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Cricket World Cup – Ireland’s fixtures, squad and preview

On the eve of the Ireland Women cricket team’s departure to South Africa for the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, captain Laura Delany opened up about what is driving her ambitions for this tournament and what the squad are expecting at their first involvement at a global tournament since 2018.

 

Ireland, who qualified for the tournament after coming through a tough qualifying tournament in Dubai last September, has been drawn in Group B where they will face England, India, Pakistan, and West Indies.

This will be the second T20 World Cup that Delany will captain the Irish side, having previously done so in 2018, and will be playing in her fourth T20 World Cup.

Speaking after training at North County Cricket Club,Delany said:

 

“We’re all eagerly awaiting that flight and looking forward to getting over there. By the time we face England in our first Group game we will have played four warm-up games in local conditions. This opportunity to acclimatise will be crucial as we are coming from the middle of our winter back at home. We have been preparing well in our indoor facilities and at the Sports Institute in Dublin and Belfast, but it will be a welcome opportunity to get out on grass in South African conditions.”

 

According  to Delany, narrowly missing out on the last T20 World Cup was a motivating factor:

 

“It hurt us the last time, not qualifying for the T20 World Cup in Australia. It was hard for us as a squad to watch those games, but the way that we’ve come back has shown what this team is all about – our character and we’re now relishing the opportunity of going over and playing against some of the best sides in the world.

“The World Cup is where every team wants to be in any sport, so we’re really looking forward to it. There should be a strong Irish support there all right, as I know there are some families going out to South Africa to support us, which is brilliant. It’s nice to have support when you’re away from home, particularly at a World Cup.”

 

How has the team progressed in the lead-up to the tournament:

 

“We have quite a young squad [average age 24], but a squad that has certainly grown in confidence and character over the last few years. Nothing exemplifies this more than our tour to Pakistan late last year when we lost the ODI series, but bounced back to claim the T20I series at the end of a tough tour.

 

“I thought we had a really good summer. We had series wins against Holland and Scotland and then we had a really good performance against South Africa, winning one of the T20s at the start of June. So from a team point of view, everything’s heading in the right direction. From an individual point of view, some of the girls have put in really good performances over the last 12 months and I’m excited for them to go and show the world what they can do at the next level.

 

“We have a number of players with a great deal of experience and a cohort of younger players who have come into the senior set-up in the last 18 months.

“In terms of our strengths, we have quite an adaptable squad that has the ability to change based on the opponent, the conditions, or the state of the match. In years gone by, we perhaps lacked depth but that’s changing – we have a good pool of players now to call upon. Compared to the bigger nations we may have a small pool overall, but entering tournament conditions, we believe we have a good squad, and we’re keen to perform on the world stage.”

 

 

What is expected from conditions in South Africa:

“We haven’t played in South Africa for a few years but spent some time in Zimbabwe last year. While not exactly the same conditions, the southern African pitches are very different to what we are used to back home. Bowling coach Nathan (Hauritz) and Ed (Joyce) have spoken to us a good bit about what we’re likely to expect, a quick outfield and good wickets.

 

“We expect more bounce and pitches that reward variation with the ball. That is why I welcome the preparation camp we are going to prior to the start of the tournament. To have two games to acclimatise against good opponents in Bangladesh will be very welcome.”

 

 

Delany may be more than six years into her captaincy, but the role still makes her proud:

 

“I’m very honoured to be in the position that I’m in. To be able to impact and contribute to Irish cricket is something that I think every player in the team is very privileged to be in the spot to do. There’s a lot of players who missed out that would love to be heading off to South Africa with us – from a captaining point of view, it’s a challenge, but I love captaining this group. There’s so much potential, they’re super enthusiastic and keep me on my toes – and they keep pushing our senior players as well, which is brilliant. It’s a really competitive side at the moment.”

 

 

How does Delany compare the 2018 T20 World Cup squad with the 2023 squad?

 

“The makeup of this squad is very different. We had quite an experienced side back in 2018, who had played together for a number of years. Looking at the squad now, there’s definitely a mix of experienced players, but also a lot of players who have never played in a World Cup before. They’re incredibly enthusiastic, they’re eager to learn. It will be slightly different captaining in this World Cup, but I suppose every time you step out into the pitch it’s a new challenge. We’re just relishing the opportunity of going over there and playing in some very good stadiums, against some of the best sides in the world.”

 

 

First up is the world’s second-ranked side, England. How will the squad approach that challenge:

 

“It’s challenging playing against teams that you haven’t played against in years gone by. For a lot of the girls this will be the first time that they have ever play against England or India. In comparison, Pakistan and West Indies are two teams that we’ve played against recently enough, we know a lot about them. The way that we prepare for the likes of England and India is just watching as much video footage as possible, and then trying to put good plans in place and ultimately trying to execute them on the pitch.”

 

 

What’s has been Ed Joyce’s message to the squad ahead of the trip?

 

“Ed’s message has been quite consistent since he’s taken over. It’s to go out and play with freedom, to back yourself and to just enjoy being in the Irish jersey.”

