Ireland

The June International test matches between Southern and Northern Hemisphere teams looks set to be closer than expected in 2012.

Last week saw Declan Kidney announce a 29-man squad for Ireland's three-test tour to New Zealand.

David Wallace is the latest Ireland legend to announce his retirement. I thought I'd share one or two memories of his days with Munster and Ireland.

For the last number of years Ireland's second row has been the permanent residence of Paul O'Connell and Donnacha O'Callaghan.

When Ireland name their squad to travel to New Zealand this summer, it's inevitable that there will be several uncapped players involved.

Mick O'Driscoll calls time on a career in which he has amassed over 200 appearances for Munster, enjoyed a 2 year stint in the south of France and received 23 Irish caps for his efforts.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has come in for some criticism in recent months, particularly in the aftermath of the embarrassing defeat to England in Twickenham that closed out the Six Nations campaign.

Very few teams have escaped from Thomond Park with victory in the Heineken Cup.

A scrappy affair in Rome saw Italy avoid the Wooden Spoon for a sixth year in a row beating Scotland 13-6.

The Rugby Union Fans Six Nations team of the tournament, this is based on player performance throughout the competition and not on the talent levels of the individual player;

Azzurri coach Jacques Brunel has made six changes to his Italy side that will face Scotland in the wooden spoon decider on Saturday afternoon.

The England v Ireland Legends Game will take place at The Twickenham Stoop on Friday 16 March 2012, KO 7:45, in support of the Stuart Mangan Memorial Cup.

It promises to be a great weekend of rugby, as England and Ireland legends meet in a charity match on the eve of the big 6 Nations clash.

Wales captain Sam Warburton has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Italy after he failed to recover from a knee injury.

Loving Rugby Union is hard when you're a woman. Even more so, I believe, to a woman loving soccer for example.

He stepped onto the scene with murmurs behind him. Looking like a built-up Shaggy and having only been spotted by the keener international supporters, few outside of Scotland knew who David Denton was.

This weekend's only fixture sees France take on Ireland at the Stade de France after the original fixture was postponed three weeks ago due to a frozen pitch.

Declan Kidney will be a relieved man this morning, comforted by the margin of victory over Italy in Dublin yesterday.

When those around you lose their heads, call for the kick to touch.

Ireland are unhappy with Six Nations Ltd's decision to play their rescheduled match with France on Sunday, March 4.