Further evidence of the influence of West Cork rugby in the Munster team has come with the inclusion of Rosscarbery flanker John Hodnett for his first Guinness Pro 14 start — against South African side Southern Kings — at Musgrave Park this evening, kick-off 7. 35.

Should Saracens lose the points for their win over Racing, Munster would be deemed to finish second in Pool 4, however it would be Glasgow Warriors who would be next in line to take their quarter-final place as the next-best runners-up.

Six Munster players have signed new contracts with the province, including three academy players who have been promoted to the senior squad.

Brian Ashton was a prophet in a land that couldn’t understand his message when he took over as Ireland head coach in the 1990s.

At the risk of redefining the delusional practice of clutching at straws, perhaps there is something to be said after all for making an early exit from the World Cup.

He was part of an impressive collective effort back in his home city for Benetton in the opening round of the Heineken Champions Cup.

Sean O’Brien was among a handful of former Leinster stars who returned to the team HQ this week to set the scene for the province’s ‘drive for five’ ahead of today’s Heineken Champions Cup opener against Benetton.

Those newcomers are among five changes by Johann van Graan to the side which lost their last Pro14 game 40-16 to the Cheetahs.

Jack Conan will miss the 2020 Six Nations after surgery on the foot injury that ended his World Cup early.

Director of rugby Declan Kidney praised London Irish's 'heroic defence' as they just clung on to mark their Premiership return with a superb 29-26 win at Wasps.

Openside flanker TJ Ioane dismissed the suggestion earlier this week that the Pacific Islanders would be preparing a special welcome for Ireland's Kiwi-born centre with Samoan roots

This was always a race against time for Steve Jackson. The Samoan head coach was only appointed to the role last September, chosen from a list of 40 applicants and handed ownership of a team that had to qualify for this World Cup via a two-legged play-off against Germany.

England’s World Cup bid was just minutes old when Billy Vunipola launched himself into contact off the back of a lineout and Tonga’s Zane Kapeli floored him with a tackle that landed the big No 8 flat on his arse.

It was the numbers beyond the 45-5 scoreline which truly showed how productive Munster’s pre-season win over London Irish was.

Despite all those stars jetting east to the Land of the Rising Sun, the absentee which generated the most debate was the one left at home.

Three Academy players will make their first Munster starts in Friday's friendly against London Irish.

Munster defence coach JP Ferreira admits he was surprised to see Jean Kleyn make the Ireland squad for the Rugby World Cup but says the South African-born lock is being rewarded for his hard work with the province.

Paddy Jackson is not included in the London Irish squad for Friday night's pre-season friendly against Munster in Musgrave Park.

A protest is due to take place next week in Cork as Paddy Jackson is due to play his first match on Irish soil since he was acquitted following a high-profile Belfast rape trial.

Leinster rugby coach Leo Cullen says they may be forced to send minders along to player nights-out, after last May’s end-of-season controversies.

Conor O’Shea has ruled himself out of becoming the new Munster CEO, insisting his focus is on getting Italy ready for the World Cup in Japan.

The game could prove to be Paddy Jackson's first on Irish soil since his Ulster departure in April 2018.

London Irish head coach Les Kiss insists the majority of Exiles fans support the decision to sign Paddy Jackson.

Munster received a tough draw against reigning champions Saracens in next season's Champions Cup pool stages.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has said Paddy Jackson has not taken steps to show his attitude towards women has changed.

London Irish Rugby club’s decision to recruit Paddy Jackson has cost the club a near 30-year relationship with drinks giant Diageo which had been one of its main sponsors.

Diageo has cancelled its sponsorship of London Irish Rugby Club over concerns at the signing of Paddy Jackson.

One of London Irish's major sponsors is seeking talks with the club following their signing of Paddy Jackson.

And before we know it, another season comes to a sudden and dramatic end.

Rob Kearney has agreed a “nine-month extension” to his IRFU contract and will play with Leinster next season.

Ireland's Sean O'Brien has been ruled out of the World Cup.

O’Brien missed what should have been his final game for his home province due to a hip injury but captain Sexton asked the Tullow Tank, who will depart Leinster for London Irish after the World Cup, to take the captain’s role and lift the trophy after a hard-fought victory in Glasgow.

Leo Cullen vented his anger last week at what he perceived as suggestions in some media outlets that Jonathan Sexton had been ‘dropped’ for the semi-final win over Munster. He need not have bothered as Sexton’s selection for today’s decider was always going to refute such spin.

Josh van der Flier admits he was a bundle of nerves ahead of Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 semi-final win over Munster.

Defeats make doubters of us all.

Leo Cullen is hopeful his bruised and fallen European champions can recover from their Saracens loss but wary of Munster’s own desire for silverware as preparations begin for Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 semi-final.

Donal Lenihan on the players and performances that could shade today’s meeting of the European superpowers in Newcastle.

Paddy Jackson is leaving French Top 14 club Perpignan for the Gallagher Premiership where he will play under a former Munster and Ireland coach next season.

London Irish secured promotion back to the Gallagher Premiership after recording a 46-7 victory over Richmond.

Glasgow Warriors reclaimed top spot in Conference A of the Guinness PRO14 with a fantastic five-try 39-24 win over fellow table toppers Leinster at the RDS.

Sean O’Brien’s form and fitness have both given cause for concern this season, but the Leinster back row remains confident that he still has plenty to offer as his last days with province and country approach.

Peter Jackson gets over the gain line, behind the headline.

Is Joe Schmidt demonstrating double standards?

Here's your lunchtime bulletin.

"I know I’m from Dublin, but I’ve lived here for the last eight years, and with my fiancée Lisa and daughter Beth born here, I know we will be back again. I’m from Munster and I’m a Limerick man now, and it holds a special place in my heart."