 

 

What has been Delany’s favourite memory of playing in a World Cup?

 

“Probably leading Ireland out in our first game in the last T20 World Cup. Captaining that side was obviously a huge honour. A lot of experienced players that I’ve learned from and looked up to. So for me that was something that I was really proud of.

 

“My most memorable moment playing cricket for Ireland wasn’t actually at a World Cup, but at a qualifier. The final of the T20 World Cup Qualifier in 2015 against Bangladesh when it went down to the last ball, and we won by two wickets. I was fortunate to be out there with the bat when Lucy O’Reilly hit the winning runs. It was an incredible moment for the team!” 

 

 

THE ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP

 

The tournament website is: https://www.t20worldcup.com/

 

Ireland Women’s fixtures

 

The competition begins on Friday 10 February.

 

  • 13 February: Ireland Women v England Women – (Boland Park, Paarl; start 1pm Irish time)
  • 15 February: Ireland Women v Pakistan Women – (Newlands, Cape Town; start 5pm Irish time)
  • 17 February: Ireland Women v West Indies Women – (Newlands, Cape Town; start 5pm Irish time)
  • 20 February: Ireland Women v India Women – (St George’s Park, Gqeberha; start 1pm Irish time)

 

Should Ireland qualify for the semi-finals, they will play on either Thursday 23 or Friday 24 February, with the winner of those games facing each other in the final at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town on Sunday 26 February.

Head-to-head:

  • Ireland v England: the sides have played only one T20I in 2012 (England 1 win)
  • Ireland v Pakistan: the sides have played 18 T20Is (Pakistan 14 wins, Ireland 4 wins)
  • Ireland v West Indies: the sides have played 4 T20Is (West Indies 4 wins)
  • Ireland v India: the sides have played only one T20I in 2018 (India 1 win)

The Squad

 

  • Laura Delany (captain), Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Eimear Richardson, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron.

For all other team squads see: https://www.t20worldcup.com/news/3011913

 

Ireland Women’s recent T20I form

 

  • Ireland were 2-1 winners in their thrilling T20I series against Pakistan in Lahore in November 2022. Gaby Lewis top-scored with the bat with 140 runs for the series, while Arlene Kelly took 5 wickets. Orla Prendergast has also contributed handsomely with both bat and ball.
  • Eimear Richardson has been competing for Northern Districts in the Women’s Super-Smash in New Zealand over the winter, scoring 70 runs and taking two wickets so far in the competition.

Where to watch

 

Fans can watch the Ireland Women’s matches in Ireland / UK on Sky Sports.

How to follow the games

 

All Ireland Women’s games at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be livescored on www.t20worldcup.com , with regular updates available via Cricket Ireland’s Twitter,Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Free Admission for Racegoers to RED MILLS Day At Gowran Park

This year, RED MILLS DAY at Gowran Park Racecourse will be extra special as it marks the 115th anniversary of Connolly’s RED MILLS. As one of the most respected and well-known animal nutrition brands in the world it is fitting that this milestone will be celebrated at their local racecourse, where Joe Connolly has been Chairman for over 26 years.
Ticket registration will be open to the public from tomorrow, Friday 27th January at 9am, racegoers can visit www.gowranpark.ie and register for a maximum of two complimentary tickets per person, to the RED MILLS Raceday.
Tickets will be limited based on the racecourse capacity and issued on a first come, first served basis. Tickets must be pre-registered and e-tickets either downloaded or printed for access on the day. This will be a ticket only event, no tickets will be available on the gate.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Gowran Park and offer free admission to racegoers for the second year in a row,” said Gareth Connolly, CEO, Connolly’s RED MILLS. “RED MILLS Day is synonymous with great racing and great atmosphere, and we are proud to play a role in making it accessible to all.”
“At RED MILLS, we believe in giving back to the community and supporting the horse racing industry that has been such an important part of our success. Sponsoring free admission at Gowran Park Racecourse is a way for us to show our appreciation to our customers and racegoers. We are proud to continue this partnership and look forward to seeing even more people enjoying the thrill of live horse racing.”
“115 years in business is a significant milestone for RED MILLS, and it’s a testament to the values that have guided us throughout our history. From the very beginning, we have been committed to providing the highest quality performance nutrition products for horses, and we have always placed a strong emphasis on innovation and research. As we celebrate 115 years of business, we look forward to continuing to serve our customers for many years to come.”
There will also be complementary tea or coffee for the first 500 racegoers as well as live entertainment throughout the day, including live music from After Dark in the RED MILLS Champions Quarter. In addition, RED MILLS will also sponsor the stable staff canteen and the owners and trainers’ hospitality for those with runners on the day.
Eddie Scally, Manager Gowran Park; “RED MILLS DAY at Gowran Park Racecourse is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and for good reason. With top-quality racing and a fantastic atmosphere, it’s a day that truly showcases the best of the sport. We’re excited to host such a premier event and can’t wait for racegoers to experience the thrilling action on and off the track.”
The RED MILLS Store Country Style Event will take centre stage in the RED MILLS Style quarter showcasing the latest fashions from the RED MILLS Store including brands such as Welligogs, Fairfax & Favor and Fox London. There will be prizes worth over €2,500 for the most Stylish racegoer on the day.

