Connacht, Munster and Ulster face three French sides hungry for Champions Cup

English and French clubs embracing their academies will change European landscape

‘New Munster’ show their width and wit as they draw with Racing 92 at Thomond Park

Despite disappointing draw with Racing 92, Peter O’Mahony feels his side held their own

JJ Hanrahan’s late drop goal misses target in thrilling Thomond Park endgame

Irish provinces must beware of the Champions Cup wolves disguised as sheep

Those on Japanese expedition will feel they have a lot to prove as Champions Cup begins

In Retallick and Whitelock, Irish pair are facing the best lock pairing in the world

Easterby believes ‘phenomenal athlete’ James Ryan will become ‘one of the greats’

The notion that a player’s birthplace should influence World Cup selection is plain daft

Coach stresses the need for versatility given the challenging conditions in Japan

Even more of a surprise is that Ireland has a bigger strike rate when Toner is not playing

Coach was very exact in looking for specialists among his 31-man squad for Japan

Johnny Watterson looks at the European opposition the Irish will face next season

The inclusion of uncapped Munster duo Kleyn and Haley the most eye-catching

Cork club braced for another All Ireland League final clash with old rivals Clontarf

Rugby stats: Squad changes and work done between now and September will be key

All four Irish provinces could qualify for European quarter-finals for a first time

Dan McFarland recalls 13 players following last week's Pro14 loss to Leinster

Ireland secondrow tossed a coin 50 times before deciding to stay with the province