Monday Afternoon: Jonathan Sexton & Tadhg Furlong Remain In Contention For Leinster’s Heineken Champions Cup Meeting With Gloucester

Sunday’s postponed meeting at Punchestown has been rearranged for next Monday, December 19th

RUGBY

Both Jonathan Sexton and Tadhg Furlong remain in contention for Leinster’s Heineken Champions Cup meeting with Gloucester.

Both players have increased their training loads this week as they look to recover from respective calf and ankle injuries.

Final calls on Sexton and Furlong will be made closer to Friday’s game at the RDS.


SOCCER

Bohemians have confirmed the departure of defender Ciaran Kelly.

The 24-year old has been signed by Mark Hughes at English League Two side, Bradford City.

Bohs have also confirmed that Connor Levingston, James Finnerty, Tadhg Ryan and Junior are all among those leaving the club.

The 2023 season will begin for Bohemians with a trip to newly-promoted, Cork City on February 17th.

Shamrock Rovers will begin the defence of their title away to Sligo Rovers the following evening.

The opening night will see FAI Cup-winners Derry City host St. Pat’s, Dundalk will be at home to UCD, and Shelbourne will play Drogheda United.

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In the First Division, Kerry FC’s first ever league game will be against Cobh Ramblers.

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Shamrock Rovers’ return to the Women’s National League will be marked by a journey to Sligo Rovers.

Champions Shelbourne will be at home to Cork City, while Peamount United go to Athlone Town.

Elsewhere, Galway United will play Wexford Youths and Treaty United are set to face Bohemians.

All five opening round matches will take place on Saturday, March 4th.


SNOOKER

Last year's Masters champion Yan Bingtao has been suspended from the World Snooker Tour while allegations of match-fixing against him are investigated.

He's banned from all WPBSA events with immediate effect over claims he manipulated matches for betting purposes.

Yan- who has the right to appeal - is the sixth Chinese player being looked into.

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Ken Doherty will be in English Open first round action tonight, taking on world number-34 Jamie Jones.

In the qualifiers, Mark Allen is slated to face Mitchell Mann.

But Gerard Greene lost his qualifier 4-nil to John Higgins.


HOCKEY

The Irish women's team have given their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals at the Nations Cup a major boost.

Goals from Naomi Carroll and Katie Mullan helped Sean Dancer's side to a 2-1 win over Italy.

Ireland - who lost to Spain yesterday - play Korea in their final Pool A match on Wednesday.

RACING

Sunday’s postponed meeting at Punchestown has been rearranged for next Monday, December 19th.

The card will still include the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Steeplechase.

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Today’s meeting at Dundalk was abandoned after just one race due to poor visibility.