Meanwhile, Finlay Bealham returns from a knee injury to make his 100th appearance for Connacht.

Romain Ntamack, son of former French star Emile, led the way as France opened their Six Nations campaign with a win but only after they held off a spirited Irish recovery.

It’s the job of the Ireland U20s coach to push and prod the players of tomorrow further down the development line but Noel McNamara found himself talking about one from the past yesterday.

Veteran wing Tommy Bowe will be the centre of attention as Ulster seek to consolidate their Guinness PRO14 position when they travel to the compact and atmospheric Rodney Parade to face Bernard Jackman’s Dragons this evening.

TWO first-half goals within a minute from Alan Mulhall and Ken Casey set up Offaly’s win in the opening round of the O’Byrne Cup at O’Connor Park, Tullamore yesterday.

FULL-FORWARD Denis Glennon proved the decisive difference as he pointed Westmeath to victory over Wicklow in a football challenge at Blessington yesterday.

FORMER Galway All-Ireland winner John Divilly’s run of success with NUI Maynooth continued at Belfield yesterday afternoon as he guided the Kildare college to their second successive Sigerson Cup semi-final.

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