Three Irish teams fill Semi spots

Leinster Ulster and Munster confirm their places in the Magners League playoffs

MAGNERS LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS:

Friday, May 13 -

LEINSTER (2nd) v ULSTER (3rd), the RDS, 7.05pm

Saturday, May 14 -

MUNSTER (1st) v OSPREYS (4th), Thomond Park, 6.30pm

The winners of the play-off matches, which will be played at the home venues of the top two finishing sides in the regular Magners League table, will then meet in the Magners League grand final on Saturday, May 28 (kick-off 5.05pm).


The venue of this season's Magners League grand final will be determined by the results of the semi-finals.


The honour of staging the grand final will go to the team that has the highest regular season league ranking once the two finalists are known - it will be Munster if they win their game or the winners of the other semi-final.
Information on ticketing for both semi-finals and the Magners League grand final will be available on the respective team websites and also on www.magnersleague.com.

Ulster take win against Connacht

Ian Humphreys had a hand in all three tries and kicked the rest of the points as Ulster beat Connacht to keep on course for the Magners League's last four.

Rory Best's sixth-minute try set Ulster on their way to a 14-6 half-time lead, with Adam D'Arcy crossing the whitewash on the half hour mark.A drop goal and penalty from Ian Keatley kept Connacht in touch after a high tempo first half, and Eric Elwood's men should really have been closer.
Sean Cronin's superbly-taken try, adding to five more points from Keatley's boot, closed the gap to 17-16 with Humphreys kicking his first penalty.
The Ulster out-half added another in the 66th minute and the win was secured when Darren Cave broke through for a seven-pointer.

O'Donohoe makes move to Connacht

Connacht have signed former Ireland Under-20 scrum-half Paul O'Donohoe from Leinster.
O'Donohoe is the latest member of Ireland's famous 2007 U-20 Grand Slam winning team to join the province, and will join up with Andrew Browne, TJ Anderson, Eoghan Grace and Niall O'Connor in the green of Connacht next season.
The scrum-half has made 16 appearances to date for Leinster including two run-outs in the Heineken cup against Glasgow and the Scarlets.

He also started for Leinster in Connacht's New Year's Day defeat in the RDS this season.
The former Belvedere College man has captained Leinster A this season and has played 19 times for A's including eight times in the British and Irish Cup.
Speaking on the new deal, the Dubliner said: 'I am delighted to be signing for Connacht next season.

McAlister and Burgess to join Toulouse

New Zealand centre Luke McAlister and Australia scrum-half Luke Burgess will join Toulouse after the World Cup, the European champions have announced.
The pair will move to the big-spending Top 14 club from the Auckland Blues and the Waratahs, respectively.
South Africa loosehead prop Gurthro Steenkamp has also been signed from the Bulls while French fly-half Lionel Beauxis has been recruited from Stade Francais.

A statement on www.stadetoulousain.fr read: 'After the signatures of Nicolas Bez, Jean-Marc Doussain and Russlan Boukerou, who signed their first professional contracts with the club, Stade Toulousain has formalised its recruitment for the 2011-2012 season.

'Lionel Beauxis, Luke McAlister, Luke Burgess and Gurthro Steenkamp are committed to the club for three years, until the end of the 2013-2014 season. Timoci Matanavou has signed for two years until June 2013.'

Trimble and Wallace out for Ulster

Irish internationals Andrew Trimble and Paddy Wallace have been ruled out of the remainder of Ulster's Magners League campaign.

Wing Trimble and centre Wallace have both suffered fractured a thumb and will be forced to undergo surgery. As a result they will be sidelined for approximately six weeks, ruling them out of the remainder of the domestic season.

South African BJ Botha is rated as doubtful heading into Friday's clash with Connacht, with the prop awaiting the results of an MRI scan on a knee injury sustained against Leinster over the weekend.

There is some good news for the Ulstermen though, with Ian Humphreys and Tom Court passed fit for the encounter. Humphreys was forced off during the Leinster clash, while Court missed the game altogether having suffered a concussion the previous week.

Quinlan confirms retirement from rugby

Munster and Ireland back rower Alan Quinlan has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season.

 

Alan Quinlan, who will shortly celebrate his 37th birthday, confirmed the news today at Munster's weekly media briefing at the University of Limerick ahead of their Magners League match against the Scarlets.

The Clanwilliam clubman, who has been named in the province's squad to face the Scarlets, has played 210 competitive games for Munster since making his debut in November 1996.

