GAA players? Why, they’ve never had it so good, writes Brendan O’Brien.

Roma president James Pallotta says Manchester United will have to pay a "huge" fee to sign Kevin Strootman.

IT’S been a testing week for the Munster set-up despite that bonus point win over Zebre, writes Donal Lenihan. 

Munster are sweating on the results of a medical scan on Conor Murray’s neck injury ahead of their do-or-die European Champions Cup clash at Saracens this Saturday.

Stephanie Roche’s plans to embark on a fresh club challenge face a race against time.

The spray – to mark out 10 yards at free-kicks – will be used in the eight William Hill Scottish Cup fixtures. 

Oh my, what a storm in a TD cup!

Sergio Parisse believes Ireland are “the best team in the northern hemisphere” but believes Italy can upset them in their RBS 6 Nations opener at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday. 

You suspect Schmidt wants Sexton back as soon as possible and will throw him inat the deep end against the French, says Donal Lenihan.

FA Cup fourth round replay

The Open Championship deal between the R&A and Sky Sports has been welcomed by the Golfing Union of Ireland. 

To cheer or to jeer, that is the question, writes Kieran Shannon.

GAA director general Páraic Duffy accepts the Government’s €30m grant towards the €70m redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh was influenced by the pending Rugby World Cup bid.

Paul O’Connell admits Ireland have never performed to their potential at a Rugby World Cup but believes they are now genuine contenders to win the tournament under Joe Schmidt.

Chelsea made the only big-money signing of a surprisingly low-key transfer deadline day as they brought in Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado for €30m; but in a sign that perhaps Financial Fair Play is beginning to bite, even they had to sell Andre Schurrle before signing the cheque.

Per Mertesacker has revealed how Arsenal got out of their "comfort zone" to become an effective defensive team unit.

Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert has turned down a move to Aston Villa.

Few places have been the source of more history lessons than Rome, and an Ireland side heavily favoured to retain their Six Nations crown will travel to the Eternal City later this week mindful of their demise at Stadio Olimpico two years ago.

Juan Cuadrado has joined Chelsea in what is likely to be the biggest deal of deadline day.

MOURINHO MAKES HIS POINT