Sport

The Morning Sports Briefing

Spurs slip up to leave Leicester on the brink, Erasmus appointment spells change at Munster, Punchestown Festuval begins and McIlroy shows European solidarity

A dejected Harry Kane after Spurs drew with West Brom. Photograph: Reuters
A dejected Harry Kane after Spurs drew with West Brom. Photograph: Reuters
Tue Apr 26 2016 - 08:29

Spurs slip up against West Brom

Leicester City are one win away from the Premier League title after Tottenham Hotspur's valiant pursuit of the Foxes finally ran out of steam at White Hart Lane last night.

Needing three points to keep their own dream alive Mauricio Pochettino’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by West Bromwich Albion leaving them seven points off the top with three games to play and meaning the leaders can wrap it up when they play Manchester United on Sunday.

A fit again Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Manchester tonight as Real Madrid take on City in the Champions League semi-finals. It will be City’s first ever appearance in the competition’s last four.

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Erasmus to take over at Munster

Anthony Foley's spell in charge of Munster is effectively finished after the province announced yesterday Johan Erasmus is to take over as director of rugby from July 1st on a three-year deal.

Erasmus will also have a hands-on role, and will be in charge of first-team affairs, including selection.

Arguably the South African's main task will be to make Munster a dominant force in Europe again. In his column today Gerry Thornley suggests missing out on the Champions Cup would be a disaster for the province.

He writes: “One ventures that the damage to the organisation, both financially and psychologically, would be severe. Aside from confirming their status as the weakest link in Ireland, to be on the outside looking in as the other province competed would be the hardest of hard sells to a shrinking fan base.”

Punchestown Festival begins

The Punchestown Festival starts today and Willie Mullins looks set to dominate with Yorkhill and Vautour both short-priced favourites for two of the day's three Grade Ones. Meanwhile Rule The World is a7/1 to repeat his Grand National heroics in the Champion Novice Chase at 6.40.

McIlroy shows European solidarity

And Rory McIlroy has shown some European solidarity by deciding to play in the 100th Open de France instead of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, something he feels will offer the best preparation for The Open at Troon.

What to watch out for:

Racing

Day one of the Punchestown Festival (RTE 1 4-6pm, RTE 2 5.55-7pm)

Football

Real Madrid travel to play Manchester City (TV3, BT Sport Europe, 7.45pm)