The Counter Ruck

Any World Cup which loses the world’s best player is simply the poorer for his absence

Rugby may be the 10th biggest sport in France in terms of playing numbers, but its popularity as a sporting spectacle is clear to see

Rugby is only France’s 10th most popular sport for participation yet viewing figures for the World Cup compare with the highs of its soccer equivalent

Cian Healy not alone in falling victim to injury in warm-up games, with the likes of Anthony Watson, Romain Ntamack and Tommaso Menoncello missing out

O’Driscoll was injured in 2007 following a punch by New Zealand-born Bayonne lock Mikaera Tewhata

You wonder how any panel could adjudicate on any appeal to this vexed verdict such has been the noise around it

This year, more than ever, the spread of support throughout Ireland for Andy Farrell’s side appears bigger than it has ever been

Ireland have earned mantle of world's top side and deserve all the good will coming to them

It’s harder to argue that Leinster should have won, La Rochelle dominated possession and didn’t allow them to

More opportunities need to be found for Irish coaches to bring the skills sharpened overseas to benefit the game here

A strong domestic rivalry is usually healthy for any team sport, and Irish rugby is lucky to have it

For Leinster any URC title will be harder earned than the previous Pro14 five-in-row

Leinster coach uncomfortable with the hype around his team as they face the might and tradition of Europe’s most successful club

With his tall, languid style and passing range, there is a hint of Stephen Larkham about the talented outhalf