Rob Penney might think it strange to be still working his rugby brain in the build up to a day when Santa Claus and kids are king, but he knows he better get used to it.

Connacht Head Coach Eric Elwood has made two changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s meeting with Munster at the Sportsground (5.15pm).

Connacht back rower Willie Faloon has been ruled out of the province’s Pool 3 showdown against Biarritz at the Parc des Sports Aguilera on Friday (8pm).

On a weekend when the provinces showed their class in the Heineken Cup, Munster, Ulster and Leinster also had big wins in the British and Irish Cup.

Niall O’Donovan was yesterday welcomed back into the Munster fold as team manager on a two-year contract.

Niall O'Donovan has been appointed as Munster's team manager, it was announced today.

Dave O’Callaghan may be graduating from the Munster Academy this summer but he is fully aware there are plenty of skills still to be learned as he embarks on a professional rugby career with his native province, not least patience.

Munster’s next generation may be targeting Heineken Cup medals long term, but got an early taste of success in Cork last night as the province’s A team lifted the British & Irish Cup for the first time.

Munster A secured a first British and Irish Cup victory with an accomplished all-round performance that overpowered brave Cross Keys at Musgrave Park last night.

Munster A’ 31 Cross Keys 12

Nothing grates on Munster rugby players more than being told that they are in any way inferior to their Leinster counterparts.

It’s unlikely that the Cross Keys players needed a reminder of the daunting task awaiting them in Cork tonight but backs coach Mark Ring has provided one anyway by comparing Munster to the All Blacks.

Scott Deasy hopes to take the first major step in proving he can be a successor to his hero, Ronan O’Gara, in the British & Irish Cup final against Cross Keys at Musgrave Park this evening (5.30pm).

Friday’s British & Irish Cup final against Cross Keys in Musgrave Park (5.30pm) is likely to be the last time Munster fans will see Denis Fogarty wearing the red jersey, with the hooker moving to French side Aurillac at the end of the season.

The next generation of Munster rugby stars will be unveiled at Musgrave Park on Friday (5.30pm) when the province contests their second British and Irish Cup final in three years, against Welsh club Cross Keys.

James Coughlan will miss the rest of Munster’s regular season due to the hand injury he received against Ulster.

Munster number 8 James Coughlan might miss the RaboDirect PRO12 game against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday, after suffering a bone fracture to his left hand during the Heineken Cup quarter-final loss to Ulster.

A MEDICAL study claims protective skull caps do nothing to protect against concussion.

IRELAND U-20s 24 WALES U-20s 38

IRELAND’S women’s rugby team will be hoping to secure back-to-back wins when they take on Wales at Pandy Park, Cross Keys tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm).

WELSH rugby player Gavin Quinnell has permanently lost the sight in his left eye following an incident during Llanelli’s Premiership game against Cross Keys.

Welsh rugby player Gavin Quinnell has permanently lost the sight in his left eye following an incident during Llanelli’s Premiership game against Cross Keys.

THE Welsh, Scottish and Irish unions hope to clinch a TV deal and main sponsor after announcing a joint agreement to launch the much talked about Celtic League next August.