THE pain of defeat to Harlequins in the Amlin Challenge Cup is still causing a sting in the Munster camp.

UNSHAKEABLE confidence in your own ability is a pre-requisite for any aspiring professional rugby player, so it’s little wonder that Scott Deasy’s upward mobility continues apace.

IRISH coach Declan Kidney was annoyed at the International Rugby Board’s decision to reassess how referees interpret the tackle law at the breakdown midway through the Six Nations Championships.

NEW Ireland manager Paul McNaughton believes the Croke Park crowd can play a major part when it comes to beating New Zealand for the first time in 22 meetings of the countries.