‘The dark arts are slowly going out of the game’: Tadhg Beirne adapting to law tweaks

Several aspects of his game have helped to make Tadhg Beirne a truly world-class player over the last decade, including his renowned ability to win turnovers in defensive mauls and over the ball. But two factors have combined to potentially reduce his impact in those categories this season.

Ahead of Munster’s opening Champions Cup game against Racing 92 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday (kick-off 8pm), it will be close to one of the wonders of the world if the game does not feature tries off penalties to the corner and resultant catch-and-drives.