Rugby
Munster supporters may baulk at the idea of renaming Thomond Park but the windfall could assist in the province's recruitment drive, but it could also prove a difficult remit in the current financial climate. They opted against renaming the stadium during its reconstruction in 2007-08, but while they might have been able to accrue somewhere in the region €7-8 million back then, they would do well to secure about half those estimates in the current climate.
John O’Sullivan says “It will be a difficult sell; potential sponsors will be affixing a name onto Thomond Park rather than embracing a brand new stadium.”
Liam Toland's column this morning looks at 'brand' - the loss of the province's traditional brand, and the very fact that they are now becoming a brand in the modern sense. "As someone who has been involved in Munster rugby since 1988, I truly value 'the brand', but having been involved in professional sport I understand that that brand no longer exists.... Munster have traded on passion but their successful past was built on quality decision-making and precision."
Athletics
Among the many fresh implications from part two of the World Anti-Doping Agency's (Wada) Independent Commission report into bribery and corruption within the IAAF - it's revealed that then president Lamine Diack told a lawyer he would need to cut a deal with Russian president Vladimir Putin to ensure nine Russian athletes already accused of doping would not compete at those 2013 World Championships. Those withdrawals almost certainly helped pave the way for Rob Heffernan's gold in the 50km walk.
Golf
Vijay Singh rolled back the years as he charged into a share of the first-round lead with a sizzling seven-under-par 63 in the opening round of the Sony Open in Honolulu, Hawaii late last night. Seeking to become the oldest winner in PGA Tour history, the 52-year-old Fijian racked up seven birdies with his cross-handed putting style. Padraig Harrington is down in 20th after a score of 66, hitting five birdies marred by a bogey on the first, while Graeme McDowell hit three birdies and three bogeys to leave him on 70 for the round.
GAA
Cork qualified to meet Clare in the final of the McGrath Cup after routing the holders Waterford in Mallow last night - full forward Peter Kelleher bagged two goals in a 3-19 to 1-5 win.
What to watch out for
Ospreys host Clermont Auvergne in the European Champions Cup tonight, kick-off at 7.45pm.
While Dundee Utd face Celtic, with the league leaders aiming to go six clear at the top.
BT Sport 1 from 7.15pm
