Well fear not, more learned experts than you are confused by the law tweaks to the tackle, the scum and the problems of offside and obstruction. We asked Donal Lenihan to explain it all.

Swashbuckling captain Joe Van Niekerk tells Ian Moriarty that the French side are determined to put their best foot forward for the Heineken Cup.

Lionel Nallet talks to Ian Moriarty about Racing Metro’s ambitions in their first Heineken Cup.

After getting their early season back on track with the victory over Munster, new coach Joe Schmidt must quickly refocus on the small matter of the European Cup. He spoke yesterday to Alan Good.

Maybe the GAA can learn a thing or two from rugby –- like kicking off its premier competition with a bang. While the summer Championships often sleepwalk into summer, the Heineken Cup starts this weekend with heavyweight collisions. Alan Good looks ahead.

Raphael Ibanez runs the rule over the tournament newcomers –- Aironi Rugby, Racing Metro 92 and Toulon.

Leinster and Munster have been given little reward for years of sustained European achievement with incredibly difficult Heineken Cup pools, says Donal Lenihan. Conversely, things look good for under-achieving Ulster.