THE most satisfied man in Irish rugby last Sunday night was Joe Schmidt. On a weekend that saw the return to action of Rory Best, Conor Murray, Simon Zebo and Cian Healy, following hot on the heals of Chris Henry and Tommy O’Donnell, Ireland’s squad for the upcoming Six Nations — announced yesterday with all bar Zebo included — received a serious boost.

Leinster 19 Castres 7

NORTHAMPTON were crowned Challenge Cup champions after surviving a ferocious assault from French bruisers Bourgoin at Twickenham Stoop last night.

Northampton 15 Bourgoin 3

Bourgoin 21 Ospreys 28