Before looking forward to the inaugural Champions Cup final at Twickenham on Saturday, I feel compelled to examine the implications of an announcement last week that attracted minimal attention on this side of the world.

MUNSTER are closing on New Zealand Maori captain Rua Tipoki — despite the inside centre’s disciplinary problems.

JONAH LOMU has just one game left to force his way into the All Black World Cup squad after being ruled out of Wellington’s NPC opener against Southland over the weekend.