Defending URC champions Munster booked their passage through to this season's semi-finals, defeating the Ospreys 23-7 at Thomond Park.
Munster's former Ireland international Simon Zebo has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
Northampton charged through to the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals with a 24-14 win over Munster.
Andy Farrell says Ireland have "battened down the hatches" in their quest to retain the Six Nations title after players received online abuse after their loss to England.
Ciaran Frawley has been named to start for Ireland at full-back in place of the injured Hugo Keenan vs Wales in Six Nations Round 3.
Grand Slam winners in 2023, Ireland suffered familiar quarter-final heartbreak at the autumn's Rugby World Cup. How will Andy Farrell's charges respond?
Munster conspired to suffer defeat from the jaws of victory in the Champions Cup, losing 26-23 to 14-player Northampton Saints at a stunned Thomond Park.
A look back at the highlights and lowlights from an action-packed, breathless year for Irish sport.