The Morning Sports Briefing

Big-guns likely to be back for Bath

Leinster's starting XV for Saturday's crucial European Champions Cup quarter-final against Bath at the Aviva Stadium is starting to take shape.

The big guns are well and truly back in the saddle for Matt O’Connor’s side with Mike Ross, Cian Healy, Jordi Murphy, Jamie Heaslip and Sean O’Brien all set to make up a formidable pack as the province look to keep their faltering season alive.

However Bath's 34-time capped South African flanker Francois Louw has issued a warning to Leinster that it will be far from easy for the three-time champions of Europe on Saturday.

Bath were thumped 52-27 at Lansdowne Road in 2011 but the Springbok spoiler believes that result will have absolutely no relevance when they visit Dublin this time round, pointing to a completely revamped and new-look squad, full of young attacking talents such as George Ford, Anthony Watson and Jonathan Joseph.

Muliaina to leave Connacht

After an injury-plagued season on which he has only made 10 appearances Connacht have announced All Black centurion Mils Muliaina will leave the West at the end of the season to join struggling Italian outfit Zebre.

However despite a lack of influence on the pitch coach Pat Lam has said Muliaina’s role as a mentor to the side’s younger players has made him well worth his hefty contract.

Muliaina is fit to play in Connacht's European Challenge Cup quarter-final against Gloucester on Friday, with veteran John Muldoon determined to atone for his side's heartbreaking defeat at Kingsholm three seasons ago.

Fahey full-time at Chelsea

Republic of Ireland international Niamh Fahey, who helped Galway to an All-Ireland women's title at the age of 16, spoke to Emmet Malone about her move from Arsenal to Chelsea, where she can fulfil her ambition of playing football full time.

Elsewhere the English FA are concerned about England supporters singing anti-IRA songs when they visit Dublin in June for the first time since the infamous riots of 1995 after the chants resurfaced during Tuesday night's 1-1 draw with Italy in Turin.

Harrington excited for Augusta return

With the US Masters edging ever closer three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington is relishing a return to the famous Augusta after missing out on qualification in 2014. The 43-year-old secured a shot at a maiden Green Jacket after victory in the Honda Classic last month.

Cavan pushing for promotion

Cavan manager Terry Hyland has been unapologetic about his side's defensive tactics which have put them on the cusp of a return to Division One football despite only scoring one goal in the current league campaign.

Meanwhile Kildare hurling manager Brian Lawlor has criticised the arrangement of deciding promotion with play-offs in the lower rungs of the Allianz Hurling League.

Tonight Dublin face Kildare in the Leinster under 21s football final, while Donegal and Tyrone will face each other in the Ulster final after they beat Monaghan and Armagh in their respective semi finals last night.

Wounded Warrior to carry top weight

Noel Meade's Wounded Warrior, who came third behind Don Poli in the RSA chase at Cheltenham, is set to carry top weight for the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.

What to watch out for:

Snooker

Eurosport 2, 7.30am-10.30am, 12.30pm-3.30pm, Beijing China Open

Golf

Sky Sports 4, 5pm-8pm, 11pm-2am, California LPGA: ANA Inspiration

Sky Sports 4, 8pm-11pm, Texas Houston Open

Tennis

BT Sport 2, 6pm-8pm, 2am-4am, WTA Miami Open

Sky Sports 3, 8pm-10pm, midnight-2am, ATP Miami Open

Darts

Sky Sports 1, 7pm-10.30pm. Manchester Premier League