Rugby
The IRFU have seemingly, albeit informally, begun the process of securing Connacht centre Bundee Aki on a long-term national contract.
Irish rugby head coach Joe Schmidt met with the swashbuckling Kiwi centre last week - his current deal ends in July 2017. He qualifies to play for Ireland, via the three-year residency rule, in October 2017. Although a number of English and French clubs are circling with lucrative offers potentially enticing the Pro12 player of the season away from Connacht.
Soccer
Meanwhile Republic of Ireland soccer manager Martin O'Neill has described the joke he made in front of a large audience at the Cork Opera House last Wednesday night about not wanting people to think that he and Roy Keane are "queers" as "crass" and "inappropriate," and apologised at some length for what he said on the night.
Last night his team's Group E opponents Italy looked strong in a 2-0 warm-up win over Finland - Lazio midfielder Antonio Candreva and veteran Daniele De Rossi among the goals.
Incoming Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will appear in court after former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro rejected the London club's £1.2 million offer to settle. Mourinho is accused of sexually discriminating against the doctor - brandishing her "daughter of a whore" in Portuguese when she ran on to the pitch during a Premier League match to treat an injured player last year, an employment tribunal has heard.
GAA
In Jim McGuinness' column this morning he provides the blue print for beating Dublin - still unbeaten in Championship football since his own Donegal upset the odds two summers ago.
“It seems to me that any team with designs on beating Dublin will have to play three up front and that two of those attacking players should carry a significant threat in the air.
“Dublin won the All-Ireland last year on the back of the sweeper system and so they are going to be emotionally attached to that game plan.”
The GAA's central competitions control committee meets at midday in order to finalise details of the first-round draw in the football qualifiers but it is also expected to accept the referee's report on the Christy Ring Cup final between Antrim and Meath - and decide when to arrange the replay.
Golf
Paul O'Hanlon held off a late charge from Gerard Dunne to claim the East of Ireland amateur championship yesterday.
What to watch out for
Ireland Under-20s play Wales in the Rugby World Cup in Manchester at 5.30pm.
TG4 from 3.08pm
Keep an eye out on that qualifier draw - the first of the 2016 championship season - live on Morning Ireland this morning.
