The Munster squad arrived into 25°C heat in South Africa at the start of a two-match tour which will also double up as preparation for their Champions Cup semi-final showdown with Racing 92 in Bordeaux.

Nigeria will battle with Ireland to nail down the international future of Southampton teen striker Michael Obafemi but England also haven’t given up hope of landing the Premier League newcomer.

With an ageing squad Ireland have so far negotiated a strong path towards Russia but the man responsible for harnessing the next generation, Ruud Dokter, is confident there’s sufficient talent to fill the gaps in the next campaign.

Ahead of Ireland’s opening game in the World Rugby U20 Championship against Italy tomorrow at the AIA Arena in Kutaisi, Jack Kelly revealed that being released from his original role of team captain has taken some pressure off his shoulders.

Cork City’s U19 boss Stephen Bermingham believes his side’s Uefa Youth League success will inspire more young players to remain in the country and play League of Ireland football.

Cork City U19 manager Stephen Bermingham is confident the Rebel Army young guns can claim victory as they become the first Irish side to compete in the Uefa Youth League.

Cork City manager John Caulfield says it’s “a privilege” for the club to host Oman in a friendly game at Turner’s Cross this evening.

With no radio, the ship’s captain had no way of knowing he was in Tralee Bay three days earlier than expected, writes Ryle Dwyer

A timeline of the most recent saga in Irish football.

The Republic of Ireland Women's Under 17 side begin their UEFA Women's U17 European Championships in Iceland this afternoon.

Proposals by the GAA’s Minor Review Work Group seek to prevent players at minor level from being burned out due to too many demands on their time.

UEFA U19 Women’s European Championship finals:

Making move from Ireland to a Premier League club only first step on long and often painful journey.

Manuel Pellegrini has handed Dublin teen goalkeeper Ian Lawlor a dream Uefa Champions League ticket.

This afternoon’s U21 friendly against Holland at Tallaght Stadium (1pm) offers new beginnings for many Irish youngsters and Sean McGinty appreciates the chance presented to him by Noel King.

Ireland U21 boss Noel King reckons more of his gems can follow Jeff Hendrick into the senior fold after he yesterday drafted in a dozen uncapped players for the upcoming friendly against Holland.

Republic of Ireland under-19 team manager Paul Doolin has been forced to make two changes to his squad for the UEFA U19 Championships qualifying tournament this week.

Ahead of today’s concluding Uefa qualifier against Italy in Casarano, Ireland U21 boss Noel King has admitted he’s disappointed with some of the withdrawals from his squad.

Republic of Ireland U21 team manager Noel King has added Aston Villa’s Derrick Williams to his squad for the forthcoming UEFA Championships qualifiers against Hungary and Italy.

Ireland international Noel Hunt can smell the scent of the Premier League football with Reading but isn’t getting carried away just yet.

Ireland’s U18s suffered late heartache against Wales in last night’s friendly at Ferrycarrig Park in Wexford.

Connacht Centre Keith Matthews has been forced to retire from the sport through injury.

TODAY attention turns towards next summer’s European Championships and Ireland’s first presence at a major tournament for ten years.

MANCHESTER UNITED winger Robbie Brady will be looking to put a disappointing few months at international level behind him tonight when he spearheads Ireland’s attack for the U21 friendly against Austria at the Showgrounds, Sligo (6pm).

Ireland Under-19 0 Spain Under-19 5

Following their heroics in the 2-1 victory against Greece in their UEFA Championship finals opener last Wednesday, the Irish U19 team prepare to face Group A opponents, Czech Republic at the Mogosoaia Football Centre in Romania tomorrow at 5pm, Irish time.

IRELAND U19 manager Paul Doolin lauded his squad last night after they beat Italy to reach the European Championship finals in July.

Italy haven’t set the Six Nations alight, but coach Nick Mallett sees signs of hope for the future, reports Simon Lewis from Rome.

“IT’S about developing players but it’s also about qualifying and hopefully winning things.”

RICHIE TOWELL believes a baby-faced Republic of Ireland U21 side can use the final game of a forgettable campaign as something to build on for the future.

THE long-running dispute between the IFA and the FAI over the eligibility of players born in the Northern Ireland to represent the Republic of Ireland is expected to reach a conclusion in Lausanne, Switzerland on Monday when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will hear a case regarding the entitlement of West Ham striker Daniel Kearns to play for the Republic.

SUCH is Leo Cullen’s excitement about donning the irish jersey against Fiji at the RDS today, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was his first cap rather than his 20th.

NEIL WARNOCK’S fractious relationship with the FAI has deteriorated further after he launched an outspoken attack on their treatment of his Crystal Palace winger Sean Scannell.

Republic of Ireland women’s under 19 manager, Susan Ronan has named her 18 player squad to take part in the forthcoming UEFA Championship, Elite Qualifying Phase in Madrid, Spain from Apris 24 to 29.

THE Irish rugby squad for next month’s IRB U19 World Championships in Belfast was announced yesterday.

THE Ireland U19 team begin their preparations for the IRB U19 World Championship with a game against Wales in Stradey Park tomorrow night (7.15pm).

The Leinster Schools (U19) team to play Munster Schools on Wednesday in Musgrave Park (kick off 2pm) has been announced.

Antonio Barragan has completed his £675,000 (€1m) move from Liverpool to Deportivo La Coruna.

The following is the Leinster Schools (U19) squad to face Leicester on Friday, November 4, in Leicester.

South African referee Jenny Bentel will become the first woman in the country to blow the whistle in a Provincial rugby game today.

Irish Schools 20 Irish U19’s 5

Following the death of Irish player John McCall during the first round of matches at the IRB Under 19 World Championship in Durban, the Irish management and team have taken the decision not to compete further in the Championship and will return home.

There was disappointment for the Ireland U19 cricket team in their second match in Group D of the U19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh today as they went down to Pakistan.