OTB Rugby

Welcome to Thursday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your bitesize sample of this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast.Things got started this morning with Ger Gilroy, Colm Boohig and Arthur James O'Dea looking back at the drama in last night's Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. Gareth Roberts and Sarah Deboe, Liverpool and Everton supporters respectively, then joined Ger and Colm to reflect on the game from the fans' perspective. In the build-up to the new League of Ireland season, Bohemians COO, Daniel Lambert, and Shamrock Rovers CEO John Martin joined the lads in studio to discuss how the league can maximize on its current popularity. Right now now, we're going to bring you a small section of this morning's chat with the brilliant Joey Carbery. Joining us live from Bordeaux, he began by discussing how he feels watching Ireland matches a few years removed from the international set-up. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins offers a positive update on Mack Hansen's new contract,Will Greenwood gives his thoughts on whether Simon Easterby would be suited to the Wales head coach role, And London Irish saved by an Eddie Jordan-led consortium - are they on their way to the URC?Rugby Daily with Bank of Ireland. Never Stop Competing.

Welcome to Wednesday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your FREE bitesize sample of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, Mayo legend Colm Boyle assessed the lay of the land after a couple of rounds of the Allianz Football League, and his own county's fortunes. The Hard Shoulder (and Dicksboro's) Kieran Cuddihy joins us for his 'You Had To Be There'. And we spoke to ex-England centre Will Greenwood for his half-term report on the Six Nations. And it's there we took our Bite, with Will following Ger, Colm and Arthur in giving their view on the departure of Wales head coach Warren Gatland. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has details of the news that has set the cat among the Six Nations pigeons with Warren Gatland leaving as Wales head coach. We hear from WRU chief executive Abi Tierney, and the man who has been installed as interim head coach - Matt Sherratt. Scott Bemand's revealed his Ireland squad for the Women's Six Nations, with one big-name absentee. Romain Ntamack must serve the second game of his suspension against Italy. Ulster have major front row concerns going into their URC trip to Benetton. And we hear from Pete Wilkins as Connacht look to get their URC season back on track against Cardiff.

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you all the reaction to Ireland's bonus point win at Murrayfield yesterday. We hear from interim head coach Simon Easterby, man of the match Sam Prendergast and Alan Quinlan. A trio of Munster players have signed new contracts at the province. Leo Cullen discusses his returning international contingent. And a Biarritz player is sacked for biting the cheek of a teammate.

Welcome to Monday's Off The Ball Breakfast Bite, your bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, League Of Ireland director Mark Scanlon helped us break the news that Off The Ball will be broadcasting 30 live Premier Division matches this season.Alan Quinlan and James Tracy broke down Ireland's dominant win over Scotland at Murrayfield. We rounded up the weekend's hurling action with Seamus Hickey. And - as always of a Monday - we brought you the Performance Rankings. But today's Bite takes a look back on Ireland's victory at Murrayfield with Ger, Colm and Arthur assessing Sam Prendergast's place in the Lions pecking order now, plus we get the view of Alan Quinlan and James Tracy. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the team news for Sunday's Six Nations clash of Scotland and Ireland. We hear from Simon Easterby, Bundee Aki and Gregor Townsend. Ronan O'Gara tackles the rumours linking him with the Wallabies head-on. And a French club have turned their attentions to an Italian international having courted John Cooney.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of, and reaction to, Joe Schmidt's impending departure as Wallabies head coach later this year. Munster have signed an Irish-qualified centre for next season. Romain Ntamack has apologised following his two-game ban, while Mathieu Jalibert returns in one of two changes for Le Crunch with England. England will be able to call upon Henry Arundell later this year. And Jamie Ritchie's off to the South of France.

'This Is Leinster' is a five-part documentary series charting the 2024 Interprovinicial success for Tania Rosser and her squad, featuring exclusive conversations with head coach Rosser, and leading players Hannah O'Connor, Ruth Campbell and Eimear Corri.Cameron Hill caught up with the stars of the documentary at the premiere at the Bank of Ireland branch, College Green.Rugby on Off The Ball, with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Welcome to this morning's OTB Breakfast Bite - your FREE bitesize taster of this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast.On this morning's show, former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw helped us look ahead to Sunday's game with Ireland at Murrayfield.We also heard from The Roar's Christy Doran for immediate reaction to the news that Joe Schmidt will leave Australia after the Lions tour.Martin Lipton joined us after Arsenal saw the chance for another trophy slip away on Tyneside.And a very special edition of 'You Had To Be There' came from the man responsible for The Day Today, the birth of Alan Partridge, The Thick Of It, Veep and now the stage production of Dr Strangelove - Armando Iannucci.And it's there we take our Bite this morning, with some of Armando's chat with Ger and Colm. And we also sample the Scotland-Ireland chat with Greig.Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

