The suspicion that the modern inter-county player is a joyless soul with an unhealthy preference for protein shakes over pints, is deep-rooted in our psyche now.

Niall McGinn will tell you he never had a long-term career mapped out when he chose soccer over Gaelic football, but he is eternally grateful for eschewing more appealing short-term gains when he did.

Three consecutive defeats at the start of the Ulster Bank League campaign now seem a distant memory as Sundays Well have quickly found their feet in Division 2A.

A decision is expected tomorrow evening on the future of Tyrone manager Mickey Harte.

Cailean O’Boyle comes in for Benny Heron in the only change in the Derry side for tomorrow night’s Ulster SFC semi-final clash with Donegal in St Tiernach’s Park in Clones (7pm).

Irish coach Joe Schmidt insisted during the week that places in the World Cup squad were still up for grabs. After yet another defeat to the Barbarians at Thomond Park last night, he will go home for another re-think after a performance he described as “a bit inaccurate.”

St. Patrick’s, Cavan 2-12, St. Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon 0-8:

Jack Coonan, the highly-promising Leinster back-row forward and Connacht prop Nathan White, are the only uncapped players in the extended 46-strong Ireland squad announced yesterday by head coach Joe Schmidt. 

The Ireland coaching staff has today named an extended squad of 46 players for the upcoming RBS 6 Nations matches against Italy and France, as well as the Ireland Wolfhounds fixture against the England Saxons.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has named a 37-man squad for the forthcoming Guinness Series against South Africa, Georgia and Australia.

The changing names of those clubs filling out the fixtures and tables are to be welcomed on the basis that change is not to be feared.

Emerging Ireland 51 Uruguay 3

Emerging Ireland head coach Dan McFarland expects much more resistance from Uruguay than the feeble Russian effort, but won’t be sidetracked for the second of three IRB Nations Cup games at the Stadeionul National Arcul de Triumf today (2 pm Irish time).

The IRFU stuck to their guns last night — as expected — by naming number ten Jonathan Sexton in Joe Schmidt’s extended squad ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations meeting with Italy in Dublin.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has named Munster's Simon Zebo in his 33-man Ireland squad.

HEINEKEN CUP POOL FIVE:

With Dublin clubs taking control of the top divisions in the Ulster Bank Leagues, fifth placed Young Munster are now the best of the Munster clubs.

Newcomers UCD continue to set the standard in the top flight of the Ulster Bank Leagues following an impressive victory over Garryowen at Dooradoyle, a result that leaves the winless light blues propping up the table after three matches.

Ballyboden St Enda’s became the first Dublin club to capture the One Direct Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Senior Sevens title, after a 4-13 to 3-11 win over fellow Southsiders Cuala in wet conditions at Glenalbyn on Saturday.

Rory Best will captain a senior Ireland squad featuring six uncapped players for the summer tour of the USA and Canada.

The scores and scorers from today's Division 1B action

Ballynahinch sealed the Division 1B title and a place in the top flight of the Ulster Bank League for the first time with a 41-8 victory over Buccaneers at Ballymacarn Park this afternoon.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE RESULTS:

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

As a rule, I don’t believe in harbouring regrets, but it’s a damned hard rule to follow.

Ulster Bank League results

Ballynahinch showed no mercy to a demoralised Bruff team as they took another step closer to Division 1B honours with a 52-point victory in Limerick.

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

There are two new caps in the Ireland team to play Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations Championship in Murrayfield on Sunday, February 24th (kick off 2pm).

There are hurdles to be jumped, but Lansdowne now look ever more likely to clinch the Ulster Bank Division 1A title after their successful negotiation of a tricky encounter against Garryowen at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Tries from back rowers Pierce Dargan and Jack Kelly helped Dublin University defeat Dungannon 24-16 at Merrion Road as the students held onto second place in Ulster Bank League Division 1B.

Young Munster were unable to take advantage of Garryowen’s Ulster Bank League defeat to Lansdowne because their game against Dolphin was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Musgrave Park.

Results, scores and scorers from today's Ulster Bank League ties

Munster number 8 James Coughlan has been chosen to skipper the Ireland Wolfhounds against England Saxons in tomorrow night’s clash at the Sportsground (7.35pm).

Ulster's Andrew Trimble and Tom Court will join Leinster players Luke Fitzgerald and Isaac Boss in a match-squad of 23 players for the Ireland Wolfhounds when they take on the England Saxons in Galway this Friday evening at 7.45pm.

Jamie Heaslip will captain Ireland for the RBS 6 Nations Championship after leading the side during the Guinness Series in November.

Lansdowne are back on top of the Ulster Bank League following a bonus-point victory over Dolphin at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Ballynahinch failed to win for the first time in this season’s Ulster Bank League, but they fought back well to draw with Malone and stay top of Division 1B.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE RESULTS: Division 1A and 1B

It has been quite the week for Ireland winger Craig Gilroy.

Ulster Rugby have secured the services of Craig Gilroy until the summer of 2016 with the winger today signing a three-year contract extension.

Donnacha Ryan has been ruled out of the game against Fiji tomorrow due to illness.

Rugby fans will be spoilt for choice tonight as the Ulster Bank League keeps up its cracking early-season pace with a number of mouthwatering ties set for Dublin, Cork and Limerick.