We'll Leave It There So: Ireland's World Cup bid, JJ calls time on career and all of today's sport

Missed any of today’s news? Catch up on everything here.

Bid For Rugby World Cup 2023 Announced Enda Kenny shows off his skills with Robbie Henshaw, Paddy Jackson, Jordi Murphy and Andrew Trimble Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

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The IRFU formally announced its intention to submit a bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup this morning in Armagh.
JJ Delaney became the latest hurling legend to call time on his career.
Ruan Pienaar will make his first Ulster appearance of the season tomorrow while Munster can call upon their Irish internationals for the heavyweight clash with Clermont.
Likewise, Leinster have named a strong side for their trip to London to face Harlequins.
There will be one final match at Páirc Uí Chaoimh before it closes its doors for redevelopment.
There was glory for Ireland’s Women in the Dubai 7s invitational as they defeated Tribe 7s in the final.
Louth footballer Shane Lennion has announced his retirement.
The nominees for the RTÉ Sports Team of the Year were announced.

Denmark's' Flemming Quach in action during the Irish Badminton Open in Baldoyle today Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Away

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is in hot water again after the FA charged him for an allegedly racist and anti-Semitic post on Instagram.
The fallout over Tim Howard’s claims in his autobiography continued with the PFA weighing in today.
Glen Johnson could be joining Ashley Cole at Roma when his contract at Liverpool expires in the summer.
Former Irish international Bernard Jackman has launched a scathing attack on the European Challenge Cup, branding the competition as ‘pointless’.
Louis van Gaal has a considerable war chest to spend on whichever players he likes next summer.

Italy Croatia Euro Soccer 'Why always me?' AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

The best thing we shared

The sponsors of the All-Island club football competition, AIB, have produced this brilliant video to capture the GAA spirit on both the Aran Islands and Achill Island ahead of last month’s game in Tuam.

AIB Bank / YouTube

On the record

“It’s all speculation. I haven’t mentioned a word about it in the last few weeks. I’m still contracted with Connacht for another year, so I don’t know why people are bringing that up.”

Connacht’s Robbie Henshaw pours cold water on the reports linking him with a move to Leinster next year.

Where we were today

Our man Murray Kinsella was in Armagh for the announcement of Ireland’s 2023 World Cup bid.

Bid For Rugby World Cup 2023 Announced Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

The fixture list

The European Champions Cup returns with Leinster, Munster and Ulster all in action on Saturday while Connacht continue their Challenge Cup campaign against Bayonne.
There are seven Premier League games down for decision tomorrow with the early kick-off between Newcastle and Chelsea the stand-out fixture.

Showbiz, baby!

Birdies, bogeys, eagles and…baboons? Golfer Luke Donald was forced to dodge a wandering primate during his round in South Africa.
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