In case you missed it, here is episode five of our Settle In series, a bonus listen for our rugby fans!Irish golfer, Sara Byrne joined Nathan Murphy in our sixth instalment of our 'Settle In' series. In this deep dive into her golfing career, Sara recounted the sacrifices she made to play golf as a young girl, her dreams of making the LPGA, and the difficult decision to end her amateur career and turn pro.Settle In on Off The Ball is brought to you by Guinness 0.0

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has the latest news from the Ireland camp ahead of Sunday's trip to Murrayfield. We speak to Dan Sheehan and scrum coach John Fogarty regarding the recent edge to Scotland fixtures. Both France and England are to change their 10s for Le Crunch on Saturday, while Richard Wigglesworth addresses concerns regarding the England squad's fitness. James Hume, Jacob Stockdale and Stuart McCloskey are back for Ulster and their one-off fixture with Les Kiss' Queensland Reds, and we hear from head coach Richie Murphy.

In case you missed it, here is episode five of our Settle In series, a bonus listen for our Rugby fans!In the latest episode of 'Settle In,' Kathleen McNamee was joined by Jim McElroy from Bohemians' Pride Committee to talk about the club's trailblazing mission to make football a more welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community.From the whole club marching in Dublin Pride to instigating never-before-done research on LGBTQ+ participation in football, they are leaders in this field.Settle In with Guinness 0.0.

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of Gregor Townsend adding experience to his second row ahead of Ireland's visit to Murrayfield. Ronan O'Gara assesses Sam Prendergast's Six Nations debut. Jonny Bell is ending a 30-year association with Ulster, who have given an update on Ethan McIlroy's ACL injury. Wales haven't given up hope of a back row duo playing against Italy. And the Six Nations/Eurovision crossover you've all been waiting for.

Welcome to Tuesday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast.On this morning's show, Keith Treacy joined Colm on hosting duties, and along with The Athletic's Mark Critchley to assess the business done - and not done - on transfer deadline day.Tommy Rooney joined us to look back on the weekend's League action.And we were lucky enough to have Ronan O'Gara, Alan Quinlan and James Tracy in to look back on Ireland's Six Nations win over England.Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Ireland captain Caelan Doris describes how much Sam Prendergast has developed since his under-20 days,Ronan O'Gara gives a blunt assessment on why Jack Crowley has only made the bench for tomorrow's Six Nations clash with England,Aoife Wafer details the culture shift in the Ireland women's team in the last 18 months,And Stuart Lancaster is leaving Racing 92 with immediate effectRugby Daily on Off The Ball, with Bank of Ireland, a proud sponsor of Irish Rugby. Never Stop Competing.

It was a packed house that the 3Olympia Theatre on Wednesday and Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan and Irish legend Brian O'Driscoll co-hosted our Six Nations preview roadshow! Former English scrum half and perennial thorn in Ireland's side Austin Healey was joined by former Munster and Irish flanker Alan Quinlan, former Old Belvedere outhalf Andy Dunne and the Irish Times' Gerry Thornley to look back on Ireland-England matches past, as well as look ahead to the start of this year's championship! Rugby on Off The Ball in association with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Welcome to Friday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your bitesize sample of this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast.Things got started with Ronan O'Gara joining Shane Hannon and Colm Boohig on the show for a look ahead to the weekend's Six Nations clash between Ireland and England. Football journalist Andy Mitten then joined us live from Bucharest to discuss Manchester United's 2-0 defeat of FCSB and how likely success in the Europa League might be. Alan Quinlan was in studio next for more chat about the weekend's rugby, before author Peter Bills was back in the OTB studio to discuss his brilliant new book about Irish rugby. Right now, we'll hear about Colm's decision not to attend the Aviva Stadium this weekend and Ronan O'Gara's thoughts on the importance of home advantage in rugby. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Rising Irish superstar Aoife Wafer joined Irish legend Brian O'Driscoll and Off The Ball host Eoin Sheahan live on stage at the 3Olympia Theatre on Wednesday night as part of a star-studded Roadshow. She reflected on her second breakthrough year of international rugby, Ireland's winning record over the Black Ferns, and their hopes for the 2025 season ahead of the Six Nations and World Cup. Rugby on Off The Ball in association with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Coming up on Thursday's Rugby Daily: Simon Easterby names his team for Ireland's Six Nations opener with England, Jonny Gray makes his first appearance for Scotland in two years for the visit of Italy to Murrayfield, And Michael Cheika is leaving Leicester Tigers at the end of the season - could he be a candidate for the vacancy at Munster?Rugby Daily on Off The Ball, with Bank of Ireland, a proud sponsor of Irish Rugby. Never Stop Competing.

