Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton has been nominated for the 2014 International Rugby Board World Player of the Year award.

Keith Earls became the latest frontline Ireland player to sign a new IRFU contract, but will face an anxious wait to see whether he will play any part in the upcoming RBS 6 Nations.

MUNSTER don’t expect a definitive report on the calf injury that forced Jerry Flannery out of last week’s Heineken Cup game against Toulon until later in the week.

France 37 Italy 12

Munster second row Paul O’Connell believes RBS 6 Nations glory is within Ireland’s grasp following their success in the autumn internationals.