We’ll Leave It There So: Ireland’s squad for South Africa, Rafa signs while Mourinho waits and all today’s sport

HomeJoe Schmidt unveiled his 32-man squad to tour South Africatoday, and there were some very surprising omissions and inclusions.Ireland midfielder Harry Arter spoke about the tragedy that befell him in December.Kilkenny will be without Richie Hogan for their Leinster championship opener.World Rugby confirmed the applicants and the criteria for hosting RWC 2023, the IRFU are confident they can tick every box.Denmark’s Nicolai Brochner was the victor in today’s stage of the Rás.AwayJose Mourinho agreed personal terms with Manchester United last night, but the Special One’s image rights are proving a sticking point.Rafa Benitez has been confirmed as Newcastle United’s permanent manager. The former Real Madrid boss has committed to three years on Tyneside.

Source: Sue Ogrocki

Golden State Warriors, after one of the greatest seasons of all time, are on the verge of crashing out of the NBA playoffs. 

The Best Thing We Shared Today

Source: Connacht Rugby/YouTube

On The Record

– Paralympian Ellen Keane began her diary with The42 today.

Where We Were Today

Football correspondent Ben Blake (one of the balder men in this image) was at Ireland training to hear from Martin O’Neill’s squad.

Source: Gary Carr/INPHO

The Fixture List

The BMW Championship gets under way at Wentworth tomorrow with Shane Lowry, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke bringing the Irish challenge.

Showbiz, Baby

After Russian doping was unveiled race-walker Jared Tallent treated himself to a one-man medal ceremony.