Once again, the professional model that pertains in Ireland is being hailed as the best in class. That’s what comes with success. Everyone looks at what you’re doing in an attempt to close the gap, writes Donal Lenihan.

There’s nothing worse than the chaotic airport scenes that invariably follow these painful European exits.

The heartache continues. This is six semi-final defeats in European competition since Paul O’Connell lifted the Heineken Cup in Cardiff ten years ago, writes Donal Lenihan.

It will be Sunday evening before we know for sure which two of the four sides left standing in this season’s Champions Cup got their preparations spot on for the semi-finals, but at this juncture it would be a surprise, notwithstanding they are playing in France, if Munster isn’t one of them.

After only spending 18 months immersed in the Irish game, newly appointed Springbok director of rugby and head coach Rassie Erasmus has already begun to implement many of the structures he encountered in a similar role with Munster to influence change in his country, writes Donal Lenihan

How special it was to witness a Munster side prevail, once again, against a team packed with serial game-breaker, writes Donal Lenihan

The challenges facing the three Irish provinces in European quarter-finals this weekend.

The enormity of the challenge facing Leinster and Munster in their respective Champions Cup quarter-finals this weekend is capably captured by the fact their opponents, Saracens and Toulon, have won the last five Heineken/Champions Cups between them, writes Donal Lenihan.

Just watching the positive energy Joe Schmidt brings to proceedings is infectious, writes Donal Lenihan.

I would wager right now that it will be a long time before a team wins this tournament again by such a wide margin, says Donal Lenihan.