Rugby Daily | Connacht trio return for interpro, URC CEO on Premiership merger

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the team news for Saturday's URC interpro at the Aviva, where Jordie Barrett will get his first taste of Irish derby action. The CEO of the URC discusses a potential merger with the English Premiership. Richie has the latest on Stuart Lancaster's job security at Racing 92. And the turmoil at the top of English rugby continues.

Welcome to Friday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast.On this morning's show, a double shot of rugby with Ronan O'Gara and Alan Quinlan.Following another dramatic night at the World Darts Championship, we speak to Glen Durrant from Alexandra Palace.Nathan Murphy joins us from London to reflect on Shamrock Rovers' Conference League defeat at Stamford Bridge.And Catherine Murphy brings us her 'You Had To Be There'.Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of Ulster's decision to tie down Zac Ward to a three-year contract. Ulster and Munster have named their teams for tomorrow night's URC interpro at Kingspan Stadium, and we hear from both camps. Plus, Chris Farrell will not appeal his sentence as part of the Grenoble rape trial.

Welcome to Thursday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your free sample of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast.On this morning's show, none other than former All Blacks captain Kieran Read joins us. We talk to MMA fighter Will Fleury regarding his positive drugs test earlier this year. And the Limerick v Kilkenny Celebrity Deathmatch... But this morning's Breakfast Bite sees our own Dara Smith-Naughton examine the real cost of attending one of next year's Six Nations fixtures at the Aviva. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest line on Stuart Lancaster, who apparently "wants out" of his deal at Racing 92.Lancaster's had to put the foot down with two hookers taking their Christmas party too far. Jean Kleyn has gone under the knife. Ulster centre Ben Carson has signed a new long-term contract. And the UK government counts the cost of London Irish, Wasps and Worcester going under.

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster greats Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to discuss just what went wrong for the Reds in France against Castres, and to look ahead to Friday night's interpro clash with Ulster.(0.00) Intro and comments(4.42) Castres 16-14 Munster review(27.55) Star of the week(28.49) Ulster previewGet in contact on Twitter @rugbychannel15 or email [email protected] to The Rugby Channel for new episodes every week! #TheRed78The first twenty minutes of this week's podcast is unlocked, but to listen to the full podcast, get on over to the Off The Ball app, or become a member at offtheball.com/join.****

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of the two latest central contracts to be extended, We hear from Munster skills and assistant attack coach Mossy Lawlor on the day he signed a new two-year deal with the province, plus the latest on their crippling injury list. Leinster coach Jacques Nienaber's revealed they were essentially running in-game trials of new lineout laws last week. And Connacht stalwart Paul Boyle is targeting a scalp at the Aviva this weekend.

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of two Ireland props signing extensions to their central contracts. Former Ulster prop Steven Kitshoff reveals how close his neck injury brought him to death. Pete Wilkins reflects on Connacht's impressive Challenge Cup win away to Perpignan. The latest on Chris Farrell's future in French rugby. And another England international commits their future to their club.

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the team news ahead of another busy weekend of Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup action. We speak to Leinster head coach Leo Cullen as he hands a first start to Jordie Barrett for tomorrow's Investec Champions Cup clash with Clermont at the Aviva. Rob Herring and Cormac Izuchukwu look ahead to Ulster's latest daunting task at home to Bordeaux. Cian Prendergast is back in the mix for Connacht's Challenge Cup trip to Perpignan, and we hear from Scott Fardy. Plus, Felix Jones is now a free agent...

Breakthrough player of the year Erin King joined Colm and Aisling to talk a momentous year in her career and what is next.Off The Ball Breakfast with UPMC Ireland | #orthopaediccare | #getbackinaction