He was capped 27 times for Ireland at Test level, with his six-try haul including touchdowns against Namibia and Argentina at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Quinlan has been part of all of Munster's successes in the modern era - their Celtic League, Celtic Cup and Magners League triumphs and both of their Heineken Cup wins.

Ulster Line-Up Announced

Captained by Rory Best, there is just once change in the starting line-up from the side which defeated Llanelli Scarlets at Ravenhill in the Magners League last week, with Chris Henry starting in the openside berth ahead of Willie Faloon who is named on the bench.

The only other change amongst the replacements is the inclusion of prop Bryan Young who comes in with Declan Fitzpatrick unavailable having picked up a wrist injury.

Craig Gilroy, Ulster's top try-scorer in the Magners League with seven tries from nine appearances could make his Heineken Cup debut if he comes off the bench during the game, having been registered for the competition as an additional player. 

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports and there will also be commentary on Radio Ulster 1341 MW from 2pm.

ULSTER: (15-9) Adam D'Arcy; Andrew Trimble, Nevin Spence, Paddy Wallace, Simon Danielli; Ian Humphreys, Ruan Pienaar (1-8) Tom Court, Rory Best (Captain), BJ Botha, Johann Muller, Dan Tuohy, Robbie Diack, Chris Henry, Pedrie Wannenburg

Replacements: (16-23) Andi Kyriacou, Paddy McAllister, Bryan Young, Tim Barker, Willie Faloon, Paul Marshall, Ian Whitten, Craig Gilroy

Munster team to face Brive.

O'Driscoll is just one of three changes coach Tony McGahan makes, from the side that started against Leinster, for the game tomorrow in the Stade Municipal (2pm local time).

Denis Leamy who replaced Donnacha Ryan in the 54th minute against Leinster retains the number 6 shirt while Sam Tuitupou, off to join an English Premiership side at the end of the season, partners his cousin Lifeimi Mafi in the centre with Johne Murphy slipping to the bench.

Munster: F Jones; D Howlett, L Mafi, S Tuitupou, K Earls; R O'Gara, C Murray; W du Preez, D Varley, T Buckley; D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll; D Leamy, D Wallace, J Coughlan.

Replacements: M Sherry, M Horan, J Hayes, D Ryan, N Ronan, P Stringer, P Warwick, J Murphy.

Leinster Team Named To Face The Tigers

Sean O'Brien will make his 50th Leinster appearance in Saturday's game and he continues in the back-row alongside Jamie Heaslip and Kevin McLaughlin.

Leo Cullen leads the team and partners Nathan Hines at second row, with Cian Healy, Richardt Strauss and Mike Ross completing the pack.

Gordon D'Arcy again links up with Brian O'Driscoll in a backline which features, in all, six Ireland internationals including the competition's top points scorer so far this season Jonathan Sexton (76 points) who partners Eoin Reddan at half back.

Ireland international trio Isaac Boss, Fergus McFadden and Devin Toner are named amongst the replacements.

Vainikolo moving to Connacht

Connacht have completed the signing of winger Fetu'u Vainikolo from Super Rugby franchise the Highlanders.

The 26-year-old has played for Northland in 2007 and in his 22 caps he scored 10 tries. In 2009 he moved to Otago where he earned a further 15 caps before making his Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders in 2008 against the Reds.

Vainikolo scored an impressive 13 tries for the Highlanders between 2008 and 2010 and is known for his explosive ball-carrying ability.

"I am excited about furthering my career with Connacht. I have watched their progress with interest this season and been impressed with their style of play," he told the Connacht website.


"I am looking forward to hopefully scoring many tries in the green jersey."

Ulster announce squad to meet Saints

Ulster head coach Brian McLaughlin has named a 31-man squad for the Heineken Cup quarter-final against the Saints.

 

Out-half Ian Humphreys and prop BJ Botha came through their return game against the Scarlets unscathed last weekend and have been pencilled in for Ulster's first European quarter-final since 1999.

Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris is the only player unavailable to the province as he is still suffering with a knee problem.

If Brian McLaughlin's men manage to beat Northampton on Sunday, they will face either Perpignon or Toulon in a semi-final in Dublin.
Ulster come into the game on the back of six straight Magners League wins, while Northampton have won their previous three matches.

Munster squad for Leinster Clash

Munster head coach Tony McGahan has named a 27-man squad for Saturday's Magners League encounter with Leinster at Thomond Park (kick-off 7.30pm).

