The French doors which Irish provinces must unlock

The Irish provincial video analysts will be busily plugging into footage of the French Top 14 ahead of this season’s European Champions Cup. All four representatives have been handed French assignments over the next three months - with Connacht getting a double helping.

Munster head back to Racing 92; Leinster face Lyon, a side looking for European redemption after a nightmare debut last season; Ulster meet perennial title bridesmaids Clermont while Andy Friend’s company take on twin Top 14 heavyweights Toulouse and Montpellier.