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Andrew Trimble sees this weekend as a major point in Ulster’s evolution. “It’s a chance to lay claim to being the best side in Ireland.” Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Andrew Trimble seeks final piece of validation for Ulster in Pro12 final

Beating Leinster in decider will prove Ulster have truly arrived as a force

John Afoa: looks set to recover from his hamstring injury for Saturday’s final. Photograph: Darren Kidd/Presseye/Inpho Joe Schmidt and Mark Anscombe keep cards close to chests for Pro12 final

John Afoa only major doubt for Ulster while Brian O’Driscoll looks fit to start for Leinster

Dan Lydiate in action during the Lions’ training session in Carton House yesterday. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho Rested Dan Lydiate looks to outflank rivals in Lions battle of the backrow

Despite missing international season, Wales number six is a Warren Gatland favourite

Ronan O’Gara and Jonny Sexton will join forces in Paris with Racing Metro. Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan/Inpho Girvan Dempsey believes Ronan O’Gra can kick on as coach with Racing Metro

Undoubted mental strength will make transition easier for former Ireland outhalf

Niall Morris: has excelled on the Leicester right wing this year. Photograph: Inpho. Geordan Murphy confined to coaching role as Leicester chase Premiership title

Niall Morris and Matt O’Connor maintain Irish interest in final

Ospreys Dan Biggar scores a try against Leinster at the RDS. Lorraine O’Sullivan/Inpho Davies to captain Wales tour to Japan
  • Golf
  • May 21, 2013, 14:16

Nine uncapped players chosen for two test trip under interim head coach McBryde

Brian O’Driscoll training with Leinster. Ryan Byrne/Inpho It’s definitely only one more year - O’Driscoll
  • Rugby
  • May 21, 2013, 16:50

Leinster, Ireland and Lions centre rules out playing in 2015 World Cup in exclusive interview with Second Captains

Stuart Hogg at Carton House. Gatland not for shifting on Jonny Wilkinson issue

Stuart Hogg says playing number 10 is easy with Jamie Roberts and Brian O’Driscoll beside him

Leinster centre Fergus McFadden is taken off the pitch after sustaining a neck injury against Stade Francais. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images O’Brien out for League final against Ulster

The Leinster and Ireland flanker will also miss the opening games of the Lions’ Tour

Warren Gatland: happy with the way preparations are going. Seán O’Brien the main injury concern before detour to Hong Kong

Warren Gatland says players are gelling well and is excited about his squad

Paul O’Connell and Conor Murray during a Lions squad training session at Carton House, Maynooth, Co Kildare, yesterday. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho Paul O’Connell battles back from injury to make his third Lions tour

Munster star believes former team-mate Ronan O’Gara ‘will be a great coach’

Rob Kearney is congratulated by team-mates Seán O’Brien (left) and Fergus McFadden after scoring a try against Stade Français in the Amlin Challenge Cup final last Friday. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images Rob Kearney looking for Amlin-Pro12 double

Ireland fullback hopes Leinster can complete what they failed to do last season

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland, seen here at Carton House, has been ‘lucky enough’ with injuries. Photograph: Julien Behal/PA Wire. Warren Gatland rules Seán O’Brien out of Pro12 final

Lions coach contradicts Leinster in confirming flanker will miss Barbarians game, at least

Samoan utility back James So’oialo has signed for Connacht. Photograph: Getty Images Connacht sign Samoa international James So’oialo
  • Rugby
  • May 20, 2013, 15:36

Pat Lam hopes utility back’s big boot can prove an asset in the season ahead

Mathieu Bastareaud of RC Toulon is tackled by Aurelien Rougerie of ASM Clermont Auvergne during the Heineken Cup Final between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Photo: Rob Munro Bastareaud revels in the sweet afterglow of Toulon’s achievement

Man-of-the-match display a huge factor in Heineken Cup triumph

Rory Best will captain Ireland on the tour. Photograph: Inpho Best to captain squad in North America as Les Kiss will remain on board with Ireland

Interim manager agrees three-year contract to work with Joe Schmidt while squad includes seven uncapped players

Versatile Ian Madigan ready to embrace additional responsibilities

Cementing his place in Leinster’s first XV the first objective

Queensland Reds outhalf Quade Cooper has been omitted from the Australia squad. Photograph: Getty Images Cooper left out of Wallabies squad

Robbie Deans says there are still six places up for grabs before final squad revealed for Lions tour

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Rabo Pro 12

Team P W D L F A BP Pts
Ulster 22 17 1 4 577 348 11 81
Leinster 22 17 0 5 585 386 10 78
Glasgow 22 16 0 6 541 324 12 76
Scarlets 22 15 0 7 436 406 6 66
Ospreys 22 14 1 7 471 342 4 62
Munster 22 11 1 10 442 384 8 54
Treviso 22 10 2 10 414 450 6 51
Connacht 22 8 1 13 358 422 4 38
Cardiff 21 8 0 13 335 450 6 38
Edinburgh 22 7 0 15 499 504 8 36
Dragons 22 6 0 16 358 589 4 28
Zebre 22 0 0 22 288 573 10 10

 

Our Writers

Gerry Thornley Gerry Thornley - Rugby Correspondent

Maybe the best team lost on the day but the Heineken Cup is still a winner

Ken Early Ken Early -

Saturday may be Dortmund’s only shot at European glory

Matt Williams Matt Williams -

Singo singed but More Joyous horse opera a Sydney side-splitter

Brian O'Connor Brian O'Connor - Racing Correspondent

Bayern and Dortmund ready to put on an entertaining show in Wembley final

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