Johann van Graan is optimistic both Keith Earls and Chris Farrell will prove their fitness for Ireland ahead of the Guinness Six Nations opener at home to Scotland in 12 days.

Connacht coach Andy Friend said it was for the good of the game that prop Paddy McAllister had his citing for a dangerous tackle on Marcell Coetzee thrown out.

Healy will be fit for Ireland's Grand Slam-decider against England on Saturday.

Hats off to Six Nations Rugby for having the foresight to schedule a down week in the 2018 Championship. It coincides with one of the most severe weather events in a generation. Simon Lewis used the pause to encapsulate the various whys, wows, wherefores, and what-nexts

THE food we eat, the exercise we take, the houses we inhabit — with proper health impact assessments (HIAs) we can maximise the positive benefits of the world we live in, according to the Institute of Public Health (IPH).