Sacked dual-code international Israel Folau has launched a bid to raise €1.84m from the public to fight his legal case against Rugby Australia.

The sacking of rugby star Israel Folau for expressing his religious beliefs could end up in the Supreme Court and could have wide-ranging implications, writes TP O’Mahony.

Gareth Thomas had to stop and gather himself more than once today. His voice faltered. It choked with emotion. Who knows how many times his nerves were betrayed by an subconscious impulse to tug at his right ear?

An Irish rugby star has written an open letter to Israel Folau saying: “don’t judge me – I’m just like everyone else.”

Munster Rugby have banned the supporter who appeared to confront Saracens player Billy Vunipola after the Heineken Champions Cup semi-final at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

The Munster supporter who confronted Billy Vunipola after their loss to Saracens has been banned from attending games at Thomond Park and Musgrave Park.

Connacht and Ireland player Bundee Aki has taken to Instagram to address "mistakenly" liking the controversial post by Israel Folau.

Mark McCall, the Saracens director of rugby, handed Munster a crumb of comfort in the aftermath of his team’s 32-16 Champions Cup semi-final win in Coventry.

Simon Lewis Munster Rugby has pledged to further investigate an incident at the end of their Champions Cup semi-final at the Ricoh Arena when a supporter appeared to confront Saracens player Billy Vunipola on the field.

In a statement, European Professional Club Rugby said: “EPCR does not condone the entry of a spectator to the field of play.

Gordon D’Arcy feels the controversy swirling around Billy Vunipola will be an exacting test of the culture that exists in the Saracens dressing room — and that Saturday’s European clash with Munster will deliver the results.

A Rugby World Cup final referee has called for respect in the wake of the homophobia issues that have hit the sport.

Tiger Woods and Israel Folau are extraordinary, almost once-in-a-lifetime sports superstars.

The infamous FAI hearing at the sport and transport committee of April 2019, since known as the Morning of the Long Pause, marked a turning point in the fortunes of many of the participants, though no-one realised that at the time.

Here are all the latest headlines this lunchtime...

A former teammate of Israel Folau has said it is time for the player "to be moved on".

Rugby Australia and New South Wales have said their position regarding Israel Folau is "unchanged" following a meeting with the fullback.

Munster’s summer signings may still be in the process of getting to know their new team-mates but, after a pre-season training camp in Cork last week, captain Peter O’Mahony is convinced they can help the province challenge for long-awaited silverware.

Australia full-back Israel Folau has been banned for one match for contact in the air during last Saturday's third Test defeat by Ireland.

What a tour, what a season, what does it all mean?

“Wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all the time?”

Michael Cheika made two changes to Australia’s starting side for the final game of the series with Ireland as he announced his Wallabies matchday squad on his old stomping ground at Randwick yesterday.

It is remarkable to think it is only a little more than six months since Jordan Larmour announced himself to the rugby world with a brilliant solo try for Leinster at Thomond Park.

Three key areas Ireland need to address to keep series alive, writes Donal Lenihan

If ever there was a microcosm of the battle for hearts and minds in Australian sport, then today’s fare is it.

Andy Farrell is hoping the pain of defeat to Australia will reveal the size of Ireland’s heart for the battles ahead on this tour Down Under.

Australia 18 Ireland 9

Joe Schmidt was left to rue “skinny” margins as his Ireland side experienced defeat for the first time in 15 months.

If Ireland were under any illusions about how tough the defensive challenge that awaits them at Suncorp Stadium this morning will be in this opening Test against Australia, then listening to Wallabies captain Michael Hooper yesterday will have removed any doubt.

Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony has backed fly-half Joey Carbery to take the huge opportunity handed to the 22-year-old when he starts the first Test against Australia on Saturday morning.

ACT Brumbies back row Pete Samu is the standout absentee from Michael Cheika’s Wallabies squad — which features five uncapped players — to face Ireland in the forthcoming June Test series

Here are all the latest headlines this lunchtime...

“It’s not going to be an issue, because it’s not going to be ongoing. You can interpret it how you like.”

I see that Australian sportsman Israel Folau got himself in hot water over the last few weeks with remarks about gay people.

Australian rugby star Israel Folau has agreed “to think about” the impact of his anti-gay comments on social media after a meeting with officials yesterday — but he did not commit to stop making them.

If things had turned out differently, Garry Ringrose and Ben Te’o could have been both in green today, aiming to take down England and celebrate a grand slam together.

Ireland's Tadhg Furlong has been named among the best rugby players in the world.

The shortlist has been announced for World Rugby's player of the year award.

New Zealand trounced Argentina as they retained the Rugby Championship with two games to spare.

New Zealand defeated Australia for the second time in eight days but had to hit hit back from 17-0 down and needed a last-gasp try from Beauden Barrett to triumph 35-29 in Dunedin.

You can picture the scene at half-time. Organised chaos.