Rugby: Six Nations build up

Cian Healy wants to start for Ireland against England this weekend, it's been too long for him to remember since he played a full game of rugby due to injury, but he feels in great shape and as strong as ever. He says the Irish forwards have been working on old and new scrum techniques to be ready for the obvious challenge England will present in that area.

No doubt Joe Schmidt has plenty of selection headaches ahead of the game, particularly in the forward line. Forward's coach Simon Easterby says Healy has recovered far quicker than anyone could have expected, while the management team have been very pleased with Jack McGrath's form; "Whoever starts will give you a certain level and someone coming on won't drop that either."

Meanwhile Mike Ross looks set to retain his place at tighthead whilst Jordi Murphy is in line for the number eight jersey with Tommy O’Donnell coming on to the bench.

Yesterday Alan Quinlan said to call England hooker Dylan Hartley a thug would be foolish, the man who has accumulated 40 weeks of suspensions off six incidents since 2007 has now said himself that certain things have obviously not worked out for him, but he's learnt from them. Harltey says he's not an enforcer, he likes to work hard and concentrate on his set-piece which is the reason he feels he remains in Stuart Lancaster's plans.

In The Irish Star today England’s World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson says that Ireland’s Robbie Henshaw reminds him of a young Matt Giteau, and has all the attributes to be a world class inside centre.

GAA: Concussion rule

For years GAA players with suspected concussion were encouraged to stay on the field by their managers, rather than be taken off and so eat into the number of permitted substitutions. That's according to ex-referee John Devlin who is behind the proposed motion 13 which will allow a blood-sub type allowance for players with suspected concussion.

As a former referee himself the Tyrone native says that other referees need not worry despite fears the rule change would increase their workload or be open to abuse.

Last night in the Leinster Under 21 championship there were impressive wins for both Longford and Laois. while Louth survived a comeback scare against Carlow.

The Irish Independent are reporting today that Wexford Park is the latest GAA grounds to have had it’s naming rights sold - Innovate Wexford Park it shall now be known as. The technology company has strong links with the county and has agreed a four year deal which makes Wexford the fifth county to have sold their naming rights.

Cricket: Ireland’s hero

George Dockrell was the hero as Ireland secured back-to-back World Cup victories yesterday by edging the UAE by two wickets. With Ireland still needing 12 runs from 15 balls the youngster was introduced to the middle and he didn't disappoint; 'Hitting the winning runs against UAE was a great moment. There's no better feeling than winning a game for your country.'

Soccer: More misery for Arsenal

Arsenal last night suffered a devastating 3-1 home defeat against Monaco to leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's late goal was a mere consolation as former Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov was one of the three scorers for the French side.

Meanwhile Dave Hannigan has written a very interesting piece on former NBA player Michael Jordan, who all these years after retiring can't quite shake that competitive streak for a quiet game of golf.

Apparently he’s thinking of building a private golf course because he’s fed up playing at a club where members won’t let him play through (he reputedly plays 18 holes at the speed most people play 9) and traditionally likes to play 36 in a day.

What to watch out for:

There'll be Irish team news breaking from Carton House today as we edge closer to the weekend's big match.

The main action tonight is in the Europa League where Liverpool , Everton and Celtic are all in action.

Liverpool are looking to book their place in the competition's last 16 where a draw away to Besiktas will be enough to see them through after their first-leg win last week.

TV3 from 5.50pm

Meanwhile having played out a pulsating 3-3 draw in the first leg in Celtic Park, Celtic and Inter Milan will go at it again in the San Siro.

BT Sport 1 from 5.50pm