Italy are very much a team on the up. As for Ireland, the debate is whether the graph continues to slip, or if they are at a point where they can start to rediscover the heights that were the norm only a few short years ago.

The head coach had to watch from the stands as his side went down 43-33 against Montpellier at home.

This was a 10th Fitzgibbon Cup for UL and it was achieved with flourish

The former Wolves boss was identified as the first choice to replace Sean Dyche, who was sacked following Wednesday's goalless Premier League draw with the Molineux club

In recent years when such cases arose, the State was inclined towards some accommodation. The mood has since changed

Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League is now down to four points

After the gut-wrenching drama of City's victory at Anfield, came the kind of routine victory for Pep Guardiola's side that should strike fear in the hearts of every Gunner.

Opening the Six Nations on a Thursday night did at least give the Ireland squad a greater degree of room to breathe before reconvening this week for Italy’s visit to Dublin. McCarthy used his down time by playing PlayStation with his brother Paddy.

Nicknamed 'The Clobberer' Ranken also played on some of their most critically acclaimed albums

here was loud booing at half-time and on the final whistle, and plenty of empty seats throughout a thoroughly miserable evening for the club, as fans voted with their feet and stayed away.

The 33-year-old Scot has overcome misogyny and abuse and is justifiably proud of becoming the first woman to take charge of a men’s Six Nations match.

Championship risks becoming a two-tier affair as Ireland, Wales and Scotland all lose on the opening weekend.

Liverpool were left to rue one that got away at home to their old rivals.

A big crowd saw the Dublin rivals get their league campaigns going with a draw. 

By Bohemians sacrificing home advantage to move across Dublin City to Lansdowne Road, they attracted 21,472 but will regret not giving them a goal their dominance deserved.

The new Cork manager continues to have issues with the way hurling is being policed.

Dango Ouattara blasted Brentford victory at Newcastle to boost their hopes of European qualification

Diarmuid Healy knocks over the last point of the game to make it a seven-point win for Cork. Therese O'Callaghan and Eoghan Cormican were at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. 

Arsenal's victory leaves them nine points clear of Manchester City who face Liverpool on Sunday

Two Irish tries in reply did little to halt the English, in what was viewed as an opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim for frontline inclusion during the Six Nations.