RUGBY
Ireland attack coach Mike Catt says the squad are COVID-free, despite an outbreak in the France camp.
Since their victory in Dublin, nine of the French matchday 23 have tested positive for coronavirus.
Six Nations organisers say a decision regarding their game with Scotland will be made on Wednesday.
Ireland are also free of new injuries ahead of Saturday’s trip to Italy.
And Catt says they’re working hard to rectify their bluntness in attack
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Crowds of up to ten-thousand could be allowed inside UK stadiums by May 17th.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the step as part of their roadmap out of lockdown.
The FA Cup final falls on May 15th, but could be used as a test event.
It means the final round of Premier League matches, golf’s Open Championship and Wimbledon will all likely have fans present.
SOCCER
Shane Duffy is the latest Republic of Ireland international to share sectarian abuse to which they’ve been subjected.
The on-loan Celtc defender said “surely there’s a limit” as he revealed the messages sent to him on Instagram.
Last week, James McClean revealed the extent to which he’s been abused on social media.
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Vera Pauw believes there’s still plenty of the potential in the Republic of Ireland squad.
The Dutchwoman has signed a contract extension to guide the side through the 2023 World Cup qualification campaign.
Pauw was originally appointed in 2019, and saw Ireland miss out on a playoff spot for the Euros.
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Derry City have signed English midfielder Will Patching on loan from Dundalk.
While the Lilywhites themselves have snapped up American midfielder Taner Dogan.
And Republic of Ireland under-19 midfielder Adam O’Reilly has joined Waterford on-loan from Preston.
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There’s one game in the Premier League tonight, with Brighton playing host to rivals Crystal Palace.
Kick-off at the Am-Ex is at 8.
RACING
Champion Hurdle contender Saint Roi has been withdrawn from next month’s Cheltenham Festival.
The 6-year old won last year’s County Hurdle at the festival, but placed fourth in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown earlier this month.
Trainer Willie Mullins said it was better not to risk Saint Roi at Cheltenham.
Jack Kennedy was central to the success of trainer Gordon Elliott at Navan on Sunday. Elliott saddled four winners at the meeting and Kennedy rode the big two, Coko Beach and Frontal Assault.
Both six-year-olds carry the colours of Gigginstown House Stud and Coko Beach was first into the winners’ enclosure as he added the Grade 2 Ten Up Novice Chase to his recent win in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park. The 5/4 favourite took advantage of a mistake at the final fence from Espanito Bello to win by four lengths.
Kennedy had to work a little harder for his success in the Grade 3 Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle. He got 4/1 shot Frontal Assault home by three-parts of a length from the Sam Curling-trained Angels Dawn and Elliott went on to enjoy winners with Fierami, a first success in the professional ranks for Jordan Gainsford, in the handicap hurdle and with Ginto, the runaway winner of the bumper under Jamie Codd.
