Lack of cash leads to reality check

After the disappointment of the Ruby World Cup, Irish fans have little to hope for in a Champions Cup, where the deepest pockets often win

The Toulon team celebrate their victory during the European Rugby Champions Cup Final match between ASM Clermont Auvergne and RC Toulon at Twickenham Stadium Getty

It is a time of confronting inconvenient truths for Irish rugby fans. The Rugby World Cup provided a sobering reality check for Irish fans who had grown exuberant about the place of Irish rugby in the global hierarchy. And now this weekend sees the return of the Champions Cup, aka the most predictable tournament in world sport, and little more than pride is at stake for the Irish provinces.

Leinster, Munster and Ulster ...