Ireland began the defence of their Six Nations Grand Slam with a comfortable victory over Italy at Croke Park on Saturday afternoon.

Connacht head coach Michael Bradley says the Ireland No12 shirt belongs to Paddy Wallace, as far as he's concerned.

The Board of Celtic Rugby Ltd. are disappointed that it has not proven possible to conclude a satisfactory agreement with the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) that would have seen the addition of two Italian teams into the Magners League in September 2010.

Rory Best, Marcus Horan and Paddy Wallace have all been included in the Ireland A squad to face England Saxons this weekend.

Ireland have named 43 Magners League players in their 44-man squad ahead of the RBS 6 Nations.

Sean Cronin has no doubt that his decision to move to Connacht in 2008 was the right one.

Connacht have been given a huge boost ahead of the second-half of the Magners League season after hooker Sean Cronin committed his future to the province.

Connacht skipper John Muldoon has admitted he was 'absolutely gutted' to see this weekend's game with the Dragons postponed due to the adverse weather.

Connacht's Magners League match against the Dragons, scheduled for Friday evening at the Sportsground, has been called off because of the weather.

The Dragons won 23-10 at Rodney Parade when the two teams last met in October and are going for a first league double over Connacht since season 2003-2004.

The Magners League clash between Connacht and Leinster has been CALLED OFF following a second pitch inspection.

Connacht's only win over Leinster in their last ten meetings was 19-18 at the Sportsground in the Magners League on 5 October 2008.

Munster moved back into a play-off position in the Magners League as a last-minute try from Jean de Villiers saw them complete a post-Christmas blitz of provincial rivals Connacht.

The two teams shared the spoils in the Magners League encounters between the two last season, whilst Connacht have not won on Munster soil since an 11-9 victory at Thomond Park in the Interprovincial Championship on 22 November 1986.

Two quick-fire first half tries from winger Tom James set the Cardiff Blues on their way to a 21-9 home win over bottom side Connacht on Sunday afternoon.

Connacht are going for a first ever Magners League double over the Blues, having beaten them 18-16 at the Sportsground on 18 September. Connacht have never won in six previous visits to Cardiff.

The Scarlets' three-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end at the Sportsground on Friday as bottom side Connacht battled their way to a deserved Magners League win.

Connacht have won just one of their last six matches against Scarlets: 20-18 at the Sportsground on 4 January 2008.

A late try from winger Thom Evans - his second of the night - put the seal on a bonus point victory for Glasgow Warriors as they returned to winning ways at Firhill Arena, beating bottom side Connacht 34-20.

The last four encounters between the two teams have all been won by the home side on the day