RUGBY
Keith Earls has signed a new one-year central contract with the IRFU.
The 33-year old will remain with Munster until at least the end of next season.
Earls is Ireland’s second top try-scorer of all time, and the fourth player over 30 in the last week to gain a new central contract.
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Earls is joined in the Ireland squad this week by Jacob Stockdale.
Having missed the first three matches of this season’s Six Nations through injury, the Ulster back is included for Sunday’s game away to Scotland.
Meanwhile, Josh van der Flier must complete the return-to-play protocols this week.
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American-born Rufus McLean receives a first call-up to the Scotland squad for Sunday’s game at Murrayfield.
Exeter's Sam Skinner and Edinburgh's Nick Haining have also been recalled by head coach Gregor Townsend.
Zander Fagerson and Adam Hastings are both absent for the game at Murrayfield due to suspension, while Richie Gray has a head injury.
SOCCER
The Republic of Ireland squad will have two away trips inside a week later this month.
It’s been decided to swap their home and away friendly games with Qatar.
The 2022 World Cup hosts were placed in Ireland’s qualifying Group A for friendlies with each of the sides.
The gulf state will be based in the Hungarian city of Debrecen, meaning Stephen Kenny’s side must travel there for a game on March 30th.
Ireland’s campaign opens away to Serbia on March 24th, before Luxembourg visit Dublin three-days’ later.
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Fourth plays fifth in the Premier League this evening, with the battle for Champions League places intensifying.
Chelsea are unbeaten under new head coach Thomas Tuchel (pr: Tookle) ahead of Everton’s trip to Stamford Bridge.
Kick-off there is at 6.
While at 8, Leeds play host to European hopefuls, West Ham.
CYCLING
Sam Bennett has surrendered the leader’s yellow jersey after today’s second stage of the Paris-Nice.
He placed fifth in today’s sprint finish, but a lack of bonus points for the Waterford rider saw the race lead go to Michael Matthews
Cees Bol won today’s stage.
