As the Six Nations 2017 tournament is set to kick-off from 4th February, we take a look at six of the players, who might excel for their respective teams.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt expressed confidence in the availability of Jonny Sexton for the opening game of the Six Nations tournament against Scotland despite the Leinster fly-half carrying a calf injury.
Scotland defence coach Matt Taylor insisted that his side is preparing to play one player short ahead of the Six Nations competition following World Rugby's crackdown on dangerous tackles.
Uncapped brothers Niall and Rory Scannell have fought their way into Ireland's 40-man RBS 6 Nations squad thanks to a string of impressive performances with Munster.
Ireland captain Rory Best believes England skipper Dylan Hartley's latest six-week ban might not affect his chances of leading British and Irish Lions in a gruelling tour of New Zealand in June
Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell said he was desperate to get back to coaching stints after he was sacked as assistant coach of England following the World Cup debacle.
Just as the autumn internationals came to the conclusion, let us analyse on what are the chances of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland in the upcoming Six Nations tournament in February next year.
Ireland fullback Jared Payne is set to undergo a lengthy rehabilitation period following a kidney injury which might keep him out action for "at least three months".
Irish Rugby Football Union announced on Thursday that Ireland lock Devin Toner has signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the 2015 Six Nations champions until 2020.
Ireland capped of an impressive autumn internationals with victories over New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Here is an analysis on their performances.
Australia's hopes of Grand Slam were dashed after Ireland registered a 27-24 win over them to sign off the year on a high at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
Leinster centre Garry Ringrose is set to make his second start for Ireland after he was named in the starting line-up for the clash against Australia at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
Ireland will be desperately hoping for their injured trio CJ Stander, Rob Kearney and Simon Zebo prove their fitness ahead of their upcoming autumn international game against Australia in Dublin on Saturday.
New Zealand centre Malakai Fekitoa has been handed a one-week ban by the autumn international disciplinary authorities following the game against Ireland in Dublin.
Ireland team manager Mick Kearney has slammed the match officials for letting the New Zealand players off the hook during their 9-21 defeat in Dublin on Saturday.
New Zealand pair of Malakai Fekitoa and Sam Cane have been cited for "allegedly tackling an opponent dangerously" during their victory over Ireland at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.