IRFU referee Jonny Erskine has benefited from his experiences in the Celtic Cup, taking charge of five games across the seven-week competition, including the Leinster 'A' v Munster 'A' Conference decider at Energia Park and the overall final between Leinster 'A' and Scarlets 'A' in Llanelli.

Leinster 'A' produced a dominant performance to defeat Munster 'A' 46-25 at Energia Park and advance to the inaugural final of the Celtic Cup. We spoke to players and coaches from both teams about the tournament.

Juliet Short and Rachel Allen-Connolly swapped tries in the closing stages of Saturday's decider at Energia Park, but a 14-all draw proved enough for Leinster to regain the IRFU Women's Interprovincial title on scoring difference.

Connacht Eagles and Munster A kicked off their Celtic Cup campaign in Irish Independent Park last week. The tournament will provide an opportunity for Academy and emerging players to gain experience. We spoke to team coaches Peter Malone and Mossy Lawlor and we hear from Munster's Alex Wooton

In August over 200 young players assembled in the University of Limerick for the inaugural IRFU Under-18 Interprovincial Festival. The campus setting was designed to introduce both players and coaches to a professional environment and the ten-day long festival provided opportunities for personal and playing development on and off the pitch.