We’ll Leave it There So: McIlroy in Shanghai, IRFU defend residency rule and all today’s sport

Glasgow Warriors fans Liam Johnstone aged 8 and Cameron McGarey aged 8 ahead of the side’s match with Benetton Treviso.

Source: Craig Watson/INPHO

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• The IRFU performance director David Nucifora insists Ireland are simply playing by the three-year residency rule.
• Rory McIlroy has climbed into contention at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.
• Isa Nacewa is the only back to retain his place as Leinster prepare for Connacht, while Pat Lam’s team welcome back Tiernan O’Halloran.

Away

• Liverpool are closing in on a deal for teenage wonderkid Emeka Obi.
• Munster cult hero ‘Dutchy’ Holland is pushing the Hurricanes to new heights.
• Dwayne Wade began his Bulls career in style at his Chicago homecoming last night.

The Best Thing We Shared

Source: FootyLive100/YouTube

A struggling Swedish team celebrated a rare win with their only travelling supporter.

On The Record

We would consider everything if we thought that it was workable and achievable to be able to do that. There’s a fair few different models that we can look at and see if that would suit Irish rugby.”

The IRFU say they are open to private investment in provinces.

Where we were today

Sean Farrell was in attendance for today’s Leinster press conference with head coach Leo Cullen and Cian Healy.

The Fixture List

• Seamus Power is among the stars competing in the PGA Tour, while Rory McIlroy’s bid for glory in Shanghai continues. 
• Leinster v Connacht is the big game in the Pro12 on Saturday.
• There’s a full round of Premier League games this weekend, including Crystal Palace v Liverpool.
• It’s a big weekend in GAA, including Crokes v Cuala in the Dublin SHC.
• The Mexican Grand Prix will take place this weekend.
• The Dublin City Marathon is on this Sunday.
• It’s another busy weekend in American sport, with the Cubs v Indians and the NFL in full swing.

Showbiz, Baby!

Source: Official Dublin GAA/YouTube

Diarmuid Connolly produced a point-scoring masterclass to fire Vincent’s into the Dublin SFC final.

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