It’s a sign of changing times and the massively improved status of Connacht rugby that coach Pat Lam has been able to make nine changes in personnel for today’s top-of-the-table Guinness PRO12 clash with Munster at Thomond Park from the side that defeated Brive in the European Challenge Cup last week.

Paul Nicholls believes Hennessy Gold Cup favourite Saphir Du Rheu can defy the burden of top weight at Newbury today.

Leinster 8 Ulster 3: Not exactly the kind of evening to restore one’s faith in Irish provincial rugby.

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

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime

While Ireland’s men are still riding high on the back of Olympic qualification, the same can’t be said of South Africa.

Dermott Lennon placed second in the World Cup qualifier in Toronto, Canada, a fortnight ago with Loughview Lou Lou.

Newly filed accounts for the company owned by Irish rugby international Rob Kearney show a €50,000 jump in accumulated profits last year to €275,747.

Colin Corkery has but fond memories of Munster club football final afternoon; four appearances, four wins.

Katie Taylor boxes in her first ever Irish senior final tonight at the National Stadium, but the Tipp woman facing her is undaunted getting in the ring with one of Ireland’s greatest sports stars.

Arsene Wenger has praised the staying power of Alexis Sanchez and likened the Arsenal forward to a hungry lion.

South Africa’s World Cup scrum-half Ruan Pienaar will make his 100th appearance for Ulster when they face provincial rivals Leinster at the RDS this evening in an important Guinness PRO12 clash.

Leo Cullen believes Ian Madigan’s versatility, far from being a weight around his neck at Leinster, is actually benefiting the 26-year-old who has been the subject of rumoured interest from Harlequins and Bristol.

Rob Kearney has confronted the atmosphere of doom and gloom that has descended on Irish rugby in recent weeks and countered talk of players being earmarked for lucrative moves abroad by stressing the benefits of staying loyal to the provinces.