It is a well-balanced Ireland squad, assembled by Joe Schmidt in forensic detail, with the intention of negotiating a successful seven-week World Cup campaign.

The IRFU have revealed their strip for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Ronan O'Gara is on his way back to France, and a head coaching role with Top 14 over-achievers La Rochelle.

O’Gara confirmed to Examiner Sport last night that he has signed a deal to remain on the coaching staff at the Crusaders for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

Ronan O’Gara has short-circuited speculation regarding a coaching return to the northern hemisphere by agreeing a one-year extension to his contract with the Canterbury Crusaders in New Zealand.

Behind every team there’s another team.

The popularity of Irish rugby on and off the pitch looks set to continue its meteoric rise after the glorious success of Twickenham and a historic Grand Slam.

The prospect of playing for the Barbarians against Tonga tomorrow night and in the same side as Donncha O’Callaghan is helping Munster’s James Cronin forget the injuries that have plagued and seriously damaged his career — with the prop now hopeful better times must surely lie ahead.

After the weeks of verbal jousting started by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and latterly engaged in by Lions boss Warren Gatland, the pair of New Zealanders have finally found some common ground.

New Zealand have suffered two further injury scares ahead of the fast-approaching three-Test series against the Lions.

Warren Gatland’s British & Irish Lions could be about to surprise a few sceptics in New Zealand over the next six weeks.

Involvement in a major “derby” game on St Stephen’s Day used to be a novelty for Munster’s New Zealand out-half Tyler Bleyendaal. It’s high summer and off-season back home where he would normally be enjoying the beach and sunshine.

Isa Nacewa says Joey Carbery has proven himself capable of leading Leinster — but warned Johnny Sexton would not welcome any attempts to force him into a period of rest.

Joe Schmidt isn’t the only one looking forward to seeing his charges face the best side in the world twice over the next few weeks.

Canterbury have given 30 fans a first glimpse of the jersey that the Lions squad will be wearing on the 2017 tour to New Zealand.

Fears that Munster fly-half Johnny Holland’s career was in jeopardy were confirmed yesterday when the province announced the 25-year-old had been forced to retire with immediate effect.

What do you do when your religious beliefs conflict with your chosen sport? And how does this play out when your chosen sport is also your job?

Munster may have turned a corner following their emotion-fuelled victory over Stade Francais but in the background, injured fly-half Tyler Bleyendaal must still negotiate a steep curve of his own.

The sight of Louis Picamoles rampaging around Twickenham last weekend was a warning to Ireland of France’s burgeoning threat and Sean O’Brien is among those who believes ‘Les Bleus’ will be more dangerous than ever when they face Ireland at the Rugby World Cup.

Having kicked his heels in frustration for the last 12 months as he recovered from a serious neck injury, 25 year-old New Zealander Tyler Bleyendaal is finally ready to make his first appearance in front of the Munster supporters when he lines out against French club Grenoble in this evening’s pre-season friendly at Thomond Park.

Paul O’Connell has explained that there was no option but to call time on his Ireland career in order to afford himself the best possible opportunity of making his post-World Cup switch from Munster to Toulon a success.

Paul O’Connell has confirmed that his Ireland career will end when Joe Schmidt’s side plays its last game at the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Ian Madigan admits to fears that he could slip out of Joe Schmidt’s World Cup plans, what with two of his main rivals for a place in the squad set to benefit from the opportunity to display their wares in the Pro12 play-offs.

Munster will be close to full strength for their trip north to Ulster on Saturday with Paul O’Connell set to start the crucial Guinness Pro12 clash after recovering from a shoulder injury.

A dozen have been recruited and a dozen have failed to take centre stage, but Munster will hope All Black Francis Saili can finally provide a remedy for their midfield woes.

He is the greatest rugby player of his generation — perhaps of all time.

New Zealand legend Dan Carter is set to be unveiled as Jonathan Sexton’s replacement at Racing Metro this morning.

Last weekend the Irish Rugby team gave the whole nation a lift with their superb win over South Africa.

Greg Feek made no bones about it yesterday.

European rugby chiefs could face a year-long wait to complete the five sponsorship deals for the new-look Champions Cup.

Fasten the seat-belt and take a firm grip of something solid, suggests Donal Lenihan.

Jared Payne has spent the grand total of two days with Joe Schmidt’s Ireland set-up but the Ulster back has already made considerable inroads in the race to replace Brian O’Driscoll as the side’s resident 13.