At first glance, it is easy and understandable to underestimate the rugby talent of Ulster full-back Michael Lowry.

Ireland’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup semi-final received another hammer blow last night as Sean O’Brien received a one-week ban that will see him miss Sunday’s quarter-final with Argentina.

Hong Kong’s intense heat and humidity may be “hellish”, in Conor Murray’s words, but British & Irish Lions assistant coach Rob Howley believes conditions for the opening game this weekend will stand his players in good stead for the three-Test series with Australia.

REPUBLIC of Ireland international defender Sean St Ledger has joined Middlesbrough from Preston on a three-month loan deal with a view to a permanent move in January.