The selected squad includes all 23 players who were on duty for the 16-15 victory over the Cardiff Blues last Friday, plus Paul Warwick, who has returned from Australia, John Hayes, Donncha O'Callaghan and David Wallace.

Tony McGahan met with press today in UL and gave his thoughts on Saturday's derby game, saying: "We can't afford to lose any game and we've worked so hard with last weekend's win over Cardiff away from home.

Humphries and Botha included in Ulster squad

Ulster head coach Brian McLaughlin has named a 35-man squad ahead of Friday's Magners League match against the Scarlets at Ravenhill (kick-off 7.05pm).


Ian Humphreys and BJ Botha return to Ulster's preliminary squad for their showdown with fellow play-off chasers, the Scarlets.

Prop Botha has not played since injuring his elbow before Christmas, while Humphreys pulled a hamstring during training last month.

The return of both players will be a timely boost for Ulster with a string of important matches coming up for Brian McLaughlin's side.

Eddie O Sullivan an Edinburgh possibility

Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan in one of a long list of candidates to take over as Edinburgh Head Coach next season.

Three-time Triple Crown-winning coach O'Sullivan is currently in charge of the US Eagles but his contract runs out after the World Cup and is widely believed to be keen to return to Europe.

O'Sullivan is scheduled to be interviewed when he returns from the US over Easter but he faces stiff competition from a number of candidates.

Amongst them are three Australians: Former Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher, who will leave Munster at the end of the season, former Munster Head Coach and current Ireland backs coach Alan Gaffney and Nick Scrivener, who has taken over at the Edinburgh helm on an interim basis after Rob Moffat was axed at the end of January.

Poor divil

Leicester Tigers gave Bath an almighty hiding in their Aviva Premiership meeting at the Rec on Saturday, scoring five tries to nil to come away 37-6 victors. There was one guy however who took the hammering more literally than others.

Fullback Abendanon, who was courageous throughout, took some of the biggest and most frequent hits you're likely to see this season. It actually became quite comical for the viewer, as whenever the fullback got the ball, there seemed to be a Pacific Islander sniffing him out.

Sivivatu heading to Clermont

All Black winger Sitiveni Sivivatu has signed with a French rugby club, according to an online report.

The Chiefs winger will leave New Zealand after the Rugby World Cup to play for French club Clermont on a two year contract, Fairfax media reports.

Sivivatu, 28, made his debut for the All Blacks in 2005 and has played 43 tests for the side, scoring 27 tries.

He missed last year's international season due to a shoulder injury.

Hat trick signing for Leinster

Heineken Cup quarter-finalists Leinster have announced the signings of Natal Sharks second row Steven Sykes, Connacht prop Jamie Hagan and Crusaders fly-half Matt Berquist.


Sykes, 26, joins from Super Rugby side the Sharks on a three-year deal and has represented South Africa at Under 19 and Emerging Springbok level.

"For me I believe it is a good career and personal move - I want to play international rugby and it would be a fantastic honour to play for Ireland as well if it came about. Before any of that though I am really excited to play for Leinster. I really do believe it is the right move for me," said Sykes.

"Of course it was not an easy decision to make, I don't for one second want anyone to think I am unhappy here or unhappy at the Sharks; I love the Sharks! I have played over 130 games for the Union and loved every minute of it. However I believe that it will be very good for my rugby to make the move and I am looking forward to the experience of playing in European conditions week-in and week-out, learning about their way of playing - which I think will suit me.

Quade Cooper has balls

Have a look at this STUNT Mr. Cooper pulls off, ridiculous.

BOD reaches 25 tries

This video never gets old

Despite having a relatively poor tournament, Ireland finished on a high as they stopped England from picking up the much sought after Six Nations Grand Slam. For O’Driscoll, it was a day of personal triumph as the win was capped off with a historic 25th try for his country in the competition, surpassing Ian Smith's record that was set between 1924 and 1933.

Leinster tame the Dragons

Leinster moved joint-second in the Magners League on Sunday after sealing a 26-16 win at the Dragons.

The match was tinged with controversy though as, with the game locked at 16-16, referee Andy Macpherson chose to award the Irish team the decision despite there being no definitive evidence that a try would have been scored.

Aided by 16 points from Jonathan Sexton, the result significantly boosts the away side's chances of making the end-of-season play-offs.

Having not won in Wales all season, Leinster came out determined to end that run and took an early three point advantage through Sexton.

Jason Tovey missed the chance to level matters soon after, before the Dragons scored the first try of the match just before the 20 minute mark.

