“If this doesn’t excite you, you’re in the wrong game.” Paul Boyle is itching for Friday night in Galway. Connacht have a sell-out on their hands, extra capacity has been sorted and Leinster are heading West. The Connacht back row is not unusual in the current squad as he hails from Leinster. Nothing would give […]

4 years ago

“72 holes is a long road. It’s going to be a tough challenge, and a challenge that I’m up for.” The Tuesday before the 2022 Masters tournament, and all eyes were on Tiger Woods as he headed into the media tent for a sit-down with hundreds of eager golf writers and reporters. Ever since he […]

4 years ago

“Evolution, rather than revolution, is the way to go.” Change was always going to come at Leinster, reasons senior coach Stuart Lancaster, and the province is shooting headlong into it over the summer. Having boasted, in seasons past, of winning titles with contributions of 50+ players, the IRFU are asking them to see if they […]

4 years ago

“He looks cool as a cucumber!” We are just about done with digesting the 2022 Six Nations and, like a flash, the Champions Cup is back upon us. Brian O’Driscoll can’t wait for European club rivalries to resume. The former Leinster and Ireland captain is headed to The Sportsground, on Friday, to be part of […]

4 years ago

“He was destined for great things.” As a player that has battled back from a potentially career-ending knee injury, in 2016, Peter O’Mahony is in a spot where he can perfectly emphatise with Dan Leavy. Leavy suffered a horrific knee injury, in March 2019, and although he made a playing comeback 19 months later, ongoing […]

4 years ago

“I literally only found out the news a few seconds ago. Sad. Very sad.” What is supposed to be a chat revolving around the upcoming Champions Cup weekend, this morning, started off on us almost getting a live Brian O’Driscoll reaction to Dan Leavy being forced to retire. Although they would have trained together, in […]

4 years ago

He said the words with his mind dizzy from adrenaline and blasts of pure oxygen, but they rang truer than ever. His knee mangled, his career in the balance, Dan Leavy turned to his Leinster coach Leo Cullen and told him, ‘This is as good as it gets’. As much as everyone hoped that would […]

4 years ago

“Joey did very well at 15… I liked the look of him there.” Chasing a big second half deficit, at Thomond Park, Munster brought on Ben Healy and dropped Joey Carbery to fullback. House of Rugby host Greg O’Shea was not the only one that noted how well the Munster attack looked with Healy and […]

4 years ago

“He was excellent. And then he went from 9 to 10, which shows his adaptability.” James Lowe may have suggested Ireland would have five Test matches on the New Zealand tour, this summer, but he knows full well that every game in that country is fiercely contested. The former Waikato Chiefs winger will be hoping […]

4 years ago

“Four times out of the last five, we’ve gone down and beaten ye.” Munster’s latest defeat to Leinster, at Thomond Park, left many fans of the southern province shaken, with plenty eager to move on from the Johann van Graan era. To former Leinster prop Lindsay Peat, the home side’s 34-19 defeat “highlighted the gap” […]

4 years ago

ITALY 0-74 ENGLAND Reigning Six Nations champions England doled out an unmerciful thrashing to an Italy side that do not have long to recover until they face Ireland, this Sunday. Having started their TikTok Women’s Six Nations title defence with a 57-5 win against Scotland, Simon Middleton’s side ramped it up and came within a […]

4 years ago

The former Munster and Ireland outhalf has spoken in glowing terms about the current crop of England stars. Just under a fortnight ago, Ronan O’Gara was singing the praises of current England head coach Eddie Jones. On BT Sport’s Rugby Tonight, O’Gara offered the English RFU an alternative in their search to replace Jones after […]

4 years ago

“I don’t care, it’s over. I moved on. I don’t give a shit about him.” Christophe Urios was still stewing on his side’s late loss to La Rochelle when he was asked about his touchline confrontation with Ronan O’Gara. The rival coaches clashed on the far touchline of the pitch, as the half-time whistle sounded in […]

4 years ago

ROSCOMMON 1-20 GALWAY 0-22 The TG4 commentary team were in understandable raptures as Roscommon star Diarmuid Murtagh’s stunning goal settled a cracking Allianz Leagues Division 2 Final. Seven Galway defenders couldn’t stop Murtagh as he spun, slipped, slid and bulled towards the goal and delivered a hammer blow. Murtagh was not causing too many ripples […]

4 years ago

First Will Smith slapping Chris Rock, now this… Ronan O’Gara would have no issue with chawing away and sharing an opinion or two, but he took umbrage to getting a swipe aimed at him from Christophe Urios. Over the next three weekends, Bordeaux-Beglès are facing off against La Rochelle. Part 1 of this three-course special […]

4 years ago

MUNSTER 19-34 LEINSTER Munster supporters were left fuming after a Devin Toner clear-out left Gavin Coombes badly injured, during a fiercely contested inter-pro at Thomond Park. With 24 minutes gone, Coombes was dipping in for a breakdown jackal when Toner came in from the side to clear him out. Rather than penalise the Leinster lock […]

