Munster’s planning for a Zebo-less future has solidified with new contracts for Andrew Conway and Stephen Fitzgerald confirmed and a first start of the season for the latter in this evening’s Guinness PRO14 trip to Cardiff Blues.

Connacht's five-match winning run came to an end as Cardiff Blues triumphed 36-30 at Arms Park.

CJ Stander is relishing his return to action against a big and physical Cardiff Blues back row at Thomond Park tomorrow when Munster look to bounce back from their first defeat of the Guinness PRO14 season last weekend.

Connacht lacked so much ‘attitude and commitment’ according to coach Kieran Keane who bristled with frustration as his side lost for the third time in four PRO14 games on Saturday.

Jarrod Evans nailed the match-winning conversion in windy conditions as Cardiff Blues edged out Connacht 17-15 for their first win at the Sportsground since May 2014.

Leo Cullen has warned that Leinster cannot allow their upcoming South African trip to distract them from the business at hand tonight when they face Cardiff Blues at the RDS in the second round of the Guinness PRO14.

Leo Cullen has warned that Leinster cannot allow their upcoming South African trip to distract them from the business at hand tonight when they face Cardiff Blues at the RDS in the second round of the Guinness PRO14.

Ireland skipper Rory Best will lead Ulster for the first time this season when they face a strong Cardiff outfit at the Kingspan Stadium this evening (kick-off 7.35pm).

Munster and Cardiff Blues won’t be lacking incentives when they clash at the Arms Park this evening in a Guinness PRO12 encounter that could play an important part in their seasons.

Guinness PRO12

Road To Riches is “50-50” to take his up his engagement in the 32Red King George VI Chase, according to trainer Noel Meade.

Cardiff Blues 13 Leinster 16 

Cardiff Blues lost their unbeaten record in the Guinness PRO12 as Leinster came from 10 points behind to win 16-13 at the Arms Park.

Pre-match press conferences rarely elicit much in the way of insight or emotion, but Isa Nacewa needed just one syllable to communicate both at the RDS yesterday.

Ulster’s wrecking ball No.8 Nick Williams, who will move to Cardiff next season, has played his last game for the province.

Ireland’s Paddy Jackson will chalk up a century of appearances for Ulster in tonight’s Guinness Pro12 clash with champions Glasgow, (Scotstoun Stadium, 7.45pm, TG4).

Although plenty of punters who got their fingers burnt on Blazer in last weekend’s Betfair Hurdle, at Newbury, it is far too soon to write off the beaten favourite.

Not a season-defining game, said Connacht’s Pat Lam of his side’s first defeat at home this season.

Connacht 3 Ulster 10: Ulster’s European winning form continued in the Guinness Pro12 when they took the spoils in a tight festive derby at the Galway Sportsgound on St Stephen’s night.

Connacht’s Eoghan Masterson is the perfect endorsement of a player who is reaping the rewards for his indefatigable determination to play for Ireland.

Another crack at the Crabbie’s Grand National is the dream for connections of Seabass after the 12-year-old rolled back the years with victory at Thurles on Sunday.

Owner Paul Duffy expects Reve De Sivola to put up a bold show in his bid for a fourth successive victory in today’s JLT Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.

Ulster 38 Toulouse 0: Four times French giants Toulouse have visited Belfast, and each time left with the tails firmly stuck between their legs.