We'll Leave It There So: Madigan nears Leinster exit, Ireland heading to Versailles and today's sport

It’s been a busy Friday of sports news.

Katie Taylor with Rena Buckley and Joan Burton Rena Buckley, Katie Taylor and Joan Burton at the Irish Sports Council Sportswoman of the Year awards. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Home

Leinster will have Cian Healy available for Saturday’s game against Toulon after the prop had his suspension lifted.
Martin O’Neill’s Ireland will base themselves in the city of Versailles for Euro 2016.
RTÉ has invited expressions of interest for the sub-licence of Euro 2016 games.
Galway’s dual star Cillian McDaid could be the latest player to head to Australia, according to reports.
Ian Madigan is on the verge of completing a two-year move to Bordeaux.
The FAI have announced Ireland’s ticket allocation for Euro 2016.
Andy Lee insists Billy Joe Saunders won’t have home advantage when the pair go head-to-head in tomorrow night’s WBO world middleweight bout in Manchester.
Leinster, Ulster and Munster have had their postponed Pro12 games rescheduled.
The IRFU has applied to take part in World Rugby’s trial of Raleri’s protective goggles in rugby.
Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht have all named their teams for the weekend’s European fixtures.
Shane Long‘s magical goal against Germany was voted Ireland’s sporting moment of 2015.

Ronan O'Gara is interviewed before Racing Metro's game at Northampton tonight. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Away

The Australian FA announced their former manager Guus Hiddink as Jose Mourinho’s successor at Chelsea, before deleting their tweet.
Cardiff Blues have announced the signing of Australia-capped tighthead prop Salesi Ma’afu after he was released by Toulon.
Long-term Man United target Thomas Muller has signed a new contract at Bayern Munich.

The Best Thing We Shared

When free-kick routines go wrong.

aleague

On The Record

“Rafa Benitez will not be replaced. Although some media has said he will, I repeat that coaches are appointed by the club and Benitez has come to solve a problem. He is the solution, not the problem.”

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez pours cold water on speculation linking the Special One with a return to the Spanish capital.

The Fixture List

It’s a big day in the Premier League with seven games down for decision. Man United, Chelsea and Tottenham are all in action.
Andy Lee defends his WBO world middleweight title in Manchester as he faces Billy Joe Saunders.
In the Champions Cup, Leinster welcome Toulon to the Aviva Stadium (5.15pm).

Showbiz, Baby!

Courtside seats at a basketball game is a dangerous place – as Jason Day’s wife discovered last night. Thankfully Ellie Day was discharged from hospital shortly after.
https://vine.co/v/imE1TL556wg

download (5)