Munster

Munster halted their five-game losing run and completed the double over Ulster this season by beating their interprovincial rivals 9-7 on Saturday to stay in touch with the leading sides in the Guinness PRO12.

Munster fell to their fifth straight defeat in all competitions as Zane Kirchner's last-minute intercept try sealed a 24-7 win for Leinster at Thomond Park.

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Leicester Tigers put one foot in the European Champions Cup quarter-finals by completing a hard-earned double at home to Munster.

Leicester underlined their credentials as European Champions Cup contenders this season with a clinical 31-19 dismissal of Munster at Thomond Park.

The latest whisperings, murmurs and rumours from the world of rugby union, picking up bits and bobs from the written press, online and social media.

It’s been a grim couple of months for Irish rugby.

After just two rounds of European rugby this season, including some teams having only played a solitary game, the prognosis is already dire for the Guinness PRO12 sides.

Munster back-rower CJ Stander has penned a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the province until at least June 2018.

Stade Francais have taken the step of postponing their Champions Cup clash with Munster this weekend in the wake of the Paris atrocities last Friday.

Simon Zebo scored a late try to secure a bonus point for Munster as they beat Benetton Treviso 32-7 at Thomond Park in their opening European Rugby Champions Cup game.

Munster and Ireland full-back Felix Jones has been forced to retire aged just 28 after a neck injury.

Replacement CJ Stander was the hero as Munster stole a 20-18 Guinness PRO12 victory in the final minute to leave Ospreys winless from their opening two matches.

Worcester have announced the signing of Ireland international lock Donncha O'Callaghan.

Munster have announced the signing of Australia international lock Mark Chisholm.

Bath and Munster could gain an early advantage for next season's European Champions Cup by being selected as top seeds at next week's pool stage draw.

Paul O'Connell is expected to complete a two-year deal to join Toulon after the World Cup, following Saturday's Guinness PRO12 final with Munster.

Conor Murray ran in a hat-trick of tries as Munster hammered the Newport Gwent Dragons 50-27 at Irish Independent Park to book a home Guinness PRO12 play-off.

Munster have signed New Zealand international Francis Saili on a two-year deal.

Munster moved above Glasgow to the top of the Guinness PRO12 after defeating the under-strength Scots in Cork in a 22-10 bonus point win.