Brendan O'Brien

The URC has been whittled down to the final four and, when it comes to the provinces, Leinster are the only show in town. And what a show.

Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy are their own men but they are linked in the public consciousness through their combined efforts in amassing Olympic, World and European rowing medals for Ireland.

James Ryan says that Leinster's players have accepted their share of the blame for the province's Champions Cup final loss to Bordeaux-Begles.

Leo Cullen is confident that a “fully committed” Jacques Nienaber will still be at Leinster next season, the head coach declaring that the province is lucky to have the two-time World Cup-winning coach on the books.

Two weeks on from the Champions Cup final defeat to Bordeaux-Begles and the shadow cast in Bilbao has only lengthened.

Leo Cullen's side will welcome the Bulls to Croke Park on Friday week. Leinster 20 Stormers 11

Tributes have been paid on the passing of former IRFU chief executive Philip Browne, who led the organisation with a steady hand through two decades of change on and off the pitch.

Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald will be joined by one of the stars of Europe's win against the USA in Bethpage last year when he tees up at this year's Irish Open at the Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg.

Irish Open organisers have plans in place to cope with the inevitable disruption that would come should US president Donald Trump decide to attend this year's tournament at his eponymous resort in Doonbeg.