Sports Speak

"He was one of the best players in the world and the guy can't play at all now."

"He was one of the best players in the world and the guy can't play at all now."

- Gary Player on the current form of Nick Faldo, who has not had a tour win in two years.

"We must be ready for a big fight."

- French team manager Jo Maso before his team's game against Ireland today.

"Based on exceptional circumstances to be evaluated in the first instance by the competent international federations, there may be a provision for a modification of the two-year sanction."

- the IOC back away from taking a tough stance on drugs in sport.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • What’s making headlines in the rugby world? Listen to The Counter Ruck podcast with Nathan Johns

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered to your phone