rugby

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Ireland v Fiji - Autumn Nations Series
Josh van der Flier named Autumn Nations Player of the Series
Van der Flier edged the fan vote narrowly beating South Africa's winger Cheslin Kolbe 37% to 34% highlighting the impact of both players throughout the Autumn series.

Mon, 09 Dec, 2024

Bristol Bears v Leinster - Champions Cup Round 1
S Donal Lenihan: Even Toulouse would struggle against Leinster's galaxy of stars
Andrew Porter, RG Snyman, Caelan Doris and Jordie Barrett formed somewhat of a Leinster bomb squad off the bench.

Mon, 09 Dec, 2024

Bristol Bears v Leinster - Champions Cup Round 1
Power of Leinster's bench press sends out warning to Europe's elite
When push came to shove, it was the impact of Leinster’s bench - packed with a plethora of international superstars - that proved the telling difference for the four-times champions.

Mon, 09 Dec, 2024

Richie Murphy during the warm-up 8/12/2024
Richie Murphy: That wasn't a good enough performance for the Ulster jersey
Murphy’s men were obliterated at Stade Ernest-Wallon with Antoine Dupont pulling the strings for Toulouse on Sunday.

Mon, 09 Dec, 2024

Alex Nankivell with Baptiste Pesenti 7/12/2024
S Peter Jackson: Munster's Alex Nankivell escaped full force of the law that crashed down on Azagoh
Brennan brothers complete winning family double and Ulster almost bring Champions’ Cup into disrepute.

Mon, 09 Dec, 2024

Oli Jager 3/12/2024
Munster prop crisis easing ahead of Castres clash
Munster have been without six props for much of the season so far. They face Castres in the Champions Cup on Friday night. 

Mon, 09 Dec, 2024

Billy Burns, Alex Nankivell and Craig Casey after the game 7/12/2024
'A step forward but plenty to go' as Munster continue resurgence
“A step forward around pace, I think our set-piece went up a notch as well, we got a lot of turnovers, including a few choke tackles which was ironic because it was something we focused on them being very good at," said the interim head coach.

Mon, 09 Dec, 2024

Munster v Stade Francais Paris - Champions Cup Round 1
Munster history gives Diarmuid Barron sense of responsibility for Champions Cup trip
“The second you play for Munster in Europe I think there’s an expectation that you’re going to front up and be competitive no matter where you go."

Mon, 09 Dec, 2024

Munster v Racing 92 - Heineken Champions Cup Pool 4 Round 2
Simon Zebo: Mike Prendergast could get Munster back to European rugby's top table
"He's a fantastic coach. I suppose his attention to detail is fantastic."

Sun, 08 Dec, 2024

Bristol Bears v Leinster - Champions Cup Round 1
Leinster send out early warning as Prendergast claims a brace of tries
The intensity and power of the four-time champions left a trail of destruction in its path in Bristol

Sun, 08 Dec, 2024

Matthis Lebel scores a try despite Stewart Moore 8/12/2024
Reigning champions Toulouse obliterate Ulster with nine-try rout
Antoine Dupont made his presence felt, finding holes in Ulster’s struggling defence, creating scores and even bagging his own.

Sun, 08 Dec, 2024

Ian Costello arrives 7/12/2024
A happy hour for interim Munster boss Costello but sights now on Castres 
Ian Costello was content with 60 minutes' work from Munster in defeat of Stade Francais

Sun, 08 Dec, 2024

Santiago Cordero scores a try 7/12/2024
Sevens ace Mullins hat-trick among plenty of reasons for Connacht celebration
Connacht comfortably beat visitors Zebre in the European Challenge Cup.

Sat, 07 Dec, 2024

Northampton Saints v Castres - Investec Champions Cup - cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens
Juarno Augustus brace powers Northampton to win over Castres 
Alex Mitchell makes first start after injury in pre-season

Sat, 07 Dec, 2024

Saracens v Vodacom Bulls - Investec Champions Cup - StoneX Stadium
Tom Willis sends message to Borthwick as Saracens sweep Bulls aside
South Africans soundly beaten in Champions Cup opener

Sat, 07 Dec, 2024

Munster v Stade Francais Paris - Champions Cup Round 1
Munster off to Champions Cup flier as Stade Francais see double red
Interim head coach Ian Costello had stressed the necessity of winning home fixtures and his squad did not let him down.