CHELTENHAM NEWS: Declared runners for Festival Trials Day – Saturday 28th January

CHELTENHAM NEWS: DECLARED RUNNERS FOR FESTIVAL TRIALS DAY – SATURDAY 28TH JANUARY 

 

11:40am JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 179y  

1 Comfort Zone (IRE) 4 11 5 Mr John P. McManus Joseph Patrick O’Brien Ireland Jonjo O’Neill Jr.

2 Mombasa (FR) ts 4 11 5 Mr David Maxwell Philip Hobbs Mr David Maxwell

3 Scriptwriter (IRE) ts 4 11 5 Mark & Maria Adams Milton Harris Paddy Brennan

4 Active Duty (FR) 4 11 0 Mr T. P. Radford Ben Pauling Luca Morgan

5 Fils de Roi (FR) 4 11 0 The Yes No Wait Sorries Fergal O’Brien Jack Hogan

6 Jupiter du Gite (FR) h 4 11 0 Alan Jamieson Site Services Ltd Gary Moore Jamie Moore

7 Dixon Cove (GER) ts 4 10 12 John White & Anne Underhill Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden

8 Naeva (FR) h,ts 4 10 7 The Profile Partnership 2 Alexandra Dunn Adam Wedge

12:10pm Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase 2m 4f 127y 

1 Stage Star (IRE) 7 12 0 Owners Group 044 Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden

2 Fern Hill (IRE) 8 11 12 Cross Foran Harrison Ben Case Jack Quinlan

3 Unexpected Party (FR) ts 8 11 12 O’Reilly MacLennan Tynan Carthy Shanahan Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

4 Datsalrightgino (GER) 7 11 10 The GD Partnership Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan

5 Llandinabo Lad 8 11 3 Celia & Michael Baker Tom Symonds David Noonan

6 Any News (IRE) 8 11 3 Jane Nuala Cartwright Neil Mulholland Richie McLernon

7 Malinello ts 8 11 3 Martin & Lynn Jones Ben Pauling Luca Morgan

8 Panic Attack (IRE) bl,ts 7 11 2 Bryan Drew David Pipe Tom Scudamore

9 Iamastar (FR) ts, p 5 11 1 Mr David Maxwell Philip Hobbs Mr David Maxwell (3)

10 Dalamoi (IRE) 6 11 1 Mrs Nikki Ead Tim Vaughan Alan Johns

11 Fire Dancer (FR) 7 10 6 Mrs S. Ricci Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch

12:40pm Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase 3m 6f 37y

1 Delta Work (FR) ts 10 12 0 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott Ireland Mr Robert James (7)

2 Minella Times (IRE) ts 10 12 0 Mr John P. McManus Henry de Bromhead Ireland Jonjo O’Neill Jr.

3 Roi Mage (FR) ts 11 11 3 Pryde/Van Der Hoeven/McGladery/Beaumont Patrick Griffin Ireland Mr P. W. Mullins

4 Francky du Berlais (FR) ts 10 10 10 Mr Roddy Owen Peter Bowen James Bowen

5 Snow Leopardess 11 10 8 Andrew Fox-Pitt Charlie Longsdon Aidan Coleman

6 Foxy Jacks (IRE) p 9 10 8 Mr D. F. Desmond M. F. Morris Ireland Shane Fenelon (7)

7 Diesel d’Allier (FR) ts 10 10 8 The French Link Richard Bandey

8 Plan of Attack (IRE) bl 10 10 6 Mr A. Halsall Henry de Bromhead Ireland Darragh O’Keeffe

9 Back On The Lash 9 10 5 Maughan, Redknapp, Ryan, Salters Martin Keighley Sean Bowen

10 Mortal (IRE) ts, p 11 10 4 Mr A. Dunlop Gordon Elliott Ireland Sam Ewing

11 Singing Banjo (IRE) p 13 10 3 Mr J. P. Walsh Barry John Walsh Ireland Mr B. J. Walsh (7)

12 Deise Aba (IRE) p 10 10 3 Exors of the late Mr Trevor Hemmings Philip Hobbs Tom O’Brien

13 Easysland (FR) p 9 10 2 Mr John P. McManus Jonjo O’Neill Richie McLernon

14 Legends Ryde v,ts 8 10 2 AWTP Racing Partnership Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan

15 Crealion (FR) ts, p 7 10 2 S Nelson, T Keelan, H Polito, C Compton Tom George Charlie Deutsch

1:20pm Albert Bartlett Clarence House Chase (Grade 1) 2m 62y  

1 Amarillo Sky (IRE) ts 7 11 10 Mr J. P. Romans Joe Tizzard Brendan Powell

2 Editeur du Gite (FR) 9 11 10 The Preston Family, Friends & T Jacobs Gary Moore Niall Houlihan

3 Edwardstone 9 11 10 Robert Abrey & Ian Thurtle Alan King Tom Cannon

4 Energumene (FR) 9 11 10 Tony Bloom W. P. Mullins Ireland P. Townend

5 Funambule Sivola (FR) 8 11 10 My Racing Manager Friends Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch

6 Sizing Pottsie (FR) ts 9 11 10 Tracey, Alexander, Apiafi, Kuyt, Harman David Pipe Tom Scudamore

1:50pm Paddy Power Cheltenham Countdown Podcast Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 2m 4f 127y  

