Tributes have poured in for the South African-born player.

Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar will face off as captains in their sides’ Six Nations opener.

The 36-year-old Leinster captain looked sharp as his side battered Bath.

Jimmy O’Brien scored four tries as Leo Cullen’s side enjoyed a dominant victory.

Six years on from his European debut, the big second row is ready for his second coming.

Johann van Graan has stressed his commitment to Munster until the end of the season.

Johann van Graan was unwilling to reveal any detail about his departure at the end of this season.

It’s understood that the South African had some frustrations behind the scenes in Munster.

Johann van Graan told the Munster players of his departure yesterday.

The South African was offered a new two-year deal but will depart in June.

Bath are understood to have made an approach for the South African.

There was a tougher night for Michael Bradley’s Zebre who lost to Bath.

Jonny Hill scored two of Exeter’s five tries as they keep up chase for domestic and European double.

Neal Hatley has made the step up from forwards coach to the top job.

Six-time Premiership winners building a squad in bid to become top dogs in England again.

Schmidt had been linked with head coach position at the Rec.

Ulster out-half Billy Burns is aiming to make his Test debut during the Six Nations.

Dan McFarland’s men were sloppy in victory but they advance into the knock-outs again.

The Ulster scrum-half is brimming with energy and belief in a superb run of form with Ulster.

Marty Moore misses out after limping off during last weekend’s defeat to Clermont.

The Irish province can still regain pole position when they host Harlequins on Saturday.

Ulster head coach Dan McFarland praised his players after defeating Bath in their Champions Cup opener.

Bath came incredibly close to snatching the win away from Dan McFarland’s men.

The northern province’s playmaker grew up in the dressing room at the Rec.

The former Ireland fullback has endured a difficult season in charge of Leicester Tigers.

The Warriors needed 98 minutes and a four-man advantage to sneak victory.

Sam Underhill suffered ankle ligament damage in Bath’s Premiership win over Leicester Tigers at the weekend.

The game takes place on Saturday at 5.30pm.

‘Whilst we understand that flags present a low risk of injury, we cannot and will not ignore the guidance that we are mandated to as part of our safety certificate.’

Leo Cullen’s side have breakdown issues to fix before the Premiership side visit Dublin.

The 22-year-old was top of the tackle and carry charts for Leo Cullen’s side once again.

Head coach Leo Cullen and his team will take some pride in winning on the road.

Leo Cullen’s side weren’t at their best in tricky conditions but found a way to win.

The English Premiership side said the flags were ‘tested against three safety criteria and failed all three, including fire’.

‘We know there’s not that much room for error across the course of the games.’

Leo Cullen has recalled his Ireland front-liners for tomorrow’s visit to the Rec.

Leo Cullen and Leinster remain hopeful that Stuart Lancaster will stay with the province.

He had just missed a penalty before failing to score a try which would have won the Champions Cup tie for Bath.

Stuart Hooper has a two year run-in before taking the top job, while the club say Girvan Dempsey was given the attack coach role as ‘part of the longer term plan’.