Hugh Farrelly of the Irish Independent assesses the challenges facing the four Irish provinces ahead of the new Magners League season.
"With the World Cup just over a year away, and Ireland's frontline players operating under a carefully managed protection policy, the provinces face into their most challenging season since the inception of the Magners League a decade ago.
"Squad strength, particularly in Munster and Leinster, will be tested like never before and the respective coaches find themselves in the difficult position of trying to create cohesion without having the luxury of consistent team selection.
"Injuries do not help matters, with only Ulster heading into the campaign close to full strength. Leinster have captain and second-row Leo Cullen, prop Stan Wright and flanker Kevin McLaughlin on the long-term injury list while Munster are without twin totems Paul O'Connell and Keith Earls."
RSS feed
