Ireland and France set up their blockbuster clash in Six Nations rugby next month with contrasting wins in the third round. Ireland had the savvy and depth to overcome a red card and a fired-up Wales in Cardiff 27-18 and remain unbeaten in its historic three-peat bid.

France will face unbeaten Six Nations leader Ireland in a buoyant mood after thrashing Italy by a record-high 73-24 in Rome.

Galway make the most of a first-half wind advantage to defeat Donegal by 0-21 to 0-14 and maintain their unbeaten start in Division One.

Ireland and France have set up their blockbuster clash in the Six Nations next month with contrasting wins in the third round.

The yellow alert for strong winds, which may lead to some disruption, covers all of Northern Ireland and comes into effect at 03:00 GMT on Sunday until 15:00. The Met Office issued the warning on Thursday.

Wales slipped to a 15th straight defeat in a 27-18 home loss to Six Nations champions Ireland on Saturday, but the hosts played with endeavour and ambition not seen in recent games. Ireland secured the Triple Crown and top the table with 14 points from three matches,

Wales interim coach Matt Sherratt looked for familiarity as he made nine changes to the starting line-up for Saturday's Six Nations match against Ireland.

France sent an emphatic Six Nations warning shot to Ireland with a 73-24 destruction of Italy in Rome. Rampant Les Blues ran in 11 tries in a ruthless demolition job at the Stadio Olimpico to close round three on Sunday,

New interim Wales coach Matt Sherratt wanted his side to be fearless in their Six Nations clash with champions Ireland and, despite a 27-18 defeat in Cardiff on Saturday, believes there is much to build on after a display full of heart and ambition.

The Belfast man accused in murdering his wife and injuring his mother in Readfield was scheduled to be in court Friday, but it didn’t happen.