After a huge hit by winger Aled Brew, the ball came to centre Adam Hughes who went all the way to the line, Tovey converting. Dragons extended that lead with a penalty but Leinster hit back when Isaac Boss touched down from close range, Sexton adding the extras.

However, Tovey restored the Dragons' advantage to make it 13-10 at half-time.

Not long into the second-half, Sexton levelled the scores with a penalty before winger Aled Brew was sin-binned for a trip on Isa Nacewa. Leinster's fly-half kicked the resultant three points but once again the Dragons hit back through another Tovey penalty.

On 55 minutes came the decisive moment in the match. Leinster were controversially awarded a penalty try much to the frustration of the Dragons crowd. And the score settled the away side's nerves with Sexton sealing the win with his fourth penalty.

Aironi record first win

Connacht became the first team to be beaten by Aironi in the Magners League as the Italian side made history with a 25-13 victory at Stadio Zaffanella on Saturday.

Aironi outscored Connacht by three tries to one as they claimed the scalp of the Irish province in front of their home fans.Wingers Kaine Robertson and Danwel Demas both scored their first tries in the competition, and South African flanker Gareth Krause crossed for his second of the campaign.

Connacht's sole try came from number 8 Ray Ofisa and not even the introduction of fit-again captain John Muldoon, in the closing stages, could inspire the visitors.

Super 15 Round 5

This coming weekend of Super Rugby is a historical one, as we'll watch the first ever game played outside of the Tri Nations countries, on Sunday. For now we'll have a quick look back at some of the best tries from the last round.

Possibly the biggest story of round 5 was the massive upset that the Waratahs suffered at the hands of the Cheetahs, a side that had never won in Australia in the history of the tournament. They fronted up, played percentages, and dominated the breakdown. A few cameos off the bench didn't hurt them either.

If offloading in the tackle was the main feature of previous week's best tries, this round could probably be slapped with the theme of speed, as we saw some tries scored at tremendous pace. That's not necessarily one-on-one pace, but the way that the ball is shifted through the hands to counter attack, or score off first phase possession even.Rfu.com for more info and to find out how to get tickets. It's a great cause, should be a fantastic match, and you'll get to see top All Blacks and Springboks in action.

Cardiff Blues 15-16 Munster

Munster grabbed a rare win in Wales to keep them top of the Magners League and put a dent in Cardiff Blues' ambitions of a top-four play-off place at the end of this season.
 Fly-half Ronan O'Gara, who had a mixed night with the boot, landed the vital penalty midway through the second half to secure Munster's first win on Welsh soil in six visits and only Cardiff's second home defeat in the league all season.

Munster, though, were well worth their win over a Blues side who never really got going but did rally when Scotland fly-half Dan Parks put them ahead with a trademark drop goal before O'Gara, who had missed four earlier penalties, had his say.

David Young, the Blues coach, knows this defeat keeps his side in fifth place as the race for the Magners League Grand Final hots up and the side from the Welsh capital have a mountain to climb as most of their remaining games are away from home.

Glasgow 19-22 Ulster

Ruan Pienaar was the hero for Ulster at Firhill, his man-of-the-match haul of all 22 points ensuring his side snatched a last-gasp victory against a typically dogged Glasgow side to climb to second in the Magners League.
 A self-converted try and five penalties, the last of which came in the final seconds, were enough to see off the Warriors, whose sole try came from Ryan Grant.

Scotland fly-half Ruaridh Jackson booted 11 points, while his replacement Duncan Weir set up a tight finish with a late penalty.

The hosts held the upper hand in the opening exchanges, an early Jackson up-and-under causing havoc in the Ulster ranks.

From the ensuing pressure, the home stand-off notched the game's first points, converting a straightforward penalty after Pedrie Wannenburg was penalised for a short-armed tackle.

Parity was restored in the 12th minute when Ulster fly-half Pienaar slotted a 40-metre penalty resulting from a front-row infringement in the scrum. Moments earlier, he had failed with a more challenging attempt from the touchline after Glasgow prop Moray Low had been penalised for a cynical block on Scotland colleague Simon Danielli.

Times confirmed for August internationals

The kick-off times have been confirmed for Ireland's Guinness Summer Series matches against France and England at the Aviva Stadium.

France travel to Dublin on Saturday, 20 August with the match having a 5.00pm kick-off. A week later on Saturday, 27 August, the English are back in town with that clash set for a 2.30pm start.

Ahead of the World Cup in New Zealnad, Declan Kidney's side will play four matches in August, with away trips to Scotland (6 August) and France (13 August) in Bordeaux, also confirmed.

