Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced the signing of Fijian international centre Eroni Vasiteri Narumasa on a one-year deal with the option for a further year.

Director of rugby Les Kiss has today announced that Rory Best will lead Ulster during the 2017/18 season. Best, who has played 198 times for his home province, returns to a position that he first held from 2007 to 2011.

Ulster will launch the new Champions Cup campaign at Kingspan Stadium on Friday, October 13 when they host Wasps, while the following day will see Leinster entertain Montpellier at the RDS. Meanwhile, Munster will be away to Castres Olympique as round 1 comes to a close on Sunday, October 15.

Following confirmation in June that he will take up the role of director of rugby with South Africa Rugby, Rassie Erasmus has spoken to the Munster website about his decision to leave the province and the succession plan in place for the coming months.

Australian international out-half Christian Lealiifano has agreed to join Ulster Rugby on a five-month deal.

World Rugby has approved an amendment to law, making it mandatory for players who undertake an off-field screening under the head injury assessment (HIA) protocol not to return before 10 minutes (actual time) have elapsed.

The new Ulster Rugby home and away kits, designed and manufactured by Kukri Sports, were unveiled on Monday evening at an exclusive Season Ticket holder event.

Ulster Rugby have confirmed that Charles Piutau has agreed to join English club Bristol following the conclusion of the 2017/18 season.

Leinster's newest arrival Scott Fardy says he wants to make the most of a 'fantastic opportunity' to join the province as they redouble their efforts in pursuit of GUINNESS PRO14 and Champions Cup silverware this season.

Connacht Rugby have agreed to the release of Marnitz Boshoff from the remaining year of his contract on compassionate grounds. Boshoff, who is currently in South Africa, requested to return home to be closer to his family after the sudden and tragic passing of his father earlier this year.

Celtic Rugby and the South African Rugby Union have today confirmed that the Toyota Cheetahs and the Southern Kings will join an expanded GUINNESS PRO14 tournament in time for the upcoming 2017/18 season.

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.