The journey to Paris continues for the Examiner Sport columnist. 

The phrase ‘7-1 split’ sounds like something you’d pull off to win a hand of Texas Hold ‘Em, some lowdown, dirty move that would get you kicked out of the lousiest saloon bar.

Having come through at Leinster in 2009, Madigan amassed more than 250 appearances over his 14-year professional career.

The decision was reached around 5 a.m. (0300 GMT) after more than seven hours of meetings at a hotel in Oliva, an hour from Valencia, involving the players, RFEF officials, the National Sports Council (CSD) and the women's players' union FUTPRO.

'It’s a real honour and privilege to be named captain.'

Wales are heading towards a fourth successive World Cup quarter-final appearance under Gatland, and will be odds-on to win Pool C if they topple the Wallabies.

Andy Farrell is set to name his matchday squad for the crunch World Cup Pool B encounter with the defending champions tomorrow afternoon.

This Saturday night’s crunch at Stade de France is brewing up nicely as Andy Farrell’s world number one-ranked side prepare to face the defending champions in what promises to be a World Cup Pool B barnstormer. 

Is it risky? Yes, but Erasmus and Nienaber will have war-gamed every eventuality and the choice of Kwagga Smith attests to the method within any apparent madness.

Sexton could win his 116th Irish cap against South Africa with Crowley vying with Ross Byrne for the back up role among the replacements.

Not qualifying for the World Cup next month was a big blow for Ireland and one they cannot put right until an expanded event comes around in 2027.

The injured forward trio were all doubts for the Pool B showdown

Some fifteen people were poisoned by botulism after eating home-preserved sardines in Tchin Tchin wine bar in the southwestern French city

Back in the Ireland squad following a year out with a serious knee injury, the defender could make her Ireland comeback in Saturday’s Nations League opener against Northern Ireland.

Townsend had arranged for his squad to have three days off after that first outing, win or lose. Most of them spent it with families before knuckling back down for the game against Tonga this Sunday.

Rodri guaranteed a comfortable-looking scoreline, if not evening, on 72 minutes.

France coach Fabien Galthié had included Baille, Danty and backrower Anthony Jelonch in his initial World Cup squad, even though they were working their way back from injury.

Eileen Gleeson has been installed on a caretaker basis to fill the void while her boss Marc Canham headhunts a permanent appointment.

There's been a concerted drive to change the narrative and level out rugby's playing field that has tilted the other way for too long. The minnows, increasingly, are minnows no longer.

With two games down its now crunch time as Ireland take on current World Cup Champions on Saturday at the Stade de France.