Ireland release 13 players from training squad to play in PRO14
Ireland have retained a 23-man squad for a two-day training camp and released 13 players to play for their provinces in the Guinness Pro14.
Andy Farrell's side picked up their first win of this year's Guinness Six Nations by beating Italy 48-10 on Saturday but do not return to action until facing Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday, March 14. The four players who suffered knocks in Rome – Jordan Larmour (hip), Tadgh Furlong (ankle), Dave Kilcoyne (head) and
Ronan Kelleher (ankle) – will remain with the national team to undergo further assessment. Farrell's men are scheduled to train on Thursday and Friday in Dublin, according to the update from the Irish Rugby Football Union.
There are two Irish derbies in the Pro14 this weekend, with Munster hosting Connacht on Friday evening at Thomond Park, before Leinster take on Ulster the following day in Belfast.
After playing Scotland in Edinburgh, Ireland complete their Six Nations campaign at hometoenglandonmarch20.
Tottenham's Gareth Bale insists he has not listened to his critics as he looks to be back to his best.
The 31-year-old put in the most devastating display of the season by scoring two goals and notching an assist in Sunday’s 4-0 victory over Burnley.
Bale's resurgence has been a long time coming as the first five months of his Spurs homecoming were dogged by fitness issues and large amounts of time on the bench. However, during that difficult time Bale ignored the people who suggested he is past his best and has been enjoying his time at a club where he feels loved.
“It's understandable, it's been a while so I just continue to work hard,” he said.
“I know you get criticism but I am experienced enough to keep my head down, not say anything stupid and keep plugging away.
“I’ve been happy all season. In the dressing room I feel comfortable and I'm having fun. I'm happy and I'm sure
it's showing on the pitch.
“The most important thing is we knew we've not been on a great run and it was important to get back to winning ways.”
Bale was part of a scintillating front three along with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, all contributing either goals or assists in the romp over the Clarets.
Spurs will not have too many problems getting their Premier League form back on track if those three keep firing, but the defence also improved, keeping a rare clean sheet.
Boss Jose Mourinho was pleased with the back line, but said it was a team effort.
“I think the team played well defensively, it was a good compromise from the team,” he said.
“The defensive line cannot playashighaswedidifthe midfield and attacking players do not press, especially the player with the ball.
“It was a collective performance, very positive collective performance with loads of effort.
“Even minute 92, 93 two corners, the team defended like it was 1-0 and not 4-0 and this compromise is fundamentally what the team needs.
“Then Davinson Sanchez played a very good game, very dominant, fresh, didn't play the last match and he was very good.”
Jordan Jones says he is willing to wait to prove his worth to Sunderland after finding match-fitness and the scoresheet since his loan move from Rangers.
The winger has also had to contend with the improving form of former Celtic winger Aiden Mcgeady which has kept him out of the Black Cats’ side – but Jones says “there's no sign of me spitting my dummy”afterhittingastunnerinthe 2-2drawwithcrewealexandra.
Joneshasmadesevenappearances for Lee Johnson’s side afterhisjanuaryloanmove,but five have come from the bench and he was one of two scoring substitutes who pulled back a two-goal deficit for a point at on Saturday.
Now he is willing to wait it out with Mcgeady in "topclass”form–butthe26-year-old is ready to show what he can do when needed. "It is hard to go outeveryweekandbetopclass. Mcgeady is the one in front of me and he has been top class. I justneedtobereadytobecalled upon and hopefully I can show what I can do,” he said.
Sunderland sit fifth, ten points off Skybet League One leaders Peterborough United.
He added: “The team has been flying - there's no sign of me spitting my dummy out because I'm not playing or anything like that. Mcgeady has been top class and he's linking up well, so I understand I have to wait for my chance. I got my chance [at Crewe] and I feel like I've come on and done well.”
The Northern Irishman has two more years on his Ibrox deal, but has not featured for Rangers since October after being sidelined with quarantine and a seven-game suspension for breaching COVID protocols in November.