Felix Jones could join the Springboks coaching set-up ahead of the World Cup, according to reports in South Africa.

Stephen Cadogan Sheep farmers are gaining from an early taste of a possible Brexit halt to the annual cross-border imports of nearly 500,000 sheep from the North.

Manu Tuilagi’s imminent England comeback in time to face New Zealand at Twickenham has had a calming effect on Eddie Jones’ underdogs, according to Ben Youngs.

Simon Lewis profiles the men chasing glory — and a record-equalling fourth European title - in Spain this evening 

Steve Hansen has reacted angrily to Warren Gatland’s demand that referees clamp down on New Zealand’s “dangerous” targeting of Conor Murray by phoning a radio station to call him “desperate”.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

Ben Te’o gave a man of the match performance in Worcester’s win over Harlequins last weekend, but his biggest impact this season so far came in a newspaper interview.

The clock may be ticking but there is still no definite news on whether South African centre Jaco Taute will be available to Munster in 2017. His temporary contract comes to an end on January 1st so a decision as to whether his stay with Munster can be extended must be made imminently.

Tom McCartney admits he hopes to be part of Ireland’s 2019 World Cup squad, after he signed a new three-year deal with Connacht.

He’s not an All Black anymore but Dan Carter’s still got it.

Sean O’Brien has revealed that any recurrence of the serious hamstring injury which has sidelined him for the past seven months — and counting — would likely bring his career to a premature end.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero was last night charged by the Football Association after appearing to elbow West Ham’s Winston Reid.

Irish coach Nigel Carolan said he feared the worst when New Zealand cut the gap to four points in the closing stages of their thrilling World Rugby U-20 Championship clash but felt his men had the composure to respond.

In this week’s Q&A Kehlan talks with Dave O’Flanagan of Boxever. Boxever helps travel companies better understand their customers by helping them understand the data their clients generate. It recently raised $12m (€10.74m ) in venture capital funding.

A new home, the RBS 6 Nations title to defend and changing priorities make for a challenging year for Niamh Briggs and her Ireland women’s team but head coach Tom Tierney is relishing the opportunity to strike the right balance.

There’s something deliciously gruff about Steve Hansen and something gloriously barmy about Heyneke Meyer. Talk about being as dry as chalk and as mad as cheese.

The main author of a report recommending the amalgamation of two local authorities has hit back at academics who have criticised the merger plans.

Thousands now expected to flood into Sweden to seek asylum.

Connacht coach Pat Lam said that it measure of his endurance and determination that Nathan White was able to overcome injury and disappointment to become the oldest player in the professional era to make his debut for Ireland.

Ireland laboured for an hour before two tries in three minutes launched their RBS 6 Nations title defence with a 26-3 victory that was more sluggish than routine in Italy.

Wales finally cracked the code of success against major southern hemisphere opposition as full-back Leigh Halfpenny’s relentless goalkicking saw off Millennium Stadium visitors South Africa.

The cricket world is in shock today following the death of Phillip Hughes, at the age of 25.

Leicester put indifferent domestic form behind them as they made a strong start to their European Rugby Champions Cup Group Three campaign by sinking Ulster at Welford Road.

Two weeks on from the long-awaited arrival of Kane Douglas, Leinster coach Matt O’Connor is set to welcome another southern hemisphere recruit into his squad.

New Zealand Prime Minster John Key wants the nation to vote next year on changing its flag.

Rebuilding trust and getting back to the basics of banking are the main priorities of Royal Bank of Scotland as it continues on its road to recovery, said its chief executive, Ross McEwan.

Ireland failed to hold out for a first-ever victory over the All Blacks because they "didn't believe they are as tough as they are", according to New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen.

Ireland’s hopes of spoiling New Zealand’s perfect season could be decided tomorrow — 24 hours before the sides are due to clash at the Aviva Stadium.

New Zealand 24 France 9

Third seed Victoria Azarenka recovered from a set down to beat France’s Alize Cornet and reach the fourth round of the French Open.

Leinster tighthead prop Jamie Hagan will make his exit from the province at the end of the season after agreeing a three year deal with London Irish.

Tadhg Kennelly believes AFL clubs will continue to look at Ireland as a potential source of recruits, pinpointing Kildare duo Daniel Flynn and Paddy Brophy along with Kerry’s Pádraig Lucey as bright prospects.

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland says he will field an entire side of English players in the first test against Australia if it is the best team he has available.

How ironic that a decision by the Welsh Rugby Union to swell their coffers by adding an additional fixture to their schedule could now end up costing them a fortune.

Nearly 200 countries launched a fresh round of UN climate talks in Doha, facing urgent appeals to scale up the fight against greenhouse gas emissions.

When his back was against the wall scrambling for reasons to insist he was the right man for the job, Giovanni Trapattoni, pointed towards the convoluted rankings table.

Fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez has been passed fit to return for Argentina’s clash with world champions New Zealand in Wellington this weekend.

Franz Beckenbauer has hit back at suggestions by FIFA president Sepp Blatter that there was irregularity in the decision to award the 2006 World Cup to Germany.