New Spain head coach Montse Tome said Hermoso had been left out of the latest squad for her own protection during a press conference. 

If you look at the profile of sides that Irish teams have traditionally struggled against in recent years, it’s the behemoths. The giants. Ireland may win by 3-5 points but in all likelihood will pay a physical price for doing so.

It is 18 months since the 22-year-old last played in England’s top flight as his promising Chelsea career petered out, but, after a year on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, he was back with a bang.

Weeks after Garret Ahern falling for Vicky Janssens, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Their marriage ended with her assisted death in Belgium, writes Eoin English

A very popular artist in Ireland and abroad, Maeve Taylor recalls painting the Kinsealy home of former Taoiseach, Charles Haughey, and a day in May 1974 when the bombings happened on Talbot Street in Dublin.

One reader says the Garda Commissioner failed to bring members of the force along with him, while others respond to correspondence about the Camhs service and climate change

Ireland veteran Diane Caldwell has launched a withering attack on Vera Pauw

The Springbok lock admitted prior to the Romania game that his personal journey in Test rugby has been a “bizarre” one but that the two distinct chapters felt very distinct from the other but it’s one where others continue to join the dots.

But the Ireland captain admits she regretted her handling of the infamous emoji.

Unbeaten hurdler has drawn comparisons with Arkle and Sprinter Sacre but his legendary trainer knows only the Gold Cup can justify that kind of talk. 

The Tipperary native, whose full-time job with the IRFU is coaching their high performance referees, has been seconded to World Rugby to work with several emerging nations.

“Preparation for games could have been better, physical preparation, opponent analysis, match tactics, in-game match tactics, changes, systems of play."

Katie McCabe has confirmed that talks are ongoing with Arsenal over a new contract

Ireland are, however, under no illusions that their biggest challenge since the ultimately successful 2022 tour to New Zealand is just days away.

In short South Africa tend to deliver at World Cups – to the extent they’ve delivered the Webb Ellis itself three times – and Ireland don’t.

The South African chief has been linked with the role soon to be vacated by David Nucifora.

The treble winners begin the defence of their European crown as they host Red Star Belgrade at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

The Boks will wear their third-choice, all white kit against the Irish at the Stade de France on Saturday.

September 23 has loomed large on South Africa's calendar for the better part of three years. Now it’s only days away.

His departure announced in April, us GAA correspondents and writers have had six months to digest the fact there will be no more thought-provoking offerings from Costello.