Joe Schmidt was true to his word that the Six Nations is no place for experimentation as he named an experienced squad for next month’s opening games of the championship, although there was one notable and welcome exception.

Theo Walcott says he quit Arsenal to join Everton because he retains his desire to win trophies.

John Delaney has insisted Martin O’Neill is “100% committed” to the Ireland job but he doesn’t expect speculation about the manager’s position to end when he signs a new contract next week.

Girvan Dempsey sat on the bench in Murrayfield the day Leinster claimed a first Heineken Cup.

The Australian Open commenced this week. In advance of the first morning session, Tennis Australia held a workshop on match-fixing at which Jack Anderson presented and got an insight into the efforts taken by a major sporting organisation to protect the integrity of a global sporting event against gambling scams.

Martin O’Neill last night confirmed he has agreed a new contract to stay on as manager of Ireland.

The party line from Leinster is that any and all compliments being delivered their way lately are being blocked abruptly at the door and Tadhg Furlong is adopting the same approach when it comes to garlands foisted upon him.

Munster captain Peter O’Mahony, an injury doubt for Sunday’s Champions Cup clash with Castres, says he and his squad will stand by Gerbrandt Grobler, as the debate continues over the decision to sign a player who served a two-year doping ban.

The European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) officials, including board chairman and former England international Simon Halliday, congregated in the tunnel outside the palatial dressing rooms at the U Arena and had every reason to be pleased with themselves.

Pundits, journalists, supporters, and former players and managers: Plenty of people have had plenty to say about Martin O’Neill over the last few days, very little of it favourable.

As Racing 92 flanker Yannick Nyanga was praising new pack-mate Donnacha Ryan on Sunday night he reflected on the inside knowledge the Irish lock had passed on to the squad abut Munster’s threats.

There’s a famously difficult move in freestyle skiing called a ‘cork’, a fact that particularly tickles Brendan Newby.

Arsenal goalkeeping issue just another crisis...

Martin O’Neill is staying on as Republic of Ireland manager after turning down the chance to manage Stoke City.

Peter Jackson discusses ’What’s Hot and What’s Not’ in this weekend’s review. 

I was quite surprised this particular client came back. I tend to be blunt in my communications advice, but on this occasion, I was rather blunter than usual, writes Terry Prone.

Paul McGinley foresees more of golf’s young elite like Rory McIlroy suffering injuries because of the stress they are putting on their bodies.

Controversies around ticketing for sporting events and major concerts have raged throughout 2017 — and the new year brings with it promises of legislation that will curb touting. Joe Leogue looks at the pros and cons of such a law, and asks those involved if it will work.

Swapping high summer in Sydney for the winter cold of the English East Midlands might not seem a palatable prospect, never mind for a job that on face value appears something of a hiding to nothing.

Leo Cullen couldn’t help but cast his mind back to this week two years ago.