Zebre 24 Connacht 10: Michael Bradley knows all about building from the bottom in professional rugby — his seven years at the Sportsground took Connacht through the most difficult period in their history — and he is happy with the progress he is making in his first few months with Zebre. 

Connacht coach Kieran Keane says a resurgent Zebre will pose a huge threat in Parma this afternoon as his side aim to bounce back to winning ways before refocusing next week to the European Challenge Cup campaign.

Leicester romped to a seven-try European Champions Cup victory as they ran Castres ragged at Welford Road.

Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend believes his side will have to play even better against Racing 92 if they are to repeat last week’s historic win.

Leinster’s South African star Zane Kirchner says Ruan Pienaar has been left “heartbroken” by the IRFU decision to block Ulster’s plans to re-sign the star.

Ulster stayed on course to make the Guinness PRO12 play-offs by defeating Leinster 30-6 in a pulsating derby clash at the Kingspan Stadium.

Tipperary’s John Lacey will referee next month’s European Challenge Cup final between Harlequins and Montpellier.

Glasgow Warriors 12 Leinster 6: Connacht can sleep easily this weekend after Leinster failed to knock the Galway men off their top perch in the Guinness Pro12 last night at Scotstoun with defeat to Glasgow in a match that produced not a single try.

Staff and pupils from one of the country’s oldest primary schools have taken a stroll down memory lane to celebrate their centenary anniversary.

Pat Lam wasn’t smashing any china, but his displeasure still betrayed the smile.

I DON’T think anyone was blowing kisses or throwing bouquets when JJ Hanrahan left Munster, writes Ronan O'Gara.

Heyneke Meyer believes “the time has come for change” after bringing an end to his reign as South Africa head coach.

Clermont Auvergne overcame a ferocious Ospreys fightback to retain their proud European home record with a bonus-point 34-29 win in Pool Two of the Champions Cup.

Saracens encountered few problems as they launched their European Champions Cup campaign with an emphatic victory over French heavyweights Toulouse at Allianz Park.

Namibia 16 Georgia 17: Georgia captain Mamuka Gorgodze broke stubborn Namibia to inspire his side to a nervy second win of the World Cup in Exeter.

Welshman Nigel Owens, regarded by many pundits as the world’s leading rugby union referee, has been appointed to oversee Ireland’s crucial Rugby World Cup Pool D clash with France.

The two live TV games yesterday were boosted by impressive performances by both referees who applied the rules consistently.

Glasgow 16 Ulster 14: Glasgow left it late to book a place in the Guinness Pro12 final after a nail-biting 16-14 win over Ulster at Scotstoun.

Ulster signalled its serious intent for tonight’s Guinness Pro12 semi-final at Glasgow Warriors by naming its strongest possible side.

The French will take Twickenham by storm next month for the first time since they subjected the All Blacks to the most riotous half-hour in World Cup history.

France star Wesley Fofana scored the game’s solitary try just after half-time as French heavyweights Clermont prevailed 13-9 against Saracens to reach their second European final in three seasons.

Simon Lewis takes a look at how Toulon and Leinster compare as they face each other in the European Champions Cup semi-final.

Lost amid the disappointment of Leinster’s PRO12 defeat to Newport Gwent Dragons and their upcoming European semi-final in Marseille has been the fact that the province’s Champions Cup ambitions for next season have already been seriously compromised.

Gordon D’Arcy hasn’t given up on making Ireland’s World Cup squad later this year.

Rockwell 23, Ardscoil Ris 13:

Scarlets 23, Leinster 13: Matt O’Connor is adamant this defeat in west Wales has not done major damage to Leinster’s Guinness Pro12 title aspirations.

Scarletts v Leinster

So many rudderless English chariots have drifted away on the Liffey over the years they must now pose a danger to shipping in the Irish Sea.

Scotland 10 Italy 22

Scotland were left facing their fourth wooden spoon in 11 years after a late collapse handed Italy a RBS 6 Nations win at Murrayfield.

Scotland v Italy

After tackling international drug dealers, spotting who has been gouging in the ruck should be a piece of cake for a retired Naval Service commander who has been appointed a citing commissioner for the Six Nations.

I know nothing. I really don’t. 130 tests later, if you haven’t it all figured you’re dumb, writes Ronan O'Gara. 

It’s not just team-mates and opponents getting younger for Munster veteran Paul O’Connell.

Australia 24 South Africa 23

There may not be any Irish teams running out in Cardiff later today, but Ireland will be represented by referee Alain Rolland and assistant referee George Clancy in the 19th Heineken Cup final.