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The Ireland Men's Sevens squad have joined their female counterparts in qualifying for next summer's Sevens Rugby World Cup in San Francisco - the first time this has been achieved by the IRFU Sevens programme.

The Ireland Men's 7s side to compete at the fourth and final stage of the Rugby Europe Grand Prix in Exeter this weekend has been confirmed.

The Ulster Rugby management team has confirmed the senior playing squad for next season, which features 46 fully-contracted and development players.

John Cooney will arrive at Ulster in a few weeks time with an even bigger spring in his step after making his Ireland debut against Japan last weekend.

Rory Best will captain The British & Irish Lions against the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium on Tuesday, while Iain Henderson will also start and Jared Payne is included on the bench.

Back rowers Sean Reidy and Josh van der Flier scored their first international tries as Ireland overcame a stiffer challenge from Japan to wrap up the two-match series with a 35-13 win in muggy Tokyo.

Kieran Treadwell was in dreamland after making his Test debut for Ireland against Japan at the weekend, and is now looking forward to his first start on Saturday.

Ulster's new signing John Cooney is in line to make his international debut after the scrumhalf was named among the replacements for Ireland fixture versus Japan at the Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday.

Jack Nowell crossed for a double as The British & Irish Lions warmed up for the Test series against the All Blacks in fine style with a stylish victory over the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Rory Best has expressed pride and described his Lions team-mates' reactions after it was announced that he had been awarded an OBE for his services to rugby.