Limerick publicans have their fingers crossed that they are not facing into another Good Friday drink court battle with the huge Munster versus Ulster Heineken Cup quarter-final set for the Easter weekend at Thomond Park.

Stephen Ferris has been confirmed as unfit for selection for Ireland's opening game of the RBS 6 Nations Championship against Italy following a consultation with a knee specialist.

GARETH JENKINS admits that Wales’ RBS 6 Nations history has veered too often between the good, the bad and the ugly — and he is determined to change that.

Ulster flanker Andy Ward will miss the province's opening two Heineken Cup Pool 6 fixtures following an elbow injury sustained in Saturday's Ravenhill loss to the Ospreys.