Nothing less than a World Cup semi-final appearance in Japan later this year will constitute a good World Cup for Ireland, said a straight-talking David Nucifora, as the IRFU performance director threw down the gauntlet to Joe Schmidt and his squad yesterday.

IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora backed Johann van Graan as the right man to take Munster forward and pledged to surround the head coach with experience and support in the province’s new-look backroom staff.

The IRFU have secured the services of Performance Director David Nucifora for another three seasons.

“He’s been a part of the most successful transformation of recent times of a national side.”

“I don’t think there’s another Joe out there,” says Ronan O’Gara, when guided toward the topic of life after Joe Schmidt.

Munster boss Johann van Graan says he is expecting to see less of Ireland’s frontline stars playing for their provinces this season as the national team steps up preparations for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Joe Schmidt will reach a decision on his future as Ireland head coach over the Christmas period.

The IRFU will continue to assess the recruitment of players with doping convictions on a case-by-case basis in the wake of the controversy sparked by Munster’s signing of Gerbrandt Grobler last summer.

IRFU performance director David Nucifora has not ruled out a return to the Ireland team for sacked internationals Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, should they return home to play for a province in the future.

IRFU performance director David Nucifora has not ruled out a return to the Ireland team for sacked internationals Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, should they return home to play for a province in the future.

The IRFU has promised to do everything in its power to extend Joe Schmidt’s tenure as Ireland head coach beyond next year’s World Cup.

When it comes to player retention, there are some bases even the IRFU cannot cover.

Munster are confident inexperienced new head coach Johann van Graan will not need the oversight of a director of rugby when he takes the reins from Rassie Erasmus.

Reports linking Munster and Ireland wing Simon Zebo with a move to France next summer offer a timely reminder that the annual contracts circus for players is already in full swing.

Munster are said to be ready to appoint former Western Force head coach David Wessels as Rassie Erasmus' successor.

IRFU performance director David Nucifora is hopeful Munster have found the right person to succeed Rassie Erasmus and will be able to announce their new director of rugby “in the short term”.

Joey Carbery and Darren Sweetnam played in last year’s Ulster Bank final before going on to great things this season, writes Donal Lenihan.

IRFU performance director David Nucifora insists Johnny Sexton will not be rushed back to action until he is 100% fit.

The IRFU is open to the prospect of private investors purchasing stakes in the professional provinces in order to bridge the widening financial gap with cash-rich English and French competitors.

With provisions in place should Joe Schmidt be selected to lead the Lions tour to New Zealand next summer, IRFU performance director David Nucifora explained that his ultimate successor as Ireland coach is already in the Irish system.

Is a change in mindset required if Ireland is to ever realise its full potential in professional rugby?

And so the saga has come to an end.

Ireland’s performance director David Nucifora has warned the country’s top stars will be at a “disadvantage” for international selection if plying their trade abroad.

Munster boss Anthony Foley insists the province are determined to hang onto Ireland wing Simon Zebo and is hopeful a new deal can be reached in the coming weeks to head off Toulon interest.

One of the primary reasons behind the decision to release Irish captain Paul O’Connell from his contract was that it would hasten his return to Ireland and Munster, according to IRFU performance director David Nucifora.

Official notice of Matt O’Connor’s exit from Leinster landed shortly after 10am yesterday, but the writing had been on the wall for the Australian head coach for a month.