Lions tours have marked benchmarks in Munster man’s career, and never more so than now

Ireland scrumhalf admits he was surprised to be named as new captain of the Lions

Japan’s high-tempo brand of rugby has capacity to trouble Warren Gatland’s side

Iain Henderson, Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan will all start in pack for Saturday’s match

Party to tour South Africa consists of 16 backs and 21 forwards

Controversy as Bristol defeated by Bordeaux-Begles as Racing 92 hammer Edinburgh

Ireland’s strong end to the tournament reflected in selection

Italy’s 31st Six Nations defeat in a row saw them offer little resistance at Stadio Olimpico

Assistant coach’s lineout expertise was evident from early on

Visitors left with a mountain to climb as Six Nations campaign starts with bruising loss

John O’Sullivan takes a look at Ireland’s opponents ahead of Sunday’s opener

Last year’s results were so poor that a big improvement this term seems inevitable

Lions hooker dislocated his shoulder on club duty and will miss all six remaining Tests

Head coach says ‘currently we are not good enough at knockout rugby at this stage’

Secondrow will match Richie McCaw as the Six Nations reaches conclusion in Cardiff

Denying Wales possession and kicking to gain distance were key to Ireland’s win

A much improved performance is rewarded with a bonus point win in Dublin

Players from six countries are represented, with five of the XV from South Africa

Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks break Welsh hearts as they take a physical last four tie

Warren Gatland could be taking charge of Wales for a final time against South Africa