Three of last season’s top eight will not reach the playoffs - all of which makes for a very fluid and competitive league

Connacht’s all-time leading scorer with 1,260 points has seen considerable change since his home debut against Leinster in January 2013

After victory over Munster, a tricky fixture awaits next Friday away to Edinburgh

Strong opening half for Connacht leaves Munster with too much to do after the break

Province have turned Dexcom Stadium into something of a fortress in recent weeks

Ballina man setting his sights on silverware as he lines out with his friends and heroes

At a time of instability, changing coaches is not ideal for Munster

Players will take part in a ceremony at the Dexcom Stadium following Munster game

Leo Cullen retains just three of the Leinster XV that beat Toulon for ‘proper bloody test’ against South African Shield winners

James Ryan to lead a much-changed Leinster side for home game against the Lions

History and expectation conspire to ensure provinces head to Bilbao in sharply contrasting fashion

35-year-old loosehead prop is ‘still exploring potential opportunities’ for next season

Victory over Toulon underlined team’s capacity to dig deep

Leinster will face Bordeaux-Bègles in Champions Cup final after Ulster duel with Montpellier for the Challenge Cup

Head coach also credits Toulon for staying in the game to the finish at the Aviva Stadium