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.
Tadhg Furlong Sport News
Caelan Doris distances himself from Irish captaincy role
If Caelan Doris is indeed named as the new Ireland captain by Andy Farrell this week, the Leinster man certainly hasn't been given the news yet. Either that or he has a mighty poker face.
Harry Byrne dealt injury setback ahead of Six Nations
Harry Byrne's hopes of earning an Ireland recall have taken a blow, with the out-half ruled out of Saturday's Investec Champions Cup Pool 4 meeting with Stade Francais (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player) due to an ankle injury.
Champions Cup team news: Peter O'Mahony returns, as do Tadhg Furlong and James Lowe
Peter O'Mahony will make his return from injury for Munster in Toulon tomorrow with the former captain named in the back row for the Investec Champions Cup Pool 3 clash.
Champions Cup: Harry Byrne gets nod over Ciarán Frawley for Leinster
Harry Byrne will start at out-half for Leinster in Sunday's Investec Champions Cup Pool 4 opener against La Rochelle with Leo Cullen making 11 changes to his side for their rematch with the defending champions.
Leinster at full strength as Diarmuid Barron captains Munster
Robbie Henshaw, Ross Byrne, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong and Jack Conan have all been included in the Leinster side for Saturday's BKT United Rugby Championship interpro with Munster at the Aviva Stadium.
Leinster have leaders but 'definitely not like Johnny'
For the first time in eight years, there's a Johnny Sexton-sized hole at Leinster.
Andy Farrell named World Rugby Coach of the Year
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has been named World Rugby Coach of the Year, while Ardie Savea was crowned Men's 15s Player of the Year at the World Rugby Awards in Paris.