1 Brave Seasca (FR) 8 12 0 Brooks & Taylor Families Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch

2 Allmankind 7 11 9 The Gredley Family Dan Skelton Sean Quinlan

3 Coole Cody (IRE) 12 11 7 Mr W. Clifford Evan Williams Adam Wedge

4 Caribean Boy (FR) p 9 11 7 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Nicky Henderson James Bowen

5 Simply The Betts (IRE) p 10 11 5 Mr David Maxwell Paul Nicholls Mr David Maxwell (3)

6 Karl Philippe (FR) 8 11 3 C Coley, D Porter, H Redknapp, P Smith Fergal O’Brien Jack Hogan (5)

7 Fugitif (FR) ts 8 11 3 Mr Carl Hinchy & Dr Emad Hussain Richard Hobson Gavin Sheehan

8 Phoenix Way (IRE) ts 10 11 2 Mr John P. McManus Harry Fry Kevin Brogan

9 Silver Hallmark 9 11 0 Mr & Mrs William Rucker Fergal O’Brien Jonjo O’Neill Jr.

10 Il Ridoto (FR) ts, p 6 10 12 Giles, Hogarth, Mason & McGoff Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden

11 Spiritofthegames (IRE) bl 11 10 10 Mr N. W. Lake Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

12 Nocte Volatus ts 8 10 8 Lady Cobham and Dauntsey Park Tom Lacey Stan Sheppard

13 Your Darling (IRE) 8 10 6 Lord Vestey Ben Pauling Tom Cannon

14 One True King (IRE) p 8 10 4 RacehorseClub.com Nigel Twiston-Davies Mr James Turner (7)

15 Now Where Or When (IRE) ts, p 8 10 4 Mrs Margaret McCrudden S. R. B. Crawford Northern Ireland

16 Precious Eleanor (FR) 8 10 2 Mrs Christine Graves Henry Daly

17 Guy (IRE) p 8 10 2 W.G. & A.G. Vestey Nigel Twiston-Davies Jordan Nailor (3)

2:25pm Paddy Power Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) 3m 1f 56y  

1 Frodon (FR) ts 11 11 10 Mr P. J. Vogt Paul Nicholls Bryony Frost

2 Noble Yeats (IRE) 8 11 10 Mr Robert Waley-Cohen Emmet Mullins Ireland Sean Bowen

3 Protektorat (FR) ts 8 11 10 Sir A Ferguson G Mason J Hales & L Hales Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

4 Ahoy Senor (IRE) 8 11 7 Wymer & Russell Lucinda Russell Derek Fox

5 Dusart (IRE) 8 11 4 Mr R. A. Bartlett Nicky Henderson James Bowen

6 Sounds Russian (IRE) 8 11 4 Claxby & Co Ruth Jefferson Sean Quinlan

3:00pm Dahlbury Stallions At Chapel Stud Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 7f 213y  

