How are the Irish provinces shaping up for Europe?

BBC Sport NI assesses how the four Irish provinces are tracking before their respective European campaigns begin on Saturday. All four Irish provinces begin their European campaigns on Saturday For the first time since 2018, the Investec Champions Cup begins in October with the road to the final in Lyon starting this weekend. While autumnal fixtures used to be the norm in Europe's top competition, 2026-27 brings an earlier start date than in recent seasons with Irish provinces having just three league games under their collective belts before continental competition kicks off. After a slow start to their United Rugby Championship [URC] campaigns, how are the sides shaping up to take on the best of the Prem and Top 14?

BBC Sport NI takes a look. Leinster remain Ireland's leading light and will be among the biggest threats to Bordeaux-Begles' ambitions of a third title in a row. Last season's beaten finalists, though, have a recent reminder of just how hard it will be to derail the reigning champions having been torn apart 41-19 in May's decider. Arguably, Leo Cullen's side enter this campaign with a weaker squad than in recent seasons with the likes of James Lowe, Rieko Ioane, Rabah Slimani and Ciaran Frawley among the key departures over the summer. Only the latter was replaced in kind through