The Morning Sports Briefing

Probable Ireland team for Italy

Ireland's Six Nations opener against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico is days away and Gerry Thornley has picked Joe Schmidt's probable starting line up, with Jordi Murphy and Ian Keatley looking likely to make their first full Championship starts.

With Jamie Heaslip unable to take full part in training and set to miss his first Six Nations game since Italy away four years ago, Leinster’s Murphy will take his place at number eight while Sean O’Brien has done enough to convince Irish management he is ready to make his full international return.

With Johnny Sexton still a week away from a full recovery Ian Keatley could be given the number 10 jersey ahead of Ian Madigan so he can link up with provincial halfback partner Conor Murray.

Lack of respect for refs

With the sheer intensity of the game and the number of players who are proficient in the dark arts, refereeing an international rugby game looks like a thankless and stressful task. Ahead of the Six Nations John O'Sullivan looks at the areas of the game which will be rigorously policed in the tournament and the five men in charge of the whistle for Ireland's fixture.

Tierney ready to lead Ireland women

Gavin Cummmiskey spoke to Tom Tierney about juggling his positions as head coach of Glenstal Abbey, Cork Constitution and Ireland women.

Friday night lights

Ireland are to get their first taste of Friday night rugby after the fixtures for the 2016 and 2017 Six Nations were released, with a game against Wales under the Millenium Stadium lights lined up for 2017.

Case closed

What was pitched as the start of a long and messy legal battle came to an end in 37 seconds yesterday as the world's best golfer Rory McIlroy came to an agreement with his former management team Horizon Sports.

The agreement leaves Horizon able to continue as a business, while Rory can now concentrate on his golf and completing the grand slam at Augusta.

McDowell starts well

In the Maybank Malaysian Open Graeme McDowell has made a strong start after a six under par round of 66 left him tied for the lead with defending champion Lee Westwood, while Paul McGinley sits three shots further back in a tie for seventh.

Liverpool edge past 10-men Bolton

Liverpool will play Crystal Palace in the fifth round of the FA Cup after they came from behind to beat 10-man Bolton Wanderers 2-1 last night, with Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho's late strikes turning the tie following Neil Danns' red card.

O’Sullivan counts League of Ireland cost

Limerick FC owner Pat O'Sullivan has announced scale backed spending at the League of Ireland club and this is another example of the sheer cost of keeping a senior football club competitive, writes Emmet Malone.

GAA 2014 accounts revealed

The GAA's financial report for 2014 has been released and the association finds itself defending an apparent bias in funding towards Dublin, with figures showing they received €1.46 million for games development, more than the other 31 countries combined.

Meanwhile Dublin hurling manager Ger Cunningham has expressed his disappointment at coach Tommy Dunne's decision to step down from his post.

Ring in Rio awaits

Elsewhere, Irish boxers Joe Ward and David Oliver Joyce are both two fights away from qualifying for Rio 2016, needing to finish in the top two of the AIBA Pro Boxing competition to secure their place at the games 18 months in advance.

Faugheen set for Gowran Park

Willie Mullins has suggested Cheltenham Champion Hurdle favourite Faugheen could take part in the Red Mills trial hurdle at Gowran Park a week on Saturday.

What to watch out for:

Golf

Malaysian Open, Sky Sports 4, 5am-10pm

Farmers Insurance Open, Tiger Woods continues his return from injury, Sky Sports 4, 8pm-Midnight

Rugby League

Super League returns, Widnes Vikings v Wigan, Sky Sports 2, 7pm onwards