Leo Cullen is the type of special character who can make light of his limited coaching experience and succeed in the daunting task of guiding Leinster back to the summit of the Pro12 and European games, according to Jonathan Sexton.

The golfer Shane Lowry wrote a great article last week after his majestic WGC-Bridgestone win in the US.

Former Munster assistant coach Simon Mannix said he played no part in Paul O’Connell’s move to France and has denied he ever tried to sign the Irish captain for Pau.

The sight of Louis Picamoles rampaging around Twickenham last weekend was a warning to Ireland of France’s burgeoning threat and Sean O’Brien is among those who believes ‘Les Bleus’ will be more dangerous than ever when they face Ireland at the Rugby World Cup.

England have selected Luther Burrell and Jonathan Joseph as their centres for Saturday’s World Cup warm-up against France in Paris. 

As a learning exercise, Saturday’s fraught encounter against Scotland was far more beneficial for Ireland than the rather benign Welsh clash the previous week. Put it this way: Joe Schmidt will have gleaned much and identified far more ‘work-ons’ to keep him busy over the next fortnight.

Rugby World Cup bosses are “unlikely” to disqualify teams for breaching concussion protocols but could impose fines should competitors flout head- injury safety guidelines.

The Irish Rugby Football Union has bought into a bigger future for women’s rugby with the development of a Long Term Player Development (LTPD) model.

Veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech can become the rock on which Arsenal build another formidable defence, according to centre-back Per Mertesacker.

Memories of the 1987 final at Tramore will be revived this week when the AIG Irish Close Championship takes place over the outstanding seaside layout for the third time.

Sergio Ramos has ended speculation over his future by signing a new five-year deal at Real Madrid, insisting he never wanted to leave the club.

Proud owners of facial hair are this week dominating the streetscape of Los Angeles.

Francis Saili, Munster’s big name signing from Auckland, is set to make his first appearance in the red jersey in Friday’s friendly against Connacht at Thomond Park.

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.

After a bizarre night of dung-spitting, science experiments, and Dáithí Ó Sé playing dress-up, the country is waiting with baited breath to find out what else the Rose of Tralee could possibly have in store.

Andy Farrell insists Stuart Lancaster had the final say in England selection meetings in response to claims he was the dominant voice in picking the team.

Should Poland do Ireland the inestimable favour of eliminating Scotland by beating them in Hampden Park on Thursday night, then Martin O’Neill’s team will be certain of qualifying for a European Championship play-off place, even if they were to suffer successive defeats in their last two group games at home to Germany and away to Poland.

First Wales, then England. Now Italy.

Jonathan Sexton will be hoping referee Nigel Owens can offer him protection this weekend from French heads and elbows that have previously left him battered and bruised.