Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has quickly discovered that the list of potential heirs to the throne is not as rich as it once appeared.
Wales entered the 2012 Six Nations in high spirits, after a young squad of players came fourth in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand only months before.
Ex-Wales midfielder Jamie Roberts earned kudos a few weeks ago by giving his flat in Cardiff up to the health service... now ex-Ireland back row O'Brien has done likewise in Dublin.
RugbyPass reported on Wednesday how England’s dozen Premiership rugby clubs had started informing players they were being furloughed - placed on unpaid leave - during the coronavirus pandemic.
Postponements and cancellations mean there are more questions than answers currently. Postponements and cancellations have hit across the board.
The current coronavirus pandemic has decimated rugby and other sports competitions across the world, leaving many suspended, postponed or even cancelled.
Former Wales star Gavin Henson has taken to social media after his pub was marked with an 'X' by a man travelling on foot in a strange incident caught on camera.
This time away from playing and training has given players licence to be as creative as possible with their April Fool’s Day jokes this year, for which England and Saracens lock Geroge Kruis must be commended.