Compared to Euro 2016, or the World U20 rugby final, or the decisive third test in South Africa, Ireland’s return to the international basketball arena seems like small potatoes. Perhaps it is. But it’s an important small step for the sport in this country, and for the women’s team preparing for the FIBA tournament in Gibraltar. Coach Mark Scannell put it in context.

Ireland’s men’s team will make an official return to European basketball next year, it was confirmed yesterday.