Alex Ferguson had the ideal scenario. A Man Utd 'coach' on the pitch during games, carrying out his instructions and expectations. Driving standards, chasing slackers, driving the high achievers. But there are only so many Roy Keanes.

I love Japan as a country, but I think I will be in La Rochelle for the foreseeable future

Jack Crowley is happy to bide his time and make his mark with Munster. I know all this because he has turned down the chance to sign for La Rochelle

The notion of studious, bespectacled gurus analysing statistics and data in the coach’s box is a seducing one, but down pitchside is where it’s at. Think GAA mentality 

Ronan O’Gara faces a long bus trip today with La Rochelle.  Over his career, those journeys have seen every emotion

Come Sunday afternoon, I did what any full-blooded Irish man does on All-Ireland final day — I became a hurling expert

Champions Exeter, Leinster, Racing 92 and Toulouse will take all the beating, and not even the blitz-type feel of the competition format should change that

Ireland are 22-17 in front, history is in their sights but I am utterly conflicted

Just because there’s a potential Test nine putting pressure on Murray doesn’t mean anything more than a good selection dilemma for Andy Farrell and Irish rugby

For Andy Farrell and his opposite number Wayne Pivac, these are games to build a squad and put their stamp on it.