THE Heineken Cup has always been the Holy Grail for the Irish provinces but Felipe Contepomi can’t help but be bemused by the general air of indifference the Magners League generates on these shores.

A LACK of involvement with the national side is one of the key reasons behind Keith Gleeson’s decision to retire from professional rugby at the end of the season, according to Leinster coach Michael Cheika.

AFTER long spells out of action, International Gerry Flannery and Mossie Lawlor are back in the Munster picture with both named as reserves for the province’s A game against Leinster at Donnybrook today at 2pm.

INJURIES and international duties will deprive Leinster of seven front-line players at the Sportsground this evening but Michael Cheika has still been able to name a hugely experienced first 15 for the Magners League tie against Connacht (kick-off 7.30).

GIRVAN DEMPSEY has described his recovery from his hip injury as “slow but good” and is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be ready in time for the next Six Nations match against Wales.

LEINSTER’S South African prop Ollie le Roux believes Toulouse will destroy Munster’s dreams of a second Heineken Cup title.

MICHAEL CHEIKA claims a perceived sense of injustice over their lack of representation in the Ireland pack will act as extra motivation for his Leinster forwards ahead of this weekend’s crunch Magners League tie.

Team news for this weekend's AIB League games.

Team news ahead of this weekend's All-Ireland League clashes.

LEINSTER return to Magners League duty against the Ospreys on Friday, having received mixed news concerning the injury worries picked up during Sunday’s Heineken Cup defeat in Toulouse.

All the latest team news for this weekend's AIB League games.

FELIPE CONTEPOMI is again a notable absentee from the Leinster squad to face Connacht in Friday night’s Magners League clash at the RDS (7.30pm).

LEINSTER and Ulster will endeavour to put the Ireland’s World Cup nightmare in the rear-view mirror on Friday night in Ravenhill — but the presence of Felipe Contepomi in the visitor’s dug-out will make that difficult.

WITH almost half their first team away in France and a revamped RDS providing the backdrop, this Magners League opener threatened to be a step into the unknown for Leinster.

Team news is in for the full schedule of AIB All-Ireland League games this weekend.

LEINSTER began the business end of their season with a six-try run-out against Treviso at Donnybrook last night.

WITH most of their all-singing, all-dancing back line away on international duty, Leinster will be looking to their oft-criticised pack to lead the way against Edinburgh in tonight’s Magners League tie at Donnybrook.

MALCOLM O’KELLY may return to full fitness next month with Leinster coach Michael Cheika yesterday refuting suggestions that the lock was suffering from a chronic, long-running knee injury.

CONNACHT fly-half Paul Warwick is to join Munster at the end of the season. The 26-year-old will be Ronan O’Gara’s understudy next season after agreeing terms with Kidney’s men.

The teams for this weekend's AIB League rugby fixtures have been announced.

The teams for this weekend's AIB League matches have been announced.

The teams for the upcoming AIB League fixtures have been announced.

LLANELLI moved back to the top of the Magners League after holding off a spirited second-half fightback from Leinster at Stradey Park.

PROMISING full-back Danny Riordan — he will be 22 on Monday — has received a timely birthday with his inclusion in the Connacht side to play Edinburgh Gunners in the Magners League at the Sportsground tomorrow night.

BRIAN O’MEARA will be back in Munster colours this season for the first time in six years, having been drafted into the squad on a part-time basis as scrum-half cover.

Edinburgh Gunners 20 Leinster 14

FORMER Munster second row Trevor Hogan looks set to make his Leinster debut in the Magners League against Edinburgh Gunners at Murrayfield tomorrow night and has been praised by coach Michael Cheika.