Leinster aiming to emulate Ireland on foreign trail to glory

IRELAND’S Six Nations defence will be shaped to a large degree by a daunting schedule that involves trips to Twickenham and Stade de France but Leinster would dearly love to ape that itinerary.

This year’s Heineken Cup final will be played in Paris on May 22 and the reigning champions can take a gigantic step towards retaining their crown when they face London Irish at RFU headquarters this weekend.

Win there and they guarantee themselves top billing in Pool Six and a home quarter-final in April.