BBC Sport NI assesses how the four Irish provinces are tracking before their European campaigns begin on Saturday.

How Wales forwards Aaron Wainwright, Olly Cracknell and Tommy Reffell have been key to Leicester Tigers' good start to the season.

England welcome back the experience of Amy Cokayne at hooker as their 41-match unbeaten run comes under serious threat away to Canada.

Exeter Chiefs' Dafydd Jenkins says the influx of Wales players into the English Prem can help improve the game in his homeland.

The British and Irish Lions are to take on France at Cardiff's Principality Stadium before their historic three-Test 2027 tour to New Zealand.

England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso should be fit to feature in next month's Nations Championship matches.

Centre Ben Thomas is set to miss the opening games of the Nations Championship but Taulupe Faletau is expected to play before November.

Sale Sharks winger Tom Roebuck signs a new deal to remain with the Prem club for a further two years.

Leicester Tigers back row Samuel Williams signs a contract extension of undisclosed length with the Prem club.

Cornish Pirates coach Joe Walsh says the club is trying to understand their poor away form.

Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio's 2003 Rugby World Cup winner's medal is sold for £54,000 at auction.

Totoa Auvaa's young career has been derailed by a chaotic 14 months at Saracens which featured violence both on and off the pitch.