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Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson

 Johnny Watterson is a sports writer with The Irish Times

Dan Lydiate in action during the Lions’ training session in Carton House yesterday. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho
Rested Dan Lydiate looks to outflank rivals in Lions battle of the backrow

Despite missing international season, Wales number six is a Warren Gatland favourite

Ronan O’Gara and Jonny Sexton will join forces in Paris with Racing Metro. Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan/Inpho
Girvan Dempsey believes Ronan O’Gra can kick on as coach with Racing Metro

Undoubted mental strength will make transition easier for former Ireland outhalf

Olympic gold Mndallist Katie Taylor, with Marino College Dublin pupils Jessica Kirwan and Abuduhl Alsfadi at the launch of the Sky Sports Living for Sport initiative. Photograph: David Maher/Sportsfile
Katie Taylor plans to fight professionally

Olympic gold medallist is hoping to fight in the World Boxing Series later this year

Leinster centre Fergus McFadden is taken off the pitch after sustaining a neck injury against Stade Francais. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images
O’Brien out for League final against Ulster

The Leinster and Ireland flanker will also miss the opening games of the Lions’ Tour

Rob Kearney is congratulated by team-mates Seán O’Brien (left) and Fergus McFadden after scoring a try against Stade Français in the Amlin Challenge Cup final last Friday. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
Rob Kearney looking for Amlin-Pro12 double

Ireland fullback hopes Leinster can complete what they failed to do last season

Paul Warwick: “You just don’t know what you are going to get on the night unfortunately” Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan
Paul Warwick knows his Stade Francais team are in the last-chance saloon against Leinster

Inconsistency has dogged the French side all season

D’Arcy has learned to tread more carefully

Centre does not want to be part of a team that plays great rugby but has nothing to show for it

Brian O’Driscoll: “I think the admiration I have for Joe . . . there’s part of me that thinks the capabilities he’s given sides he’s been involved with I wouldn’t want to miss out on that,” he says about the temptation of Ireland next season.
Brian O’Driscoll believes Leinster in good hands with Matt O’Connor

Centre also sees major positives in Joe Schmidt’s appointment as Ireland coach

Andrew Goodman: ‘I love the environment here, learning off some of the best players in the world.’
Goodman relishing the Leinster challenge

The Kiwi dropped everything to come to Dublin and play with the best side in Europe

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