British and Irish Lions

Ireland hooker Rory Best is expected to be fit for the start of the RBS 6 Nations Championship after receiving positive news on his injured right ankle.

The Ulster captain underwent a scan this morning which confirmed he suffered sprained ligaments during his side's 29-0 Boxing Day defeat to Leinster.

Best will be sidelined for "three to four weeks" and Ulster are confident he will be fit for the 6 Nations "as the scan showed no further bony or structural damage to his right ankle."

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan will announce an extended 6 Nations squad on January 14 ahead of their opening fixture against Italy at Croke Park on February 2.

Assistant coach Graham Rowntree says The British & Irish Lions will have to be fully focussed to avoid a potential banana skin when they face The Barbarians a week today.

Three former British & Irish Lions will line-up against an England XV at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday as the Barbarians warm-up for their showdown with the 2013 tourists in Hong Kong next week.