Nigel Hotham, the brains behind Hamilton Boys High's world-class rugby programme, has stepped down as the school's first XV coach after a remarkable 21 years.
The Belfast-based province have endured a rollercoaster season and shoud reach the play-offs if they can topple mighty Leinster
Sure, Ireland have achieved a huge amount in recent years but what they really crave is respect at the World Cup and falling short is not an option
The Ireland coach is entering the Six Nations with the wind in his sails after wins over England and New Zealand in the last 12 months but he knows he has a job to balance the old and the new
Here are the Ireland player ratings after they delivered a 'statement' win over England to finish their 2021 Six Nations campaign in style.
Ireland's task for this Six Nations is to show they can live with the might of England and France
With Scotland and Wales both beaten in Dublin to set up a Triple Crown visit to England, RugbyPass grades all 25 players used so far by new boss Andy Farrell.
With just two of the dozen players currently on central contracts having deals that expire at the end of the season, the focus is securing Test team players who are still only on provincial terms.
Ireland will be heading into their quarter-final matchup with the All Blacks knowing that they have the tools to beat the world champions.
Joe Schmidt has been on the prowl with Ireland for six years and 75 matches, but his excellent stint in charge has come down to a single 80-minute collision with his native New Zealand.
