Connacht, Munster and Ulster face three French sides hungry for Champions Cup

English and French clubs embracing their academies will change European landscape

‘New Munster’ show their width and wit as they draw with Racing 92 at Thomond Park

Despite disappointing draw with Racing 92, Peter O’Mahony feels his side held their own

JJ Hanrahan’s late drop goal misses target in thrilling Thomond Park endgame

Irish provinces must beware of the Champions Cup wolves disguised as sheep

Those on Japanese expedition will feel they have a lot to prove as Champions Cup begins

In Retallick and Whitelock, Irish pair are facing the best lock pairing in the world

Easterby believes ‘phenomenal athlete’ James Ryan will become ‘one of the greats’

The notion that a player’s birthplace should influence World Cup selection is plain daft

Coach stresses the need for versatility given the challenging conditions in Japan

Even more of a surprise is that Ireland has a bigger strike rate when Toner is not playing

Coach was very exact in looking for specialists among his 31-man squad for Japan

Johnny Watterson looks at the European opposition the Irish will face next season

The inclusion of uncapped Munster duo Kleyn and Haley the most eye-catching

Cork club braced for another All Ireland League final clash with old rivals Clontarf

Rugby stats: Squad changes and work done between now and September will be key

All four Irish provinces could qualify for European quarter-finals for a first time

Dan McFarland recalls 13 players following last week's Pro14 loss to Leinster

Ireland secondrow tossed a coin 50 times before deciding to stay with the province

Argentina clash will be a good barometer of coach's attempt to grow Ireland's depth

Statistics: Champions Cup referees have clamped down on offences out of touch

Former Munster stalwart, now 34, set to be offered a new one- or two-year deal

A flowing philosophy over a rigid system looks like Munster’s new foundation stone

Wild Geese: Olding’s impressive form helps Brive to another victory in French Pro D2

Stade Francais register second victory while Toulon bottom of the table after second loss

Zebo at fullback as Racing triumph in Toulon while Stade hammer Jackson’s Perpignan

Outhalf delighted to be back playing rugby and eager to repay the faith of Top 14 side

Seven former Munster players are preparing for the new season in France's Top 14

Wasps, Toulouse and Bath make up a tough Pool 1 of the Champions Cup

Jean Kleyn will prove pivotal in ensuring his side’s secondrow is on par with Cullen’s

McGrath says being forced to grind out victory in Champions Cup made it extra special

Racing 92 didn’t fatigue as expected because they were able to dictate tempo of the game

Racing coach Laurent Labit: ‘Well, he has the Irish team so we are just a poor man’s team’

Patrick Madden runs the rule over the Parisians after their agonising final defeat

Mary Hannigan's TV View: Nerves tested but Leinster get the job done the hard way

Match details, team news, how to watch, and the big talking points for Leinster v Racing 92

One area in which Racing will have to improve massively is in discipline

Lineout contest will prove pivotal when Leinster take on Racing 92

Parisians are in good shape as they prepare to face Leinster in Sunday’s finals in Bilbao