The IRFU is seeking a IRFU Men's Sevens Lead Physiotherapist who will deliver best practice sports physiotherapy services to the Men's Sevens programme and the Women's Sevens programme when required in partnership with the IRFU Sevens Medicine and Science Service team.

Ulster and Ireland winger Jacob Stockdale has been chosen as the 2018 BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year. The 22-year-old had a terrific calendar year, scoring eight tries in ten Tests as Ireland won the Six Nations Grand Slam and defeated New Zealand on home soil for the first time.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has been announced as the Philips Sports Manager of the Year for 2018, receiving his award from Brendan Griffin, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, at a function in Ballsbridge this afternoon.

2018 World Rugby Player of the Year and Ireland vice-captain Jonathan Sexton has signed an IRFU contract extension which will see him play his rugby in Ireland up to the end of the 2020/21 season.

Ulster powered their way to a second bonus point victory over the Scarlets at Kingspan Stadium, strengthening their claim on a Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final berth with three wins from four, and two rounds to come next month.

The Munster team has been announced for Saturday's Heineken Champions Cup round 4 trip to reigning French champions Castres Olympique at Stade Pierre-Fabre (kick-off 6.30pm local time/5.30pm Irish time).

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has added Adam Byrne, Rory O'Loughlin and Jack Conan to the starting XV for Saturday's Heineken Champions Cup round 4 match against Bath at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 5.30pm).

Ulster head coach Dan McFarland has confirmed an unchanged matchday 23 for Friday night's Heineken Champions Cup round 4 encounter with the Scarlets at Kingspan Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm).

Munster clubs play host to four of this weekend's Division 2A matches, with the heavy rain making Woodleigh Park unplayable and seeing Highfield move their game against Blackrock to Irish Independent Park which will now stage an exciting double header.

The east coast is the hub for much of Division 2B's final round before Christmas, as unbeaten pair Greystones and MU Barnhall collide at Dr. Hickey Park, while Skerries and Wanderers are also looking to make home advantage count this afternoon.

A repeat of one of last season's semi-finals sees bottom side Terenure College clash with current leaders Cork Constitution in Division 1A's final round before the Christmas break. There is also a top-four showdown between Dublin University and reigning champions Lansdowne.

There will be plenty of festive cheer at grounds across Division 1B on Saturday, with the final round before Christmas headlined by two Ulster derbies and a short trip for table toppers St. Mary's College to Dublin rivals Old Wesley.