RUARIDH JACKSON, the implausibly fresh-faced out-half set to make his first Scotland start against Ireland on Sunday, has praised the game-management abilities of Ronan O’Gara as he prepares to come face-to-face with the Munster number ten.

Ireland and Ospreys wing Tommy Bowe has been named player of the season at the Magners League Awards for his efforts in helping the Welsh side win the 2009/10 title.

FANCY a child-free getaway? Trabolgan Holiday Village, east Cork is taking the unusual step of banning their best clients — the kids — from the centre for just one weekend on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, next.

Leinster Academy manager Colin McEntee has announced the squad of young players charged with making the breakthrough into the senior set-up.

RAFAEL BENITEZ will not be best pleased after the announcement of the fixtures for the 2009/10 Barclays Premier League campaign yesterday landed Liverpool with some tough scheduling after European games.