Horgan back in Leinster line-up

Shane Horgan returns to the Leinster team for their Magners League trip to meet the Dragons at Rodney Parade.

Horgan is back after a two month injury lay-off due to a knee injury.

The winger makes his 18th appearance this season and joins Luke Fitzgerald and Isa Nacewa in the back three for Sunday's game.

Eoin O'Malley partners Fergus McFadden at centre, with Isaac Boss linking up with Jonathan Sexton at half-back.

Leo Cullen leads the team and starts at second row alongside Devin Toner, with ex-Gonzaga College SJ duo Kevin McLaughlin and Dominic Ryan joining Rhys Ruddock in the back row.

Internationals Jamie Heaslip, Nathan Hines and Eoin Reddan are named amongst a replacements bench which features a mix of youth and experience.

Leinster XV v the Dragons in the Magners League, Sunday, 2.30pm:
15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Eoin O'Malley, 12 Fergus McFadden, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Isaac Boss, 1 Heinke van der Merwe, 2 Richardt Strauss, 3 Stan Wright, 4 Leo Cullen (cpt), 5 Devin Toner, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 7 Dominic Ryan, 8 Rhys Ruddock.

Replacements: Aaron Dundon, Jack McGrath, Simon Shawe, Nathan Hines, Jamie Heaslip, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Dave Kearney.

Cronin returns to Connacht team

Sean Cronin returns to the Connacht starting XV to face Aironi this Saturday in the Magners League.

The Limerick native appeared in all of Ireland's Six Nations matches this year, bringing his number of international caps to 12.

Mike McCarthy continues his successful partnership with Michael Swift in the second row.

McCarthy recently signed a new two-year deal with the province and the 29-year-old's superb form this season saw him called into the Irish squad and earning his first cap for the Ireland Wolfhounds against the English Saxons.

Miah Nikora's knee injury rules him out of contention.

Connacht XV to face Aironi in the Magners League at Stadio Zaffanella, Saturday, 4.30pm:

1 Brett Wilkinson, 2 Sean Cronin, 3 Jamie Hagan, 4 Michael Swift, 5 Mike McCarthy, 6 Andrew Browne, 7 Johnny O'Connor (cpt), 8 Ray Ofisa, 9 Frank Murphy, 10 Ian Keatley, 11 Fionn Carr, 12 Troy Nathan, 13 Niva Ta'auso, 14 Brian Tuohy, 15 Gavin Duffy.

Replacements: Adrian Flavin, Ronan Loughney, Rodney Ah You, Bernie Upton, John Muldoon, Cillian Willis, Keith Matthews, Shane Monahan.

Ross agrees new IRFU contract

Mike Ross has agreed a new IRFU contract which will see him remain with Leinster up to the end of the 2013 season.

Ross, who has won seven caps at tight head for Ireland since making his debut against Canada in 2009, has also made 39 appearances for Leinster since moving from English premiership side Harlequins in 2009.

Ross said: 'It's been an enjoyable couple of months for me and I am delighted to be able to have my new contract agreed and to remain playing for Leinster.

'Since coming back to Ireland, Leinster really has become my home and hopefully I can continue to maintain my performance levels to help keep the team successful and also keep me in the frame for selection for the Ireland team.'

Ireland coach Declan Kidney said: 'The IRFU's policy of keeping as many players in Ireland as possible is an important part to helping Irish rugby challenge for success in competitions at all levels.

'The news that Mike has made the decision to carry on his career in Leinster is good news for everybody concerned as he has continued to progress well and is a valued member of the international squad.'

O'Driscoll hits out at 'unforgivable' decision

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has labelled the decision to allow Mike Phillips' controversial try to stand as 'unforgivable' following his side's 19-13 defeat at the Millennium Stadium.

The crucial moment of a hard-fought RBS 6 Nations encounter came with Ireland leading 13-9 in the 50th minute when Wales hooker Matthew Rees took a quick lineout and the scrum-half raced away to score in the corner.

But TV replays showed that Rees had taken the lineout with a different ball to that kicked out of play by Ireland replacement Jonathan Sexton, something which is not allowed under IRB regulation 19.2.

Referee Jonathan Kaplan asked his assistant, Peter Allan of Scotland, whether the ball used was the same as that which left the field and, when he answered in the affirmative, the try was awarded.

Kaplan was not able to call on the video referee to adjudicate as the TMO is only to be used for decisions on the act of scoring.

