Boxing
Belfast battlers Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan, along with Joe Ward, who are all ranked in the top 10 in the world in their respective weight classes, will be in action this weekend as the 2014 National Elite Boxing Championship semi-finals get under way at the National Stadium in Dublin on Friday night.
Darren O'Neill, who captained Team Ireland at London 2012, meets Derek Duhig. London 2012 Olympian Adam Nolan and 2011 European Elite champion Ray Moylette will also be in between the ropes. Thirteen semi-finals will be decided on both Friday and Saturday with weigh-ins being held between 8am and 9am each morning; boxing begins at 7pm each night.
The men's and women's finals will be decided on March 7 and 8.
Olympic champion and AIBA World number one Katie Taylor and Alanna Audley-Murphy are slated to meet in the 60kg lightweight final on March 8. Tickets for both finals nights are now on sale from the National Stadium on 00353 1 454 3525.
Rugby Union
Jonathan Davies remains on course to play a part in Wales' RBS 6 Nations campaign as he continues his fightback from injury.
The British and Irish Lions centre has had just 40 minutes of rugby since he damaged a pectoral muscle during Wales' home defeat against South Africa last November. Wales have also lost Davies' Scarlets centre partner Scott Williams (shoulder injury) from their Six Nations plans, and wing George North was moved into midfield for last Friday's win over France. England are next up for the reigning Six Nations champions at Twickenham on March 9, and Davies hopes to be in contention. "His fitness is excellent, and he has been working incredibly hard with the conditioners," Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards said.