August 31 is a date that has loomed large in Joe Schmidt’s thought process for some time now.

Bakkies Botha has told Paul O’Connell his move to Toulon could extend the Ireland captain’s career by up to four years — if he relaxes and learns to enjoy his time in France.

Three weeks ago, the chief question being asked of Joe Schmidt’s Ireland ahead of the World Cup was whether they could inject some zing into what has been a solid rather than spectacular attacking game this last two seasons.

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree has been in regular contact with Dylan Hartley to ensure he would be ready if needed during the World Cup.

Robbie Henshaw can sense the heightened tensions.

Jonathan Davies believes mental toughness must be prominent in Wales’ armoury if they are to emerge from the so-called World Cup pool of death.

Les Kiss insists the Ireland team management remains “very open” to players elbowing their way into the final panel of 31 for the Rugby World Cup when the side faces Wales in the third warm-up Test – and last before the squad deadline – this Saturday.

Hurling at Croke Park has been listed among 10 of the world’s ultimate sporting destinations by travel bible Lonely Planet.

Conor Power couldn’t wait to start using the much vaunted Windows 10. But nearing the end of the upgrade, his screen went dark and his laptop hasn’t worked since.

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

Paul O’Connell’s departure from Munster looks like being a long goodbye but vice-captain Denis Hurley admitted yesterday the loss of their iconic star will probably only sink in after the World Cup.

Over the weekend, the Sunday’s Well Rebels, Ireland’s only mixed ability rugby team, returned home to Cork after their successful Mixed Ability Rugby World Tournament campaign in the UK.

Spain striker Pedro feels a lack of playing time left him with no choice but to leave Barcelona and make the move to Premier League champions Chelsea.

Three weeks out from the Walker Cup and Irish top amateurs are already claiming the headlines.

US Ryder Cup captain Davis Love will play in the 2016 event if he claims a top-three qualifying spot, he said after he stormed to victory in the Wyndham Championship and became the oldest living winner on the PGA Tour.

The risk a substance poses depends on its inherent capacity to cause harm and one’s exposure to it, but some seem unable to grasp this concept, writes Henry I Miller

Hello old stock. I’m booking my tickets here for the Rugby World Cup next month. As you can imagine, I’m petrified of rubbing shoulders with working-class types who lack the refinement of someone like myself. I’m particularly afraid of Limerick people, who wouldn’t know the inside of a Range Rover unless they were robbing it. What is the best way to avoid meeting such types? Lenny, (Sundays Well and Marbella)

With the Rugby World Cup only around the corner, fans are eagerly awaiting it’s kick off come September 18.

Every time we hear news of a sports person signing a new contract or sponsorship deal, we marvel at the amount of money they command.

Jonathan Sexton has no doubt Ireland’s best is yet to come as they approach the Rugby World Cup and the out-half believes the team can do just that by embracing the attacking approach that cut Scotland to shreds last March and retained the Six Nations title.