4 years ago

The former Manchester United offered up two reasons why Ralf Rangnick’s line-up was “staggering”. After Manchester United took a similar tack against Manchester City, last month, Gary Neville was struggling to get his head around their latest XI. In a must-win game against Leicester City, the home side started with five centre midfielders. Rangnick was […]

4 years ago

FRANCE 40-5 IRELAND It was a literal case of amateurs versus professionals at Stade Ernest Wallon, this afternoon, as the powerhouse French went through Ireland for a short-cut. It is always worth noting, when Ireland play France, England and now Wales, that this is a fully professional side taking on a team of amateurs and […]

4 years ago

“I read somewhere they scored 23 tries and only conceded four. That’s some going.” You can bet your last dollar/Euro that Ronan O’Gara was well read up on every aspect of the 2022 Six Nations, and Ireland’s performance in it. Although his hands are full with coaching duties and a double trophy pursuit at La […]

4 years ago

“I know we’re top of the table, but only just.” James Lowe and Jordan Larmour got themselves a nice perch in the St Mary’s clubhouse, this afternoon, and a chance to catch their breath after a morning tear-about with young rugby players. The wingers were at the Dublin club to help launch Leinster’s upcoming rugby […]

4 years ago

This is the player we were all getting in a tizzy about, back in 2019. It was never Troy Parrott’s fault that he was stuck with the Irish goal-scoring mantle from as soon as he started making waves at Tottenham. Signed. by Spurs in 2017, Parrott signed his first professional contract, on his 17th birthday, […]

4 years ago

“I’m not staying, but it hasn’t been confirmed where I’m going.” With that came confirmation of what most in Irish rugby circles had known was coming. Damian De Allende is heading for the exit door at Munster. ‘Doogz’ has been a fine signing for Munster. The Springbok centre was solid and steady for his first […]

4 years ago

“He’s done you proud.” Caoimhín Kelleher is currently on Ireland duty, but still basking in the afterglow of Liverpool’s League Cup final victory. After being selected ahead of Alisson Becker, as he had been for the Reds’ route to the final, the Cork native had a super display in between the sticks. When it came […]

4 years ago

These are the best players and most influential men in Irish rugby, right now. The men’s Six Nations is now in the history books and the Irish rugby stars have returned to the provinces for the climax to the 2021/22 season. With Ireland not back in action until their summer tour to New Zealand, we […]

4 years ago

“It feels pretty good.” Séamus Power took out four top players on his way to the quarter finals of the World Golf Championship Match-Play, but ran into a man in even greater form. After defeating Sungae Im and world No.4 in the group stage of the tournament, he picked off Tyrrell Hatton with ease in […]

4 years ago

“He’s having the season of his life.” Gavin Coombes scored 15 tries in 22 Munster games [17 starts] last season, but many in Irish rugby feel he has kicked on again in 2021/22. The Cork native established himself as a No.8 of fearsome athleticism and power, and stepped in seamlessly for CJ Stander. Coombes has […]

4 years ago

SCOTLAND 5-57 ENGLAND On her 80th appearance for England, the brilliant Marlie Packer helped herself to her 22nd, 23rd and 24th tries. Hosting the reigning champions at a home ground in the impressive shadow of Murrayfield, the Scots had the first chance to get the scoreboard moving, but Helen Nelson missed her penalty attempt. Just […]

4 years ago

One quality fullback respecting the actions of another. The word you will hear most about Hugo Keenan is ‘consistent’, but that is selling the Leinster and Ireland star short. Keenan has been so solid at fullback for Ireland that we have been allowed to forget that shaky 12 months after Rob Kearney retired from Test […]

4 years ago

“He was someone I didn’t want to have a fight with because he was dangerous!” In 1982, a 22-year-old Paul McGrath joined Manchester United from St Patrick’s Athletic. While McGrath had future Ireland teammates Frank Stapleton and Kevin Moran for company, he really clicked with Norman Whiteside. By the time McGrath arrived at United, Whiteside […]

4 years ago

“We’re different down here. It’s a different club; a different culture.” From Sandy Park to Teignmouth is not just over 20 minutes away, if you catch the lights the right way. Life flows more casually in England’s South West, but Joe Simmonds never knew it any other way. “That’s the thing,” he tells us. “We’ve […]

4 years ago

We are going with the pundits over the fans, on this one. The 2022 Six Nations is in the history books and France are champions, in Grand Slam style, after a 12-year wait between titles. There is only one thing left to do after the championship has wrapped, and before the women’s tournament begins, this […]

4 years ago

‘Swing low, sweet chariot!’ One wonders if Ronan O’Gara would have got involved in such a dressing room sing-song, even if it was all in jest. The video that emerged of the Ireland players playfully singing what has become an English rugby anthem, on Saturday, was all good fun. The players would have enjoyed it […]

4 years ago

“He’s unbelievably talented, and he’s flying.” There is a great Sportsfile snap, taken a day before the All Blacks were defeated, last November, of the Ireland players knocking great craic out of Dan Sheehan and Rónan Kelleher being late for the official match-day squad photo. The likes of James Ryan, Caelan Doris and Ryan Baird, […]

