Joe Schmidt: dropping Toner and Marmion was “miserable”
Joe speaks out on the biggest calls. The news that Joe Schmidt would be releasing a book about himself, written by himself, caught everyone by surprise in the last few weeks. Arguably the most influential Irish rugby coach in history, Schmidt has always been somewhat enigmatic and keen in interviews to keep the spotlight on […]
6 years ago
Devin Toner on thoughtful Ronan O’Gara message after World Cup heartache
“Ronan O’Gara sent me a really nice message. That really stood out for me.” Devin Toner and Ronan O’Gara only played together for Ireland on three occasions but they were in the same national squad training camps for three seasons. O’Gara, coaching since his 2013 playing retirement, has often spoke highly of the Leinster lock […]
6 years ago
“It was a complete and utter shock when Joe’s name came up on my phone” – Devin Toner
“It was a complete shock.” Even now, a little over two months on, Devin Toner is at pains to talk about it. The Leinster lock kept his counsel during the entire World Cup, after he missed out on Ireland’s 31-man squad, but with life moving on and the focus back on the provinces, he is […]
6 years ago
Sinckler a stand-out, but more consistency needed – Flannery
He was a big loss for England. Kyle Sinckler was one of the stand-out players in Japan, not just for England, but in the tournament as a whole. His early collision with teammate Maro Itoje that saw him knocked out and removed from the field of play was a cruel blow that England never fully […]
6 years ago
Dan Biggar the star 10 at World Cup – Flannery
It might seem like a strange choice, but think about it. You get the impression Wales will feel like this one slipped through their fingers. Grand Slam champions coming into the tournament, Wales seemed to be doing what they always have done under Warren Gatland and peaking in a World Cup year. They scraped past […]
6 years ago
“In South Africa, pressure is not having a job… (or) one of your close relatives being murdered”
“How much does this mean to you?” the Springbok head coach was asked. Rassie Erasmus’ answer was about 90 seconds in length and he did not take his gaze away from the William Webb Ellis trophy. In fairness to the World Cup bauble, it is some piece of kit. Ireland have been trying 32 years […]
6 years ago