It's opening weekend of the new Champions Cup season and there are some big talking points around team selection with, in particular, Harry Byrne being named at outhalf for Leinster's game away to defending champions La Rochelle on Sunday.  It is Byrne's first Champions Cup start while Ciaran Frawley has been named on the bench. 

Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane on the latest Left Wing to discuss the teams announced by Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht ahead of their games this weekend and which of the provinces can start the season with wins.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team news & analysis for the Champions Cup opening weekend

The biggest stories in Irish rugby with our team of writers and experts, including Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Cian Tracey, Will Slattery, Sineád Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, expert opinion and post-match comment we have every position covered.

From in-depth analysis to team news and post-match analysis we have every position covered.

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Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery break down Leinster's dramatic Champions Cup final defeat to Toulouse on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast.

Poor handling, bad decision making, and some heroic Toulouse defence saw the French side triumph in extra time.

The lads discuss all the major talking points after Leinster's third successive Champions Cup final loss, including the pressure on Leo Cullen and attack coach Andrew Goodman, who is now taking up a role with Ireland.

The URC is still in play for Leinster, but the question is whether they can bounce back from their latest heart-breaking defeat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did Leinster lose another Champions Cup final?

There was more Champions Cup final heartbreak for Leinster this weekend. They were beaten 31 points to 22 after extra time by Toulouse in an epic final at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London. Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Sinéad Kissane to discuss another lost final for Leinster with Antoine Dupont producing a man-of-the-match performance to lead the French side to a sixth title.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heartbreak once again for Leinster - live reaction from Tottenham

The stage is set for the first Champions Cup final between Leinster and Toulouse tomorrow in London. Leinster are going for their fifth title when they play the French side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Sinéad Kissane at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to discuss the team selections and give their final thoughts on what should be an epic game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reaction in Tottenham as Leinster and Toulouse name their squads

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Ruaidhri O'Connor, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery preview Leinster vs Toulouse in the Champions Cup final

Leinster's record in deciders has not been good in the last few years and Ruaidhri thinks the psychological baggage they are carrying could be significant.

Luke says Jacques Nienaber's defensive influence could be a deciding factor while the lads also talk through all the big team selection talking points.

The URC playoff race, Simon Zebo's retirement and Sam Prendergast's possible loan move are all up for discussion too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Champions Cup final preview - can Leinster finally end their European drought?

Munster's rich vein of form is a main topic of discussion on this week's episode of The Left Wing where Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey join Will Slattery.

Just like last season, Graham Rowntree's men have timed their URC run nicely, and after a big win over Connacht, their title defence looks in a great place.

It's a different story for Connacht, who face a must-win game against the Stomers after an abject showing in Limerick.

The lads also look ahead to Ulster vs Leinster this weekend after both teams enjoyed impressive wins last Saturday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team news & analysis for the Champions Cup opening weekend

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