
Rugby
Share
Published 17:29 31 Mar 2026 BST
Updated 20:52 31 Mar 2026 BST

The big news in Irish rugby yesterday was the possibility of Ireland poaching one of the hottest prospects in Australia, tighthead prop Massimo De Lutiis.
Reports have said that the IRFU have made contact his club, the Queensland Reds, but there have been no contract discussions with the 22-year-old himself.
However, due to the fact that he represented Australia A in 2024, he wouldn't be able to play for Ireland until November 2027, despite qualifying through a maternal grandparent.
He has been dubbed Australia's 'strongest' player due to his exploits in the gym, and was called up to a Wallabies training camp in January.
There has been speculation on these shores as to which province he would join, and given that Tom O'Toole is in the process of switching to loosehead prop, Ulster would be the likely destination.
Speaking on the De Lutiis reports, Ulster head coach Richie Murphy said: "There's speculation about players all over the place at the moment. Things that are out there at the moment, people can run with it or they can wait until they hear what the actual facts are... we've no update on Massimo."

Quiz: Can you name every team to win the Champions Cup
A few tricky ones in here! With Leinster looking to end their eight-year wait to be crowned Champions Cup winners today against defending champs, Bordeaux, now is the best time to test your European Rygby knowledge. Can you name every team to have won the prestigious tournament? Let us know how you get on and […]
Rugby
2 days ago
Ronan O’Gara takes dig at Leinster ‘arrogance’ ahead of Champions Cup final
Shots fired! Leinster are gearing up to face Bordeaux Bégles this afternoon in the Champions Cup final in Bilbao. The magnificent Stade Mamés holds great memories for the Irish province, as it was the scene of their last triumph in the competition back in 2018, before many years of heartbreak. Leinster have a fierce team […]
Rugby
3 days ago
The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 140
Rugby