1 Botox Has (FR) 7 11 8 John and Yvonne Stone Gary Moore Jamie Moore

2 Paisley Park (IRE) ts 11 11 8 Mr Andrew Gemmell Emma Lavelle Aidan Coleman

3 Gelino Bello (FR) 7 11 5 Mr and Mrs J. D. Cotton Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden

4 Dashel Drasher 10 11 2 Mrs B Tully and Mr R Lock Jeremy Scott Rex Dingle

5 Gold Tweet (FR) ts 6 11 2 AGV Karwin Stud Gabriel Leenders France Johnny Charron

6 Lord Accord (IRE) ts, p 8 11 2 Lynne & Angus Maclennan Neil Mulholland Richie McLernon

7 Molly Ollys Wishes ts 9 11 1 Mr Dean Pugh Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

3:35pm Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 4f 56y  

1 Henri The Second (FR) ts 6 11 10 Martin Broughton & Friends 7 Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden

2 Mofasa 7 11 8 Mrs Lynne Maclennan Michael Scudamore Luca Morgan

3 Blenkinsop 6 11 5 Mrs L Nixon Henry Daly

4 Can You Call ts 8 11 5 Mr & Mrs William Rucker Evan Williams Adam Wedge

5 Cruz Control (FR) 6 11 5 Mr F Green and Mr J Chinn Tom Lacey Stan Sheppard

6 Doctor Brown Bear (IRE) ts 5 11 5 Sean & Bernardine Mulryan Martin Brassil Ireland J. J. Slevin

7 Moka de Vassy (FR) 5 11 5 Tom Chadney and Friends Mrs Jane Williams David Noonan

8 Pembroke 6 11 5 Jon and Julia Aisbitt Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

9 Rock My Way (IRE) 5 11 5 Syd Hosie Syd Hosie Tom Scudamore

10 War Soldier (IRE) 6 11 5 J.Townson, M.Roche, P.Thompson Sandy Thomson Ryan Mania

11 Way Out (IRE) 6 11 5 Syd Hosie Syd Hosie Tom Cannon

12 Bonttay (IRE) 6 10 12 Mr C. B Brookes & Fergal O’Brien Fergal O’Brien Paddy Brennan

4:10pm SSS Super Alloys Handicap Hurdle 2m 179y  

1 Jason The Militant (IRE) ts 9 12 0 Mr G. Nicholson Philip Kirby Joe Williamson (5)

2 Camprond (FR) 7 11 7 Mr John P. McManus Philip Hobbs Aidan Coleman

3 Might I (IRE) 7 11 2 Brian & Sandy Lambert Harry Fry Lorcan Murtagh (3)

4 Martator (FR) 6 10 12 Camilla Norton Venetia Williams Charlie Deutsch

5 Nells Son p 8 10 11 Langdale Bloodstock Nicky Richards Sean Quinlan

6 Hacker des Places (FR) 6 10 11 Owners Group 068 Paul Nicholls Angus Cheleda (5)

7 Barrichello 7 10 6 Owners Group 066 Donald McCain Peter Kavanagh (5)

8 Front View (FR) 8 10 6 Mr John P. McManus Jonjo O’Neill Richie McLernon

9 Takeit Easy 8 10 4 Pam’s People Pam Sly Alan Johns

10 Pikar (FR) 6 10 3 Yorton Racing Dan Skelton Harry Skelton

11 Punctuation ts 6 10 3 Mr Grant Leon Fergal O’Brien Paddy Brennan

12 Hystery Bere (FR) 6 10 2 Lady Gibbings Tom Symonds Jordan Nailor (3)

13 Fautinette (FR) h 5 10 2 DFA Racing (Anderson & Edwards) Venetia Williams Miss Lucy Turner (5)

14 Malakahna (FR) ts, p 5 10 2 Macable Partnership Ian Williams Charlie Todd

15 Long Stay ts 8 10 2 Mr Raymond Treacy Fergal O’Brien Jack Hogan (5)

16 Castel Gandolfo (IRE) bl,ts 6 10 2 Mr Nic Brereton Fergal O’Brien Mr Tom Broughton (7)

Heineken Champions Cup – R16 fixture dates and kick off times

Heineken cup path to final 2023

Heineken Champions Cup – R16 fixture dates, kick off times and path to final.

Following a tension-packed, number-crunching conclusion to the pool stage, and as the road to the 2023 Dublin finals weekend becomes clearer, EPCR is pleased to announce the dates, venues, kick-off times and TV coverage of the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 matches.

The elite clubs which have qualified for this season’s knockout stage have 26 EPCR titles between them, and eight former Heineken Champions Cup winners are in contention to lift the trophy again. Included are all three South African representatives with the Cell C Sharks, the DHL Stormers and the Vodacom Bulls booking their places in the business end of the tournament in impressive style.

A compelling series of Round 4 matches wasn’t the only good news as there was also a 42% increase in Heineken Champions Cup pool stage attendances compared to last season with the average attendance per club returning to pre-Covid figures.

In addition, after an understandably modest start, the Round 3 and 4 attendances in South Africa improved dramatically, rising by 62% to an average of 16,100 per match.

TV audiences are also tuning in in greater numbers than ever. After Round 3, official data recorded a 65% uplift in broadcast audiences across the core markets of France, Ireland, South Africa and the UK. There was also a record TV audience for a pool stage match on France Télévisions when viewers peaked at 2.2 million for the Round 4 contest between Stade Toulousain and Munster Rugby.

Every minute of the eight winner-takes-all matches will be broadcast live by BT Sport, SuperSport and beIN SPORTS with the additional bonus of free-to-air coverage by RTE in Ireland for the showdown between Leinster Rugby and Ulster Rugby on Saturday 1 April, by ITV in the UK and Ireland when the Exeter Chiefs and Montpellier Hérault Rugby clash on Sunday 2 April, and by S4C in Wales for the Ospreys’ visit to Saracens later the same day.

France Télévisions will also be providing free-to-air coverage of the contests between holders, Stade Rochelais, and Gloucester Rugby, and between Stade Toulousain and the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday 1 April and Sunday 2 April respectively.

With big attendances expected at all venues, Leinster are taking their match against Ulster to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium with an anticipated crowd of approaching 50,000, while five-time winners, Stade Toulousain, will host the Vodacom Bulls at the 33,000-capacity Le Stadium.

What promises to be another thrilling set of Heineken Champions Cup knockout fixtures gets underway on Friday 31 March when Leicester Tigers go head-to-head with Edinburgh Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

The highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage have secured home advantage for the Round of 16 and this rule will remain in place for the quarter-finals. The semi-finals will be played in Europe at EPCR-designated venues with the showpiece final staged at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 20 May, and over 66,000 tickets have already been sold for the Dublin Finals weekend.

HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP – Round of 16
(Pool stage rankings in brackets / All kick-offs local times)

Friday 31 March
Match 5: Leicester Tigers (B4) v Edinburgh Rugby (A5), Mattioli Woods Welford Road (20.00)
BT Sport / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport

Saturday 1 April
Match 3: Cell C Sharks (A3) v Munster Rugby (B6), Hollywoodbets Kings Park (13.30)
SuperSport / BT Sport / beIN SPORTS

Match 6: DHL Stormers (B3) v Harlequins (A6), DHL Stadium (16.00)
SuperSport / BT Sport / beIN SPORTS

Match 1: Leinster Rugby (A1) v Ulster Rugby (B8), Aviva Stadium (17.30)
RTE / BT Sport / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport

Match 8: Stade Rochelais (B1) v Gloucester Rugby (A8), Stade Marcel Deflandre (18.30)
beIN SPORTS / France TV / BT Sport / SuperSport

Sunday 2 April
Match 2: Exeter Chiefs (A2) v Montpellier Hérault Rugby (B7), Sandy Park (12.30)
ITV / BT Sport / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport

Match 4: Saracens (A4) v Ospreys (B5), StoneX Stadium (15.00)
BT Sport / S4C / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport

Match 7: Stade Toulousain (B2) v Vodacom Bulls (A7), Le Stadium (16.00)
France TV / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport / BT Sport

Quarter-finals – 7/8/9 April
QF 1: Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 5
QF 2: Winner Match 7 v Winner Match 3
QF 3: Winner Match 2 v Winner Match 6
QF 4: Winner Match 8 v Winner Match 4
NB The highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home advantage

Semi-finals – 28/29/30 April
SF 1: Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 2
SF 2: Winner QF 3 v Winner QF 4
NB The matches will be played in Europe and the highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home country advantage

2023 Heineken Champions Cup final: Saturday 20 May; Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Challenge Cup Rugby Kick Off times – Benetton Rugby v Connacht Rugby

Clubs with 14 EPCR titles between them, including as many as six former tournament winners, are still in the hunt for coveted silverware following today’s announcement of the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 fixture dates, venues, kick-off times and TV coverage.

Last weekend’s tense concluding pool stage round saw both South African representatives – the Emirates Lions and the Toyota Cheetahs – book their places in the knockout stage along with the No 1-ranked club in Pool A, RC Toulon, and the Scarlets who emerged as the No 1-ranked club in Pool B.

Also in the mix to punch their tickets for the 2023 Dublin finals weekend in May are last season’s EPCR Challenge Cup winners, Lyon, who qualified from the Heineken Champions Cup along with Racing 92, ASM Clermont Auvergne and the Sale Sharks.

Scarlets are first into action on Friday 31 March when they take on CA Brive at Parc y Scarlets live and free-to-air on S4C, and on the same evening, 2020 champions, Bristol Bears, host the 2019 winners, ASM Clermont Auvergne, at Ashton Gate live on Viaplay-Premier Sports.

RC Toulon, who have reached the tournament final on three occasions, will meet the Toyota Cheetahs at Stade Félix Mayol on Saturday 1 April live on SuperSport and Viaplay-Premier Sports, while the Emirates Lions are at home against Racing 92 on the same day again live on SuperSport and Viaplay-Premier Sports.

The Round of 16 concludes on the evening of Saturday 1 April with what promises to be a compelling Anglo-Welsh clash between Cardiff Rugby and the Sale Sharks at Cardiff Arms Park live on S4C and BT Sport.

EPCR CHALLENGE CUP – Round of 16
(Pool stage rankings in brackets / All kick-offs local times)

Friday 31 March
Match 4: Bristol Bears (A4) v ASM Clermont Auvergne (HCC9), Ashton Gate (20.00)
Viaplay-Premier Sports / beIN SPORTS

Match 8: Scarlets (B1) v CA Brive (A6), Parc y Scarlets (20.00)
S4C / beIN SPORTS

Saturday 1 April
Match 1: RC Toulon (A1) v Toyota Cheetahs (B6), Stade Félix Mayol (13.30)
France TV / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport / Viaplay-Premier Sports

Match 5: Stade Francais Paris (B4) v Lyon (HCC9), Stade Jean Bouin (16.00)
beIN SPORTS

Match 7: Benetton Rugby (B2) v Connacht Rugby (A5), Stadio di Monigo (16.00)
epcrugby.tv

Match 2: Glasgow Warriors (A2) v Dragons RFC (B5), Scotstoun (17.30)
Viaplay-Premier Sports

Match 6: Emirates Lions (B3) v Racing 92 (HCC10), Emirates Airline Park (18.30)
SuperSport / beIN SPORTS / Viaplay-Premier Sports

Match 3: Cardiff Rugby (A3) v Sale Sharks (HCC10), Cardiff Arms Park (20.00)
S4C / BT Sport

Quarter-finals – 7/8/9 April
QF 1: Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 5
QF 2: Winner Match 7 v Winner Match 3
QF 3: Winner Match 2 v Winner Match 6
QF 4: Winner Match 8 v Winner Match 4
NB The highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home advantage

Semi-finals – 28/29/30 April
SF 1: winner QF 1 v winner QF 2
SF 2: winner QF 3 v winner QF 4
NB The matches will be played in Europe and the highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home venue advantage

2023 EPCR Challenge Cup final: Friday 19 May; Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Make Cheltenham racecourse your final resting place

The Cheltenham Columbarium Wall, announced last year in partnership with Spirit of Sport UK Limited, will hand those with a passion for both Jump Racing and Cheltenham Racecourse the opportunity to make it their final resting place.

