Irish provinces flying high but daunting tests loom on horizon

The Champions Cup may be heading into a brief period of hibernation but not even the prospect of one of the most competitive Six Nations championships for some time will dampen the enthusiasm for the tournament’s return in April, writes Donal Lenihan.

The Champions Cup may be heading into a brief period of hibernation but not even the prospect of one of the most competitive Six Nations championships for some time will dampen the enthusiasm for the tournament’s return in April.

Of course it helps to have an active interest in proceedings and the presence of Munster and Leinster, with home quarter-finals to look forward to, makes it all the more special. Connacht too have kept up their end of the bargain with a home quarter-final in the Challenge Cup.