If the provincial sides do it this weekend, Irish rugby really will be on another level

Things can change incredibly quickly in this sport.

Cast your mind back to this time last year, the Irish national team were licking their wounds after another disappointing World Cup where they failed to progress past the quarter-final stage. Much is often heralded about post-tournament hangovers but this was clearly evident in an Irish context as the provinces were struggling at the elite European level. After Round 4 of the 2015/2016 Champions Cup campaign, both Leinster's and Munster's ambitions of reaching the knockout stages were effectively over. Munster had suffered three defeats in a row, losing to Stade Francais and then twice in back-to-back games against the Leicester Tigers. Leinster lost their first four games in fixtures against Wasps, Bath and back-to-back games against French giants, Toulon. Ulster were facing a difficult task after coming away from Allianz Park without a losing bonus point in a 27-9 loss to Saracens. Meanwhile, Connacht were taking part in the Challenge cup which famously involved flight delays in Serbia. Ultimately, the only Irish side to reach the quarter finals of European competition was Connacht. 2016 The beginning of the year was a bit of a mixed bag in terms of results achieved at both international and provincial level. Ireland could only manage two wins in the Six Nations but this disappointment for Irish rugby was offset by Connacht's incredible march to the Pro12 title. The summer was when things really began to click into gear. Although Ireland lost the series against South Africa, there was plenty to be positive about. Ireland used this tour to implement some much needed variety in their attacking game and Andy Farrell's influence in defence was beginning to show.  Not to mention so called fringe players of the squad getting a taste of Test rugby and a first win against the Springboks on South African soil, there was plenty to be positive about as we entered into the new season. The confidence gained from their exploits in South Africa played a crucial role in a successful November series which as we all know yielded a historic victory over the All Blacks. The provinces are currently feeding off this success and the subsequent confidence surrounding the game at the moment. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/809738331441496064 If Munster and Leinster win their respective fixtures at the weekend you would imagine they will likely reach the quarter-finals. Ulster and Connacht both face tougher tasks but their recent performances over top class European opposition in London Wasps and Clermont Auvergne will give them confidence they can be successful at the weekend. With all the talk surrounding the gulf in quality between the Irish sides and their English and French counterparts, it is refreshing to see that this opinion isn't as true as some might believe. In just 12 months the outlook for Irish rugby has completely changed. If the four provinces win again this weekend it will only compound this new sense of optimism further.