An unreal team! With the 2025/2026 Champions Cup in full swing, we bring you the ultimate all-time XV for the competition once known as the Heineken Cup. Loosehead prop – Cian Healy (Leinster) Many of his performances from 2009 – 2013 were utterly devastating as he helped usher in a new age of lean and […]

3 months ago

That clears things up. Eben Etzebeth has taken to social media to explain the incident at the end of South Africa’s 73-0 win over Wales which saw him red carded for an eye gouge on Alex Mann and subsequently banned for 12 weeks. There was speculation that the Springbok lock’s actions were a retaliation for […]

3 months ago

This is going to be epic! The 2026 World Darts Championship begins on December 11. Follow all the big stories right, for one of the year’s best and most entertaining sporting events. Best Irish betting offers – 18+, BeGambleAware

3 months ago

A great one for Irish footy fans. For the fans of the Premier League and League of Ireland, this is the perfect quiz for you, and there’s also a few players from the old English First Division. Over the years many players have started their careers in the LOI, while others have gone to England […]

3 months ago

What a performance! Ulster put Racing 92 to the sword on Friday with a 61-7 win in their Challenge Cup clash at Ravenhill. Starring once again was Zac Ward. He scored two tries, the second of which was a ridiculously good solo score, and we have put together a supercut of some of the winger’s […]

3 months ago

Fans were not pleased. Dingle are the Munster SFC Club champions, after defeating St Finbarrs by 1-18 to 0-20 at Semple Stadium this afternoon, and will go on to face Ballyboden in the All-Ireland semi-finals. However, the game finished in controversial circumstances after a two-point free from Conor Geaney won the match with virtually the […]

3 months ago

More rule amendments. Another big rule change is coming in for the 2026 GAA Gaelic football season. The Central Competitions Control Committee has approved the recommendation from the Football Review Committee to end Gaelic football games at the hooter. This had previously been the rule last season prior to the All-Ireland series, before the law […]

3 months ago

An unusual situation. La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara could be facing another suspension, after he was sent to the stands by referee Jeremy Rozier during La Rochelle’s 53-33 Top 14 loss to Pau yesterday. It was a crazy game from the get go, with Antoine Hastoy sent off after just 34 seconds when his […]

3 months ago

Interesting. The transcripts from James Ryan’s disciplinary hearing have revealed some interesting details around the incident which saw him sent off in Ireland’s loss to South Africa two weeks ago. The Leinster lock was given his marching orders after dangerous clearout which saw him fly into a ruck with a tucked arm and make contact […]

3 months ago

A tough outing. Troy Parrott was brought back down to earth on the weekend, after he missed a last-play penalty in AZ Alkmaar’s 1-0 loss to FC Twente. After a month where he wrote himself into Irish sport folklore with his five-goal heroics against Portugal and Hungary, it was a sobering moment for him, as […]

3 months ago

A horrific act of foul play. Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth was sent off by referee Luc Ramos during his side’s 73-0 win over Wales in Cardiff. It was a record home defeat for the Welsh, as their run of awful form reached a new low. For South Africa, it was yet another reminder that they […]

3 months ago

Another big week in the Prem! Best Irish betting offers right now – 18+, BeGambleAware

3 months ago

Another week, another pub quiz! A very big welcome to another SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz, with 15 questions on Irish and general sport from the past week and beyond. The Ireland rugby team’s loss to South Africa is a big topic, while the Premier League was back in action, with bad weeks for both Ruben […]

3 months ago

Hoggy was in great form. As if giving up a six-point lead at the break to lose the All-Ireland final to Tipperary wasn’t enough, the Cork hurlers had to deal with sensational WhatsApp rumours of a half-time changing room fight. At the centre of the rumours was talisman and the now-retired Patrick Horgan, who was […]

3 months ago

It will cost you a pretty penny. We reported back in September on ticket prices for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Limerick and how to get them, and also how you can attend the biggest event in golf for free. Now we come with accommodation information from the Ryder Cup’s official partner. […]

3 months ago

This is incredibly tough! In honour of Ireland qualifying for the play-offs for the 2026 World Cup, we have put together a seriously difficult quiz. This teaser takes lesser-known players from the squads who made the Euros in 1988, 2012, and 2016, and the World Cup in 1990, 1994, and 2002. Only true Ireland fans […]

3 months ago

Well deserved. The well-renowned sports stats platform, Opta, have released their team of the Autumn Nations Series, based off of their Opta Index, which uses a number of key factors to objectively score a players’ performances in each game. The breakdown of the team is as follows: 4 England, 3 South Africa, 2 New Zealand, […]

3 months ago

A clear red card. Crystal Palace’s Ruesha Littlejohn was sent off last night for a dangerous neck throw on an opponent during a 3-0 League Cup win over Leicester. The Ireland stalwart was involved in a scuffle between the sides before she suddenly grabbed hold of Hannah Cain’s neck and reefed her to the ground, […]

3 months ago

The biggest game of the series. One of the maddest games that the Aviva will ever host, with South Africa eventually winning 24-13. Ireland fought well right to the end after getting four yellow cards and one red. Andrew Porter – 2 His scrum penalties first helped lead to a team yellow card, which sent […]

4 months ago

This is the big one. Ireland take on South Africa this evening at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off, 5.40pm), in their fourth game of the Autumn Nations Series. After an undercooked performance in their loss to the All Blacks, Andy Farrell’s men were looked better against Japan, before putting Australia to the sword with a 46-19 […]

4 months ago

This should have happened before. The main complaint about the Aviva Stadium over the years has always been its size, with the tiny north stand a reminder of of the 70,000-seater we could have had if planning permission had been granted. However, it does make for a cracking away stand, with the visiting supporters segregated […]

4 months ago

An absolutely whopper week for Irish sport! A very big welcome to another SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz, with 15 teasers based on Irish and general sport from the past week. Between Ireland’s heroics in Hungary, the rugby side getting back on track after beating Australia, and the U17s going well at the World Cup, it […]

4 months ago

One of the best rivalries in the world. Ireland take on South Africa this Saturday (kick-off, 5.40pm) at the Aviva Stadium, in their fourth game of the Autumn Nations Series. After an impressive 46-19 win over Australia last weekend, Ireland will fancy their chances against the world’s top side, especially having won four of the […]

4 months ago

We cannot wait! Ireland’s route to the 2026 World Cup in North America has been confirmed this afternoon. The European leg play-offs will be held in late March next year, with the semi-final on March 26 and final on March 31. Ireland will take on Czechia away from home in their single-leg semi, with the […]

4 months ago

He’s a wanted man. Troy Parrott has been linked with a number of teams following his World Cup qualifying heroics against Hungary last weekend. However, it is also his club form over the last two seasons, which has seen him score 33 goals in 60 games for AZ Alkmaar, that has sides sniffing around. We […]

4 months ago

Should be another cracker! Ireland have been somewhat of a bogey team for the Springboks in recent years, who head to Aviva as the best team in the world with a point to prove. Here is the green team we reckon can back up last weekend’s 46-19 win over Australia and topple the world champions. […]

4 months ago

A massive improvement! Ireland were 46-19 winners against Australia this evening, in their third game of the Autumn Nations Series. Many of the issues from their first two games were addressed, as Mack Hansen scored a hat-trick on his return to the side. Paddy McCarthy – 7 Gave away one of the silliest penalties ever […]

4 months ago

This is a big one! Ireland take on Portugal this evening at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off, 7.45pm), in their hugely important World Cup qualifier. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men are currently third in Group F, and a point behind Hungary who face Armenia this evening. If the Armenians can do the Boys in Green a favour and […]

4 months ago

This is some team! The rules are simple – the best Ireland XV, with no two players from the same county. Loosehead prop – Reggie Corrigan (Wicklow) A proud Presentation College Bray and Greystones RFC man; Corrigan made his Ireland debut against Canada in 1997. He also captained his country twice and led Leinster to […]

4 months ago

Another big one in store. Ireland take on Australia this Saturday at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off, 8.10pm), in the third game of their Autumn Nations Series. Andy Farrell will be picking a match-day 23 that is a lot closer to first choice than the one we saw against Japan, but hopefully a few faces looking […]

4 months ago

A big one in Dublin. Despite a 41-10 scoreline, the Aussies will not be coming to Dublin with too much fear next week. It was another stuttery performance littered with errors, but in the last 20 minutes, Ireland did look like the team we saw in 2023 and 2024. Player ratings below. Andrew Porter – […]

4 months ago

Ireland look to get back on track Ireland face Eddie Jones’ Japan today at the Aviva Stadium in the second of their Autumn Nations Series matches, with kick off at 12.40pm. Ireland were beaten by New Zealand in Chicago last Saturday night, going down 13-26 in a disappointing second-half showing having battled well with 14 […]

4 months ago

Get the hankies out! With trophies at stake, players in the final throws of their careers, and passionate fans, we have seen our fair share of epic anthems at Irish rugby games. Whether it is Amhrán na bhFiann or Ireland’s Call, Lansdowne Road or Croke Park, emotions have run high. Here are our top-five most […]

4 months ago

‘How low do you stoop?’ Saoirse Ruane’s mum, Roseanna, condemned DJ Carey’s action in a recent interview with RTE Radio One. The Kilkenny hurler received a five-and-a-half-year jail sentence for 10 counts of fraud after he pretended to have cancer, defrauding friends and fans of over €440,000. After an image of DJ Carey wearing a […]

