Expect some Six Nations squad surprises and a gradual changing of the guard
Ireland's Six Nations squad will be announced on Wednesday, and it lands between two hugely exciting and dramatic rounds of Champions Cup action.
Finlay Bealham Sport News
Graham Rowntree frustrated after Oli Jager and Jack O'Donoghue injuries
Munster head coach Graham Rowntree voiced his frustration after both Oli Jager and Jack O'Donoghue were carted off in his side's 22-9 defeat to Connacht in Galway.
Tony Butler starts at 10 for Munster in Interpro v Connacht
Tony Butler will start at out-half for Munster in their New Year's Day Interpro against Connacht at the Sportsground.
Mack is back - Hansen starts as Connacht and Ulster name teams
Mack Hansen will start at full-back for Connacht in Friday night's BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with Ulster, as Pete Wilkins makes seven changes to his side for the Interpro in Belfast.
Bundee Aki starts as Connacht make five changes for Bordeaux
Bundee Aki will make his first appearance of the season for Connacht, among five changes to the side for Friday's Investec Champions Cup opener against Bordeaux-Begles at the Sportsground.
URC teams: Connacht call on Mack Hansen for Leinster clash, while Cian Healy named among replacements
Mack Hansen will make his first Connacht appearance of the season in tomorrow's BKT United Rugby Championship derby with Leinster at a sold-out Sportsground (7.35pm).
URC team news: Connacht rotate for meeting with Bulls, Steven Kitshoff set for Ulster bow
Connacht make six changes for their daunting BKT United Rugby Championship trip to Pretoria to take on the Bulls on Saturday [live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player] as Pete Wilkins hands a debut to number eight Sean Jansen.
Plenty of 'free spirits' - Scott Fardy delighted with Mack Hansen impact
It's not just Mack Hansen’s game that has come on in leaps and bounds since he made the switch to Connacht and Ireland, says Scott Fardy.