# Changes
All time
# big calls
Beirne set to start against Wales as O'Brien makes return for Ireland
The Munster second row could make his Six Nations debut in Cardiff on Saturday.
# XV
Schmidt to consider Ireland selection options for six-day turnaround to Cardiff
Dan Leavy or Sean O’Brien could come into the mix after an injury to Josh van der Flier.
# Confidence
Beirne and O'Brien remain part of Schmidt's thinking amidst 'different brief'
The Ireland head coach says this Six Nations has partly been about ‘posing a few questions to players’.
# Changes
Ringrose set for return as Schmidt recalls big guns for France
Sean O’Brien is set to miss out, while captain Rory Best makes his return in the front row.
# join forces
Scarlets and Ospreys set to merge in major Welsh rugby overhaul
The two Welsh regions are set to amalgamate, potentially for as soon as the start of next season.
# starting XV
Cronin gets first Six Nations start with Carty set for Ireland debut in Italy
Joe Schmidt has made four changes to his starting team for the Six Nations.
# Changes
RTÉ's Soccer Republic to be halved in length for 2019 season
The League of Ireland show is getting shorter, with highlights also being incorporated into live Friday night broadcasts.
# Changes
Henshaw set for centre return as O'Brien and Kearney come in for Ireland
Jack Conan is likely to get the nod at number eight, while Quinn Roux comes into the second row.
# Changes
FAI agree to introduction of term limits on its board members
The move has been made in accordance with the Governance Code.
# Changes
Cork's Evening Echo is to become a morning paper and be rebranded as The Echo
The paper is a big part of the life of the city, and is part of the Examiner Group of titles along with the Irish Examiner.
# Contracts
Munster's Keatley ponders Italian switch as Leicester close in on Taute
Johann van Graan’s squad is likely to see some change ahead of next season.
# Changes
Kearney returns to captain Leinster as Cullen rotates for visit of Ulster
The eastern province make 14 changes for Saturday’s Pro14 inter-pro at the RDS.
# Changes
Two days have been added to the Leaving Cert timetable
The two new days bring the total examination to 15 days in June.
# rotation
Schmidt to give Ireland's wider squad opportunities against the USA
There will be plenty of hungry players eager to make an impression this weekend in Dublin.
# Changes
Video Assistant Referees to be used in Premier League from next season
The vote was held at a shareholders’ meeting on Thursday, as clubs reached an agreement.
# flyer
Fiji-born wing Cokanasiga handed England debut as Jones rings changes
Japan are the visitors to Twickenham on Saturday.
# Pick Your XV
Kearney and Ringrose back in the mix as Schmidt considers changes
The Ireland head coach has some big calls to make ahead of the All Blacks clash.
# dub star
Fenton welcomes 'positive' experimental rules to 'try to improve the game as a spectacle'
The four-time All-Ireland winning midfielder is interested to see them in action.
# Changes
'I think it’s the right thing to do' - GAA plans for a two-tier All-Ireland football championship
The final of the new competition would be a curtain-raiser to the All-Ireland decider.
# Changes
Munster SHC revamped for 2019 to allow break weekend for all counties
The Munster minor football championship format is also facing radical changes.
# Commuting
Changes to Irish Rail timetables kick in tomorrow
Some services will have earlier departure times and commuters are advised to check changes.
# Changes
Bray appoint former player as new manager after caretaker boss leaves club
Gary Cronin has taken charge after Graham Kelly stepped aside.
# Decider
Schmidt without injured quartet but backs O'Mahony to deliver in seven shirt
The Ireland head coach is missing Garry Ringrose, Dan Leavy, Andrew Conway and Iain Henderson.
# Changes
Cronin and Conan start as Schmidt picks captain O'Mahony at openside
Joe Schmidt has made five changes to his XV, while Ross Byrne is set for his debut off the bench.
# Depth
Leinster's fresh faces make their presence truly felt against Munster
The likes of James Lowe and Jack Conan came in to make a big impact in the win over Munster.
# Changes
Leinster ring the changes but still name strong side for Munster semi-final
The provinces face off at the RDS on Saturday afternoon.
# parents panel
Parents Panel: How did your life change when a baby came along?
The sleepless nights? The social life… or lack thereof? Our panel on the ways their lives were never the same again.
# Changes
Lowe and McGrath set to miss out as Henshaw makes Leinster return
Isa Nacewa looks likely to shift to the wing as Henshaw comes into the midfield.
# Team news
No O'Halloran in the matchday squad but Aki back for Connacht
Kieran Keane’s side take on Glasgow Warriors on Friday evening.
# Changes
'I'd be a different footballer in Dublin to the one I'll be in Kerry that's for sure'
Former Kerry footballer Paul Galvin is returning to his native club Finuge in Kerry.
# Team news
Promotion-chasing Roscommon make three changes, O'Toole handed Cork senior debut
A win on Sunday would seal the Rossies’ return to the top flight.
# boosts
Furlong and Henderson to train fully as Daly and Herring join Ireland squad
Niall Scannell and Andrew Conway have both remained with Munster due to injury.
# Changes
Video Assistant Referee technology set to be used at 2018 World Cup
The final decision on the use of VAR at the World Cup will be made when the FIFA Council meets later this month.
# Changes
Italian rugby's real progress is coming from Pro14 clubs Benetton and Zebre
Conor O’Shea’s national team have yet to feel the full effect but the Italian sides are making big steps.
# Changes
Champions League matches are moving to two new kick-off times from next season
Uefa has also increased direct qualification to the group stages to 26 clubs, meanwhile.
# opportunities
Impossible to replace 'world class players' but Schmidt excited to test Ireland's depth
Opportunity knocks for Andrew Porter, James Ryan and Chris Farrell against Wales on Saturday.
# Changes
Highly-rated Hume set for U20s debut as captain O'Brien moves to wing
Hooker Ronan Kelleher and scrum-half Jonny Stewart have returned to the starting XV.
# Changes
Porter to start for Ireland as Furlong and Henderson set to miss out
James Ryan is set to return to Ireland’s second row for the Six Nations clash with Wales.
# Changes
Still no room for McKinley as Conor O'Shea names Italy team to face France
There are three changes from the side that lost to Ireland.
# Team news
Dublin boss Pat Gilroy shakes things up for crucial Limerick clash
The Sky Blues side shows three changes from last time out.
