Brothers face new challenge
Gaelic Football: The Brothers Pearse face new opponents in their next Pennine League outing. They travel to league newcomers St Patrick’s of Chester on Sunday (throw in 1pm) who are currently playing their home matches at Hough End Fields in the Stretford area of Manchester. The Huddersfield side are seeking their first win after losing their opening game of the season by four points to
England to host
HOCKEY: England will host the 2015 EuroHockey Championships at the Olympic Lee Valley Centre. The European Hockey Federation (EHF) announced the decision for both the men’s and women’s competitions. They are the first major tournaments to be confirmed for the Olympic Park following this summer’s Games.
Lydiate’s award
RUGBY UNION: Flanker Dan Lydiate has been named RBS 6 Nations Player of the Championship for 2012 after his displays in Wales’ Grand Slam triumph. The Newport Gwent Dragons player missed the opening win over Ireland but returned with a man-of-the-match display in the win over Scotland, before another Herculean effort in the championship-clinching victory over France. The 23-year-old beat Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton to top spot after securing over 25% of the public vote – Italy’s captain Sergio Parisse was third.
Majorca date
GOLF: Majorca will host a European Senior Tour event rather than one on the main circuit in May. With no Iberdrola Open, the tournament won by Darren Clarke last year two months before he became Open champion at Sandwich, the Pula club will instead stage the inaugural Mallorca Open Senior on May 11-13.
Ponting denial
CRICKET: Somerset have denied they are in discussions to sign former Australia captain Ricky Ponting amid speculation he could join a county club this summer. Reports have suggested that Ponting could return to Somerset, where he enjoyed a brief stint in 2004, in the second half of the season to push his claims for an Ashes place next summer.
O’Leary moves
RUGBY UNION: Ireland scrum-half Tomas O’Leary has signed a three-year deal with London Irish. The 28-year-old will join the Exiles in the summer from Munster, where he has won two Heineken Cups and two Magners League titles.
