Gordon D’Arcy warns provinces face bleak European future

Ireland’s four provinces are facing an almost impossible task in their respective bids to push beyond the pool stages of the Champions Cup, never mind win it.

Former Leinster and Ireland centre Gordon D’Arcy delivered that damning and depressing verdict yesterday, two weeks into the fledgling Guinness PRO12 season, and with the opening round of European games a month distant.

D’Arcy warned a rise in general standards across the board in the PRO12, as well as a renewed commitment by the IRFU to recruit top-class foreign talent, is crucial if Irish sides hope of making a dent on the continental stage again.