1. #CHAMPIONS LEAGUE An early strike from Theo Walcott gave Arsenal their first win of the post-Cesc era as the Gunners beat Udinese 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League playoff.

Arsene Wenger could find himself in disciplinary trouble with UEFA, however, after he appeared to violate the spirit of a touchline ban by communicating with his assistant Pat Rice.

2. #RWC 2011 Declan Kidney will name his teams for Saturday’s test match against France and tomorrow’s Select XV game against Connacht later this afternoon.

Yesterday, Rob Kearney was ruled out of this weekend’s game with a minor groin strain, but Brian O’Driscoll, Stephen Ferris, Tommy Bowe and Gordon D’Arcy should all be fit to face the French.

3. #ALL-IRELAND FOOTBALL This morning’s Irish Times reports that Mayo’s Trevor Mortimer is an injury doubt ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry.

Mayo boss James Horan is expected to confirm his starting XV later today.

4. #PETER TOOLE Irish jockey Peter Toole has returned home after it was confirmed this morning that he has been discharged from the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire.

Toole was seriously injured following a bad fall during racing at Aintree on Grand National day.

5. #PEAMOUNT UNITED Dublin side Peamount United made history last night when they became the first ever Irish side to qualify for the last 32 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Peamount’s 5-1 victory over Pärnu of Estonia saw them qualify for the knockout rounds as one of the best runners-up.

6. #SALT Ever wonder what it would look like to go rollerblading in a salt mine? Wonder no more.