Connacht coup the pick of a restorative weekend

Not for the first time, Europe has proved the perfect antidote for pining Irish players looking for solace after the woes of an underwhelming World Cup campaign.

Ulster, Leinster and Munster got off to winning starts in their respective Champions Cup pools on Saturday with all three provincial captains, Iain Henderson, Johnny Sexton and Peter O’Mahony, producing quality displays in a timely reminder to new national coach Andy Farrell of their capabilities.