Gordon D’Arcy: Vital experimentation set to be limited by need to swat aside Italy

Ireland need to improve depth in a number of areas with frontrow top of the list

Munster look to nail down third spot in pool as summit moves beyond reach

Top-four seeding would earn Munster comfort blanket of home second leg in next round

An early test for Jack Crowley as physical battle expected in France

A tricky assignment against such familiar and gritty opponents awaits Munster

Gordon D’Arcy: Irish rugby can’t change the past but we can do things differently

This is a new dawn and there’s a chance to genuinely revolutionise rugby in Ireland

Andy Farrell’s autumn Ireland squad falls along anticipated lines

Leinster duo Dan Sheehan and Ciarán Frawley the news names in squad of 38

Andy Farrell has plenty to ponder in naming Ireland’s autumn squad

Between injury issues and lack of game time for key players the head coach has a tough task

Tadhg Furlong and Jack Conan in line to return to Leinster pack for Scarlets clash

Robbie Henshaw likely to be kept back to the following week’s game away to Glasgow

Jason Jenkins debut and John Hodnett return gives Munster more options

Forwards coach Graham Rowntree praises hard work as squad set to face Scarlets

Gordon D’Arcy: Gavin Coombes represents a new Munster that can end barren run

Johann van Graan’s side look to have thrown off the shackles that have limited them in the past

Keith Earls moves to fill Munster’s midfield shortfall

URC preview: Simon Zebo on the bench as Stormers descend on Thomond Park

Munster enjoy big opening night of positives as Thomond roar returns

Simon Zebo and Gavin Coombes grab doubles while RG Snyman’s impresses off bench

Munster hope to benefit from return of Zebo and Thomond crowd as they face Sharks

Province begin trophy quest on what should be an emotionally charged night in Limerick

Munster Rugby season preview: A battle awaits week in, week out

If Munster are to scale the heights this season a healthy Joey Carbery will be crucial

Ireland 71 USA 10: How the Irish players rated

John O’Sullivan hands out the marks on the final day of a long season for Ireland

Ireland blood four new caps as team named for USA clash

Andy Farrell has made seven changes to the starting XV for Saturday match against USA

Josh van der Flier enjoying the responsibility that comes with Ireland seniority

28-year-old flanker has been given the freedom to build on his running game

Gavin Coombes caps brilliant season with Munster men’s player of the year award

Round-up: Josh Brennan to captain French U20s; Leinster prop Greg McGrath joins Connacht

Gavin Coombes runs in four tries as Munster make hay against Zebre in Parma

Billy Holland comes off the bench to play his 247th and last match for the province

Munster and Leinster rest their Lions for dead rubbers

None of the four Munster players involved in last weekend’s fire pit incident are involved

Rainbow Cup gives Munster a new gold dream to chase after

Squad ‘seriously’ focused on winning trophy despite injuries and defeat to Connacht

Valiant Munster fall short against Toulouse and dazzling Dupont

Scrumhalf’s second-half brace proves key as hosts are dumped out of the Champions Cup

Leinster break new ground and Munster to retain Pro14 title

Defending champions make it four on the spin as rivals are beaten again in Dublin

Joey Carbery shines as he steers Munster to Scarlets win

Ireland outhalf gives a glimpse of what’s been missing during an assured first start back

Rugby Stats: Loss of summer tour will cut off vital opportunity for young Irish talent

Ireland tours during a Lions summer have unearthed many a star in the past

Pro14: Munster-Connacht rivalry set to take on a sharper edge

Johann van Graan’s side eyeing place in final as Andy Friend’s squad travel in expectation

Munster seek quick return to winning ways

Van Graan makes 13 changes from Leinster defeat for the trip to Treviso

Six Nations 2021: This feels like the real start for Andy Farrell’s Ireland

A blend of youth and experience with a dash of Paul O’Connell could spark a title charge

Rugby Stats: Ruddock and Coombes tick all the boxes for Ireland squad inclusion

Backrow duo have enjoyed fine seasons and must be on Andy Farrell’s Six Nations radar

Stuart Lancaster impressed with Munster’s trajectory

Postponement means sides will now have to wait to match up against each other

The Offload: Rejoice in the leadership of David Nucifora

All Irish rugby needs next year is a messianic figure to lead them to unknown places

Rugby statistics: French fast-tracking transition from minor to major

Irish players must first work their way into European matchday squads to progress

Gordon D’Arcy: Fans would benefit from a peek behind the iron curtain

Behind the scenes access is important as it helps create and keep a new fan base

Andy Farrell to delve deeper into Irish squad for team to play Georgia

Chance to give Stockdale another run at fullback and Burns first Test start at outhalf

Munster beat Glasgow to keep their winning streak going

Visitors overcome conditions and a feisty Glasgow side to claim a bonus point

Niall Scannell and Jack O’Donoghue ruled out of Ospreys clash

Munster head coach Johann van Grann has named his team for Saturday’s Pro14 match

Niall Scannell captains Munster side for Zebre challenge

Tommy O’Donnell and Darren Sweetnam are both among the replacements

Munster’s outhalf resources dwindle as Hanrahan injured in win over Ulster

Andrew Conway’s moment of brilliance secures interpro victory at Thomond Park

Munster make 11 changes to their team for Benetton clash

Three academy players are included in the squad for Friday’s trip to Stadio Monigo

Munster extend five contracts and confirm McCarthy signing

Chris Cloete, James Cronin, Neil Cronin, Chris Farrell and Tommy O’Donnell have all signed new deals

Young Munster edge out Cork Con to clinch fifth win in row

Cronin brothers give Garryowen win over UCD while Trinity rallies against Buccaneers

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