Haka: Tradition must be abused, or at least ignored

‘Why should a side coming to Ireland get the first applause by doing a dance’

Gerry Thornley: Munster mourn loss of a rugby son

Sporting fraternity across country in shock at untimely death of head coach in Paris

Connacht set for toughest of tests in return to Champions Cup

Last year’s Pro12 winners will open their campaign against French giants Toulouse

Liam Toland: Connacht will prosper if they focus on protecting the ball

Ball control is key factor for Pat Lam’s side in Champions Cup opener with Toulouse

Philipe Saint-André’s excuses will live and die by sword in Novés’s hand

Should France thrive in Six Nations ex-coach’s tenure will be cast in even harsher light

Six Nations: Ireland have hard act to follow in pursuit of three in a row

With France and England away, third title in succession looks a tall order

Les Kiss busy taking Ulster to a higher plane

Province are already reaping the benefits of placing Australian atop of coaching

Gerry Thornley's 2015: Highs and lows of a remarkable rugby year

From Roey Kockott’s kick to a legend felled – it was year never to be forgotten

Andy McGeady: Feast of free-flowing rugby in store if stars can shine

Rugby World Cup final: All Blacks might just have enough in tank to defeat Australia

Magnificent Richie McCaw ready to put his body on the line again

Outstanding All Blacks’ flanker has for 14 years been bending the game to his will

Richie McCaw and Thierry Dusautoir prepare for own Thrilla in Manila

All Black and France flankers have enjoyed compelling rivalry for almost a decade

France haunted All Blacks in past but unlikely to do so at present

Philippe Saint-André’s side don’t look like an outfit that can upset world champions

Dusautoir dismisses rumours of rebellion in France camp

Reports suggested a ‘discreet rebellion’ had taken place against Philippe Saint-André

Steve Hansen in right humour for France

All Blacks coach expecting the French to have both flair and physicality

Peter O’Mahony out of the Rugby World Cup

O’Mahony suffered knee ligament damage against France, Paul O’Connell also expected to be ruled out

Ireland v France: Leaders fall but others rise up and inspire

Sexton and O’Connell departures fail to halt unstoppable Irish momentum

Saint-André tries to find a crumb of comfort

“We don’t have that many injuries compared to Ireland. They have two, maybe three very serious injuries”

Major parts of the puzzle seem to be coming together for France

Freddy Michalak has become a leader and the French pack looks increasingly formidable

Gordon D’Arcy: France can expect unexpected from Ireland

Joe Schmidt’s side have been letting the blinds rise and are ready to play a big hand

Gerry Thornley: It's hard to love this France side

Modern side a more practical version of the teams that lit up previous World Cups

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