The last decade of European action has returned a solitary Irish win, when Leinster captured their fourth European star, defeating Racing 92 in the 2018 final in Balboa.

The reigning French champions are in a rich vein of form at present and supply more players to the Grand Slam-winning national squad than any other French club

It’s no secret that Munster has become so Limerick-centric that the connection that existed between the team and its support base in Cork has been diluted

Andy Farrell knows he needs plenty of depth at out half if Ireland are to make a breakthrough at next year's World Cup.

Despite being ranked the number one side in the game, Ireland can and will have to play far better than this.

I expect an explosive reaction from the Wallaby pack after what happened in Florence last week

Teammates, rivals and great friends, Donal Lenihan pays tribute to Jerry Holland. 

The Leinster man's performance against South Africa was exactly the type of response Farrell was looking for, players capable of rising to the challenge in adversity

On a day when real grit and a monumental physical commitment was required to see Ireland home, to achieve a win of this magnitude with so much scope for further improvement is so encouraging

The big talking points heading into the game of the autumn.