We'll Leave It There So: Ronaldo on top of the world, CPA launched and today's sport

It’s been a busy start to the week.

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Munster's Simon Zebo enjoys his training session at UL. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss has called on his Ulster players to deliver some big performances over the coming weeks as they look to turn their season around.
The GAA Club Players Association was officially launched in Dublin today and they have highlighted changing the date of the All-Ireland finals as a priority.
Leinster out-half Johnny Sexton came through his return to action against Zebre unscathed and will be fit for Friday’s visit of Montpellier in the Champions Cup. Sean Cronin will miss out through injury however.
St Patrick’s Athletic have confirmed the signings of Alex O’Hanlon, Kurtis Byrne and Barry Murphy for the coming SSE Airtricity Premier Division season.
Munster flanker Tommy O’Donnell has emerged as a doubt for the province’s clash against Glasgow on Saturday with an ankle issue.
Drogheda United have announced the addition of Killian Brennan to their squad for their first season back in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.
Connacht have signed Irish centre Tom Farrell from Bedford Blues and the 23-year-old will link up with the province with immediate effect.

Away

Cambridge United v Leeds United - Emirates FA Cup - Third Round - Cambs Glass Stadium A view of the pitch at the Cambs Glass Stadium before tonight's FA Cup third round game between Cambridge United and Leeds United. EMPICS Sport EMPICS Sport

Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned as Fifa’s best player for 2016 while Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri picked up the manager’s gong.
England have been dealt a blow with news that flanker Chris Robshaw will miss their entire Six Nations title defence with a shoulder injury.
There have been no fewer than 10 Real Madrid and Barcelona players named in the FifPro World XI for 2016 with Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer the sole exception.
Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has won a defamation case against a former athletics coach who accused him of doping during his time at Juventus.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he expects to have Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho available for Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Southampton.
World Rugby has announced its “disappointment” with Northampton over the club’s failure to identify and treat George North‘s latest head injury “appropriately”.
Coneygree, the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, has been ruled out of this year’s race through injury.
Saracens have moved quickly to find a replacement for Toulon-bound Chris Ashton by signing Wales international Liam Williams.

The Best Thing We Shared

A one-two with the crossbar before burying a volley in the top corner? Yes please.

Where We Were Today

Fintan O’Toole and Eoin Lúc Ó Ceallaigh were out at Ballyboden St Enda’s GAA club this morning for the official launch of the GAA Club Players Association. Below is secretary and founder of the organisation, Declan Brennan.

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Ryan Bailey was at Leinster’s press conference at UCD this afternoon ahead of their Champions Cup clash against Montpellier on Friday night at the RDS. He caught up with Robbie Henshaw, Tadhg Furlong and John Fogarty.

Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Murray Kinsella was in UL for Munster’s press conference where CJ Stander, Rassie Erasmus and a bruised Rory Scannell reflected on their win against Racing 92 and started looking ahead to Saturday’s game away to Glasgow.

Munster's Rory Scannell. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

On The Record

I think it’s not a negative book at all, in fact, if people read the book they’ll find it’s a very positive story of a man trying to redeem himself from something that he really didn’t want to be in but he found himself there and I think there are a lot of positives in that book.

Mickey Harte was quick to defend Tyrone player Cathal McCarron over recent controversy surrounding his autobiography ‘Out of Control’.

The Fixture List

Manchester United host Hull City in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final at Old Trafford from 8pm tomorrow night (Sky Sports 1).

Showbiz, Baby

Former Wales winger Shane Williams has arrived in Donegal for his part in AIB’s ‘The Toughest Trade’ which will see him tackle Gaelic football in Glenswilly, the club of Michael Murphy.

bill-40

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