Sat, 07 Dec, 2024

Leinster Rugby Squad Training
Sam Prendergast picks up with Leinster where he left off with Ireland
Prendergast’s education has been intensive this season with two Leinster starts pre-November sandwiched by three with Emerging Ireland in South Africa and then those Test outings against Argentina, Fiji and Australia.

Sat, 07 Dec, 2024

RUGBYU-FRA-TOP14-LA ROCHELLE-STADE FRANCAIS
As Thomond awaits, lowly Stade Francais eye Champions Cup success
Ambition and on-paper squad quality says a Champions Cup run is worth shooting for. Their Top 14 league position suggests otherwise. But a recent uptick in form hints they could.

Sat, 07 Dec, 2024

Leinster v Munster - United Rugby Championship
Munster know using squad is 'critical' in close opening Champions Cup rounds
Munster interim head coach Ian Costello is aware of how dangerous Stade Francais will be in transition at Thomond Park.

Sat, 07 Dec, 2024

UJ Seuteni celebrates as Tawera Kerr-Barlow scores their side’s third try 6/12/2024
La Rochelle hold off Bath fightback to claim Champions Cup win
La Rochelle had led 21-6 at the break and looked to be cruising towards a bonus point victory. 

Fri, 06 Dec, 2024

UJ Seuteni celebrates as Tawera Kerr-Barlow scores their side’s third try 6/12/2024
La Rochelle hold off Bath fightback to claim Champions Cup win
La Rochelle had led 21-6 at the break and looked to be cruising towards a bonus point victory. 

Fri, 06 Dec, 2024

Bath Rugby v Stade Rochelais - Investec Champions Cup 2024/2025
'The better team won tonight' - Ronan O'Gara delighted with La Rochelle victory over Bath
"Brilliant first half, shocking second half," was O'Gara's summary of La Rochelle's performance. 

Fri, 06 Dec, 2024

Leinster Rugby Squad Training
Ireland elevation swayed Leinster call to start Sam Prendergast against Bristol
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said it was "really pleasing" to see how Sam Prendergast performed with Ireland over the last month. 

Fri, 06 Dec, 2024

2024/2025 Investec Champions Cup European Rugby Challenge Cup Launch 15/10/2024
S Ronan O'Gara: Park Vannes. We are going to sink or swim in Bath
Right now, where we are idling, I’d bite anyone’s hand off for a big performance on Friday night against Bath at The Rec.

Fri, 06 Dec, 2024

Evan O'Connell 30/11/2024
Munster's Evan O'Connell handed Champions Cup debut as Ireland contingent return
There is a Champions Cup debut for academy lock Evan O’Connell, who starts alongside Fineen Wycherley in an unchanged second row.

Fri, 06 Dec, 2024

Jordie Barrett 3/12/2024
Ciarán Frawley and Sam Prendergast start for Leinster, Jordie Barrett kept in reserve 
Cullen has managed to fit both Sam Prendergast and Ciarán Frawley into his starting 15 that shows nine changes from the URC win over Ulster last time out.

Fri, 06 Dec, 2024

Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs - Gallagher Premiership Rugby
Jackson's five to watch: Feyi-Waboso ready to scorch Champions Cup
Five stars to follow in the latest instalment of European's top-tier competition. 

Fri, 06 Dec, 2024

Just Eat Leinster Rugby Partnership Announcement
Competition for places hotter than ever as Leinster start another Champions Cup chase
Leo Cullen has multiple international players across most areas of the pitch.

Fri, 06 Dec, 2024

Thaakir Abrahams 3/12/2024
Reunited with loved ones, Thaakir Abrahams ready to fly after turbulent Munster start
Munster can now expect to start getting the best out of their exciting new signing. 

Fri, 06 Dec, 2024

RUGBYU-FRA-TOP14-CASTRES-LA ROCHELLE
Champions Cup: will French clubs continue their domination of the competition?
If any side needs a European boost, it’s Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochell who lie sixth domestically.

