Brian O’Driscoll will flex his superstar muscle to boost Ireland’s battle to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tea or coffee? To find out which is healthiest, Peta Bee looks at the science behind the benefits of the leaf and the bean.

Helen O’Callaghan talks to former TV musical director Frank McNamara about his phone app aimed at helping Leaving Cert and Junior Cert students study for their exams.

THERE I was about to sit down to write this column when a message popped up on my Gmail account. ‘Larry’, it said.

With a 4.15pm kick-off on a Sunday afternoon for Racing Metro’s crucial Top 14 derby clash with Stade Francais, I was afforded the opportunity to watch bucket loads of rugby last weekend.

If individual awards — Player of the Month, Man of the Match and the like — are an indication of the impact made by James Coughlan in his first season playing French rugby, then the boy has done well.

THIS country is about to vote on defining social legislation and if the amendment on marriage equality is endorsed next week it will be an indication of how quick and profound change can be once it is agreed. Opponents of the amendment warn of some kind of social catastrophe if it is adopted.

IRFU chief Philip Browne believes Ireland’s willingness to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in two years’ time - confirmation of which emerged yesterday – will boost the island’s chances of being the chosen venue for the equivalent men’s event in 2023.

Memphis Depay has set himself the ambition to become the best player in the world during his time at Manchester United.

Paul O’Connell was lifting trophies again last night as the Ireland captain was voted the Hibernia College IRUPA Players’ Player of the Year 2015 by his fellow professionals.

Look past the feelgood, fuzzy factor from the news of Ireland’s success in winning the rights to host the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and one point stands out above all others: it increases the host team’s chances of success.

When Cristiano Ronaldo collected his third Ballon d’Or in January, it was to almost universal acclaim, based on a recognition that the award had indeed gone to the greatest player on earth in 2014, as evidenced by his Champions League medal and a staggering 56 goals for Real Madrid.

Ed Joyce says a “new voice” may help freshen up the Irish cricket team following Phil Simmons’ appointment as head coach of the West Indies. 

It is almost exactly 40 years since the legend that is Willie John McBride played his last game for Ireland at Cardiff Arms Park in March 1975. 

England v France

It is sometimes said a team learns more from its defeats than from its victories.

Chances are that, like the vast majority of those who delve into the sports page for a daily dose of sustenance, your annual digression into the world of horse racing has come and gone in the past week.

Scotland have endured a bruising campaign in this year’s RBS 6 Nations — but Jim Hamilton insists one win against Ireland will sooth their wounds.

Stuart Lancaster has urged Twickenham to will England to victory tomorrow evening as he prepares to order his RBS 6 Nations title hopefuls to carry the game to France.

Joe McNamee talks to Arun Kapil the founder of Green Saffron and an evangelist for spices, about his latest book.