The World Rugby Executive Committee has approved the addition of six law amendments to the programme of global law trials following positive trials in specific international competitions this year.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced the signing of 25-year-old back rower Jarrad Butler on a three-year deal.

Garry Ringrose has joined his Leinster and Ireland centre partner Robbie Henshaw on the injury list following an operation on his shoulder last week.

Incoming Connacht head coach Kieran Keane has given an insight into his appointment to the role and how he is coming to the Sportsground to 'sharpen the tools and put more tools in the toolbox for the players'.

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed the signings of flanker Chris Cloete and lock Gerbrandt Grobler for the province.

BT Sport has secured the rights to screen the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup in Ireland and the United Kingdom for the four-year cycle until summer 2022 as the tournaments move to one pay-TV broadcaster from the 2018/19 season.
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Munster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed that director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and defence coach Jacques Nienaber are set to depart the province at the end of December.

Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has given his thoughts following today's Champions Cup pool draw which has pitted Munster once again with Racing 92 and Leicester Tigers, as well as French club Castres Olympique.

Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss is expecting six difficult pool fixtures in next season's Champions Cup, but the Australian is already looking forward to the challenge that Wasps, La Rochelle and Harlequins will present.

Recent GUINNESS PRO12 runners-up Munster will face Racing 92 and Leicester Tigers in the pool stages of the Champions Cup for the second year running, following today's pool draws for the EPCR tournaments in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

Kieran Keane's first season in charge of Connacht will see the province play Brive, Worcester Warriors and Oyonnax in Pool 5 of the European Challenge Cup.

All eyes will be on former European Cup winners Ieuan Evans and Austin Healey when they make the draw for the 2017/18 Champions Cup tournament at Hotel Beau-Rivage in Neuchatel, Switzerland on Thursday afternoon (approximately 1.20pm Irish time).

Leinster and the IRFU have this morning confirmed a contract extension for Leinster head coach Leo Cullen.

Ulster have announce the capture of powerful Springbok back rower Jean Deysel, who will arrive at Kingspan Stadium in mid-July on a two-year deal.

Connacht's bid to set up a home Champions Cup play-off final next week fell short as Northampton Saints won a cagey battle 21-15 at Franklin's Gardens.

Home advantage in a Champions Cup play-off final is the carrot dangling in front of Connacht as they look to recapture their best form in Saturday's eagerly-awaited showdown with Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens.

Ireland internationals Niyi Adeolokun, Ultan Dillane and Matt Healy have all returned from injury to feature in Connacht's matchday squad for Saturday's Champions Cup play-off clash with Northampton Saints (kick-off 4pm).

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced that JP Cooney, Shane Delahunt, Steve Crosbie and Tom Farrell have all signed new contracts for the 2017/18 season.

Ahead of Saturday's Champions Cup play-off game away to Northampton Saints, the Connacht Rugby medical team have provided the following update.

As a tribute to the late Munster and Ireland legend Anthony Foley, the EPCR European Player of the Year - presented by Turkish Airlines - will receive the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy.