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Published 12:34 28 Jul 2016 BST
Updated 13:13 28 Jul 2016 BST
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Will Charles Piutau take Ulster to the next level?
And what of Munster? Will the arrival of Rassie Erasmus as Director of Rugby have the desired effect of rejuvenating the fortunes of the province?
Munster certainly need it. They've failed to make it out of the pool stage of the Champions Cup for the past two seasons and in a pool with Racing Metro, Leicester and Glasgow Warriors
Anthony 'Axel' Foley is still in place in head coach, while Jerry Flannery remains in the coaching set-up. They've been joined by Felix Jones, whose career was so cruelly curtailed by injury last season.
Eramus is overseeing this coaching set-up and it seems the blend of new and old is having an effect already.
Speaking at the launch of Munster's new alternative jersey Conor Murray spoke of the impact the 43-year-old has had in is short time at Thomond.
Murray has not yet resumed training after being part of Ireland's summer tour to South Africa, but will do so this week, though it seems he doesn't need to see first-hand the effect Erasmus has had – word has got out.
“We’ve got a massive year this year," Murray told The42.ie. "We’ve got a massive November, a massive year for the province. It’s got a new look to it and speaking to the lads while I’ve been away, they’re really enthusiastic about it.
“Rassie and Jacques have instilled a new look and a new freshness. With Felix (Jones) there, Axel (Foley) there, and Fla (Jerry Flannery), lads that you know really well, there’s still a good bit of experience there and the lads are just loving training at the moment. It’s just a breath of fresh air.”
“The new training centre on top of that as well, it just feels like you’re going back to almost a new club. It’s probably well timed after what happened last year.
“It’s a new philosophy, a new voice.“[Simon Zebo] said there’s a lot of emphasis on physicality and dominating your opposition, which is very South African. The way we’ve been trying to play in the breakdown, we’ve been using it for the last year and it’s still there.
“New voices, new players coming back, a lot of combinations make it that fresh. I’m looking forward to getting back; I genuinely can’t wait.”
Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – May 1st to 4th
Some huge clashes! Summer is creeping into view, and that means beer gardens and big screens. And once again, the weekend will not disappoint with some huge Premier League fixtures as we reach the last few weeks, there is Leinster and Ulster SFC games, and the Irish provinces featuring in huge European semi-finals. Football Friday […]
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Jack Willis speaks out on switching allegiances to Ireland
There has been lots of speculation! It is widely agreed upon that the best openside flanker currently playing in Europe is Jack Willis. The Toulouse man, however, has been absent from the international scene since togging out for England at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, given his contract in France. There has been much discussion […]
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