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'Count me out of World Cup', says O'Driscoll
Brian O'Driscoll has backtracked on his desire to feature in an unprecedented fifth World Cup in 2015 by stressing that he will only extend his career by one more year.
Rowntree expects O'Connell to help Warburton
British and Irish Lions forwards coach Graham Rowntree expects Sam Warburton to be galvanised by the presence of "proven warrior" Paul O'Connell on the tour to Australia.
O'Driscoll's firm deadline on retirement a smart move
Just as it may not have been much of a surprise that Brian O'Driscoll convinced himself that he wanted to play on, it should also not come as a shock that he will limit the swansong to the "one more year" called for in the chant beloved of his Leinster supporters.
Afoa losing fitness race for Ulster's final date
Ulster's World Cup winning tighthead prop John Afoa may have to settle for a place on the bench in Saturday's Pro12 final against Leinster at the RDS.
Leinster refuse to give up hope of Bent revival
It seems like only yesterday that Michael Bent was having a shamrock stamped on his chest and a sliotar stuck in his hand in the most bizarre display of forced faux Irishness since Tom Cruise destroyed the Irish accent in 'Far and Away.'
Trimble aiming to ruin Schmidt farewell
Given that Andrew Trimble admits that there were moments he feared for his international career, ruining the incoming Ireland coach's emotional Leinster farewell this weekend may not seem like the perfect way to launch a comeback.
Tigers show no sentiment by dropping Murphy
The nearest Leicester come to sentimentality is allowing an old-stager to leave a Tuesday training session with each of his four limbs in full working order, so there was never much chance of Richard Cockerill wiping a tear from his eye as he consigned Geordan Murphy to the past tense ahead of Saturday's Premiership final with Northampton.
A 'massive influence' on Lions already
NERVOUSNESS is not a trait you associate with Paul O'Connell. This is a man you can easily picture walking in a straight line through a crowded street.
Gatland and Schmidt fail to agree on O'Brien fitness
Lions head coach Warren Gatland and his Leinster counterpart Joe Schmidt are on a collision course over Sean O'Brien's knee that could threaten his participation in the three-Test series against Australia next month.
'We all wear Nevin's name in our hearts'
Nick Williams weighs 260lb, a heaving, intimidating mass of contradictions.
O'Gara's wife attacks former coach Kidney over treatment of star
RONAN O'Gara's wife has launched a scathing attack on Declan Kidney and the IRFU for "mistreating" her husband toward the end of his career when he was unceremoniously dropped from the Irish squad.
Hastings: Wilkinson will have Lions role to play
Former British and Irish Lions captain Gavin Hastings expects to see Jonny Wilkinson in the fabled red jersey on this summer's tour to Australia.
Wallabies flanker George Smith could be fit for Lions series
Australia openside flanker George Smith has not damaged his knee as badly as first thought, the ACT Brumbies said on Tuesday, and could be fit to play in the back end of the series against the British and Irish Lions.
It's all about timing for Kearney as he rediscovers mojo
A week ago, Rob Kearney pitched up at Lions HQ to try on the endless array of clobber – from boxers to blazers – laid on for the select few bound for Australia this summer.
'Ronan has all the attributes you need to become a great coach'
PAUL O'CONNELL has predicted a very bright future for Ronan O'Gara as a coach.
Tony Ward: Could Racing bring O'Gara out of retirement if Sexton picks up an injury?
If you think the news of Ronan O'Gara's imminent departure to Racing Metro caught the IRFU and Munster by surprise, then put yourself in Jonny Sexton's shoes.
Multi-million euro boost for Munster after Bank of Ireland secured as new sponsor
MUNSTER RUGBY have received a major boost after securing Bank of Ireland as their new sponsors for next season.
Wilkinson confirms he will join tour if he gets call
Jonny Wilkinson has confirmed that he will be available for the Lions tour to Australia should there be an injury to one of the two selected out-halves, Jonathan Sexton or Owen Farrell.
Madigan happy to bulk up for central role on America tour
Great expectations can often lead to delusions of grandeur.
Sean O'Brien and Fergus McFadden major injury concerns ahead of Rabo decider
Sean O'Brien, Fergus McFadden and Richardt Strauss are in a race against time to be fit for Leinster's Rabodirect Pro12 final against Ulster on Saturday.
Connacht sign Samoan James So'oialo
Connacht have completed their squad for next season after announcing the signing of Samoan utility back James So'oialo.
