Munster coach Alan Gaffney has made four changes to his team that will take on Newcastle Falcons at Thomond Park this Monday in their second and final pre-season friendly.

London Irish followed up from their win against Munster on Tuesday with a 24 point to 16 victory against Connacht In Galway.

Declan Kidney’s tenure as Leinster coach may have got off to a winning start, but new Ulster coach Mark McCall had no such luck, with his side losing thanks to an injury time try from Harlequin’s back row Luke Sherriff.

Declan Kidney last night took charge of Leinster for the first time and saw this side narrowly beat Zurich Premiership side Worcester 16 points to 13 thanks to a late Conor Kilroy try.

Following the cancellation of their first pre-season friendly against Rotherham, Ulster have announced that they will be travelling to Wales to face Gwent Dragons in a friendly on Saturday the 28th of August. In addition NEC Harlequins, their opposition for Friday night, have allowed Ulster to name 11 players on the replacements for their match.

Both Connacht and Munster lost their first games of the season last night. Connacht were hosts to a Newcastle side which saw the return of England out-half Jonny Wilkinson. Wilkinson also scored a number of penalties during the 40 minutes he was on the pitch. The final score finished up with Newcastle on 32 to Connacht’s 9.

The Munster side to face London Irish in their first pre-season game tonight has been announced. The side features all three of Munsters new signings, with Paul Burke and Mke Storey both on the starting line-up, while James Storey in on the bench.

Leinster and Ireland flanker Keith Gleeson broke his leg yesterday in a clash during a training session. Details are sketchy on how long he will be out for due to the injury, but he’s certain to be a major doubt for the internationals in November.

The IRFU have dealt the Celtic League another blow, by confirming that the Irish internationals who went on the tour to South Africa last summer will miss the start of this year’s Celtic League.

Following Munster’s loss in the semi-final of the Heineken Cup last year, many people pointed towards the defense as the weak link in the Munster Machine. The club hope to change that following the enlisting of Great Britain’s rugby league assistant coach, Graham Steadman, as their defensive coach.