Johnny Sexton gets a lift from Sean Cronin at today's Leinster training session at Donnybrook. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

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• Leinster’s defence coach Kurt McQuilkin doesn’t expect Jamie Heaslip to be a doubt for Ireland’s Six Nations opener after he was injured in Friday’s win over Ospreys.
• Anthony Foley says he won’t stay on as Munster head coach if he doesn’t believe he can turn the team’s fortunes around.
• Places are still up for grabs in the Republic of Ireland’s squad for Euro 2016, according to manager Martin O’Neill.
• O’Neill also says they may choose a location in the UK for Ireland’s pre-tournament training camp.
• Two Ulster inter-county players — Kevin Dyas and Tomas Corrigan – have completed transfers to Dublin GAA clubs.
• Cork manager Paudie Murray is to stay in charge for the 2016 season and plot his team’s attempt to complete an All-Ireland senior camogie three-in-a-row.

Laura Woods, David Wallace and Melanie Nocher launched the 'Swim for a Mile Challenge' today. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Away

• Lionel Messi has won a record fifth Ballon d’Or following a stellar year with Barcelona.
• The FA Cup fourth-round draw was made.
• Paris Saint-Germain have issued British rapper M.I.A. with a letter to express their anger at the presence of their jersey in one of her music videos.
• Gary Neville does not believe dipping in to the January transfer market is the answer to Valencia’s woes after they suffered another La Liga defeat.
• South Africa World Cup winner JP Pietersen is to join Leicester during the summer and play in the Premiership next season.
• World number one Jordan Spieth is adamant he is not in the same company as Tiger Woods after cruising to victory at the Tournament of Champions.

The best thing we shared

This unusual free-kick routine from a Japanese high-school team is a masterpiece…

Where we were today

Ryan Bailey got the latest from the Leinster camp at Donnybrook, Sean Farrell met David Wallace in Dublin for the ‘Swim for a Mile Challenge’ launch, and Niall Kelly was at Croke Park to speak to Noel Connors about the Club Leadership Development Programme.

Waterford hurler Noel Connors at Croke Park today. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

On the record…

It’s difficult to go from foie gras to pâté. For now, Quade Cooper is perhaps not as I wish, but we must give him some time too. So, when I say today I’m not happy with our stars, it’s because we expect a lot — and then we were so spoiled here by (Tana) Umaga and Wilkinson. They need to be given time maybe.”

Quade Cooper hasn’t managed to impress Toulon club president Mourad Boudjellal just yet.

The fixture list

• There are three Premier League games down for decision tomorrow night: Bournemouth vs. West Ham, Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace, Newcastle United vs. Manchester United (all 7.45pm).

Showbiz, baby!

Here’s the goal that pipped Lionel Messi to the Puskas Award this evening…

Microwaved raw potatoes are surprisingly pleasant.”

Analysis: Foley’s Munster hit a new low with capitulation in Paris

Lifting Sam, winning Allstars and Croke Park battles – Paul Galvin’s football career