Former Lions and England scrum half Austin Healey was in spectacular form at the 3Olympia theatre as part of the Off The Ball Six Nations Roadshow on Wednesday night!He joined co-hosts Eoin Sheahan and Brian O'Driscoll on stage, living up to his reputation as the perfect villain for Irish rugby, as he expressed his true feelings on the B&I Lions, as both Brian and Austin gave their own sides to the infamous boxing story that has followed the pair since 2001!Rugby on Off The Ball is in association with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to look at the impressive win over the Dragons, the Reds' new signings, the search for the new head coach and there's a look ahead to the Six Nations as well!

Welcome to Thursday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your bitesize sample of this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast.Things got started with a look back at last night's Champions League action, Jhon Duran's potential move to Saudi Arabia and some rugby chat. The former Celtic, Monaco, Fulham and Scotland midfielder John Collins joined us then to reflect on Celtic's Champions League campaign and a little bit about his own illustrious playing career. On the Gaelic Football front, former Kerry footballer and coach Mike Quirke joined the lads to consider the implementation of the new Gaelic football rules and why he thinks patience is required. Up first though, we'll hear from the top of this morning's show where Ger and Colm discussed today's reports that Sam Prendergast is set to start for Ireland against England, and hear from English Rugby World Cup winner about just how good he thinks the young Irish out-half might be. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Tadhg Beirne on whether last year’s heartbreaking defeat at Twickenham still lingers for the Ireland players,France welcome a huge name back to their team for Friday’s Six Nations opener with Wales,And Munster poach two young Leinster stars ahead of next season.Rugby Daily with Bank of Ireland - #NeverStopCompeting

Ger & Colm are joined by former Ireland international Anna Caplice to look ahead to Ireland’s Six Nations opener against England on Saturday!Off The Ball Breakfast w/ Optimum Nutrition | #unlockmoreyouCatch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/joinOff The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, we hear from Ireland backs coach Andrew Goodman bid farewell to Portugal and return to Dublin ahead of their Six Nations opener against England on Saturday,England name their team for the trip to the Aviva Stadium with a surprise debutant on the wing,Andy Farrell brings in a couple of familiar faces as he starts putting together his backroom team for the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia,And Wales scrum consultant Adam Jones insists there is no bad blood between him and head coach Warren Gatland.Rugby Daily with Bank of Ireland - #NeverStopCompeting

It's the opening week of the Six Nations and Will O'Callaghan. has the latest from the Ireland camp ahead of the three-in-a-row chasers hosting England on Saturday.David Humphries has provided an update on Tadhg Furlong's fitness, Paul O'Connell insists that Leinster players aren't getting favourable treatment and England have a big fitness boost ahead of their trip to Dublin.And could the Six Nations ended up behind a paywall? In the UK at least...

On a bumper Friday edition of Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack takes you into Ireland camp as we hear from Paul O'Connell. Dan Sheehan is back for Leinster after his ACL injury, and we hear from Leo Cullen on the hooker's recovery and those rumours regarding Rabah Slimani. Ben O'Connor is to make his first start for Munster, with their CEO providing an update on their search for a new head coach. John Cooney will make a landmark appearance for Ulster on Sunday. And Pete Wilkins calls for consistency from his Connacht side.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you more of Simon Easterby's media briefing at the Six Nations launch, where he talked about Jonathan Sexton's role among the coaching set-up, and the gap in philosophy between Leinster and Ireland. Richie has the latest on Rabah Slimani's contract status at Leinster. We hear from Stormers head coach John Dobson on the club's link to their home city of Cape Town. Netflix has cut the cord on the Six Nations documentary 'Full Contact'. Another key player has added to Scotland's injury list. And Nicolas Sanchez has called time on a storied career.