Wales 19-13 Ireland

Wales claimed a controversial victory at the Millennium Stadium which kept their RBS 6 Nations title hopes alive and ended Ireland's bid for a fifth Triple Crown in eight seasons.

Scrum-half Mike Phillips celebrated his 50th cap by scoring an opportunist try to underpin Wales' first home win since last year's tournament.

But it came after Wales skipper Matthew Rees took a quick throw-in with a different ball from the one that was sliced into touch by Irish substitute Jonathan Sexton, which is against rugby's Law 19.2.

Referee Jonathan Kaplan consulted Scottish assistant official Peter Allan before awarding the score, but the Irish players were furious as television replays confirmed the try should never have been allowed.

Wales rode their luck as fly-half James Hook converted the try and kicked three penalties, while wing Leigh Halfpenny landed a long-range strike, with Ireland creating a Brian O'Driscoll try and Ronan O'Gara booting eight points which took him past 1,000 in Test rugby.

Italy 22-21 France

Italy claimed their first RBS 6 Nations victory over France at the 12th attempt with a 22-21 triumph in Rome this afternoon.

Racing-Metro full-back Andrea Masi scored the only try for the home side and Mirco Bergamasco kicked 17 points as Italy secured their first win in this year's tournament.

France scored tries through Vincent Clerc and Morgan Parra, with the latter kicking three penalties and a conversion.

The Azzurri, who had eight France-based players in their side, punished the French for a sloppy performance at the Stadio Flaminio.

It was the second defeat in succession for Marc Lievremont's side following their 17-9 loss to England at Twickenham, while Italy were finally rewarded for their efforts following defeats to Ireland, England and Wales.

Italy put points on the board after two minutes after being awarded a penalty when France skipper Thierry Dusautoir was caught offside.

Bergamasco converted from close range to bring the stadium to life, but the visitors produced a well-worked try in the 14th minute.

Kidney adds 12 to Ireland squad

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has added 12 players to his panel for the RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales next Saturday.

Rhys Ruddock, Fergus McFadden, Tony Buckley, Kevin McLaughlin, Mick O'Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, Gavin Duffy, Andrew Trimble, Johne Murphy, Tomas O'Leary, Devin Toner and Mike McCarthy are added to the panel.

They join the 22 players that made up the squad that beat Scotland last weekend at Murrayfield.
Kidney will name his 22 for the match with Wales on lunchtime on Tuesday.

Munster 38-17 Newport Gwent Dragons

Munster continued their charge towards a home Magners League semi-final as they ran five tries past Newport Gwent Dragons in Cork.
 Penalties from Paul Warwick and Jason Tovey were the only scores until Doug Howlett blitzed through for a brace of tries, handing Munster an 18-9 half-time advantage.
Steve Jones touched down for the Dragons, but tries from man of the match Mick O'Driscoll, Johne Murphy and Alan Quinlan made certain of the bonus point for Munster.
The visitors had to realign their backs division before kick-off. An injury to Will Harries saw Pat Leach move to full-back with Ashley Smith brought into midfield.

Both sides showed an eagerness to attack but early penalties prevented any momentum being built up as Warwick and Tovey traded blows.
 Warwick nudged Munster ahead before Tovey struck an upright with his first penalty. He made amends in the eighth minute before Warwick kicked Munster back in front.
 Tovey then moved the Dragons 9-6 ahead with two well-struck efforts as the likes of Joe Bearman and Toby Faletau made the hard yards.

Leinster 26-15 Scarlets

The Scarlets lost out to one of their Magners League play-off rivals as Leinster took the spoils at the RDS.
 Jonathan Sexton returned to provincial duty to kick four penalties and convert tries in each half from Niall Morris and Isaac Boss.

Rhys Thomas touched down for the Scarlets, who had the final say with a late consolation try from Nic Reynolds.

The game pitted third against fourth and, as such, it was no surprise that the first half was a cagey affair.

With a neck injury ruling Iestyn Thomas out, Gareth Maule captained the Scarlets and he knocked on as the visitors looked to create an early opening on the Leinster 22.

Rhys Priestland dragged a drop goal wide after a turnover from Josh Turnbull, but it was Leinster who managed to open the scoring through winger Morris.

He was invited forward on the right wing and fended off a poor tackle from Priestland to gallop over in the corner. Sexton, benched by Ireland at the weekend, converted for good measure.

The Scarlets were eager to put the ball through the hands and teenager George North saw a good deal of possession, even if Leinster were quick to close him down.

Priestland had two penalty misses either side of a successful 20th minute shot from Sexton, before he redeemed himself near the half-hour mark.

