Ireland will miss the services of Josh van der Flier for the rest of the Six Nations campaign after the Leinster flanker sustained a knee ligament injury.
The opening round of the Six Nations tournament saw Wales, Ireland and England register victories over Scotland, France and Italy respectively. Here are few of the key points from the encounters.
Johnny Sexton kicked a long-range drop goal in the final minute as Ireland snatched a 13-15 victory over France in the opening round of the Six Nations 2018 tournament at Stade de France on Saturday.
France head coach Jacques Brunel has named a new-look squad for the Six Nations opening clash against Ireland to be played at Stade de France on Saturday.
Ireland are pinning their hopes on referee Nigel Owens to clamp down any dangerous play initiated against their players when they head to Paris on Saturday to take on France in the Six Nations opener.
Joe Schmidt has decided to ignore Eddie Jones claiming Ireland as favourites and not become distracted by the defending champions' head coach's "grenade" of claiming England will be weakened by injury in the NatWest 6 Nations.
Irish Rugby Football Union chief executive Philip Browne stated that the board will consider changes in recruitment policies following the controversial signing of lock Gerbrant Grobler by Munster.
Ireland international CJ Stander has extended his stay with Pro 14 club Munster after signing a new three-year deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union.
Winger Jacob Stockdale scored a try apiece on either half as Ireland resisted late fightback from Argentina with a 28-19 win to complete a clean sweep in the autumn internationals at Aviva Stadium on Friday.
Ireland and Leinster will miss the services of fly-half Joey Carbery for up to two months following a fractured wrist that he sustained during the recently concluded clash against Fiji at Aviva Stadium last weekend.
A double penalty from Ian Keatley proved vital as Ireland managed to edge out Fiji 23-20 in their second game of the autumn international campaign at Aviva Stadium on Friday.
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont has confirmed France as the host for the 2023 edition of the Rugby World Cup following a voting process in London on Wednesday.
Ireland are likely to miss the services of flanker Peter O'Mahony for their upcoming autumn international encounter against Fiji to be played on Saturday in Dublin.