Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray is ready to face France in the Six Nations on Saturday, despite his father suffering "serious injuries" in a road traffic collision.
Ireland have suffered a major blow ahead of Saturday's sold-out Six Nations showdown with France after losing influential hooker Dan Sheehan to a hamstring injury.
Ireland underlined their status as the world's top team and Six Nations title favourites by brushing aside Wales 34-10 in Cardiff.
Ireland great Brian O'Driscoll has hailed the SA sides' performances in the Champions Cup with the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers all in line to make the last 16.
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton was due to undergo surgery on Tuesday after suffering a cheekbone injury.
Ireland wing James Lowe admits it was "a bit weird" playing against his country of birth, New Zealand, earlier this year.