Before we move on to the Six Nations...

FOR the Munster players saying their farewells at Thomond Park last Friday night, the scene was reminiscent of classmates leaving boarding school at the end of term. There were handshakes all around as a 12th successive Heineken Cup quarter-final slot was secured.

See you in a few weeks, lads.

For the non-international contingent there was a mandatory week off while those required by the national squads at full and A level went their separate ways. It can be a frustrating time for Tony McGahan and his coaching staff as it will be more than eight weeks before his squad will train together again as a complete unit.