Jackson and Madigan set to audition for No 10 spot – Kiss
MORE than 90 Irish rugby players will embark on tours to various corners of the world as life after Declan Kidney begins next month.
This triumph beats World Cup - Wilkinson
TOULON dashed the cup of victory from desperately seeking Clermont Auvergne lips on Saturday in an achievement their captain Jonny Wilkinson suggested even surpassed his 2003 World Cup victory with England.
Ireland caretaker coach Kiss confirms he will be part of Schmidt's back-room team
LES KISS has confirmed that he will be part of Joe Schmidt's team when the New Zealander takes over as Ireland coach this summer.
Wallabies ringer Folau ready to stalk Lions
Code-hopping fullback Israel Folau thinks that as a relatively unknown quantity in rugby union he might be able to catch the British and Irish Lions on the hop if he gets the chance to pull on a Wallabies shirt in a test match.
Nacewa up with greatest imports
COMPARISONS are too subjective to be meaningful in a sporting sense – much more instructive and rewarding to celebrate genius in its own right.
Irish trio avoid pool clash with french big guns
LEINSTER, Munster and Ulster will avoid Heineken Cup champions Toulon and finalists Clermont Auvergne in the pool stages of next year's competition, writes Ruaidhri O'Connor.
Tony Ward: Sexton-Madigan combo can wreak havoc for Ireland
Not for the first time, I must credit Joe Schmidt. In selecting an under-strength side for the first of Leinster's back-to-back finals, he took a calculated gamble and it paid off.
Deans: We have squad to beat Lions
Robbie Deans has announced his preliminary 25-man Australia squad to take on the Lions and said he has confidence in his selection, believing it covers all bases and can counter the experienced Lions back line.
Les Kiss confirms he will work under Joe Schmidt
Les Kiss has confirmed that he will be a permanent member of Joe Schmidt's Ireland coaching team upon completion of the summer tour to the United States and Canada.
Jonny Wilkinson named European player of year as Heaslip misses out
JONNY WILKINSON has capped a triumphant Heineken Cup campaign with Toulon by being named European player of the year.
Don't Miss
Sport Video
Two-time Rás winner Philip Cassidy
Interview with two-time Rás winner Philip Cassidy
Brian O'Driscoll in the New Lion's Tour advert
Brian O'Driscoll dressed for the high seas in new Lions tour advert. Credit: HSBC
Footage from Day Three of The Rás
The 141- kilometre stage from Nenagh to Listowel was won by Carrick-an-Suir native Sam Bennett, giving the An Post Chain Reaction Seán Kelly Team its second consecutive stage win. The yellow jersey was claimed by Marcin Bialoblocki, (UK Youth Pro Cycling) who was third across the line today after a bunch sprint.
Holloway: Final will be joy or dejection
Holloway has been to the final twice before with Blackpool and has experienced the highs of winning and the lows of losing. He has challenged his players to become Palace legends by winning this game.
Botham backs Anderson to beat record
James Anderson reached 300 Test wickets for England against New Zealand and Sir Ian Botham backs him to beat his record haul of 383 wickets. Sir Ian Botham was speaking at the re-launch of Unibet in the UK where its 'Unibet Summer of Sport' ad campaign featuring Sir Ian Botham and Gavin Hastings.
Ivanisevic: Murray should avoid French Open
With Andy Murray struggling with injury, former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic says the world number two shouldn't compete in the French Open if he is not fully fit - and tips a revitalised Rafael Nadal to win the title again.Goran Ivanisevic was speaking at the re-launch of Unibet in the UK where its Unibet Summer of Sport ad campaign featuring Sir Ian Botham and Gavin Hastings.
Hastings backs Wilkinson for Lions
Former British and Irish Lions captain Gavin Hastings expects to see Jonny Wilkinson in the fabled red jersey on this summer's tour to Australia. World Cup-winning former England fly-half Wilkinson has been in imperious form with European champions Toulon this season, but declined an initial approach from Lions head coach Warren Gatland citing club commitments and his weary body.
Fraser Duncan Speaks After Stage Two of The Rás
Fraser Duncan, riding for Dublin West Eurocycles, says he is delighted to lead the amateur field after the second day of the An Post Rás 2013.
Jasper De Buyst Leads Under 23s After Stage Two of The Rás
Nineteen year-old Jasper De Buyst, riding for the Belgium National Team, leads the under 23's competition following Day two of The Rás.
Day 2 of An Post Ras
The Stage was won by New Zealander Seán Archbold riding for Belgium An Post Chainreaction Sean Kelly.
