Two Irishmen were among 11 killed this season on the world’s highest mountain. What draws climbers to the challenge? asks Lorna Siggins

It says a lot about Connacht under Andy Friend that they were disappointed not to claim a bonus-point win over Top 14 outfit Bordeaux-Bègles as both teams tested the extent of their squads. But the coach left his players in no doubt that they have to improve their discipline or risk being dropped.

Robin Copeland says adding to his sole international cap was not on his mind when he decided to join Connacht this summer.

Munster 24 Ulster 24: Munster will head back to knockout rugby this weekend, their objective to get back on the bike after European disappointment accomplished but this draw reminding everyone in the province there is still plenty of road left to travel if they are to contend for the Guinness PRO14 title next month.

Innerstrength’s app allows health professionals deliver exercise programmes for their patients,

Munster 19 Scarlets 7: Tommy O’Donnell and Rory Scannell were the latest Munster players to check into the province’s treatment room as head coach Johann van Graan admitted both Simon Zebo and Andrew Conway have only 50/50 chances of facing Toulon next Saturday.

“I have really enjoyed my four seasons with Munster and am now looking forward to an exciting future with Connacht.”

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have this morning confirmed that Dave O'Callaghan, Brian Scott and Ciaran Parker have all signed contract extensions.

Munster gave Rassie Erasmus the perfect send-off in Cork last night as the director of rugby was treated to a seven-try bonus-point victory to bring down the curtain on his tenure.

In the end the margin of victory was just five points, but Munster were the dominant force at the Liberty Stadium as they made it three straight Guinness Pro14 wins.

B&I Cup final:

Munster have gone to the top of the Pro 12 after a comfortable 46-3 home win over Benetton Treviso in this afternoon's clash.

Munster notched another famous victory over a touring side and completed a second Irish victory over New Zealand opposition in a week as they brushed aside the Maori All Blacks on a stellar night at Thomond Park.

Young Munster 35 Old Belvedere 36: The Ulster Bank All-Ireland League got off to the best possible start at Tom Clifford Park on Saturday, when Old Belvedere and Young Munster provided a thriller from which the visitors emerged victorious by a point (36-35).

Update 3.25pm: Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy has called for the closure of the Sellafield nuclear plant in England.

A man lost six members of his family in the horrific lorry massacre in Nice, French media reported.

An American father and son were among those killed in the terror attack in Nice.

THERE are many ways to approach writing a video game column. One method is to Google an obscure fact and then pass it off as your own knowledge. 

Wes Copeland has broken the high score for Donkey Kong once again, which now stands at 1,218,000.

The man behind the celebrated Louis Copeland brand has credited the ‘Conor McGregor effect’ for helping his business record a steady increase in revenues in 2015.

Ospreys 18 Munster 20: A last-gasp converted try from replacement CJ Stander saw Munster stun the Ospreys and make it two wins from two at the start of the new Guinness Pro 12 campaign.

Arlene Foster will take the reins in her first day as the sole unionist in the North's faltering powersharing government.

Munster assistant coach Ian Costello last night dismissed media reports that Robbie Henshaw could be on his way to the province at the end of next season. 

Munster’s assistant coach Brian Walsh believes Ian Keatley will benefit hugely from his first Six Nations experience in Rome last weekend. 

Kids need sport despite threat of injury, writes Helen O’Callaghan.

Ireland wing Keith Earls could be in line for a seasonal debut at Zebre this weekend as Munster weigh his need for match fitness ahead of their crucial Champions Cup tie with Saracens.

Conor Murray and Robin Copeland took part in some gentle ribbing on Twitter today.

The international contingent get all the breaks. With Joe Schmidt hosting a pre-Christmas camp in Carton House early in the week, the onus fell on the supporting cast in the provinces with Gordon D’Arcy the only player who started in Ireland’s last outing against Australia asked to play in the festive derbies in Limerick and Belfast yesterday.

Munster head coach Anthony Foley praised his players for ending a three-game losing streak with victory over Leinster but called for greater consistency in their performances as they head into the second half of the season.

Glasgow Warriors 21 Munster 18

Glasgow came from behind to beat Munster 21-18 to move above the Irish province in the battle at the top of the Guinness PRO12 table.

Munster rugby player Robin Copeland amused himself by putting together a compilation of videos of him miming to famous lines - and it’s hilarious.