European Round-Up

Mixed fortunes were experienced by the Republic of Ireland's two most formidable professional rugby union teams. Whilst Leinster were emphatically lording it over the reigning Challenge Cup champions of Biarritz, their lovely neighbours of Munster came up just short in their semi-final encounter against the highly-fancied Clermont Auvergne.

There is no shame for Munster in narrowly succumbing 16-10 to their French opponents in Montpellier, but the realisation that their Pro12 and Heineken Cup adventures will end without any finals or silverware will be a bitter pill to swallow for this proud province. 

Meanwhile the men of Leinster may peculiarly emulate another team in blue, Chelsea, by winning Europe's 'consolation cup' a year after they had acquired the continent's top club prize. As well as a mouthwatering final against Stade Francais in the pipeline, Leinster remain firmly on the glory trail in the 'domestic' Pro12 as another semi-final contest looms on the May horizon. Here's hoping for another Leinster-Ulster final later in the spring!