England's current problems can be traced directly back to the acrimonious departure of Felix Jones from the set up in August.

The years of decline Limerick faced in the aftermath of the financial crash fundamentally changed the landscape of club rugby in the city to such an extent that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse

If Stephen Archer wants to play on with Munster for another year, there should be a contract there for the 36-year-old. He is as valuable to this team as he has ever been.

For another cohort of Irish pros – those plying their trade in France’s ProD2 – Christmas is a time for relaxing, unwinding and enjoying a break from the rigours of a long season.

Hansen claimed he and his Connacht teammates were ‘reffed out of the game’ against Leinster and that it was ‘like 16 men against us instead of 15’.

Munster state that head of athletic performance Ged McNamara is currently ‘on leave’ but sources say this is also a permanent departure. 

The continued downward spiral of Welsh rugby should worry us all - and there are challenges elsewhere too.

The Stade de France crowd was treated to a contest full of drama and no little skill.

The reaction to the disappointing defeat to the All Blacks has been over the top.

Former Munster player Duncan Casey believes it's time for the province to get aggressive about targeting those playing other sports.