Having failed in three successive League finals, there is an almost manic desire on Leinster’s part to rectify that situation tonight

The final weeks of any season are characterised by drama and emotion. Dreams fulfilled and shattered, players moving on, others donning the boots for one last battle.

It is difficult not to feel a huge degree of sympathy for Clermont Auvergne after what proved a disappointing Heineken Cup final at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

The Munster Rugby Awards luncheon returned to Cork on Friday when a number of clubs throughout the province were rewarded for their efforts with Kanturk RFC proving the most vocal and well represented.

Joe Schmidt’s elevation to the post of Ireland head coach was lost a little in the inevitable hype that surrounds the announcement of a Lions squad last week.

After months of speculation, the Lion is out of the bag.

Three key areas where Munster must impose themselves this evening

Warren Gatland has absorbed much advice over the last 12 months in relation to what he should and shouldn’t do on the 2013 Lions tour to Australia.

Indisputably, this was up there with the very best that Munster have achieved in their rich and storied relationship with the Heineken Cup.

Munster need direct, physical approach to stop Harlequins