Munster 65 Sale 10: European Champions Cup Pool 1: We are used to seeing Munster inflict a round-six rout in Europe but usually it is borne of necessity.

Simon Zebo and Andrew Conway both crossed twice as Munster dominated their Champions Cup dead rubber against a young Sale outfit at Thomond Park.

It wasn’t exactly the script David Wallace was looking for on his return from a long term injury, but the veteran backrower was nevertheless upbeat despite Munster’s shock defeat in Viadana yesterday.

Mauro Bergamasco has signed for Aironi until the end of the season with an option for a second year.

AT first glance, there could be no more difficult a start to life in the Magners League than what lies ahead for Aironi on Saturday.

THERE isn’t much in the way of history between Leinster and Clermont Auvergne, but what little there is will always remain a source of some satisfaction for the Irish province.

AND then there were 12 – finally.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has made no changes to the starting XV that lost their last RBS 6 Nations match to England for the game against Scotland in Rome on Saturday.

THE knockout stages of the Heineken Cup could be thrown into chaos following another player controversy involving the Ospreys.

The Ospreys say they are “co-operating fully” with tournament chiefs amid reports of them facing a second investigation relating to this season’s Heineken Cup campaign.

RICHIE REES could have been excused a double-take as he prepared to embark on the biggest week of his rugby life.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has named lock Carlo Antonio Del Fava in his 24-man squad for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Scotland in Rome.

MAGNERS LEAGUE director David Jordan has played down reports that Italian clubs will join the league next season.

Celtic Rugby director David Jordan today branded reports that Italian clubs will join the Magners League next season as "premature".

Carlo Antonio Del Fava is the surprise inclusion in Italy’s 30-man squad to face Scotland in their next RBS 6 Nations clash.

LEICESTER tight-head prop Dan Cole has admitted the prospect of anchoring the England pack in a full international was not even on his radar at the start of this season.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has been forced to make two changes to his 24-man squad ahead of the RBS 6 Nations match against England in Rome on Sunday.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has made no changes to the squad that beat Samoa in November for Saturday´s RBS 6 Nations opener against Ireland at Croke Park.

ITALY head coach Nick Mallett has named his 24-man squad ahead of the RBS 6 Nations opener against Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday.

Italy head coach Nick Mallett has named his 24-man squad ahead of the RBS 6 Nations opener against Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday.

Viadana 20 Clermont Auvergne 59

The race for Heineken Cup quarter-final places reaches its conclusion this weekend.

Leicester 47 Viadana 8

MATCH-of-the-Season is an overused phrase, but for Benetton Treviso tomorrow’s clash with Munster has become just that.

MUNSTER Rugby chiefs are ‘extremely disappointed’ at the scheduling of their crucial Heineken Cup Pool One game against Northampton Saints at Thomond Park for Friday, January 22 (8pm).

London Irish's Heineken Cup showdown with holders Leinster will take place on Saturday, January 23, it was announced this afternoon.

Ospreys 45 Viadana 19

Munster can push reigning French champions Perpignan to the brink of Heineken Cup elimination tomorrow – and underline their own credentials for a possible third European title.

Ireland international Tommy Bowe has escaped the sanction of a suspension following a hearing into an alleged dangerous tackle.

Ospreys wing Tommy Bowe has been cited for a dangerous tackle on Viadana counterpart Kaine Robertson during Saturday’s Heineken Cup match.

Wales winger Shane Williams has been ruled out for a minimum four weeks because of a torn hamstring.

Viadana 11 Leicester 46

Clermont Auvergne 36 Viadana 18

Ireland centre Paddy Wallace and Scottish winger Simon Danielli have recovered from illness to be included in Ulster's extended 26-man squad for their Magner's League opener against The Dragons at Rodney Parade on Sunday.

Worcester Warriors 3 Ulster 25

Coach Brian McLaughlin will rotate his starting 15, making 13 changes to his Ulster side against Italian Super 10 side Viadana at Ravenhill on Wednesday.

Andy Kyriacou and Dan Tuohy will both make their first starts for Ulster in Friday’s pre-season friendly with Newcastle Falcons at Ravenhill.

Heineken Cup champions Leinster will start their bid to retain their title against London Irish on the evening of Friday 9, October 2009 at the RDS in Dublin, it has been announced.

New head coach Brian McLaughlin is relishing the start to his job with the announcement Ulster's pre-season fixtures.

Ulster will play two home pre-season friendlies in August.

European champions Leinster will launch the defence of their Heineken Cup title in a group with London Irish, the Scarlets and Brive.

LEINSTER may be basking in the glory of being crowned Heineken Cup champions for 2009, but they won’t have to wait long before finding out who they will face when they begin their defence next season.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has dropped six players from his squad to face France in their final RBS 6 Nations game in Rome at the weekend.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has handed uncapped Giulio Rubini a starting berth for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations game against Wales in Rome.