In case you missed it, here is episode one from our Settle In Series, as a bonus listen for all of our GAA Fans!Former Ireland international and coach Linda Gorman joined Eoin Sheahan to discuss how she’s tackling ageism in sport by encouraging more people to take up walking football and she also discussed how much support for the women’s game in Ireland has changed since she played on the first ever WNT over 50 years ago.‘Settle in’ in partnership with Guinness 0.0.

Welcome to Thursday's Rugby Daily, I'm Cameron Hill. Coming up today, the Munster team is out for tomorrow's game against the Dragons. Fiona Hayes makes the case for why Tadhg Beirne's discipline issues could see him play a different role in Ireland's Six Nations campaign. And more uncertainty for the Ospreys, after a big announcement by the Welsh Rugby Union today. Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of the dates and kick-off times for the last-16 fixtures in the Investec Champions Cup. We hear from Dan Soper, Pete Wilkins and Alan Quinlan on the road ahead for three of the provinces. Six Nations organisers have confirmed several rule trials will be in place for this year's competition. Two of the players jailed as part of the Grenoble rape trial are seeking their release. And Bill Sweeney refuses to step down as RFU CEO.

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to discuss the cracking contest between the Reds and Northampton, facing La Rochelle in France, their Star of the Week and this weekend's clash with the Dragons. 

Welcome to Tuesday's Rugby Daily, where Richie McCormack takes us to the Six Nations launch in Rome. We hear from interim Ireland head coach Simon Easterby, as well as captain Caelan Doris. England are the latest country hit by the injury plague doing the rounds, and we speak to their new captain Maro Itoje. Another Scotland player has succumb to injury too. Ulster assistant coach Dan Soper explains his new role with the province. And three Munster youngsters have signed new deals.

In case you missed it, here is episode four from our Settle In Series, as a bonus listen for all of our Rugby Fans!Nathan Murphy sat down with Tham & Nhat Nguyen to talk about their incredible journey from Vietnam to Ireland to performing on the world's biggest stage.While they once thought they'd never see each other again, they're now supporting each other through this new stage of life.Settle In is brought to you by Guinness 0.0.

In case you missed it, here is episode Three from our Settle In Series, as a bonus listen for all of our Rugby Fans!Nathan Murphy sat down with Tham & Nhat Nguyen to talk about their incredible journey from Vietnam to Ireland to performing on the world's biggest stage.While they once thought they'd never see each other again, they're now supporting each other through this new stage of life.Settle In is brought to you by Guinness 0.0.Eoin Sheahan was joined by former long distance runner Catherina McKiernan who has won marathons across Europe as well as medalling at World and European Cross County Championships.She dives into whether she has any regrets when reflecting on her illustrious career and what life post-competing has been like.Settle In is brought to you by Guinness 0.0.

Welcome to Tuesday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. This morning on the show, The Athletic's Matt Slater joined us to discuss Manchester United's lack of spending power as part of a wider INEOS trend. Finn Harps' manager and CEO joined us to share their ambitious plans for the Donegal club. And after facing his former side at the Aviva on Saturday, Ross Molony dialled in from Bath. And that's where we take our Bite this morning, with the start of that Ross Molony chat, and then into a discussion around the social media abuse that's forced Leinster to take action. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of a double blow to Scotland's Six Nations hopes. We also get the Leinster view of their Investec Champions Cup draw to play Harlequins. Yet another frontline Munster player succumbs to injury. And Pete Wilkins on Connacht's familiar route to a potential Challenge Cup final.

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the all-important team news for Munster and Leinster's final pool fixtures in the Investec Champions Cup. We hear from Leinster head coach Leo Cullen on his decision to start Garry Ringrose on the wing against Bath. Conor Murray on the enmity that's built up between Munster and Northampton. Plus, Munster are making a move for an England international centre.

