The chaser looked to have the world at his feet when sprinting clear to win the 2022 Gold Cup at Cheltenham, but things have not gone to plan since then.

Six football shirts worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s winning run at last year’s World Cup have sold for 7. 8 million dollars (£6. 1 million), auction house Sotheby’s announced.

La Rochelle are big dogs now, no longer unheralded underdog. Hence there will be 55,000 in Cape Town Saturday. Now we have to play like big boys.

The former Ireland and Ulster No 10 will succeed the Australian next year. 

David Nucifora had the satisfaction of announcing a contract extension for a man who has developed into one of the most sought-after head coaches in world rugby.

First-choice Ireland men’s XV full-back Hugo Keenan is one of a number of Andy Farrell’s potential post-World Cup squad members with Sevens experience.

The Ireland boss will plan for life after Mike Catt's departure however. 

The 32-year old Samoan will join Clermont Auvergne.

Farrell, who succeeded Joe Schmidt following the 2019 World Cup, was already contracted to 2025 and the IRFU have now secured the much sought-after talents of a Grand Slam-winning Test boss through to the next World Cup in Australia.

The money is to be divided equally between clubs in the GAA, Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Camogie Association.

Howley served as Wales’ attack coach from 2008 to 2019.

Every December, that feeling draws in like a dark cloud – an outrage on behalf of a sportsperson you might not even know, a sense of injustice that their achievements have been overlooked in favour of the less accomplished.

The former England coach, who failed to get Australia out of their group in France, said he had not interviewed for the Japan job until this month.

Kalvin Phillips also joined the two 20-year-olds on the scoresheet with a late penalty as manager Pep Guardiola rotated his squad.

Christopher Fitz-Simon on the competition's judging process, his favourite and least favourite places in Ireland, and the Cork town where he'd love to live

Two teams from different sports lit up the year with their dashing flamboyance, writes Colin Sheridan

Assistant coach Denis Leamy admitted yesterday that the Munster coaching ticket headed by Graham Rowntree faced a lot of hard decisions as they finalise a matchday squad for Exeter Chiefs.

O’Mahony, 34, was injured against the Stormers on November 18, 40 minutes into his return for Munster following Ireland’s World Cup campaign. 

Barry worked on the Ireland backroom team, alongside Stephen Kenny, throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign of 2021.

Colin Sheridan takes a look at the year ahead for Irish and world politics, personalities, sporting hopes, and cultural trends