4 months ago

The new kid on the block. Normally, the main story from the latest Ireland squad, for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Hungary, would have been Evan Ferguson making the cut after being a serious doubt. But it is MLS man Kevin O’Toole who has dominated the headlines with his rather shocking inclusion, […]

4 months ago

A lot of changes! Andy Farrell has named his Ireland squad to take on Japan this Saturday at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off, 12.40pm). As expected, there are a number of changes to the 23 that lost to the All Blacks in Chicago last weekend. There will be much delight among fans as Munster star, Tom […]

4 months ago

Some new faces. Heimir Hallgrimsson has named his squad for their last two World Cup qualifiers. Ireland host Portugal on Thursday, November 13 (kick-off, 7.45pm) and are away to Hungary on Sunday, November 16 (kick-off, 2pm). The Boys in Green need Hungary to drop points against Armenia, before beating them at the Puskas Arena to […]

4 months ago

A grim assessment. It was only a matter of time before Joe Brolly weighed in on the DJ Carey story, with the Kilkenny hurling icon sentenced to five-and-a-half-years in jail for defrauding 22 people out of over €400,000 after lying about having cancer. The outspoken Brolly acknowledged the ‘outrageous’ crimes committed by Carey, but offered […]

4 months ago

A much changed side. Ireland face Japan this Saturday at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off, 12.40pm). They will hope, and need, to get back to winning ways, with World Cup seeding on the line, after a dud outing against the All Blacks. Expect a handful of changes from Andy Farrell, with fringe players given a rare […]

4 months ago

The GAA are facing a huge problem. While the headlines over the past week have been dominated by Kobe McDonald’s deal with AFL side St Kilda, Austin Stacks and Kerry U20s star, Ben Murphy, has signed with the Brisbane Lions. The issue of losing players to Australia has now come to a head, with clubs […]

4 months ago

He did not hold back! The vast majority of rugby Twitter, Andy Farrell, and even Beauden Barrett have expressed their unhappiness over Tadhg Beirne’s controversial red card against the All Blacks, for his hit on the aforementioned out-half. When all was said and done, it proved to be extremely costly for Ireland, not just because […]

4 months ago

A frustrating watch…. The All Blacks have beaten Ireland by 26-13 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Andy Farrell’s men had plenty of opportunities to put day light between the teams, but New Zealand stayed in the game and pulled away in the last quarter. Player ratings below. Andrew Porter – 6 Not one of his […]

4 months ago

This is going to be epic! Ireland face the All Blacks this evening in Soldier Park, Chicago, in their Autumn Nations Series clash (kick-off, 8.10pm). New Zealand are 2/5 favourites, and are coming match-ready after the Rugby Championship. However, a relatively undercooked Ireland will have the crowd on their side, and can lean on the […]

4 months ago

It was bad! By the autumn of 2016, Rob Kearney was a bonafide great of Irish rugby; a shoo-in for our greatest XV, and one of the most decorated players in our history. However, there was a serious problem at hand. Despite only turning 30 in March, he was out of form, and his body […]

4 months ago

A scintillating lineup! This Ireland XV goes out to those who may not have received the same fanfare or recognition as others as the years went on. To those who have watched other, less talented players go and reach 50 Ireland caps or win leagues and cups. While their primes of the players may have […]

4 months ago

How well have you been paying attention? Welcome to another SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz, with 15 questions to test your sporting knowledge. Rugby, GAA, F1, football, golf, and athletics are all covered, so you will have to be a jack of all trades to do well. If you want try previous versions of the quiz […]

4 months ago

A big loss. Although the laws now mean an NIQ player must be playing in a country for five years to become IQ, Ireland made hay when the rule was three years, and have probably gained the most out of any of the Six Nations sides. James Lowe, CJ Stander, Jared Payne, and Jamison Gibson-Park […]

4 months ago

What a header! Southampton U21s came away with a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid Castilla in their Premier League International Cup clash last night. Gavin Bazunu was in goal for the Saints and made a series of crucial saves before Thiago gave the lead to the Spanish visitors in the 75th minute. However, in the […]

4 months ago

Some team in fairness! Naturally, after Andy Farrell announced his Autumn Nations Series squad, there was uproar from some quarters, with fans enraged that their favourite players from their province were not picked. Well, we have put their fantasies to paper, with our selection of the best XV of players who missed out on the […]

4 months ago

He has not been granted a visa. Dutch volleyball player, Steven van de Velde, 31, has been denied a visa by the Australian authorities, ahead of the Beach Volleyball World Championships in Adelaide, South Australia, next month. The then 21-year-old was convicted in 2016 on three counts of raping a 12-year-old girl in the UK. […]

4 months ago