Johann van Graan praised Keith Earls’s selflessness in putting his side first after ruling himself out of Munster’s European clash at Exeter just before kick-off.

THAT was a game Munster will be glad to have put behind them. Johann van Graan’s side will attack with relish preparations for this Saturday’s visit of Gloucester, after returning home from a daunting, Heineken Champions Cup pool opener, at Exeter Chiefs, with a lot more than expected.

Johann van Graan’s bid to get his first full European campaign off to a winning start could not have come in more difficult circumstances, yet the Munster head coach has learned enough in his short time in charge to expect the unexpected on Heineken Champions Cup away days.

When the RFU eventually begins their search to find a replacement for Eddie Jones, there is no need for them to scour the globe.

Nigel Baxter was surprised to see little representation of Seamus Murphy in his home town. The British carver decided to take matters into his own hands. Literally, writes Ellie O’Byrne.

Ahead of their meeting in the Women’s Six Nations at Donnybrook tomorrow afternoon (1pm kick-off), Niamh Briggs acknowledged that Scotland are becoming a dangerous proposition for Ireland.

Michael Moynihan offers a few random observations form the Winter Olympics.

Peter Jackson analyses the good and bad from the Champions Cup...

Time and again, Leo Cullen has teed up a Champions League tie as a meeting of opposites.

Exeter Chiefs were a run-of-the-mill second-tier English side when Gareth Steenson arrived in 2008 and the Irish fly-half believes Leinster’s visit to Sandy Park will be the ultimate barometer of just how far the club has come since.

The Curragh Racecourse has been guaranteed a new drinks licence for its dining and drinks areas that will be a major feature of its €72m redevelopment of the home of flat racing in Ireland.

Exeter Chiefs may be the reigning Aviva Premiership champions but when it comes to Europe they are still looking to make their mark.

A second police officer has died the day after he and a colleague were shot during a scuffle with a suspect in Florida.

It’s not the job of the Ireland team to sell this Rugby World Cup but Tom Tierney’s side are doing more than anyone to make the wider public, both here and abroad, sit up and take notice of events at Belfield.

Ian Dury would have been 75 today. Jonathan deBurca Butler looks back on the life of one of the unique talents of the new wave era

A 72-year-old man has been jailed after admitting abducting and indecently assaulting a child more than 15 years ago.

A UK firm is to introduce a "period policy" to try and make what can be a monthly occurrence for women a bit easier for its female staff.

Ronan O’Gara gives his expert opinion on the five pools for the European Champions Cup.

A woman has brought a High Court action over an alleged failure to pay out income protection payments under an insurance policy after she suffered serious pain.

A priest has appealed for feuding members of the Travelling community to turn away from violence.

Christian Eriksen struck after 88 minutes as Tottenham killed off a stunning Che Adams-inspired Sheffield United comeback to reach the Capital One Cup final with a 3-2 aggregate win.

Tottenham 1 Sheffield United 0

It’s only five months since Ireland made history at the Women’s Rugby World Cup by beating New Zealand in the pool stages and reaching the semi-finals, but the personnel changes since have been seismic.

European Rugby Challenge Cup

Sheffield United 1 Southampton 0 

As companies like Google welcome dogs in the workplace, Caroline Allen hears how pooches can boost morale and productivity, as well as attract new customers to businesses

Check out our spoiler -free guide to what to watch on TV tonight.

SUNDAY

Check out our spoiler-free guide to what’s good to watch on the box tonight.

Ireland's first ever Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final appearance turned into a nightmare outing as dominant England hit them with 40 unanswered points in Paris.

Ireland 40 Kazakhstan 5

Niamh Briggs accumulated 18 points as Ireland outfought and outfoxed a physical USA team to begin the Women's Rugby World Cup in winning style.

Hull 5 Sheffield United 3

Hull reached the FA Cup final for the first time in their history after a thrilling 5-3 win over Sheffield United at Wembley.

Diarmuid Connolly laid on a majestic performance at Croke Park, hitting a 2-5 tally to guide St Vincent’s to glory in the All-Ireland Club football final.

France 19 Ireland 15

Sheffield United 2 Charlton 0

Sheffield United 3 Nottingham Forest 1

A Tallaght bar and nightclub owner will be sentenced next year for health and safety breaches that resulted in an employee being crushed to death in a lift shaft.