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The Italian commentators were just about in tears again. They get very very involved, desperately trying to be objective but lapsing into, "Vai! Vai! Forza Italia!". God bless 'em. Brunel is a shrewed fella. Started with Botes, a solid 9 at best, instead of the talented but still erratic young...

Top 14 has become very boshy-oriented.

An Irish rugby mate of mine emailed to say Sexton-RM is a done deal. Apart from the signings window referred to above, Welshmen Jamie Roberts and Lydiate are also expected to be at RM and RM don't want Sexton's salary to impact on the other negotiations.

I read that Sexton's demands would have put him on a par with Heaslip. Latest report in the Sexton-RM saga is that RM could well be playing games in that French club rugby has a transfer window which opens in April. Clubs can be fined for announcing/confirming signings outside the window. So...

This is turning into Blue Hills. The initial report of the signing was denied by RM sources on the basis that Sexton was too expensive as per the link. Yesterday-ish, it was reported that terms had been settled including extra time for him to train with Ireland. Now it could be off again. Who...

That's more or less an annual turnover. Stade's figure was said to be double that. The salary cap - for what it's worth - is around $OZ10m.

The Sexton-RM deal now confirmed, including increased provision for him to train with the Ireland squad.

Latest reports have Racing Metro sources saying they haven't signed Sexton, that he was too expensive. We shall have to await further developments.

I think so. Snide little effort it was, too.

Tigers got out of jail big time. I don't know how many points Biggar left out there - hit the woodwork three times, missed another two completely. That, and a bit of Ben Youngs magic saved Tigers' backsides. Next week should be fascinating. Toulouse are looking very scratchy, Tigers at home.

Now for Saffercens -v- Munster.

Close go between Glasgow and Castres, Castres winning 10-8 at home. Glasgow were on the wrong end of a couple of poor ref decisions but still had a chance to win with a straightforward Jackson penalty kick. He hit the post. Good Glasgow effort as underdogs, lazy effort by Castres, content to try...

Hopefully not. The slug. Presumably they'll have a beer together before they choof off on the Lions tour together.

This was the classic balls-up by officials in this year's 6N: The ref, Barnes, said he didn't see it. Well, it was so far off the ball. Linesman Dave Pearson saw it but recommended only a yellow. Both subsequently dropped from the Elite Panel. Davies was subsequently cited and got 7 weeks...

It was more a throw than a pick up and dump. It's not dissimilar to a tackle by Ireland's Stephen Ferris in the 6N earlier this year. Ferris was yellow carded and cited. The judiciary cleared him of any further action. I'd've probably called it a yellow on Williams at most.

'Twas a great game. Best Leinster effort for a long time under all the circumstances.

Tigers let Treviso back in in the second half. They won't want to do it next week.

Hartley's frustration led to a couple of forearms landed on Best's bonce in a scrimmage on the ground. The citing official might take an interest. The Pisi brothers had a couple of opportunities but the cracking Ulster defence shut them down. The defensive effort from Ulster centres Cave and...

He is too. He's muscled up a lot this year up top but it doesn't seem to have affected him.

Leigh Halfpenny released from hospital. No apparent serious damage but they will monitor him.