Thu, 05 Dec, 2024

RUGBYU-FRA-TOP14-TOULOUSE
Champions Cup talking points: can Irish reclaim good old days with new format? 
The European showpiece competition kicks off on Friday night.

Thu, 05 Dec, 2024

Hammies secure last-gasp victory over Coláiste Choilm in Senior Cup qualification final
Hammies secure last-gasp victory over Coláiste Choilm in Senior Cup qualification final
Remarkably, Bandon will account for two of the 10 schools in the Senior Cup draw as Hammies joined Bandon Grammar in the blue-riband competition

Thu, 05 Dec, 2024

Just Eat Leinster Rugby Partnership Announcement
Dan Sheehan on track to feature in Six Nations
The Ireland and Leinster front row hasn’t played since injuring his ACL on Ireland’s summer tour to South Africa.

Thu, 05 Dec, 2024

RUGBYU-FRA-TOP14-OYONNAX-STADE FRANCAIS
Stade Francais pair Delbouis and Briatte out of Munster clash
Neither will travel to Thomond Park this weekend.

Thu, 05 Dec, 2024

2024/2025 Investec Champions Cup European Rugby Challenge Cup Launch 15/10/2024
Champions Cup rugby returns Friday - here's all you need to know
How it works, who's back, and where to watch the Investec Champions Cup

Thu, 05 Dec, 2024

Stuart Hogg court case
Ex-Scotland captain Stuart Hogg sentenced to non-harassment order
Hogg had his sentence for abusing his estranged wife deferred until January 9.

Thu, 05 Dec, 2024

Jack Crowley and Kate Flannery 4/12/2024
Jack Crowley knows Munster must target better Champions Cup start
Crowley goes straight from international duty into Saturday’s visit to Thomond Park of Parisian giants Stade Francais

Thu, 05 Dec, 2024

UL Bohemian v Railway Union - Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division 1 Final
Kate Flannery aiming to stake claim for Ireland debut
"I’d like to get capped as soon as possible."

Thu, 05 Dec, 2024

Ian Costello and Aled Walters 3/12/2024
No rush to install new Munster head coach with solid temporary support in place
Munster interim head coach Ian Costello has been impressed with how his backroom team has gone about identifying the areas which led to the province's poor start to the season. 

Wed, 04 Dec, 2024

Ian Costello 3/12/2024
Costello waiting on fitness of Ireland international
Club captain Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash, and Peter O’Mahony all returned to Munster’s High Performance Centre in Limerick this week.

Wed, 04 Dec, 2024

Exeter Chiefs v Northampton Saints - Gallagher Premiership Rugby
Saint to scholar: Munster add to brains trust with 'invaluable asset' Chris Boyd
Hunt for new head coach continues but ex-Northampton and Hurricane guru will be based in Limerick at least for a couple of months

Tue, 03 Dec, 2024

Antoine Dupont lifts the cup in celebration with his team 25/5/2024
Antoine Dupont’s Toulouse lead the pack in Champions Cup’s 30th edition
Competition must regain thrill of the past as it copes with declining TV deals, rising costs and tweaked formats

Tue, 03 Dec, 2024

Northampton Saints v Leinster Rugby - Heineken European Champions Cup - Pool One - Franklins Gardens
Munster add former Hurricanes and Northampton boss Chris Boyd to coaching setup
Boyd joins the province as performance consultant where he will "support interim head coach Ian Costello and the wider coaching group over the coming months".

Tue, 03 Dec, 2024

Jordie Barrett 3/12/2024
Jordie Barrett ‘feeing great’ as he begins his Leinster chapter
Where the All Blacks fits in to the Leinster mix will be intriguing. 

Tue, 03 Dec, 2024

Alex Nankivell 30/11/2024
Alex Nankivell and Stephen Archer sign contract extensions with Munster
Elsewhere, Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash and Peter O’Mahony have linked up with the Munster squad at the High Performance Centre following the conclusion of Ireland's Autumn Nations Series.

Mon, 02 Dec, 2024

FRANCE-RUGBYU-CRIME-TRIAL-ASSAULT
Irish duo among five defendants as French rape trial begins
Five rugby players formerly with French side Grenoble went on trial on Monday.

Mon, 02 Dec, 2024

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Donal Lenihan
Donal Lenihan

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