Tony Ward reopens the rolling subs debate in The Irish Independent.
"Spare a thought for our rugby-playing elite this cold St Stephen's Day. Much like the way it is with football across the water, high-profile rugby matches are now central to the Festive season. The professional fraternity here have embraced it seamlessly and it is now part and parcel of what they do.
"Local derbies whet the appetite and this afternoon Thomond Park and the RDS will be heaving with atmosphere.
"Rugby union has come a long way in its relatively short professional life. It still has much catching up to do given the head start rugby league and football have had. Like everybody else, I look forward to the 'inter-provincial segment' of the Magners League season. The intensity of the rivalry naturally adds to the level of appeal but it is box office rugby with a warning.
"Far be it for me to be a killjoy, but I genuinely worry for the welfare of our players. The record of the IRFU in protecting its centrally contracted employees stands tall; certainly when compared to the French and English ruling bodies, who at best share responsibility with their constituent clubs. Is it any wonder so few Irish venture abroad?"
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