ail at a glance

Also in Rugby

Monday February 06 2012

Star turn

Darragh Fitzpatrick (Blackrock)

THERE was plenty at stake at Stradbrook on Saturday as Blackrock beat Old Belvedere to give themselves a relegation lifeline, and it was out-half Fitzpatrick who stepped up to the plate, scoring 13 of his side's 18 points in a virtuoso display.

One to watch

Luke Marshall (Ballymena)

The Ulster centre has had limited opportunities at senior level, but he gave a reminder of his talents on Friday by scoring a try in his club's draw with Ballynahinch. The former Ireland U-20 has hands to die for and the physical presence to impose himself, but he needs a break for his province to make the grade.

8 League leaders St Mary's unbeaten record stretches back to October -- their win over Garryowen was their eighth on the trot.

Irish Independent

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Hodgson ready for first England match

Hodgson takes charge for Saturday's friendly with Norway in Oslo, the latest in a long line since Ramsey in 1963 to try to galvanise a set of players whose ability has thus far translated into a single major international honour.

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Norway enjoying 'underdogs' tag

England have travelled to Norway with new Manager Roy Hodgson for a friendly ahead of the European Championships in June. Fulham full back John Arne Riise says he's delighted to see his former Liverpool team mate Steven Gerard captain England and Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen expects England to be very organised under Hodgson.

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Irish players prepare to pack bags for Euro 2012

Republic of Ireland stars preparing to pack their backs for Euro 2012 training base have been making the most of the summer sunshine in north county Dublin. There is a small matter of their Euro 2012 farewell friendly against Bosnia first. Shane