It's opening weekend of the new Champions Cup season and there are some big talking points around team selection with, in particular, Harry Byrne being named at outhalf for Leinster's game away to defending champions La Rochelle on Sunday.  It is Byrne's first Champions Cup start while Ciaran Frawley has been named on the bench. 

Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane on the latest Left Wing to discuss the teams announced by Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht ahead of their games this weekend and which of the provinces can start the season with wins.  

The biggest stories in Irish rugby with our team of writers and experts, including Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Cian Tracey, Will Slattery, Sineád Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, expert opinion and post-match comment we have every position covered.

From in-depth analysis to team news and post-match analysis we have every position covered.

The Left Wing with Luke Fitzgerald has the best r…

The Left Wing

Team news & analysis for the Champions Cup opening weekend

Leinster nervously inched their way closer to a fifth European Champions Cup, after a nail-biting finish at GAA HQ on Saturday evening. 

A James Lowe hat trick capped an impressive first 60 minutes in style, but why did things fall apart as the final whistle approached? Will Luke and Cian discuss how a  37 minute period without a score will be punished by a better team than Northampton. Leinster will now line up against a very tricky Toulouse team for the final, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, May 25th.

Leinster's lucky Croke Park escape, as a difficult Toulouse final awaits

Leinster's selection policy ahead of their Champions Cup semi-final is a big topic of discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing.
Luke Fitzgerald, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Will Slattery discuss whether Leo Cullen made a mistake in resting so many starters for the recent trip to South Africa and break down some of the big selection talking points for the semi-final at Croke Park.

Meanwhile, Munster continued their strong record in South Africa and look primed for another URC title tilt while Ulster's form under Richie Murphy leaves them in danger of missing out on a playoff place.

Plus, why Croke Park can be a hindrance for kickers.

Leinster's selection policy, Croke Park showdown and Munster's hot streak

It was a memorable weekend for Ireland after they secured automatic qualification for next year's World Cup in England.

Scott Bemand's team finished third in the Women's Six Nations table which also means they will play in Tier 1 of the WXV competition later this year.

Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly joined Sinéad Kissane on the Left Wing podcast to review the campaign and discuss what needs to be done for Ireland to become World Cup ready.

It was a memorable weekend for Ireland after they secured automatic qualification for next year's World Cup in England.
Scott Bemand's team finished third in the Women's Six Nations table which also means they will play in Tier 1 of the WXV competition later this year.
Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly joined Sinéad Kissane on the Left Wing podcast to review the campaign and discuss what needs to be done for Ireland to become World Cup ready.

Team news & analysis for the Champions Cup opening weekend

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