Hard to avoid the idea that the Leinster players are central to Ireland's fortunes when it comes the shirts numbered from 1-10

IRELAND winger James Lowe is in a fitness race for the start of the Six Nations. Leinster star Lowe, 32, has not seen any action since the final November Series international with Australia

Significantly too, Leinster are now in the opposite half of the draw from the free-scoring French duo of Bordeaux Bègles and Toulouse, who eviscerated Michael Cheika’s Leicester on Sunday 80-12 to set up a home Round of 16 tie against Sale.

Following a 16-14 win for Leinster over La Rochelle at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre on Sunday, here are our winners and losers from the Champions Cup clash.

LEINSTER coach Leo Cullen expects some of his players will be taking on opponents not on the pitch today – but that is fine by him.  Cullen’s men are in La Rochelle for what has become

Scotland have been dealt a huge injury blow ahead of the Six Nations, with captain and influential midfielder Sione Tuipulotu a major doubt.

Leinster say they will not rush Tadhg Furlong into his comeback as they tentatively prepare for the prop to make his return for this Sunday’s Champions Cup clash at La Rochelle.

World Player of the Year Thierry Dusautoir gives his verdict on who will win the Six Nations - and gives his judgement on the job Ronan O'Gara is doing with La Rochelle

There is some good news for Leinster and Ireland with Hugo Keenan likely to be available for the province's Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle this weekend. Keenan had been on the sidelines due to a wrist injury.

Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou have been called up by France to prepare for the Six Nations after an Argentine court last month dropped aggravated sexual assault charges against the pair.

Henshaw is grateful for the opportunity to mix it with two of European club rugby’s most difficult opponents ahead of a two-month, five-match campaign of high-intensity Test rugby.