RUGBY

Keith Earls and Donnacha Ryan look like they'll be included in the Irish starting 15 for Saturdays World cup warm up with Wales in Cardiff.

According to the Irish Independent Ulster out half Paddy Jackson will also get a run out.

Coach Joe Schmidt is set to name his side today.

HURLING

Liam Sheedy will help find a new Offaly manager.

The All-Ireland winning Tipperary boss will chair a five man committee including county board Chairman Padraig Boland, Secretary Tommy Byrne and former players Rory Hanniffy and Joe Brady.

GOLF

Shane Lowry, Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington are all part of the field this week at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio.

In the continued absence of Rory McIlroy, world number two Jordan Spieth will start as favourite at the Firestone Country Club, where there's over 1.5 million dollars on offer to the winner.

Lowry will be the first of the Irish players to tee-off shortly before 3pm this afternoon.

SOCCER

There's a blow to Arsenal ahead of the Premier league's resumption this weekend.

Scans have revealed that Jack Wilshere may have a hairline fracture of his fibula which could keep him out for up to three months.

Meanwhile, West Ham and Southampton are both involved in tonight's Europa League qualifiers.

Southampton start with a comfortable 3-0 first-leg lead as they prepare to face Dutch side Vitesse in the second-leg of their third round tie.

But the Hammers travel to take on Romanian side, Astra after a 2-2 first-leg draw at Upton Park.

Kick-off in both games is at 7pm.

RACING

There's racing at Leopardstown today.

The first of a seven-race card goes to post at 5:15