3-year old Ireland Rugby fan Harry Beausang gets ready for the Six Nations. Water Babies Water Babies

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• The 15 who’ll kick off Ireland’s Six Nations campaign against Italy were named by Joe Schmidt today.
• There was controversy in the Sigerson Cup as both Queens and Sligo IT were kicked out for fielding ineligible players.
  
• This weekend’s AIB All-Ireland club hurling semi-finals have been moved from Semple Stadium after it failed a pitch inspection today.

Semple Stadium during a warmer spell. INPHO / Cathal Noonan INPHO / Cathal Noonan / Cathal Noonan

• In more positive GAA news, the organisation say they hope to make Croke Park the home of American college football in Europe. 
• Shelbourne’s Dylan Connolly became the latest Irish player to make the move the Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich.
• Cabinteely Cricket Club could face a hefty bill after vandals set fire to their artificial pitch.

Away

Conrad Smith in action for New Zealand. David Davies / PA Archive/Press Association Images David Davies / PA Archive/Press Association Images / PA Archive/Press Association Images

• New Zealand legend Conrad Smith will join former Munster number eight James Coughlan in Pau next season. 
• The Italian team hoping to shock Ireland on Saturday was named today.
• Former footballer Clark Carlisle spoke out about his recent suicide attempt.
• Everton unveiled plans for a plaque in memory of the 96 Hillsborough victims. 

The best thing we shared today

Jessie and Thomas Barr emphasise the importance of schools athletics.

On the record

“I didn’t really think I was in the frame for it so… it was unbelievable. I nearly crashed the car because I was like ‘what’s he ringing me for?’”

Niamh Briggs on her unexpected new role as Ireland captain.

Where we were today

Murray Kinsella arrived in Italy ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations opener.

Irish fans rejoice as the start of the Six Nations moves ever closer. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

The fixture listThe Ireland U20s

• The Ireland U20s take on their Italian counterparts at the Stadio Pozzi Lamarmora at 6pm Irish time. 
• Florence is the venue as the Ireland women kick off their Six Nations campaign against Italy.
• While Wales and England get the men’s Six Nations under-way at 8.05pm

Showbiz, baby!

Liverpool players are definitely feeling good about how their season has turned around.

“I’ve been thinking about Gerry Thornley today.”

Return of the magnificent 7 and more talking points from Schmidt’s team-sheet

Frozen pitch in Thurles forces club hurling semi-final switch