Big statement alert: I don’t think in the history of rugby in this country have we had a better captain-coach combination guiding our fortunes into the next World Cup.

If it isn’t ‘GUBU’, it’s not far off. The vitriol pouring down on Philippe Saint-Andre and his French players this week is unbelievable, occasionally bizarre.

I can understand why Brian O’Driscoll will be centre stage at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow for his last home game in an Ireland jersey but Paris was really where it all began for him.

The appointment of Anthony Foley as Munster’s next head coach was great, the timing was right, and I think there is so much more to come from him that we haven’t yet seen.

Ireland won’t go all the way unbeaten to the 2015 World Cup. What will inform Joe Schmidt’s thinking over the next 18 months is identifying those in his squad who will dip or crumble in defeats or bad performances. Or both.

Things can change quickly when you’re coaching. Things happen and new challenges have to be faced.

Munster may end close to home in their quest to replace Rob Penney next season, but they are duty-bound to trawl the world for the best coaching ticket available.

On Sunday, as the players file into the dressing room, the jerseys will be sequentially pegged. From left to right, numbers one to eight.

James Coughlan won’t be lining out for the Irish Wolfhounds tomorrow evening at Kingsholm, and nor should he, writes Ronan O'Gara.

IN financing the contract that keeps Sean O’Brien at Leinster and with Ireland for at least two more years, the IRFU has cleverly looked beyond the euro signs and the zeros.