Image source, Inpho

Former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt has been appointed as Australia head coach, succeeding Eddie Jones.

Schmidt's two-year contract begins in March and runs to the end of the next British and Irish Lions tour in 2025.

Jones resigned in October after the Wallabies failed to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time.

"I thought it was a good opportunity to try to pitch in and get Australia up and running," said Schmidt.

The 58-year-old New Zealander joins Australia after working as a selector and assistant coach for the All Blacks.

Image source, Inpho

Peter O'Mahony has been named Ireland captain for this year's Six Nations title defence following the retirement of Johnny Sexton.

Veteran Munster flanker O'Mahony, 34, leads a 34-man squad named by head coach Andy Farrell on Wednesday.

With Sexton retired, Farrell has named Jack Crowley, Harry Byrne and Ciaran Frawley as his three fly-halves.

He has also included uncapped trio Oli Jager, Thomas Ahern and Sam Prendergast as training panellists.

Sexton's retirement paves the way for a new era for Ireland with Crowley, Byrne and Frawley possessing just 12 caps between them.

There is no place for Leinster fly-half Ross Byrne - Harry's older brother - following his arm surgery.

There are six Ulster players in the squad with wing Jacob Stockdale recalled after missing out on World Cup selection.

So, the permutations.

As we've said, Ulster can simplify matters with a win, which would guarantee them a place in the last 16.

However, a losing bonus point may also be enough if Cardiff win without scoring four tries against Racing in Paris.

If Ulster lose, Racing will advance by beating Cardiff, who can then claim their spot in the last 16 with a bonus-point success.

Harlequins, who thrashed Cardiff 54-15 last weekend, have already qualified for the last 16 but are looking for a bonus-point victory to boost their hopes of securing a home tie.

Read more here.

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Ulster didn't want to be in this position. After just five points from three games, they are under pressure today as they look to secure knockout Champions Cup rugby.

Well beaten by Toulouse last time out, Ulster will progress to the last 16 with victory over Harlequins at The Stoop.

Fail to win and it could get a bit complicated for Ulster, with Racing and Cardiff - the two teams below them - facing each other in Paris later this afternoon.

It may be a nail-biting day in London for the Ulstermen. Stay with us to find out!

BBC Sounds

You can listen to today's crunch match live on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Radio London and BBC Radio Ulster.

BBC rugby correspondent Chris Jones and former England fly-half Paul Grayson are on duty for Sports Extra.

Gavin Andrews is on presenting duties with Tommy Seymour and Tony McWhirter.

Jim Neilly is on commentary at the Stoop with former Ulster fly-half Ian Humphreys.

Get ready for permutations galore as Ulster take on Harlequins in their final Pool match in the Champions Cup!

A win will be enough to progress to the knockout stages, but defeat will leave things open.

Stay tuned as we'll have radio coverage as well as a live text right here. You won't miss a thing.