4 years ago

“We’ll get a few bolters, I think – guys that can make a huge difference. That’s what we need over the next 18 months.” Not long after his side lifted the Triple Crown at Aviva Stadium, on Saturday, Johnny Sexton was fielding questions about possible inclusions in an Ireland squad to tour New Zealand. Such […]

4 years ago

“I won’t miss this.” So groused Stuart Hogg as he wrapped up another underwhelming Six Nations campaign with his final press commitment. One wondered whether the fullback was referring to the Scotland captaincy or the championship itself. The 2021 Lions Tour to South Africa was the launchpad, we were told. Buoyed by a record inclusion […]

4 years ago

“It’s pretty fickle, sport, isn’t it?” Back in late 2020, and early 2021, as two Six Nations titles slipped away, Johnny Sexton was well aware of the criticism, even if it was just coming from a vocal minority. Sexton, the elder statesman, insisted this Ireland team had something about them, and a genuine belief they […]

4 years ago

Don’t leave me hanging, Shaun… Clive Woodward had another mini 2003 World Cup reunion on ITV, this evening, as the broadcaster covered England’s final day tilt at France in the Six Nations. Woodward was joined by Jonny Wilkinson and Lawrence Dallaglio, as well as host Mark Pougatch, as they covered England’s attempts to throw a […]

4 years ago

FRANCE 25-13 ENGLAND The Grand Slam and the 2022 Six Nations title has gone to a France side that look like they are only going to get better. Hold on tight for the 2023 World Cup. Just as they did against Wales, last weekend, France started fast and were 8-0 up after 15 minutes through […]

4 years ago

“We gave away a wee bit too many penalties.” Stuart Hogg was still coming to terms with his side’s 26-5 defeat to Ireland at Aviva Stadium, this evening. The last thing he needed was a reminder of a chance he blew, or of that drinking session in Edinburgh, last Sunday. The Scotland captain was one […]

4 years ago

IRELAND 26-5 SCOTLAND It was far from easy going for the Irish side at Aviva Stadium, but they did enough against an honest but limited Scotland. Our Ireland player ratings have a few home-town heroes. The victory saw Ireland keep up the pressure on France ahead of their evening clash with France, in Paris. It […]

4 years ago

Absolute class from Josh Adams. Wales may have lost 22-21 to an ecstatic Italy at the Principality Stadium, today, but Josh Adams can hold his head up high. For more reasons than one. The Wales winger saved an all-but-certain Italy try as he tackled Monty Ioane out of play, only to score a stunner of […]

4 years ago

“The speed – that was the biggest thing. The noise, speed and intensity.” Back on February 5th 2000, Ireland went to Twickenham and got the mother and father of all beatings from a ruthless England side. Warren Gatland’s side looked to be carrying a three-month hangover from a World Cup campaign that had seen them […]

4 years ago

Nothing too drastic, but some changes made for the final run-out. Andy Farrell has made some changes to his Ireland team for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Scotland at the Aviva Stadium. With James Ryan and Ryan Baird out injured, Farrell was also going to have to make one starting XV change. Iain Henderson comes […]

4 years ago

“Me and Bundee bounce off each other a bit, now.” Conor Oliver and Bundee Aki on the same team together is a recipe for a rip-roaring match. The flanker and centre are chalk and chalk when it comes to bringing the fight to opposition teams. Oliver narrowly missed out on Six Nations squad selection, but […]

4 years ago

“He’d infuriate you, that way.” Johnny Sexton and Sean O’Brien are two lads that want the very, very best. They are two lads that will not hesitate in demanding it either. If that leads to a couple of slaps being thrown, some harsh words being said or Andy Farrell having to tell them to “cool […]

4 years ago

“You could see he was going to be a top-class player.” Many Manchester United supporters will have been seeking solace in the transfer talk pages, across various sports pages and sites, since their side was knocked out of the Champions League. Many more will then have hit search engines for the name Toby Collyer. It […]

4 years ago

“I’m definitely not happy about it.” Former Ireland forwards coach Gert Smal was still rumbling over the lack of discipline shown by experienced hooker Bismarck du Plessis in the Bulls’ weekend United Rugby Championship win over Munster. The Bulls won 29-24 but had been 29-3 up at one stage of the game. Munster scored three […]

4 years ago

“That’s exactly the message you’re trying to get across to the lads.” Ireland heading into the final game of a Six Nations campaign with Scotland at home, and a chance to win a Triple Crown. Johnny Sexton has heard this tune before. With Ireland’s 32-15 win over England well and truly digested, Sexton was up […]

4 years ago

“They want me to do an interview, but I’m good!” For the second time in less than six months, UFC star Kevin Holland has put his life at risk in stepped up to do one hell of a good deed. Back in October, Holland chased down and apprehended a car thief, holding on to him […]

4 years ago

With the game clock at 65:44, on he came. Johnny Sexton had just kicked Ireland 18-15 ahead in the first bit of positive Irish news for what felt like forever. Robbie Henshaw entered the fray with the match still in the balance. Just over 15 minutes later and Ireland had recorded their biggest ever Six […]

4 years ago