The IRFU are happy to announce that it has secured the signatures of Ireland internationals Keith Earls and Denis Leamy. Their new contracts will see them remain with Munster for a further two years until 2014.

France head coach Philippe Saint-André has announced his team and replacements for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations showdown with Ireland at the Stade de France (kick-off 9pm local time/8pm Irish time).

In his latest diary on the road to recovery, Brian O'Driscoll gives us his views on the game on Sunday and Ireland's upcoming trip to Paris to face France.

Stephen Ferris and Bradley Davies have been cited following the RBS 6 Nations match between Ireland and Wales at the Aviva Stadium last Sunday.