Gerry Thornley: Pro 12 woes in Europe
It was the northern hemisphere sides who were ultimately the weaker relations at the Rugby World Cup, with no side making it to the last four, and it is looking like the Pro 12 cohort in this season’s European Champions Cup will be the ones who will fail to make an impression on the business end of the competition.
In his column today Gerry Thornley looks at the woes of the Celtic and Italian sides in the opening two rounds of the continent's premier tournament – indeed, the Ospreys are currently the only side with a win over Anglo-French opposition in nine attempts.
And it is two of the provinces who look to have the sternest challenges ahead if they wish to make it past the pool stages, he writes: “Of course, Ulster and Leinster are not mathematically out of Europe yet.
“Realistically, however, they will both probably need exceptional wins – such as doubles over Toulouse and Toulon – to escape from their pools, after costly defeats at home to English teams.”
Luke Fitzgerald: World Cup not to blame
Ulster and Leinster meet on Friday night with both provinces looking to put their European form behind them, and Leinster's Luke Fitzgerald has refused to blame the World Cup for his side's slow start, "I'd say absolutely not; the last thing we need is a break. We need to throw ourselves into it at this stage. There is an awful of talent in the squad."
Champions League returns
The Champions League returns tonight and Arsenal welcome Dinamo Zagreb to the Emirates knowing they need a win to keep their campaign alive.
Meanwhile Chelsea play Maccabi Tel Aviv in Group G and Jose Mourinho has insisted his players are content to travel to Haifa to play the fixture, despite security concerns in the wake of recent terror attacks.
Defoe gives Sunderland priceless win
Elsewhere Jermain Defoe gave Sam Allardyce’s Sunderland a 1-0 win away at Crystal Palace last night.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has publically backed Rafael Benitez in the wake of growing speculation over the manager’s future at the Bernabeu. Benitez oversaw the humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona last weekend.
Dublin dominance in Leinster
Dublin's football dominance looks to be spreading to both club and country with Ballyboden St Enda's booking their place in the Leinster senior club final. Eight of the last 12 provincial titles have been won by sides from the capital.
And Dublin footballer Philly McMahon has called for the return of a two-Test International Rules series, he said: "I think we need to stop talking about the future of the series. It's there, it's happening. There was a good crowd this year."
2016 a big year for Rory
Having ended 2015 on a high by winning the order of merit, Rory McIlroy is set to take eight weeks away from serious golfbefore embarking on one of the biggest seasons of his career, which as well as the four Majors will include the Olympics and the Ryder Cup.
Looking back on 2015, McIlroy said: “Obviously I wanted to win Majors. I wanted to improve in certain areas of my game, and didn’t quite do that, but these things happen. You have to set yourself these lofty goals to try and get better.”
Gigginstown assault on Fairyhouse
Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown Stud is without a Grade 1 win at Fairyhouse's Winter Festival in 10 years buta major assault is planned this weekend in all three of Sunday's top-flight prizes.
What to watch out for:
Football
The Champions League returns at the group stages near their conclusion. Among tonight’s fixtures Chelsea travel to play Maccabi Tel-Aviv (TV3, BT Sport Europe, 7.45pm ko), Arsenal welcome Dinamo Zagreb to the Emirates (BT Sport Europe) and Roma play Barcelona at the Nou Camp (BT Sport Extra).
