Heineken Cup - Kearney wins European prize - Ireland fullback Rob Kearney has been named as the European player of the year after helping Leinster to defend the Heineken Cup with a record-breaking victory over Ulster at Twickenham on Saturday. European championship result - 400m freestyle final: 1. Paul Biedermann (Germany) 3:47.84 2. Gergo Kis (Hungary) 3:48.09 3. Samuel Pizzetti (Italy) 3:48.66 4. Robbie Renwick (Britain) 3:50.46 5. Sebastien Rouault (France) 3:50.6 6. Gabriele Detti (Italy) 3:51.92 7. Evgeny Kulikov (Russia) 3:52.57 8. Patrik Rakos (Hungary) 3:52.8 Liga - Abidal leaves hospital - Barcelona defender Eric Abidal was released from hospital on Monday six weeks after having a liver transplant, the Spanish club said in a statement. "Given the particular nature of this recovery process, Abidal will have to undergo regular hospital checkups," a medical note said on their website. Bundesliga - DFB confirms Hertha relegation - The German Football Federation has confirmed Hertha Berlin's relegation to the second division after their appeal against the play-off defeat to Fortuna Düsseldorf was rejected. Soderling prolongs break - Former world number four Robin Soderling is to take a further break from tennis after suffering a illness-hit 10 months. League Two - King named Macclesfield boss - Relegated Macclesfield appoint former Lewes boss Steve King as their new manager. King signs a two-year deal and replaces Brian Horton, who left Moss Rose after the Silkmen dropped into the Blue Square Bet Premier having finished bottom of npower League Two. London 2012 - Adlington backs Carlin to qualify - Four years ago Jazmin Carlin was cheering Rebecca Adlington on to success - now it is the double Olympic champion who will be doing the supporting as her friend bids to resurrect her London 2012 hopes. Ligue 1 - Hely gets permanent Sochaux job - Sochaux manager Eric Hely has extended his contract by two years, the club said after confirming their Ligue 1 status. Hely, 47, was appointed interim manager on March 6 after Mehmed Bazdarevic left the club, and has signed a deal until June 2014. O'Connor out for Australia - Utility back James O'Connor will miss Australia's test matches against Scotland and Wales next month after being ruled out with a liver injury. Aviva Premiership - Cockerill: No rift with Lancaster - Relations between Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill and England coach Stuart Lancaster remain healthy despite a dispute over the fitness of Toby Flood, according to the Tigers boss.