Munster 'A' Head Coach and Munster Skills Coach Ian Costello gives his insight into upcoming competitions including the RaboDirect PRO12, Heineken Cup and B&I Cup.

Keith Earls has withdrawn from the Ireland side for the RBS Six Nations game against Wales on Sunday.

Munster Rugby announced today that Northampton Saints centre James Downey will be joining them at the end of the current season.

The Ireland team announcement this afternoon saw another remarkable milestone in the career of Peter O'Mahony when he was named on the Ireland bench for the RBS Six Nations opener against Wales on Sunday.

The two contentious positions on the Ireland side for the opening game in the RBS 6 Nations, lock and out-half go to Donncha O'Callaghan and Jonathan Sexton. Ronan O'Gara is named on the bench as is Peter O'Mahony.