Ireland sealed the deal to claim only our second Six Nations title in dramatic fashion at Paris on Saturday night but the long-term benefits we will derive from winning a tight game will stand to this side.

Ireland vice-captain Aidan Walsh admits he was frustrated by people in Cork telling him he should be putting his club ahead of his International Rules duties.

Ireland and Leinster tighthead prop Mike Ross has backed the decision to draft unknown front rower Michael Bent into the Irish squad for Saturday’s meeting with South Africa.

Ireland forwards coach Gert Smal last night spoke of his decision to continue his role in Declan Kidney’s management set-up rather than pursue the head coaching role of his native South Africa.