Connacht 31-25 Bennetton Treviso

Connacht had to dig deep to record a narrow home win over Magners League opponents Treviso, who finished strongly to claim a late bonus point.
 With their stand-in captain Johnny O'Connor in the sin-bin, Connacht leaked a penalty try which Willem de Waal converted to get the Italians within a converted score of victory.

But Eric Elwood's men, who had stormed into a handsome early lead, held on to move above the visitors in the Magners League standings.

Troy Nathan and the excellent Frank Murphy scored tries to move Connacht 18-0 ahead, before Michele Sepe and Manoa Vosawai responded for Treviso.

Ian Keatley, who finished with 16 points, kicked the hosts into a 24-12 half-time lead, but Treviso put the hosts under huge pressure late on.

Treviso took their time to settle at the Sportsground and an early sin-binning for Fijian flanker Vosawai, for a dangerous tackle on Ray Ofisa, left them in trouble.

They were already 7-0 down at that point, with a Keatley pass creating an overlap and Brian Tuohy drawing the defender for Nathan to score a converted opener.

Ulster 23-10 Aironi Rugby

Ulster kept their Magners League play-off hopes alive with their third win in a row but they were made to fight hard by a spirited Aironi effort which managed to deny the hosts a bonus point.
 

The result could have been a lot closer had Aironi been more precise with their finishing after a number of chances were blown by the Italians, who tumbled to their 16th defeat in as many outings in the competition.

Ulster, with Ruan Pienaar at outside half for the injured Ian Humphreys, made several errors after initially streaking to an early 15-0 lead.

Tries from Tom Court and Craig Gilroy inside seven minutes helped them to a 15-10 half-time lead before a score from replacement Declan Fitzpatrick plus two Pienaar penalties in a second half which skipper Johann Mueller was yellow carded.

With only three minutes on the clock Court drove over the line after Ulster had kicked to the corner from a penalty.

Pienaar's conversion hit the upright but he made sure with his second attempt which came four minutes later after Ulster had moved the ball at pace for Chris Henry to send Gilroy over for a seventh try in seven appearances.

Ferris to miss rest of Six Nations

Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris has been ruled out for the rest of this year's RBS Six Nations campaign.

Ferris has been struggling with a persistent knee problem, which he aggravated while on Heineken Cup duty for his province against Aironi.

The 26-year-old is to see a consultant in London to examine the true extent of the problem but has been told he will play no part in the remainder of this season's Six Nations.

Ireland head coach Declan Kidney also has concerns over the availability of Tomas O'Leary.

O'Leary is continuing his rehab from his ongoing back problem and at this stage has not been ruled out of the games with Wales and England.

Mike Ross set to remain with Leinster

Ireland tighthead Mike Ross is set to remain with Leinster despite speculation linking him with a move to Munster, according to a report.

Cork-born Ross began his top level rugby career with Munster but left the province after failing to win a contract there. He established himself as a professional prop with Harlequins in England before moving to Leinster in 2009.

Tony Buckley's decision to leave Munster for Sale Sharks at the end of the season and Leinster's imminent acquisition of Connacht prop Jamie Hagan have fuelled speculation that Ross is set to leave.

But a Leinster source told the Irish Times that they would be 'very disappointed' if Ross decided to move to Munster.

Ross, who has started both of Ireland's RBS 6 Nations so far in this campaign, is currently negotiating a new deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union and it is understood he has said wants to remain at Leinster.

Caldwell to leave Ulster for Bath

Bath have announced the signing of Ireland international lock Ryan Caldwell with Harlequins' Lewis Stevenson set to move to join the province.

Caldwell, 25, has agreed a two-year deal and will move to the Recreation Ground from Ulster this summer.

He has made 79 appearances for Ulster and was capped twice during Ireland's tour to the USA and Canada in 2009.

Bath rugby director Ian McGeechan said: 'Ryan will be a very good addition to the club.

'He has very good skills already, and he will develop these further as he matures. He is a big, powerful young lock, and so will create some real problems for the opposition.'

Caldwell follows another new second-row addition to the Bath squad, England international Dave Attwood, who has been recruited from Gloucester for next season.

Ulster have signed Stevenson as a replacement for Caldwell, who has been released a year early from his contract.

Bowe back in full training with Ospreys

Ireland wing Tommy Bowe has returned to full training with club side the Ospreys and could be back in Magners League action as early as this weekend.

