CYCLING
Sam Bennett’s become the first Irish rider in 31-years to claim the green jersey on the Tour de France.
The Quick-Step rider finished third on today’s fifth stage, but now leads the sprinters’ points race.
Wout van Aert took the stage win, but Adam Yates is the new man in yellow.
Bennett’s the first Irishman since Sean Kelly in 1989 to wear the green jersey.
SOCCER
Manchester United have completed the signing of Ajax (pr: Eye-Ax) midfielder Donny van de Beek (pr: Bake).
The 23-year old has cost a fee of 44-million euro.
Van de Beek’s signed a four-year contract at Old Trafford with the option of a third.
===
New Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny says he’s not dwelling on the personal significance of tomorrow’s game with Bulgaria.
The squad trained in Sofia today ahead of their Nations League opener.
Rather focusing on what it means to him, the former Dundalk boss is concentrated on three-points.
Meanwhile, Ireland defender Shane Duffy today completed a one-year loan move from Brighton to Celtic.
RUGBY
Connacht will face a tough draw in next season’s Heineken Champions Cup.
It’s been confirmed they’ll be among the fourth seeds in the pool stage.
The tournament has been expanded to 24-teams for next season.
The quarter finals will be over two legs, with the decider to be staged in Marseille next May.
RACING
Longines Irish Champions Weekend will take place behind closed doors on Saturday and Sunday week at Leopardstown and the Curragh.
Some of the best flat horses in the world will take each other on in some of the most competitive racing in the international flat racing calendar.
Donnacha O’Brien spoke to Dave Keena about the meeting and he first explained how important the meeting is for Ireland
TENNIS
Novak Djokovic is in second round action at the US Open later, facing Kyle Edmund.
2018 women’s champion Naomi Osaka plays the world number 74 Camila Giorgi (pr: Jor-jee). While top seek Karolina Pliskova faces Caroline (pr: Caro-leen) Garica of France.