Spirit of Sport is an innovative expert in installing columbarium walls in famous sporting venues and the Home of Jump Racing is proud to be the first major racecourse to offer the service.

Dating back to Roman times, a Columbarium is a wall made up of individual spaces known as ‘niches’, into which urns are inserted containing the cremated ashes of loved ones. The niche is closed off with a granite frontispiece bearing the occupant’s name and age and the date of their passing.

Anyone can reserve their niche before their own death, while the service will also be available to those who already have the ashes of their loved ones safely stored. Niches are offered on a 30-year lease. At the end of the lease, ashes will be buried underneath the racecourse. Cheltenham Annual Members will be handed a priority window of six weeks through to the end of The Festival, before opening it up to the wider racing community.

The number of niches is limited to 800 and offered on a first come, first served basis.

An Inurnment Ceremony will take place to insert the urn into its own niche, while an Inurnment Day – a separate dedicated occasion – will give friends and family the opportunity to visit the Cheltenham Columbarium Wall and raise a glass in their memory.

With a stylish design created specifically for Cheltenham, the wall is situated by the Centaur Bridge at the entrance to the racecourse and provides a resting place which can be visited all year round.

Gentlemansgame set for NAAS this weekend

The opening Grade 3 Finlay Ford at Naas Novice Chase could prove to be a lucrative stepping stone back to Grade 1 level for the Mouse Morris-trained Gentlemansgame.
The Robcour-owned seven-year-old has been placed three times at the highest level and made the ideal start to his chasing career at Leopardstown over Christmas when winning his beginners chase by eight lengths.
Gentlemansgame has nine potential rivals, seven of which hold Cheltenham Festival entries. They include the Willie Mullins-trained Ramillies and the Gordon Elliott-trained pair of Chemical Energy and Frontal Assault.
Chemical Energy is seeking a hat-trick over fences after bolting up in a three runner race at Cheltenham back in October while Frontal Assault was third in a Leopardstown Grade 1 over Christmas.
Ramillies, who was campaigned at Grade 1 level last season, opened his account over fences at Thurles before Christmas.
“This would look a nice race for Ramillies,” Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father Willie, said of the Joe Donnelly-owned eight-year-old. “He was good in Thurles last month and he would appear to be a better chaser than he was a hurdler. The trip on Sunday would look ideal for him so we’ll see how he is in the next few days before making a final decision.”
Thedevilscoachman is another high class entry for the race for Noel Meade and JP McManus, while the Stuart Crawford-trained Gold Cup Bailly is on a four-timer in the colours of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
This weekend will mark the beginning of a new partnership between Naas Racecourse and Finlay Motor Group who as well as backing the €30,000 feature race on Sunday will provide Naas Racecourse with a Ford Ranger for head groundsman, Shane Webb.
Bob Olinger could well be the star of the show at Naas this weekend as the Henry de Bromhead-trained eight-year-old drops back to two miles for the Naas Racecourse Business Club Limestone Lad Hurdle.
The 2021 Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle winner could return to the scene of his first Grade 1 victory as he drops back to the minimum distance for the first time since his novice hurdle season.
Bob Olinger is joined in the second of Sunday’s Grade 3 races by another Grade 1 winner, Echoes In Rain. Champion trainer Willie Mullins has also entered the talented veteran Cash Back, while last year’s winner Darasso for Joseph O’Brien and Oliver McKiernan’s locally-trained course and distance winner Meet And Greet are other interesting names among the nine entries.
Echoes In Rain was last seen in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse and Mullins issued an upbeat bulletin on the seven-year-old.
“Echoes In Rain was fine after her fall in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse. She raced far too keen on that occasion but this would be a drop in grade for her and a chance to rebuild her confidence. Like Ramillies we’ll see how they are later in the week before deciding if they run,” Mullins added.
Tickets are available on naasracecourse.com.

list of 2023 cheltenham preview nights 

Mohammad Siraj becomes no. 1 bowler in MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings

Gill overtakes Kohli to take sixth position in batting rankings; Tector, Raza, Conway and Little among others to move up in latest weekly udpate
India fast bowler Mohammad Siraj has grabbed the top position for bowlers in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings after a superb show in the home series against New Zealand which his team won 3-0 to take No.1 position in the team rankings.

The 28-year-old took five wickets in the two matches that he played in, including a haul of four for 46 in the first ODI on his home ground of Hyderabad. This followed another fruitful series against Sri Lanka, in which he had finished with nine wickets to move up to number three.

