The IRFU has declared its new ticketing policy a success as Ireland prepare to launch their 2012 RBS 6 Nations campaign against Wales tomorrow in front of a full house at the Aviva Stadium.

The Irish Rugby Football Union should stick with its plan to offer renewals next year of its 10-year tickets but reduce the asking price to account for the ongoing economic downturn, according to a leading Ulster Bank League club president.

THIRTY-FIVE years ago Oliver Carty couldn’t have envisaged that producing home cooked ham at the back of his Co Westmeath home would grow into a business selling about three million rashers a week.