Munster Senior Challenge Cup semi-finals to clash with Ireland-Italy in Six Nations 

Meanwhile, Connacht's Munster-linked scrum-half Ben Murphy has signed a new deal with the province.

Cork Con's Mark Donnelly and Sean French. Pic: Ben Brady/Inpho

MUNSTER'S Senior Challenge Cup semi-final fixtures of Cork Constitution-Shannon and Garryowen-Highfield will directly clash with Ireland's Six Nations meeting with Italy on Saturday.

Supporters of the Cork and Limerick outfits will have to decide whether to back club or country with the semi-final encounters - in Dooradoyle and Thomond Park respectively - set to kick-off at 2.30pm, while Andy Farrell's Ireland take on Gonzalo Quesada's Italy at the Aviva Stadium at 2.10pm.