the website throughout the day.
In the guide Gerry Thornleysets the scene for a tournament which could feasibly be won by one of seven sides - including Ireland, while Ronan O'Gara spoke to Gavin Cummiskey about the demons which still linger from the ill-fated tournaments of 2007 and 2011.
Cudmore considered retirement
Ireland's opening game is against Canada and their Clermont Auvergne secondrow Jamie Cudmore is set to feature despite having to contemplate retirement during a three month lay-off enforced by a string of head injuries.
Former Grand Slam winning Wales coach and current Lansdowne boss Mike Ruddock has backed Ireland and Joe Schmidt's pre World Cup warm-up strategy, citing the lack of injuries picked up as the main bonus for the Kiwi.
Dublin optimistic over O’Sullivan
Dublin's Cian O'Sullivan had to be carried off the pitch after he injured his hamstring during the closing stages of his side's All-Ireland semi-final replay against Mayo last weekend, however selector Declan D'Arcy is optimistic the defender will return to fitness in time for the final against Kerry a week on Sunday.
GAA statistics
In his latest GAA statistics column Eamon Donoghue looks at how important a half time lead has proved in this year's Championship, where second half comebacks like Kilkenny's against Galway in the All-Ireland final have been scarce.
Limerick take on Wexford in the U-21 hurling Championship final at Semple Stadium on Saturday and Wexford boss JJ Doyle is eager for his charges to take what might be their only chance to win a national title.
Lowry excited for competitive return
Shane Lowry's column returns this week and he discusses the number of corporate gigs he is expected to attend as well as his excitement to return to competitive action having not played since the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.
America at Large
In his America at Large column Dave Hannigan looks at the popularity of the NFL ahead of the return of the new season tonight and says Gridiron alone can lay claim to being the national sport.
All-Swiss semi
Roger Federer will meet Stan Wawrinka in the semi-finals of the US Open after they beat Richard Gasquet and Kevin Anderson in straight sets respectively to set up an all-Swiss last four clash at Flushing Meadows.
What to watch out for
Tennis
It’s women’s semi-finals day at the US Open, with Serena Williams taking on Roberta Vinci and Flavia Pennetta. (Sky Sports 3 5pm-9pm, 12am-4am)
Golf
Leona Maguire is making her debut in the Evian Championship, the fifth and final Major championship of the year. (Sky Sports 4, 10am-1pm, 2.30pm)
Martin Kaymer is looking for his first win on European soil in five years in the KLM Open in Zandvoort. (Sky Sports 4 red button 10.30am)
