The Morning Sports Briefing

Rugby: Pat Lam to revolution in the west

Things have been going pretty well for Connacht rugby of late, so much so that head coach Pat Lam was on Wednesday handed a three-year extension to his current deal with the province.

Johnny Watterson spoke to him about how "he has used natural resources, uncovered gems, added Samoan mojo, and with it changed the dimensions of Connacht rugby's ambition."

Meanwhile JJ Hanrahan has unsurprisingly cited a lack of game time at outhalf as the reason behind his end-of-season move to Northampton Saints, although he has hinted at a future u-turn.

The Irish Under 20 team which will play in Dublin for the first time in ten years has been announced ahead of the Six Nations campaign - there's very few Munster lads involved but nonetheless plenty of experience in the 30-man squad. Eight players have Six Nations experience behind them already.

Soccer: League Cup antics

On Wednesday night Tottenham had a decent result in their League Cup semi-final first leg against Sheffield United at White Harte Lane, winning 1-0 thanks to an Andros Townsend goal, nonetheless it’s news from the day previous’ semi final which has dominated the sports’ pages this morning.

In Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Chelsea it's emerged that Jordan Henderson and Chelsea's Diego Costa very nearly came to blows in a heated post-match encounter in the Anfield tunnel. Staff are said to have had to intervene in the incident.

Despite a dismal season under David Moyes and a stuttering start to life under Louis Van Gaal, combined with a litany of big money transfers in 2014, Manchester United are now the second richest club in the world according to the Deloitte Money League. Nonetheless the Daily Mail report this morning that the money hasn't prevented a "rodent infestation" from materialising at Old Trafford.

Wonderkid seals the deal

Meanwhile the Spanish media are reporting that Real Madrid have signed apparent Norwegian wonderkid Martin Odegaard from Stromsgodset, €3 million the said price for the 16-year-old.

Whilst in The Guardian this morning there is an interesting piece on the journey of Cambridge United, facing relegation from the conference league little over three years ago, but now eyeing up a mouthwatering tie with Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round.

GAA: Dotsy’s club woes

Areas in west Dublin "are fast becoming a hurling wasteland" according to star forward David 'Dotsy' O'Callaghan who has himself been forced to transfer to Ballyboden St Endas as his own club's hurling ambitions falter.

Dublin and Kilmacud Crokes footballer Cian O'Sullivan has revealed the agony he endured during and particularly after last summer's championship campaign, the source of such being an ongoing hip concern which he says has become an increasing concern for intercounty players nationwide.

In Wednesday night's McKenna Cup semi finals Tyrone overcame Armagh's challenge as Cavan edged Fermanagh.

Golf: Drink problems but no drug problems for American golfer

Dustin Johnson has admitted to "drinking to excess" but insists that he does not have a drug problem.

The 30-year-old American is currently on a voluntary leave of absence from the PGA Tour.

While in Tennis, Rafael Nadal is through to the second round of the Australian Open after defeating illness and world No 112 Tim Smyczek in a five-set-thriller.