Michael Bradley has made 11 changes as well as four positional switches to his Connacht side ahead of their final pre-season friendly against Queensland Reds at the Sportsground this evening.

Leinster have appointed second row Leo Cullen captain, replacing Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll who has decided to step down.

Munster continued their pre-season preparations with a 46-22 win over the US Eagles at Rentschlers Field in Hartford Connecticut.

Leinster completed their pre-season tour of Italy with a narrow but deserved 19-14 victory over Treviso on Saturday evening.

Tickets for Ireland's RBS 6 Nations matches and their autumn internationals will go on sale to Irish Supporters Club members on Thursday 28 August at 9am.

Ulster will hand a debut to Ian Humphreys in tonight's friendly against Queensland Reds at Ravenhill.

Leinster kicked off their pre-season preparations with a resounding 38-5 victory over Padova in Italy.

Leinster have named a young side for their first pre-season game against Padova, as part of their training camp in Italy, with new signing Isa Nacewa set to make his debut at full back.

Ulster paraded several of their new signings and youngsters in their first of three pre-season friendlies, a 15-7 defeat to Bath at Ravenhill.

Ian Keatley made a promising start to his Connacht career with a fourteen-point haul, including two drop goals, against Harlequins in the pre-season friendly at the Sportsground.

Ulster have signed Springbok tight-head BJ Botha on a three-year deal.

Connacht coach Michael Bradley has named a 26-man squad for his side's pre-season clash with Harlequins at the Sportsground today.

Leinster have appointed former Leinster and Ireland coach Gerry Murphy as provincial domestic team as part of a shake-up of the various Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 age grade representative sides for the coming season.

Former players Jonny Bell and Niall Malone have been appointed to Ulster's academy as elite player development officers.

Ulster have named five new signings in their squad to face Bath in Friday's pre-season friendly at Ravenhill.

Following the team's Heineken Cup success, Munster Rugby has claimed the inaugural Specsavers' Fairplay League award for its exemplary disciplinary record within the Magners League.

Incoming Ireland coach Declan Kidney has given a boost to his predecessor Eddie O'Sullivan's tactics by revealing that he does not intend to tamper with the dynamics of the national side.

Leinster Rugby have appointed Guy Easterby to the recently-created position of chief scout.

Newly-appointed Ireland coach Declan Kidney has hinted he may take the captaincy away from Brian O'Driscoll.