Davis Cup: Gael Monfils was named in France’s Davis Cup team to play Germany in Frankfurt next month despite reports he had told captain Arnaud Clement he wanted a rest. The tie will be a rematch of last year’s hard-fought World Group quarter-final, with the Germans looking to end a 76-year losing streak against France who were runners-up to Switzerland in 2014.

Alpine Skiing: France’s Marion Rolland, downhill world champion in 2013, has retired following an injury-marred career. Rolland, 32, missed most of last season after tearing knee ligaments and injured her knee again after crashing in Cortina d’Ampezzo last month. “With this new injury, time has come for me to think about the future,” she said. Rolland made headlines at the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in 2010, when her knee gave way and she crashed after starting her downhill run.

Rugby Union: England full-back Mike Brown has been ruled out of this weekend’s Six Nations clash with Ireland in Dublin after failing to recover from a concussion in time, head coach Stuart Lancaster said yesterday. The 29-year-old was carried off on a stretcher early in England’s 47-17 victory over Italy after his head was struck by Andrea Masi’s shoulder.

Motor racing: British driver Will Stevens will race for Manor F1 this season after the former Marussia Formula One team was revived from the brink of liquidation. Stevens, 23, made his debut with failed Caterham in last year’s closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Marussia, who are now entered under the name of Manor F1 team, have yet to name a second driver but indicated they would be present for the opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 15.