The Leinster lock is only halfway to 50, but thrust into the Irish captaincy in Paris last Saturday, he was point man for the biggest call of the day, perhaps even the Six Nations itself

If we were above in Bruff, un grand claque might be translated as a fair oul slap. Wherever you are from, it’s certainly a big blow

French confidence is like that third glass of wine – it can tip them over from confidence to losing the run of themselves

'I cannot think of anyone in our game who had the same impact and success and carried the same authority off the pitch as he had on it'

Connacht toyed with the idea of moving their Champions Cup last 16 game to a bigger ground. If they didn't contact the GAA, then I’m not sure they’ve looked at the bigger picture

Ireland cannot afford to lose on February 5: it kills momentum stone dead, and there’s a trip to Paris a week later

In Munster v Ulster, there was plenty to be critical about but I would be venturing into Pat Spillane on Ulster football territory if I did so

'The truth is that the hardest bastard in the ruck has nothing on the cold brutality of the professional sports business,' writes Ronan O'Gara

There’s been a massive under-appreciation of what Munster faced at Thomond Park. That is what Castres do to every opposition, every week

Exclusive: 'It is always nice to be considered a potential candidate for Munster. I’ve had an initial courtesy call but it goes no further'