Bowe has missed both of Ireland's RBS 6 Nations fixtures - a last gasp win over Italy in the opener and a narrow defeat to France last week - so far due to a knee problem.

But the Monaghan native could be involved in Saturday's Magners League game, an away clash with Italian side Benetton Treviso. He has been absent since the middle of January and missed the end of the Ospreys Heineken Cup campaign.

Ospreys head physio Chris Towers said on the club website that the Irish Rugby Football Union and the club were both involved in managing Bowe's injury.

He said: 'We've been monitoring Tommy very closely over the last month, as well as being in close consultation with the IRFU management regards his progress.

'He has made considerable progress over the last couple of weeks, up to the point where we've been able to get him up to high level functional sessions without any adverse reactions.'

Tony Buckley to join Sale Sharks and Mike Ross may join Munster.

Ireland and Munster prop Tony Buckley has signed a three-year deal to join Aviva Premiership side Sale Sharks from the start of next season.

Commenting on his move to England next season, Buckley said: 'I felt I needed a new challenge. I believe the best club to give me that challenge and also help me become a better player is Sale Sharks. They are hungry and ambitious for success and I want to be a part of that.

'However, at this moment in time, I am a Munster player until the end of June. My priorities for now are to help Munster achieve success in the Amlin Challenge Cup and the Magners League and to regain a place in the Irish squad.'

Buckley's move could pave the way for Mike Ross to return to Munster. Ross began his career with the southern province before moving to English Premiership side Harlequins and then joining Leinster.

It has been suggested that Ireland tighthead Ross will move back to Munster at the end of this year with current Connacht tighthead Jamie Hagan set for a return to Leinster.

Ulster squad named for trip to Ospreys

Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin has named a 31-man squad for the clash away to the Ospreys in the Magners League on Sunday.

McLaughlin's side have won three games on the trot in all competitions and will be determined to keep up momentum. A win on Sunday would see them move ahead of the fifth placed Ospreys, with a real chance of pushing for a play-off spot.

Nevin Spence, Ian Humphreys, Declan Fitzpatrick, Willie Faloon and Chris Henry, Nigel Brady and Paul Marshall are all included after representing the Irish Wolfhounds last week.

Ireland name team to face France.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has made just one change to the team that narrowly defeated Italy in the opening game of the RBS 6 Nations championship.

Jamie Heaslip returns at number eight, with Sean O'Brien moving to his more accustomed role of blindside flanker.

Munster's Denis Leamy drops to the bench, while Kidney resisted change to his backline, despite the return to fitness of Andrew Trimble.

Ireland face champions France at 3.00pm on Sunday, in what will be the first championship game at the Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Road.

Ruddock set to lead Leinster

Leinster have named their team to face Aironi in Thursday night's Magners League clash at the RDS.

 Rhys Ruddock leads the team for the first time in a back-row which also includes Dominic Ryan and Stephen Keogh.

 Ian Madigan makes his 11th appearance of the season and partners Paul O'Donohoe at half back with Eoin O'Malley, fresh from his Ireland Wolfhounds debut, lining up alongside debutant Brendan Macken at centre.

 In the pack, Heinke van der Merwe and Richardt Strauss are named in the front row, with Kevin McLaughlin lining up at second row alongside fellow Ireland international Devin Toner.

Ireland Women Unchanged For France.

The Ireland Women's team to play France in the first home game of the Women's RBS 6 Nations Championship has been named. Head coach Philip Doyle has named an unchanged side for Friday's match.

Speaking ahead of the game, Philip Doyle said: "We have a brand new squad this season and we capped a lot of new players last weekend. We have a very short turnaround time this week and we felt the need for continuity and to bed in the combinations."

"The French are a big challenge and it will be a stern test for some of the new girls, but we are looking forward to playing in Ashbourne as we have been getting great support there in recent seasons." 

Heaslip in line to face French

Ireland number eight Jamie Heaslip is on course to make his comeback in Sunday's RBS 6 Nations clash with France.

Heaslip and winger Andrew Trimble came through training this afternoon without suffering any adverse reaction to their respective ankle and hand injuries.

However, flanker Stephen Ferris has been ruled out of the showdown at the Aviva Stadium after losing his battle with a knee injury.

Ireland will name their team tomorrow as originally scheduled having considered delaying the announcement until Friday to give the trio further time to recover.

Manager Paul McNaughton said: 'We felt earlier today we weren't in a position to name the team as there was too much doubt on the fitness of several players.

'But following training this afternoon, Andrew Trimble and Jamie Heaslip came through the session okay.