Crossword Genius

Punch sportsman's partner for chatting (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chinwag

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'partner for chatting' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'punch sportsman's' is the wordplay.
'punch' becomes 'chin' (slang term meaning to punch someone on the chin).
'sportsman's' becomes 'wag' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'chin'+'wag'='CHINWAG'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chinwag that I've seen before include "Informal conversation" , "Informal chat moving lower jaw" , "rabbit" , "Natter" , "Chat (slang)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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