Union’s struggle for popularity in Australia has seen new controversial rules adopted

In 15-year trophy drought, no team has proven more of a bugbear than Leinster

Golden phase either side of half-time sees them keep Leinster in sight in Conference A

Fijian joins on one-year deal while Madigan and Herring commit to province until 2023

Bonus-point statement win has halved Ulster’s 10-point lead atop Conference A

Win over Connacht comes despite injuries and news of Coetzee’s return to South Africa

As the Pat Lam circus rolls into the Sportsground, Muldoon is savouring coming home

John Cooney’s battle with visiting scrumhalf Antoine Dupont could be key

Ian Madigan is back at outhalf while Andrew Warwick makes his first start of the season

Backrow Marcell Coetzee used his power to touch down for four tries in Parma

Dan McFarland aiming for more fluid attacking as they take on Glasgow Warriors

Backers include rugby player Ian Madigan and FL Partners co-founder Peter Crowley

Ulster’s scrum and line-outs were superior to Ospreys and they could’ve won by more

Gerry Thornley’s team-by-team guide as the new season gets underway

Formidable pack and outstanding backline ensure French aristocrats hold all the aces

Head coach admits Leinster final defeat took 48 hours to put behind him

Disciplined defensive performance paves the way for another emphatic final success

Leinster possess at least three dominant big men in Ryan, Scott Fardy, and Caelan Doris

Leo Cullen’s side hold all the cards but opponents have put it up to them before

Ulster will need all the heroics they can muster up to topple the title-holders