'The old cliche is that defence wins trophies, but it’s not a cliche. It’s 100% the fact of the matter’

Munster cut loose in second half against Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park

Return of Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander could hardly be more timely

Late converted try costs Connacht a win at the Sportsground

Risk that Ulster-Leinster and Munster-Connacht would be dead rubbers comes to pass

Barry Geraghty rides a double on hot favourites Defi Du Seuil and Buveur D’Air

Andrew Trimble named among replacements as he returns from hand injury

Provinces’ weekend achievements clouded by events that led to Conor Murray’s HIA

Former Philip Hobbs inmate was a second winner for Henry De Bromhead

Davy Russell and Whisper turn over favourite Clan Des Obeaux at Cheltenham

‘Irish Times’ writer Gerry Thornley’s new book examines Connacht’s rise to Pro12 success

Champions Cup likely to be Anglo-French carve-up again with odds against Pro12 sides

Neutral officials would benefit European rugby, Ireland heavyweights make return

Coach calls for ‘big effort’ ahead of Munster, Castres Olympique and Montpellier clashes

Home side suffer first defeat of season despite leading by 10 points at half-time

Cardiff Blues will offer strong challenge as they visit Musgrave Park in Pro12

Ulster’s position is ‘relatively clear-cut’ as they prepare to take on Leinster

Les Kiss without Ireland winger Tommy Bowe for Friday night’s visit of Leinster

Rory Best, Andrew Trimble, Jared Payne and Robbie Henshaw all to start in Pro 12 clash

Not qualifying for Pro12 playoffs for first time since 2012 a real possibility for Les Kiss’s side

Two sides looking to rebound from defeats will pull out all stops in Wales

Nick Williams returns to bolster Les Kiss’s pack for trip to Welsh capital

Outhalf will lead out starting team for the first time in Rob Herring’s absence

Former Worcester player one of four changes for game against Glasgow

Paddy Jackson and Nick Williams are also included in Les Kiss’s matchday 23

Ulster recently pointing the way to a game the national team should adopt

Les Kiss’s side run in eight tries but it’s not enough to secure quarter-final place

Les Kiss’s side need bonus point against Oyonnax – and then favours elsewhere

Province without Henry, Ludik and Herbst as they chase place in knockout stage

Munster and Leinster may be in dead rubber territory but they need to cast doubts aside

Ireland centre set to play first game since injury sustained against Romania in World Cup

European hopes still alive as second-half replacements turn game around

Irish province start Ian Humphreys and Paul Marshall for rescheduled trip to Oyonnax

Ulster guilty of over-confidence in error-strewn tie that ends winning streak

Newbury winner conceding weight to Nicky Henderson’s Volnay De Thaix in Novices’ Chase

Province are already reaping the benefits of placing Australian atop of coaching

Young jockey proves hard work and dedication really can get you places

Pat Lam’s Connacht has now lost its last two Pro 12 fixtures but he remains content

Nick Williams try seals win for visitors in low scoring affair at the Sportsground

Lizzie Kelly becomes first female jockey to ride Grade One winner of a British chase