FORMER Leinster coach Michael Cheika has been fined €20,000, half of it suspended until June 2013, for his conduct on the night of the Amlin Challenge final when his Stade Francais side was defeated by Harlequins.

THOMOND PARK chiefs last night revealed they may again cover the pitch with 140 bales of straw to ensure the pitch is playable for Munster’s Heineken Cup clash with Ospreys on Sunday.

IRELAND have no lack of incentives ahead of tomorrow night’s RBS 6 Nations Women's’ Championship away to Scotland (Meggetland,7.30pm).