The chief executives of the Six Nations renewed talks in London yesterday aimed at finalising an offer designed to change the face of the game. Having already forked out some €400m to buy stakes in the English Premiership and PRO14, the private equity firm CVC Partners are willing to pay the Six Nations almost as much again for a share of the tournament’s commercial rights.

PRO 14 Scoreboard here with this one Leo Cullen said Sunday’s Champions Cup semi-final will be a litmus test for him and his coaching team’s player management system.

French Top14 club Clermont have dismissed reports linking them with a move for Irish out-half Paddy Jackson, with head coach Franck Azéma describing the rumours as “false information”.

The sense of dread around a hushed Thomond Park had been palpable as Keith Earls lay prone on the turf, surrounded by attentive medics.