Neil Treacy

Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber has offered an explanation into his side's lineout mishaps from Saturday's Investec Champions Cup win against Clermont Auvergne, admitting his side were trying out a new set-up ahead of a tweak to the laws next month.

Munster assistant coach Mossy Lawler is backing his colleague Mike Prendergast to become the province's next head coach.

Ulster and Munster have both named much-changed sides for Friday night's United Rugby Championship Interpro at Kingspan Stadium, as they count the cost of last week's Champions Cup defeats.

Ireland Sevens international Zac Ward has committed long term to the XVs game, signing a three-year contract at Ulster following a successful trial.

After an opening slate of Champions Cup games that didn't quite catch fire, it's back to the BKT United Rugby Championship, and the first round of the traditional Christmas Interpros.

It was hard not to gasp when Munster and Ulster released their weekly injury reports within 20 minutes of each other on Monday evening.

All Tommy O'Brien wants for Christmas is a bit of luck. The 26-year-old is likely to be named in Leinster's team for Saturday's BKT United

Paul Boyle has made his list, but doesn't need to check it twice. In 101 games for the province, the 27-year-old knows there's just a short group of Connacht's regular opponents who he's yet to get a win against.

Tom Farrell pulled off a Christmas miracle as Munster snatched a dramatic bonus-point win away to Ulster, and inflict a fifth defeat in a row on their hosts.

Munster interim coach Ian Costello says the result was far more important than the performance, after his side pulled off a dramatic 22-19 win away to Ulster.