Six games into his reign as Ireland U21 manager and Stephen Kenny believes his side are gearing up well to reach a first-ever major tournament.

Munster's strength and conditioning coach PJ Wilson seems set to follow Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones out the door this summer.

Paul O’Connell’s stay in Paris with Stade Francais will end once this season is done, it is understood.

Brandon Kavanagh’s name will be etched in the history books as the player who scored the first goal of Stephen Kenny’s international coming but the hope is they work together again in a competitive setting.

The arrival of Simon Zebo and Paul O’Connell in Paris this summer may have grabbed most attention but another former Ireland international Donnacha Ryan is determined to make a mark in the French capital this season.

It’s a case of friends reunited for Paul O’Connell, after the 38 year-old Munster and Ireland legend confirmed yesterday he is to move to Paris and take up as role as forwards coach with Stade Francais.

Few stadiums in Europe sit in such spectacular surrounds as Toulon’s Stade Felix Mayol.

The “Sold Out” signs have been up for days at Thomond Park, Ireland’s Six Nations heroes have returned to the fold and the treatment room is as busy as it has been all season. Would it be any other way for Munster in a Champions Cup quarter-final week?

It is fascinating from a collisions point of view watching Ma’a Nonu, pictured, and Mathieu Bastareaud. How will Munster check them, asks Ronan O’Gara

The enormity of the challenge facing Leinster and Munster in their respective Champions Cup quarter-finals this weekend is capably captured by the fact their opponents, Saracens and Toulon, have won the last five Heineken/Champions Cups between them, writes Donal Lenihan.

Is there any particular autumn international I’d buy a ticket for?

It’s part of the gig. Meeting agents. There’s been quite a few in the past two weeks and I’m never sure whether I’m energised or anxious at the amount of money sloshing around in rugby.

Leo Cullen admits he took on a mission impossible when he became Leinster boss two seasons ago.

I always feel I am tempting fate when I write about wines for summer in Ireland — I feel as if the weather gods are waiting to thwart me should I even mention the garden or the word barbecue.

Whoever organised the accommodation arrangements for the British & Irish Lions last week at Carton House must have had a chuckle when they made Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar room-mates.

Saracens’ trophy hunters may not have achieved greatness yet, but Billy Vunipola believes they are striving to bring Barcelona-esque levels of domination to European rugby.

Moments that mattered. Turning points. Key plays. We love the drama of a game decided by a spark of magic or, failing that, a blooper. 

It’s imperative the Irish rugby snowball keeps on rolling in 2017 after such a productive end to 2016, writes Donal Lenihan.

It’s very difficult to have any in-depth discussion on rugby when the thought of what’s important in life always overrides it, writes Ronan O’Gara

Dublin-based airline CityJet has revealed a 66% reduction in operating losses in 2015 over 2014 as it published results today.

The British and French navies renewed centuries-old hostilities dating back to the Napoleonic era during a mass brawl at their annual rugby match.

IRFU chiefs have already had conversations with Paul O'Connell regarding a coaching role with the Union - but acknowledge they may have to wait in line for the talismanic Munster man.

The Republic of Ireland’s poor showing at Euro 2012 hasn’t dented the fervour of fans willing to cheer on the Boys in Green in France this, year if ticket applications to Uefa are anything to go by, and the commercial sector seems just as keen to hitch itself to Martin O’Neill’s bandwagon.

Munster last night confirmed that talks have begun with Anthony Foley over a one-year contract extension beyond this season to run until June 2017 for the province’s head coach.

During the glory days, Jonathan Sexton stood tall as the living embodiment of all that was good about Leinster.

Conor Murray is “the heartbeat” of the Munster side and Leicester will target the scrum-half in today’s crucial European Champions Cup tie at Thomond Park, according to opposite number Ben Youngs.

As they prepare to head into the lion’s den against title holders Toulon on Sunday afternoon, Jonathan Sexton believes that Leinster need to attack the strengths of the Top 14 giants in their latest European Rugby Champions Cup fixture.

Dan Carter has made his much-anticipated arrival at Racing 92, vowing to emulate Jonny Wilkinson and enjoy a barbecue with Ronan O’Gara.