Fine Gael Senator Frank Feighan told sporting organization execs that "Irish athletes should compete in the Commonwealth Games." He made the proposal, citing "the success of the Good Friday Agreement" and suggested that Irish hockey and rugby 7s teams could take part. Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy said that the Commonwealth Games is a "good competition for developing athletes" but said participation of athletes from the Republic of Ireland would be a "political decision." Tracy added, "It's definitely beyond my pay-grade" (IRISH INDEPENDENT, 1/25).
Int'l "one-dayers could make way" for the Big Bash League after Cricket Australia agreed to "review its schedule following demands for a clear window for the T20 tournament." BBL GM Anthony Everard confirmed CA would "consider schedule changes." The Big Bash franchises, led by Eddie McGuire of the Melbourne Stars, want a BBL window uninterrupted by internationals. The Stars are "angry" four of their players were absent from their lineup when they "went down" to the Perth Scorchers in a semifinal on Tuesday. McGuire used his platform on Melbourne radio to "call for change." McGuire: "This is now a multimillion-dollar industry, the next television rights for the BBL will underpin Australian cricket and hopefully junior cricket for the next period of time" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 1/25).
Wales "must wait for England and Ireland to decide if the Principality Stadium roof will be closed during their Six Nations games in Cardiff." Wales asked organizers for permission to play all its home games under the tournament's only retractable roof but was "turned down." Wales interim head coach Rob Howley said, "It's now a discussion between the teams the week of the game like has always happened" (BBC, 1/25).
Members of Muirfield "will have another vote on whether women can be admitted to their club." Last year's vote followed a two-year consultation process and "fell short of the majority required to change membership policy." Motions require two-thirds of eligible voters to "back the move" and only 64% voted in favor. Details of a new ballot are expected within the next two weeks with a decision expected in early March (BBC, 1/24).
FINA introduced a new synchronized swimming event on the aquatics calendar -- the FINA Synchronised Swimming World Series. The circuit will include a total of seven legs for the '17 edition. This event will integrate existing smaller synchronized events from all over the world and each leg will be held in conjunction with those existing national opens and competitions (FINA).
