Niall Quinn has called for Irish sporting bodies to present a united front in the quest for increased government funding after Basketball Ireland called foul on the rescue package for the FAI.

Questions are being raised after the government last week gave €20m to Connacht Rugby for a new stadium, because they weren't sure the IRFU would fund the project.

With a €20m boost in funding for their Sportsground redevelopment project in the bag, Andy Friend’s Connacht need to secure victory against French champions Toulouse to keep their hopes of reaching the Champions Cup quarter-finals alive.

The IRFU and Connacht Rugby have confirmed that the Ireland international has signed a three-year extension.

Munster received a tough draw against reigning champions Saracens in next season's Champions Cup pool stages.

Podge Collins didn’t take too kindly to our claim last week that the modern sliotar is too light.

Connacht's Eoin Griffin and Conor McKeon have announced their retirements from rugby at the end of this season.

Here's all you need to know this lunchtime.

If the words of praise from Rugby Australia which greeted Andy Friend’s departure as their men’s sevens head coach ring true during his next venture as Connacht boss, then the Westerners really will have made a serious appointment.

Friend, who was most recently coach of the Australian Sevens team, will arrive at the Sportsground in late June to oversee pre-season training.

It’s fair to say that the selection of Kieran Keane over a year ago as successor to Pat Lam was greeted with a level of shock in the west that has only now been matched by his dismissal two days after leading Connacht to a record win over Leinster.

It was as bad a day in the office as Denis Naughten has had in more than six years.

“I have really enjoyed my four seasons with Munster and am now looking forward to an exciting future with Connacht.”

"I’ve been so proud to be part of it all, but every journey sadly must come to an end."

Galway minor boss Jeff Lynskey rejects Offaly’s contention that the Tribe’s entry into the Leinster U21 championship will impact on them.

A Cork inventor is stretching more than half the Premier League with his ‘BackBaller’ product now in use by 13 clubs, including giants Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.

CORK CITY’s coat of arms shows a ship sailing between two castles: it could now, as easily, show ships passing between the two Roches Points.

Derbies are the order of the day across the country this weekend, and those who choose to make the trip to Wexford, Cavan or Galway will also get to observe at least one All-Ireland title contender in action.

Connacht have completed the signing of Irish-qualified scrum half James Mitchell on a two-year deal.

Cork City manager John Caulfield believes Irish teams have the potential to make huge strides in the Europa League and Champions League but warned club managers must first lose their “mé féin” attitude for the good of the league.

Connacht 8 Scarlets 30: A defence of their unforgettable PRO12 title win that began with two heavy home defeats, fizzled out with another drubbing at the Sportsground for Connacht.

Connacht centre Bundee Aki has received a three-match ban for misconduct.

Connacht v Scarlets, Guinness PRO12: Kieran Marmion admits complacency cost Connacht dearly as they failed to defend their Guinness PRO12 title this season.

Former Ireland great Gordon D’Arcy has backed Ireland’s bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Captain John Muldoon says Pat Lam’s decision to walk away from Connacht had no influence on his decision to extend his stay at the Sportsground.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

Pat Lam said an effort to bring his own son in for three weeks to help offset an injury crisis in Connacht was shot down by the IRFU because he is a foreign player.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

Ronan O’Gara won’t get a better chance to get into Irish provincial coaching in the next few years, according to former Connacht and Ireland stalwart, Noel Mannion.

That Pat Lam will be leaving Connacht at the end of this season was not so much the surprise yesterday as the awkward timing of the announcement.

Galway hurling PRO Jarlath Cloonan has raised the possibility of the county negotiating a return to the Munster senior hurling championship if the Leinster Council continue to refuse them home games and entry to their underage competitions.

Anthony Foley would be impressed.

Connacht and Ireland Prop Nathan White has been forced to retire.

Connacht prop Denis Buckley has his sights set on an international call-up as he prepares for another massive season with the Guinness PRO12 champions.

Connacht centre Dave McSharry has been forced to retire from professional rugby due to a concussion injury.