Andy Farrell says Ireland's preparation for a shot at Six Nations glory is the best he has ever seen as his side bid to begin the championship with a bang.
Fullback Leigh Halfpenny has been ruled out of Wales' Guinness Six Nations opener against Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday.
The form guide leaves little doubt that Ireland and France should be the dominant forces in this season's Guinness Six Nations Championship.
Luke Cowan-Dickie's hopes of playing any part in England's Six Nations have been dashed after Exeter boss Rob Baxter confirmed he will not return to action until the end of the season.
Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel is adamant that his organisation have no plans to expand the championship by including South Africa.
Streaming giant Netflix are set to cover this year's Six Nations Championship, following all the teams in a docuseries that is scheduled to air in 2024.