Welcome to Friday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your FREE bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast.Former Republic of Ireland winger Keith Treacy joined Colm on hosting duties this morning, with Andy Mitten reflecting on Amad Diallo's win over Southampton in the Premier League.Nathan was at Ipswich-Brighton last night and gave his view of the Irish performances on show at Portman Road.And we speak to Peter Ryan - talented hurler turned Paralympic cyclist.But this morning's Breakfast Bite gives you a sample of this morning's rugby coverage - first, Ronan O'Gara reflects on La Rochelle's defeat to Leinster, and then Alan Quinlan gives his view of the Ireland Six Nations squad.Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Welcome to Friday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill. Coming up today, the team news from the Irish provinces ahead of their final pool games in this season's European competition. The case FOR Jacques Nienaber's style - from one of his former players at Munster. And what to watch this weekend - I'll set your rugby calendar later in the pod. Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest team news from Ulster ahead of their Investec Champions Cup clash with Exeter Chiefs. We also hear from prop Eric O'Sullivan in the week he extended his stay at the province. Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins keeps changes to a minimum for their Challenge Cup trip to Cardiff. And Les Kiss appears to rule himself out of potentially replacing Joe Schmidt as Wallabies head coach later this year.

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack tells you who's in, and who's out, of Simon Easterby's squad for the upcoming Six Nations. There's a recall after five-and-a-bit years to the France squad for Leinster's Rabah Slimani. We hear from Gregor Townsend who has named two uncapped players in his Scotland squad. Ulster have formalised the return to the province of a former player, as two more of their current squad extend their stays. Plus, we hear from Ulster forwards coach Jimmy Duffy on what needs doing against Exeter.Plus, the 'Hail Mary' call that's brought Michael Hooper out of retirement in Japan.

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to look back on the win over Saracens in the Investec Champions Cup, and to look ahead to a massive clash with old rivals Northampton. Get in contact on Twitter @rugbychannel15 or email [email protected] to The Rugby Channel for new episodes every week! #TheRed78

Welcome to Wednesday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your FREE bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast.This morning, Gavin Cooney looked back on an important night in the Premier League.With Simon Easterby naming his Ireland Six Nations squad this afternoon, Matchsense's Derek McNamara assessed the runners and riders for inclusion.And Marty Duffy gives the referee's view of the new Gaelic football rules.But this morning's Breakfast Bite takes us back to the morning papers where Ger, Adrian and Arthur discuss Maro Itoje's chances of the Lions captaincy, the unique edge that comes with Wales fixtures, and their early predictions for this season's Six Nations.Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings news of a massive boost for both Leinster and Ireland. And we hear from James Ryan ahead of their meeting with Bath,Ian Costello provides Richie with an update on their head coach's vacancy ahead of their Investec Champions Cup trip to Northampton - a game you can hear live an exclusive on Saturday's Off The Ball. Conor Murray also shares the latest on his future.Neil Doak has named his Ireland squad for the U20 Six Nations.And Steve Borthwick explains his decision to switch up the England captaincy.

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you all the reaction to yesterday's pulsating Investec Champions Cup clash of La Rochelle and Leinster. We hear from both head coaches - Leo Cullen and Ronan O'Gara. Richie has the latest on Peter O'Mahony's fitness ahead of Munster's trip to Franklin's Gardens, a game you can hear live and exclusive on Off The Ball. Wales coach Warren Gatland explains his Six Nations squad, which does not include some experienced and notable names. The IRFU have taken another step towards building front row depth across the country. And a former Cheetahs prop is murdered in South Africa.

Welcome to Monday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your bitesize sample of this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, Jonathan Wilson rounded up the weekend's FA Cup 3rd round action, including Manchester United's shootout victory away to Arsenal. Tommy Rooney reflected on a huge weekend of GAA Club Championship fixtures. And Alan Quinlan looked back on a largely positive weekend for the Irish provinces in Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup action. And that's where we take our Bite this morning - firstly, Leinster's victory away to La Rochelle is discussed as part of the Performance Rankings, and then we get the expert view of Alan Quinlan. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has all of your team news for this weekend's Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup action. We hear from Leinster head coach Leo Cullen, who can recall Tadhg Furlong for Sunday's trip to La Rochelle. Ronan O'Gara explains the gap between his instructions and La Rochelle's recent performances.Conor Murray and Iain Henderson both return to bolster the selections of both Munster and Ulster this weekend. And could Michael Milne be swapping Leinster for Munster?

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you all the details of Mack Hansen's suspension following his post-match outburst over the Christmas. Two more of his teammates have committed their next two years to Connacht. Oyonnax have sacked Chris Farrell following his conviction as part of the Grenoble rape trial. And La Rochelle will be without Tolu Latu for Sunday's Investec Champions Cup date with Leinster.