Sportsfootball
Champions Cup: How are the Irish provinces shaping up for Europe?
The Investec Champions Cup is set to kick off in October for the first time since 2018, giving the four Irish provinces only three league games to prepare. BBC Sport NI assesses the current form, squad changes, and challenges facing Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster as they enter continental competition. With early fixtures against elite English and French opposition, each province faces a unique set of hurdles. From Leinster's quest to end their trophy drought to Munster's search for consistency, the opening rounds promise high-stakes drama.