Leicester go top at halfway point; It’s not the time for IRFU to be slashing salaries

Leicester City are top of the Premier League at the halfway point in their season following a 2-0 win over Chelsea last night. Wilfred Ndidi and James Maddison scored the goals to increase the pressure on Chelsea boss Frank Lampard. Earlier Michail Antonio snatched another victory for West Ham against West Brom, while Southampton were 2-0 winners in their FA Cup clash with Shrewsbury Town. Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has dismissed suggestions that Bruno Fernandes is tired and needs a break following his anonymous performance at Liverpool.

Gordon D'Arcy explains in his column this morning why now is not the time for the IRFU to be slashing the salaries of our most valuable products: "Let's not forget that players sell tickets, and success sells sponsorship. Remove this almost unbearable uncertainty in the short term and watch them reward you long term." Munster head coach Johann Van Graan says he is preparing his team for the challenge of Leinster's 'pressurised game' on Saturday at Thomond Park.

Seán Moran believes the GAA should be open to improvisation on their club and county seasons as the Covid situation develops: "Originally the 'county first' split season made sense but the longer the return to play is delayed, the more its rationale is weakened . . . "

Meanwhile Annika Sorenstam has defended her right to receive the presidential medal of freedom from Donald Trump in a ceremony held a day after the riotous mobs invaded the US Capitol. The JP McManus Pro-Am tournament, scheduled to take place at Adare Manor resort in Co Limerick on July 5-6th, has been deferred for a year.