Ulster captain Johann Muller is expecting a stern challenge when he leads his team out against defending RaboDirect PRO12 champions Ospreys in the Liberty Stadium on Saturday (6.30pm).

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Paul O'Connell and Damien Varley have both been officially ruled out of the RaboDirect PRO12 semi-final clash with Osprey at the Liberty Stadium on Friday (7.35pm).

Jamie Heaslip admitted Ireland were left with the bitter taste of defeat despite drawing yesterday’s RBS 6 Nations clash with France 17-17.

Ireland’s nemesis Mike Phillips aims to return to haunt Declan Kidney’s men at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow.

Taking on Heineken Cup champions Leinster at the RDS was always going to be a serious test for Eric Elwood’s Connacht side, but their mounting injury list has rendered the task even harder.

THE Ospreys ended Ulster’s unbeaten run as they continued their own with a workmanlike triumph at Liberty Stadium yesterday afternoon.

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Ireland are imploring players to find their voice in an attempt to address the communication problems highlighted by backs coach Alan Gaffney.

A WIN is a win, but neither players, supporters or coach were much pleased with Leinster’s performance in last night’s Magners league clash with old rivals the Ospreys at the RDS.

Munster Rugby have today confirmed that they have appealed the ERC decision that was handed down to Paul O’Connell last Thursday at an ERC hearing in Dublin.

Wales back-rower Jonathan Thomas has agreed a new contract with the Ospreys that will keep him at the Liberty Stadium until 2014.

Paul O’Connell has been included in Munster’s squad for Saturday’s crunch Heineken Cup match with the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea. (kick-off 3.30pm)

Wales star Ryan Jones has signed a new long-term contract with the Ospreys.

Brian O’Driscoll is eager to help Ireland mark their Aviva Stadium debut in triumphant fashion after being passed fit for Saturday’s clash with South Africa.

Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips has committed his future to the Ospreys by signing a new four-year contract at the Liberty Stadium.

CONNACHT could not have wished for a tougher Magners League opening than the Ospreys when the two sides meet at the Galway Sportsground this evening (7pm).

The Ospreys today confirmed that they have signed former Ireland Under-20 lock Conor McInerney from Leinster.

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WITHOUT kicking a ball, Munster secured the first half of a possible League and Cup double when they were last night crowned Magners League champions for the second time in their history.

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ONE hundred Heineken Cup games later, yesterday’s quarter-final victory over the Ospreys at Thomond Park was an historic occasion for European champions Munster.

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WITH several equally-qualified contenders from within his own Grand Slam-winning side, some may contend that Shane Williams wasn’t the player of the Six Nations this season. However, he was certainly the most exciting.

Steve Williams will look to make a few changes for Ulster's tussle with The Ospreys at Ravenhill on Friday night in the return leg of the Heineken Cup.

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Osprey View coped with wildly different conditions to his previous outings by flying away with the digibet Novices’ Hurdle at Uttoxeter.

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has made seven changes to the Welsh starting line-up which lost to Scotland nine days ago their clash with France at Stade de France on Saturday.

ADAM JONES returns to the Wales side for today’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Scotland after spending the last three months rebuilding his shattered confidence.

Ospreys head coach Lyn Jones believes his players are ready for the “extra dimension” of a Heineken Cup showdown with French championship leaders Stade Francais.

LIFIEMI MAFI makes his first start for Munster in tomorrow’s Magners League clash with Llanelli Scarlets in Stradey Park (Setanta Sports, 5.35pm).

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MUNSTER last night refuted allegations that prop Marcus Horan racially abused a Neath/Swansea Ospreys player at the Gnoll last weekend.

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has unsuccessfully tried to talk former Lions hooker Barry Williams out of international retirement for his team’s autumn Test matches.

Munster and Ulster received byes so the Irish flag is flown in the Celtic Cup tonight by Leinster, who take on Neath/Swansea Ospreys and Connacht, who are away to Scottish side Borders.

Live Aid mastermind Bob Geldof today struck a deal which will see his media and events company listed on the London Stock Exchange.