The Morning Sports Briefing

Leinster v Ulster

Tonight Leinster take on Ulster at the RDS with both sides looking to bounce back from last weekend’s European disappointment.

It has been a long week of build-up for this inter-provincial clash and the stakes are high - but perhaps more so for Leo Cullen’s side than the visitors.

In his pre-match preview Gerry Thornley writes: "Though Leinster stand one place above Ulster in fourth, their need is arguably the greater.

“Not alone are they at home but after those two European Cup defeats, this is the third game in a daunting mid-season schedule, to be followed by the Pro12 champions Glasgow away, Toulon back to back, the Munster and Connacht derbies, Ospreys away and then the concluding Euro pool games against Bath and Wasps.”

Rob Kearney returns at fullback for Leinster and he has spoken of a tense atmosphere in training this week following the 19-16 loss to Bath, he said: “We’ve lost two weeks in a row so we came in on Monday and it wasn’t a particularly nice place to be, people are pissed off with each other.

Liam Toland: Leinster need fine-tuning

Meanwhile in his column Liam Toland suggests while Leinster have endured a sluggish start to the season only a bit of fine tuning is needed to turn the tide in their favour, and believes the selection of livewire Ian Madigan at 12 could help ignite Johnny Sexton's season.

There has been speculation over Madigan's Leinster future this week with his contract running out at the end of the season and with Bristol and Bath both reportedly interested in acquiring his services, however Cullen has said the 26-year-old's versatility is a blessing rather than a curse and allows him more playing time.

Katie Taylor set to make more history

European, World and Olympic champions Katie Taylor is set to fight for an Irish title for the first time in her career when she steps into the ring with Shauna O'Keefe vying for the vacant lightweight belt.

Taylor has never had to compete in previous years, having always received walkovers due to a lack of competition.

Ireland blown away by Spain

Elsewhere Ireland women's hopes of reaching Euro 2017 took a blow yesterday as they were comprehensively outplayed by a classy Spain side in Tallaght, Sue Ronan's side losing 3-0.

Farrell denies GPA supporting players over managers

CEO of the GPA Dessie Farrell has denied the association are driving an agenda in relation to player discontent with inter-country management, in the wake of high-profile revolts involving the Mayo footballers and Galway hurlers.

He said: “We don’t operate on the basis of rabble rousing. We operate on the basis that we try to bring some sort of resolution and support our players in thinking clearly about this and advising and guiding them on the best way forward.”

Europa League

Liverpool are through to the knockout stages of the Europa League after they snuck past Bordeaux at Anfield 2-1 thanks to a Christian Benteke goal. It was a bad night for Celtic however as an Ajax goal at the death saw them beaten 2-1 at Parkhead and sent them crashing out of the competition.

Tottenham Hotspur are also through to the knockouts after a Harry Kane header gave them a 1-0 win over Qarabag in Azerbaijan.

Dunne struggles in South Africa

Paul Dunne looks set to miss the cut on his full European Tour debut after a poor second day in the Alfred Dunhill Championship. The Greystones golfer shot an opening round 73 and has struggles again today - he is three over for his round after 13 holes, leaving him four over par for the tournament.

What to watch out for:

Rugby

Leinster take on Ulster in their inter-provincial Pro 12 clash at the RDS (TG4, BBC2, 7.35pm ko)

Golf

The second round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship resumes (SS4 8.30am-12.30pm)

Cricket

England take on Pakistan in the second T20 international after yesterday’s victory (SS2, 3.30pm)