“It’s a dark day for rugby. To give a red card for that?” Another Top 14 La Rochelle loss, and another frustrated post-match interview from head coach Ronan O’Gara. His side were beaten 22-17 at the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris, leaving them ninth in the table and in trouble of missing out on top-six play-off […]

1 year ago

“The FAI will also welcome Ukraine to Dublin on June 4th for the opening fixture in the UEFA Nations League campaign.” Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused ripples throughout the world, affecting everything, including sport, as Saint Petersburg were due to host this year’s Champions League final. This privilege has now been stripped of them, […]

4 years ago

STADE FRANCAIS 37-31 CONNACHT Connacht blew a great position to secure a famous away win over Stade Francais, as Wayne Barnes made his presence felt. Tolu Latu will be the only Stade player not thanking the English referee. At two crucial moments in the game, the Australian hooker lost his head – with a poor […]

4 years ago

Reports in France say his relationship with Heyneke Merwe resulted in O’Connell’s decision to leave

7 years ago

We wonder what Paul O’Connell made of all this… Stade Francais rebounded to their sounding beating at the hands of Clermont, last weekend, to dole out one of their own. It was a game to forget for Julian Savea but one in which Gael Fickou bossed. Toulon arrived in Paris on Sunday with their usual, […]

8 years ago

Welcome back to the big leagues. Perpignan had a decent pre-season after their promotion to the Top 14 but their first league game of the season saw them shredded by Stade Francais. Paddy Jackson contributed eight points but his new side were soundly beaten. Stade, who have Paul O’Connell and Mike Prendergast on their coaching […]

8 years ago