Pain, not Paris, after weekend wipeout

A WEEKEND pregnant with promise and expectation for Irish rugby was terminated brutally and conclusively in north-eastern Spain yesterday.

The rest of Europe looked on as the combined might of the French Championship proved too much as Toulon, Toulouse and finally Biarritz strangled the life out of three brave Irish provinces, all of whom were found wanting in some shape or form.

Munster and Leinster may yet be destined to meet once more before the curtain comes down on another fascinating season, but somehow the prospect of a potential Magners League showdown does not look that appetising at the moment. Maybe, that will change.