Leinster back-row Jamie Heaslip has urged his international teammates to use the Irish provinces' impressive domestic displays as the catalyst for Six Nations glory.

Brian O'Driscoll will be in the unfamiliar position of watching Ireland's Six Nations opener against Wales from the sidelines but he hopes to be back on the pitch for Leinster before the end of the season.

Leinster have moved quickly to pour cold water on reports linking them with a move for ex-All Black and World Cup winning second row Brad Thorn.

Aviva Stadium officials have brushed off concerns that an all-Ireland RaboDirect PRO12 final may have to be staged elsewhere, after the announcement of a Republic of Ireland football friendly against Bosnia & Herzegovina on May 26.

Cardiff Blues' joint head coach Gareth Baber holds no fear of facing Leinster in Dublin despite losing twice this year to the defending Heineken Cup champions in the RaboDirect PRO12.

The path has been cleared for Europe's first all-Ireland final or, failing that, the possibility of the capital teams of Scotland and Wales getting there instead.

Leinster winger Luke Fitzgerald looks set to miss Ireland's Six Nations clash against Wales after being ruled out of the Wolfhounds' squad to face England Saxons on Saturday.

RaboDirect, the straight talking online bank, are partnering up with RTE, Irish broadcasters of the RaboDirect PRO12, for an exclusive LIVE Twitter Q&A with RTE Radio rugby expert, Michael Corcoran.

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt admits he will be watching the Six Nations with crossed fingers as he hopes his players don't pick up any injuries after they booked a home Heineken Cup quarter-final berth.

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt has urged Rhys Ruddock to ignore interest from arch RaboDirect PRO12 rivals Munster, claiming his future lies with the European champions.