Other Indian bowlers to be No. 1 in the ODI rankings are Kapil Dev, Maninder Singh, Anil Kumble, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah.

Siraj’s new-ball partner in the New Zealand series, Mohammad Shami, too has moved up the rankings, up 11 places to 32nd position after taking four wickets in two matches. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and seam bowler Shardul Thakur have reaped the gains of finishing with six wickets each in the series. Yadav has moved from 21st to 19th while Thakur has progressed five places and is 35th.

Opener Shubman Gill led the charge of India’s batters as he stormed into the top 10 for the first time. His Player of the Series effort of 360 runs, that included a double-century and a century, has lifted him 20 spots to sixth position. He is now the leading India batter in the rankings, one slot above Virat Kohli.

Captain Rohit Sharma’s 186 runs in the series have helped him move up two slots to eighth position while all-rounder Hardik Pandya has progressed in all three lists. He is up six places to 75th among batters, has gained 26 slots to reach 80th position among bowlers and has moved from 32nd to17th in the list of all-rounders.

Michael Bracewell, who was the leading run-scorer for New Zealand with 188 runs, has rocketed 71 places to 85th position while Devon Conway has moved up from 50th to 37th.

In the latest weekly update which also considers performances in the three-match series between Zimbabwe and Ireland that was drawn 1-1, Ireland batter Harry Tector has advanced 12 places to 13th position after leading the series aggregate with 176 runs.

Zimbabwe star Sikandar Raza (up two places to 31st) is another batter to progress after the series while Ireland seam bowlers Joshua Little and Mark Adair have both advanced after finishing with five wickets each in the series. Little has progressed 27 places to 33rd position and Adair is up 46 places to 57th.

Favourites for the Irish Premier Division

With the start of the Irish Premier Division just around the corner, another competitive season is beginning to shape up. 

Keep up to date with all the latest news, statistics and live scores from the Irish Premier Division via the Flashscore app or website. 

But who are the favourites for the title this season?

5 – Bohemians (33/1)

Three-time winners of the Irish title, Bohemians slumped to their lowest league finish since 2018 last time around, ending the campaign in sixth. 

Bohs are going to struggle to enter the title conversation this time around, not least because of rivals Shamrock Rovers’ tight grip on the league. 

As rank outsiders for the title, Bohemians best chance of a silverware this season is likely to come in the domestic cups. 

4 – Dundalk (14/1)

Winners of five Irish Premier Division titles between 2014 and 2019, it’s now four years since Dundalk were last crowned winners of the division. 

A third place finish last time around represented an improvement on their sixth place finish from the season before. 

But a title charge this time around remains unlikely for the County Louth outfit. 

3 – St Patrick’s Athletic (14/1)

Fourth place finishers last term, St Patrick’s Athletic will be keen to improve on that this time around. 

It’s almost a decade since St Pat’s last won the league title, with that drought unlikely to end this year. 

Representing a healthy value for a title win, watch out for St Pat’s in the 2023 season. 

2 – Derry City (6/4)

Best placed to challenge Shamrock Rovers in the league this season, Derry City will be keen to go one better than last time around. 

Eventually finishing 13 points behind Shamrock Rovers, Derry will be hoping their 33 year wait for an Irish title ends in 2023.

Regular winners of the FAI Cup in recent years, can Derry add to their silverware with the Irish Premier Division title this year? The odds suggest they have a chance. 

1 – Shamrock Rovers (5/6)

Odds on favourites for the Irish Premier Division once again, Shamrock Rovers are looking to make it three league titles in a row for the first time since the mid-1980s. 

Cruising to the title last season, the side from Tallaght made it to the group stages of the Europa Conference League and are tipped for another strong campaign this time around. 

Expect Shamrock Rovers to be leading the way in the division during 2023, as they target yet another league title. 

Head of Rugby Operations Role for Ian Costello

Munster Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to confirm that Academy and Pathway Manager Ian Costello will assume the newly created role of Head of Rugby Operations at the end of this season.

Costello will take on further responsibility in an all-encompassing Head of Rugby Operations role that will oversee the long-term strategic development of the elite player pathway, succession planning, and provide recruitment support for developing, retaining, and recruiting players in conjunction with the Head Coach.

Commenting on the appointment, Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan said, “We are delighted that Ian will step into this newly created role.

“This has been a work in progress in the background for some time as we look to align our resource support with the IRFU and other provinces.

“When Ian returned to the province as Academy Manager he was identified as the ideal candidate for this role when incorporating his previous coaching experience, managerial skill-set, and strategic abilities for aligning and developing our player pathway.”

Head Coach Graham Rowntree added, “I’m delighted to have someone of Cossie’s calibre (Ian Costello) taking on this role.

“We work very closely as it is through his academy role, and from my own personal point of view it has been a really positive working relationship. Ian and his academy team play a key role in everything we are trying to achieve each week.

“It’s great to have a dedicated resource to driving long-term succession planning and coordinate recruitment operations, and I believe it will be of huge benefit to not only me and our coaching team, but to Munster Rugby.”

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