Rob Howley has reportedly accepted an apology from Sean O’Brien after the Leinster man’s controversial remarks about his coaching on the Lions tour to New Zealand.

It’s not for nothing that Rory Best is captain of Ulster and Ireland and the studied diplomacy so often required in such roles was evident even when he administered a light slap on the wrists yesterday for Sean O’Brien.

British & Irish Lions legend JJ Williams has come out in defence of Warren Gatland and Rob Howley in the wake of Sean O’Brien’s scathing attack of their coaching on the summer tour to New Zealand.

Latest: Ireland's Sean O'Brien has clarified his "honest and genuine" comments on the coaching staff with the Lions, saying he has "nothing but respect for Warren (Gatland) and the whole coaching team".

Sean O’Brien says the British and Irish Lions should have "comfortably" beaten New Zealand this summer and claims the coaching team did not get preparations right before the Tests.

It’s almost three months since the British and Irish Lions and New Zealand had to settle for a stalemate but Sean O’Brien still can’t shake the conviction that inadequacies on the part of the coaching ticket cost them a shot at victory.

The latest Longines FEI world rankings saw Irish riders on the move following the European Show Jumping Championship success last month.

This Friday sees the Irish senior show jumping team in action at Hickstead for what will be their last competitive nations cup engagement before Dublin Horse Show. 

Lions coach Rob Howley believes he can tell from the glint in the players' eyes that the time for words is over as kick-off time approaches to the series-deciding Test against the All Blacks.

Rob Howley has told the British and Irish Lions squad to "enjoy the atmosphere" around a packed Auckland in the build-up to the first All Blacks Test.

Ireland’s show jumping manager Rodrigo Pessoa was understandably disappointed after last Friday’s seventh-place finish in the five-star Nations Cup at St Gallen in Switzerland, even though it was one of the dispensable ones in his calendar.

The tiny number of Junior and Leaving Certificate students who are affected by family bereavements or serious illness should be allowed sit an alternative exam later in the summer, a teacher conference has heard.

Centre Jonathan Davies has claimed “it just didn’t seem right” after Wales’ RBS 6 Nations campaign ended in controversial and crushing fashion against France.

Rob Howley praised "world-class" George North after his two tries helped Wales overcome Ireland to leave England one win away from retaining the Six Nations title.

Ireland put their Six Nations credentials under the microscope tonight knowing that for all the familiarity of their Welsh foes, the challenge they face will be far from predictable.

Donal Lenihan examines the areas that will illuminate Ireland v Wales under Cardiff’s Friday night lights.

Wales boss Rob Howley offered his players a chance for redemption after naming an unchanged team to face Ireland tomorrow.

Ireland welcome Rob Kearney back to training today ahead of Friday’s must-win Six Nations clash with Wales as the backline selection conundrums multiply for head coach Joe Schmidt.

George North will return to Wales' starting line-up for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash against Scotland at Murrayfield.

Shaun Edwards has delivered a detailed analysis of the Wales "mistake" that potentially cost them victory over England.

HOW coincidental my exasperation on these pages at the fading art of kicking should be followed last Saturday by the wayward clearance that may define this season’s Six Nations championship, writes Ronan O’Gara.

England extended their winning run to 16 Tests as wing Elliot Daly's late try clinched a dramatic RBS 6 Nations victory over Wales in Cardiff.

England and Wales. Two countries steeped in rugby history with a rivalry to match.

WALES legend Jonathan Davies has warned George North his place on this summer’s Lions Tour is under threat - unless he speaks to his coaches about a change in tactics.

Japan continue to impress after their outstanding World Cup performance.

Australia coach Michael Cheika has rested most of his top names for tomorrow’s clash with France as the test is the only one on the tour that is not part of the Wallabies’ grand slam bid.

A double clear from Wexford show jumper Bertram Allen and Izzy By Picobello ensured Valkenswaard United their third win of the season in the Global Champions League team contest in Monte Carlo yesterday.

Home economics papers wrapped up the second week of the Junior Certificate and the higher level exam opened with short questions covering a very broad range of the syllabus.

With a new album recorded in Berlin, Altered Hours have marked themselves out as one of the

Cork show jumper Billy Twomey won the grand prix in stunning fashion at the inaugural Liverpool International Horse Show last night.

Paul O’Connell will go down in history as a “world icon”, according to Lions assistant coach Rob Howley as tributes poured in from around the globe for the Ireland captain.

The omens approaching Wales’ team hotel yesterday weren’t promising.

Wales want to put down an immediate marker in terms of their discipline when they face opening World Cup warm-up opponents Ireland tomorrow.

Greg Broderick feels the current form of MHS Automatic justifies him being favourite to lift The Underwriting Exchange Grand Prix at tonight’s final of the Jumping In The City Series at Shelbourne Park.

Secondary teachers are to seek a full restoration of pay, as guaranteed in the Haddington Road Agreement.

Today will be a test of Simon Zebo’s strength of character. As a travelling member of the Irish party heading to Scotland, he must accept the fact his weekend will be spent in a suit, writes Ronan O’Gara.