This morning Gavin Cummiskey has lamented rugby's 'cosy cartel', and called for Irish players to support their peers in the Pacific Islands. He writes: "The current generation of Irish professionals are all about developing into leaders. They might feel inclined to influence the direction their industry is about to take." However, with the coronavirus crisis putting a serious drain on the game's finances across the globe, he suggests the frightening potential of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa will remain untapped. "All the wealthy rugby unions are in the red. Their planned recovery will probably destroy the slim chance of the Pacific Islands ever evolving into three freakishly talented squads that would radically enhance international competition."
Meanwhile Manchester United great Tony Dunne has died aged 78. Dunne was a key part of Matt Busby's 1968 European Cup winning side, who famously became the first English team to win the competition after defeating Benfica 4-1 at Wembley. Dunne, who earned 33 caps for the Republic of Ireland, joined United from Shelbourne in 1960 and went on to make 535 appearances during 13 years at Old Trafford - the eighth-highest in the club's history.
Elsewhere Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling has called on English football to give black managers a chance. Speaking to Emily Maitlis on Monday's BBC Newsnight in the wake of worldwide anti-racism protests, Sterling highlighted the disparity in opportunity given to black and white players when they retire from the game. He said: "There's Steven Gerrard, your Frank Lampards, you have your Sol Campbells and you have your Ashley Coles. All had great careers, all played for England. At the same time, they've all respectfully done their coaching badges to coach at the highest level and the two that haven't been given the right opportunities are the two black former players."
Live sport returned in Ireland yesterday, with racing resuming behind closed doors at Naas. Only 300 people were allowed on-site at different times throughout the eight-race card, but the day did offer some familiarity as Aidan O'Brien found himself in the winners' enclosure at the first time of asking courtesy of More Beautiful, who took the opening race. The day belonged to jockey Shane Foley however, who landed a stunning 13,218-1 four-timer.
And the GAA are set to wait until at least June 29th before making a decision over the format of the 2020 Championship, when the Government are due to confirm the start of phase three of Ireland's roadmap to reopening.
