Lions rookie Kyle Sinckler feels like he is in rugby heaven on the eve of his debut in the famous red jersey. Yet his thirst for knowledge may be hell for his teammates.

The Irish have done European rugby many mighty favours over the years and now they are about to do the mightiest one of all.

Like so many of those who knew Anthony Foley, James Downey could not believe the news last October that his former boss had passed away so suddenly.

Friday night games are the sort of thing that happens when sport seeks out the corporate dollar, writes Brendan O’Brien.

Dylan Hartley's suitability to lead the British and Irish Lions has been questioned by Brian O'Driscoll as the England captain waits to discover the damage caused to his career by yet another major disciplinary lapse.

After this momentous win, who knows what this Irish squad is capable of achieving.

The great and the good had been queuing up all week to predict an England win at Twickenham on Saturday night, among them three captains from World Cups long gone, writes Peter Jackson.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

Lawrence Dallaglio has backed Ireland to reach the World Cup semi-finals at the very least.

My memory of a lot of things from my career wouldn’t be perfect, but Ireland v England at Croke Park in 2007 is as clear as it gets.

Racing far from a cert in Europe’s knockout stages

An Irishman is the driving force behind the rebirth of one of English rugby’s great clubs, says Julian Bennetts.

Ashley Johnson believes the current Wasps side are ready to move out of the shadow of Lawrence Dallaglio — starting against Leinster at ‘fortress’ Ricoh Arena on Saturday.

Munster target their 100th European Cup victory at Allianz Park, the home of Saracens, tomorrow — and do so as underdogs: writes Charlie Mulqueen.

Criticism has been an all too regular companion for Conor O’Shea over the last two months.

Ireland and Leinster legend Brian O’Driscoll will be involved in the station’s coverage of the European Rugby Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup.

The chief executive of the 2011 New Zealand Rugby World Cup believes Ireland’s scenic regions and its tradition for hospitality will significantly help its bid for the 2023 equivalent.

They pride themselves up north in getting straight to the point and saying what they think, so let’s not beat about the bush — Jerome Garces got it right.

After the game, Cork Constitution made a presentation to Alain Rolland, and then it was over.

Triple Crowns weren’t high on the agenda when Jonathan Sexton began life as an international but the Racing Metro out-half would dearly love to claim the honour when Ireland face England at Twickenham on Saturday week.

Ireland duo Craig Gilroy and Declan Fitzpatrick are major doubts for Ulster’s winner-takes-pool trip to Leicester Tigers this weekend but their Test comrades Simon Zebo and Conor Murray will be fit for Munster’s home Heineken Cup tie with Edinburgh.

He’s had a plethora of moments to cherish on English soil, from that 2006 pressure conversion for Munster at Welford Road to the standout victories over the Red Rose at Twickenham.

Finally the ARU have shown a bit of leadership and common sense.

As a three-time Lion, Lawrence Dallaglio knows a thing or two about the opening game on tour but even for a man of his great experience, playing Saturday’s opener against the Barbarians in Hong Kong makes for a unique occasion.

Some of Britain’s most successful sports stars will front BT Sport’s new programmes.

Rugby great Scott Quinnell wants to see Brian O’Driscoll handed the & Lions captaincy this summer.

They’re wrong when they say your career should be measured on medals.

I’m especially good at expectorating, sings Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, and the hunter’s skill with a well-aimed spit is just one more indication that he’s the villain of the piece.

Injury rarely pays a visit without bringing a friend or two.

Richard III’s remains may have been discovered in a car park in Leicester earlier this week but Owen Farrell would do well to pay greater heed to Shakespeare’s Henry IV ahead of England’s visit to Dublin this weekend.

Funds raised for the care of a rugby player left paralysed are being channelled to charitable causes following his death, with a respite centre being opened in his native Cork over the weekend.

Eoin Reddan believes Ulster have not been afforded the respect they deserve this season and warned the Heineken Cup final in Twickenham will not be the procession many predict for Leinster.

When the Heineken Cup celebrated its 15th birthday two years ago, fans were asked to select their most memorable games from the tournament’s history.

FOR all bar a handful of English fans among the 48,000 at a sold-out Lansdowne Road, it ended in the heartache caused by a tubby Samoan burrowing over for the decisive try four minutes into stoppage time.

Cardiff Blues backs coach Gareth Baber has supported the club’s handling of Gavin Henson’s sacking, and defended the decision to allow players to go out for a drink after Friday’s defeat in Glasgow.

Wasps today confirmed that long-serving head coach Shaun Edwards has left the club paving the way for a potential role with England.

Former Munster and Irish flanker Alan Quinlan has expressed his concern that Ireland’s lacklustre 2007 World Cup campaign could reoccur in New Zealand over the coming weeks.

EOIN REDDAN couldn’t have dared dream of days like tomorrow when he was growing up.

THE waiting is over.

THE external bruises from his date with the Cardiff Blues were there for all to see, steri-strips acting as a poor camouflage for yet another cut and bloodied right eye.