We’re pretty sure Scotland weren’t expecting that.

Jonathan Sexton faces two months on the sidelines after breaking his jaw in Racing Metro’s Top 14 clash with Toulon on Saturday night.

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since Mike Ross left the field injured at Twickenham two years ago and England stormed to victory over a seriously pressurised Irish front row.

A friend from another media outlet was at Murrayfield for the Ireland-Scotland game a couple of weeks ago, and was surprised to hear a prominent Irish player declare, in the wake of the dismal defeat, that the men in green were “in a good place”.

Ireland squad members Stephen Ferris, Craig Gilroy and Paul Marshall have been released for this Friday’s game against Edinburgh at Ravenhill (7.05pm).

Ahead of today’s squad announcement for the Autumn Internationals, Alan Good considers the key questions facing Ireland coach Declan Kidney

Ireland’s top sports administrators are strenuously arguing against any Government plans to ban alcohol sponsorship.

The Irish Rugby Football Union should stick with its plan to offer renewals next year of its 10-year tickets but reduce the asking price to account for the ongoing economic downturn, according to a leading Ulster Bank League club president.

IT has been a frustrating season for Marcus Horan and his Munster colleagues but the experienced prop believes redemption is within sight.

PAUL O’CONNELL is looking to the past as he prepares for the future.

Declan Kidney will again wait until the eve of the Autumn internationals before announcing his captain for the coming season.

ONE last stand. After ten months of high octane rugby encompassing Magners League, Guinness Premiership, Heineken Cup, Challenge Cup, Autumn Internationals and the Six Nations those who have survived to this point with willing hearts and minds must summon their reserves of pride and energy for one last effort.

FORMER Irish international centre Paul McNaughton has been named as new Ireland team manager.

THERE is no doubt losing to France in Croke Park 13 days ago hurt this Ireland team to the core, as David Wallace confesses.

Ulster Coach Mark McCall has delayed naming his team for the Magners League match against Leinster this Saturday night and has instead named a squad of 25 players.

The Celtic League is to be restructured in such a way that none of the 22 weekends of the season will clash with the Six Nations or the Autumn Internationals.

Ireland will face New Zealand and Australia at Lansdowne Road in November as part of the 2005 Autumn International Test series.

CLIVE WOODWARD is in no hurry to appoint a captain for next summer's Lions tour to New Zealand but insisted Martin Johnson's successor must be a Test certainty.

Clive Woodward is in no hurry to appoint a captain for next summer’s Lions tour to New Zealand but insisted Martin Johnson’s successor must be a Test certainty.