Full coverage: Rugby

While Irish fans champion their player development pathways and voice negative views of Scotland’s "Kilted Kiwis" approach, there are similarities in both unions' approach to recruiting players.

While pioneers like Liam Hennessy laid crucial groundwork with early professional Irish teams during their Eastern European training camps, the current setup reflects years of scientific advancement and meticulous planning.

The Leinster contingent arrive transformed by Jacques Nienaber's system, a dramatic departure from Ireland's traditional Six Nations approach. Easterby must rewire players back to the established "Ireland Way" or boldly embrace Nienaber's methods.

Munster cannot build its future on cast-offs from other provinces or settle for players who couldn't make the grade elsewhere. The current system clearly isn't delivering results, and change is imperative.

The potential of the Champions Cup is undeniable, yet the current format squanders half the season before the tournament truly ignites.

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Andy Farrell's selection policy combines current performance with experience, leadership qualities, and the ability to contribute to the team's culture — a formula that has proven successful in maintaining Ireland's position at rugby's summit.

Munster will look to employ a kicking game to disrupt Leinster's defensive rhythm, followed by clever short-side attacks off lineouts, designed to counteract Leinster's aggressive blitz defence. Will it be enough?

The success story of the women's team offers valuable lessons for addressing the challenges in the men's game. With numerous talented players across the country, both male and female, the key lies in creating opportunities.

When injury derailed his sporting career, finding things to do that didn’t involve rugby became a priority for Dan Leavy. This was about more than securing his professional future, he needed it for his sanity as much as anything.