Number 8 Lorcan Dow will captain the Ireland Under-19 team, sponsored by PwC, for their first of their two clashes with France Under-19s at Templeville Road on Thursday (kick-off 2pm).

The Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, today announced an investment package of over 7.4 million euro, through the Irish Sports Council, to support the work of the major field sports (the IRFU, FAI and GAA) in developing their games around the country at a grassroots level.

Rugby fans both home and abroad will be able to follow Leinster's Provincial Towns Cup final live this Sunday afternoon, as IrishRugby.ie streams the Ashbourne v Kilkenny clash live from Tullow RFC (kick-off 3.30pm).

Connacht have today confirmed the contract extensions of five of its current crop of young players - Darragh Leader, Conor Finn, Finlay Bealham, David Heffernan and Daniel Qualter.