An epic World Rugby Under-20 Championship opener in Georgia ended in a tale of two kickers.

Gatland Junior is likely to line up at fly-half when the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians become the Lions' first opponents of the 2017 tour on Saturday.

Is there an Aviva Stadium curse on Munster?

The time for learning will be suspended this evening when Rassie Erasmus sends his team out for the final time in this emotionally draining campaign.

The squad continues its preparation for their 10-game, three-Test tour to New Zealand, which begins on June 3.

Lions assistant coach Farrell, who helped plot Ireland's victory over the All Blacks in Chicago last November, is in charge of that key aspect.

Leo Cullen’s men face Scarlets at the RDS Arena tonight, kicking off at 7.45pm.

Rory Scannell returns to the midfield and is joined by Francis Saili for what will be his final appearance in the red jersey at Thomond Park.

Springbok Jaco Taute has signed a two-year deal that will see him remain with Munster until June 2019

"This modern-day All Blacks side is so difficult to beat. They have so many attacking weapons, and they will always score tries."

The organisers are replacing the current format which requires that at least one club from each of Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales is included in the seven qualifiers.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has made a number of changes to his matchday squad for the visit of Scarlets.

Registering a win on their last day out at Thomond Park is an obvious marker in a season that will always be remembered for the passing of Anthony Foley.

Rugby legend Ronan O’Gara paid an emotional tribute to the people of Cork as he was conferred with the freedom of the city he said he loves.

Hundreds of guests are expected to line out alongside the former Ireland and Munster legend.

Murray won the Zurich Players’ Player of the Year award ahead of Munster teammate CJ Stander and Leinster’s Robbie Henshaw.

“I'd be very, very confident that I'll play rugby before we depart.”

Joe Schmidt’s men will take on the South Africa, Fiji and Argentina at the Aviva Stadium.

The Ulster centre is to see a specialist after suffering an injury to his left ankle

“To be nominated for the Players’ Player of the Year Award is such a fantastic achievement especially when it is voted for by your fellow players.”

Darragh Leader, who this week signed a new deal with his home province, will start on the right wing for his first game in 18 months.

The game was abandoned and the referee brought to hospital for treatment on his injured cheekbone and jaw.

Dan Leavy comes in at number eight with Peadar Timmins coming onto the bench.

The northsider has been a professional for 11 years, starting with Munster in 2006, before a move to French rugby in 2014.

Ulster travel to Swansea knowing playoff destiny still remains in their own hands.

It is an all-changed front row.

In the centre Carlow man Tom Daly starts his first ever game at the RDS.

“I can’t speak highly enough for what a good coach Rassie is. It’s brilliant that he’s staying around."

The plaudits go to Saracens as they booked a return trip to the Champions Cup final for the second season running.

"This is the biggest week in our season and for a lot of players this weekend is the biggest game of their careers."

He taped over a logo for BNZ (Bank of New Zealand) on his Blues kit for last weekend's Super Rugby clash against the Highlanders.

A number of Welsh players have also voiced concern and so too have England’s Joe Marler and George Ford.

The Wales and Cardiff Blues flanker is expected to be sidelined for six weeks as he recovers from a knee ligament strain.

Warburton, who captained the Lions in Australia four years ago, is the bookmakers' favourite to skipper them in New Zealand.

He has been advised to end his career because of a back injury.

"The first job of the referee is to almost be anonymous and that's the first duty for him.”

Jean Deysel is set to make his first appearance for the province having been named in a new look back row.

There are a number of personnel and positional changes from the side that booked their Champions Cup semi-final place.

Everyone’s favourite sound man of rugby is at it again.

Connacht's New Zealand-born centre Aki will complete three years' residency in Ireland in October.

Ireland internationals Tiernan O'Halloran and Kieran Marmion return to the starting XV.

Munster scored 17 unanswered points, including tries from Darren Sweetnam and Andrew Conway in the final eight minutes at Thomond Park

Another proud European occasion at Thomond Park.

He interrupted using the time-honoured toddler tactic of repeating “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy” at increasing volume.