
Munster Rugby
Racing's class puts guillotine to dream of All-Ireland final
Billy KeaneRacing were better, bigger, faster, classier and craftier. Munster were gutsy, and gallant. We just didn't start well and Racing knew where to strike.
Simon Zebo is an Irish rugby player who plays for Munster rugby. He has also played for the Ireland national team.
Champions Cup
Ruaidhri O'Connor in BordeauxThere will be no All-Irish final in Bilbao after Munster failed to perform against a...
Champions Cup
Rúaidhrí O'Connor in BordeauxMunster coach Johann van Graan is expecting Simon Zebo to make an...
Munster Rugby
Simon Zebo has been named on the bench for Munster's Champions Cup semi-final against Racing 92 on Sunday.
Champions Cup
Independent.ie NewsdeskAlan Quinlan would not drop Simon Zebo from the Munster starting XV for this...
Independent.ie Newsdesk Simon Zebo could be relegated to the bench for this Sunday's Champions Cup semi-final clash with Racing 92 at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Munster are unrecognisable from the outfit that hoisted the Heineken Cup for the second time in three years in 2008. Of the match-day 22 involved in Cardiff that day, only Keith Earls remains at the...
Ruaidhri O'Connor In the moments before their team took to the Thomond Park field, Munster's fans joined the soloist on the pitch for a rendition of 'Stand Up and Fight'. Never has the line about going toe-to-toe proved...
Sam Roberts Toulon fullback Chris Ashton was gracious in defeat against Munster in the Champions Cup quarter-final, but said Simon Zebo acknowledged he was lucky to escape punishment for a...
It was billed as Simon Zebo's farewell appearance in European competition for Munster at Thomond Park, but it did not end on a high note as the Ireland star limped off in tears in the first half against Toulon.
David Kelly Thomond Park has welcomed its fair share of cartoon villains down the years.
David Kelly It never rains but it pours, especially in Limerick, and it seemed such a pathetic fallacy that as Munster began training, the heavens began to weep.
Brendan Fanning As a measure of how capricious and cruel sport can be, consider the case of Simon Zebo. Over the last few seasons he has been a nailed-on member of the Ireland match-day squad. Given that Joe...
John Fallon Simon Zebo says he doesn't see any scenario developing where he will be recalled to play for Ireland while he is with Racing 92 in Paris, writes John Fallon.
David Kelly Sport these days seems less and less about joy and more and more about reconciling oneself to its joylessness.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Sometimes Joe Schmidt doesn't make life easy for himself.
David Kelly Former Ireland international Stephen Ferris has become the latest ex-player to disagree with Joe Schmidt's decision to omit France-bound full-back Simon Zebo from his international squads this season.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Thomond Park was built for big quarter-final clashes and they don't come much bigger than the visit of Toulon.
Simon Zebo has said he "wouldn't understand it" if Joe Schmidt chose not to pick him for the forthcoming Six Nations because of his move to Racing 92 at the end of the summer.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Just when you think you've seen all that the rugby season has to offer, an interview with Munster's Simon Zebo appears on the Racing 92 website five days before the teams meet in the Champions...
Independent.ie Newsdesk Racing 92 have confirmed the capture of Munster full-back Simon Zebo just five days before the sides meet in a pivotal Champions Cup game in Paris.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Outgoing Munster full-back Simon Zebo has mocked the ongoing contract negotiations between the IRFU and star back rowers Peter O'Mahony and CJ Stander.
It's his final European campaign in the red jersey of Munster and it looks as though Simon Zebo is out to make it a memorable one.
David Kelly Munster coach Johann van Graan played down accusations from Leicester counterpart Matt O'Connor that his side were cynical at the breakdown during his side's comprehensive 33-10 Champions Cup...
Independent.ie Newsdesk Simon Zebo has wished his former Irish team-mates luck ahead of today's game against South Africa - and added a cheeky reminder of his destination at the end of the season.
Neil Francis This article is not about Eamon Dunphy, but he does appear in it a few times. As contrarians, do we agree with each other on what we say or think or should we automatically disagree by nature?...
Ruaidhri O'Connor By omitting Simon Zebo from his Ireland squad last week, Joe Schmidt's actions spoke louder than words.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Joe Schmidt has warned that selecting an overseas-based player for Ireland could cause the floodgates to open and see more top-level stars follow Simon Zebo abroad.
Ruaidhri O'Connor The IRFU have a battle on their hands to retain Iain Henderson's not-inconsiderable talents after the second-row revealed yesterday that he is the subject of interest from a handful of overseas clubs.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Rassie Erasmus does not believe that Peter O'Mahony and CJ Stander will follow Simon Zebo out the exit door at Munster.
Brendan Fanning In the space of a few days last week Rhys Webb and Simon Zebo were commanding lots of column inches and air time over their respective travel plans.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Racing 92 assistant coach Ronan O'Gara has claimed that four French Top 14 clubs are chasing Simon Zebo's signature and reports that he is set to join him in Paris may be premature.
Ruaidhri O'Connor International rugby is an increasingly confusing place.
David Kelly When your best friend invites you into his trust and gives you the news you thought you'd never hear, the immediate reaction is a selfish one, rising from the gut.
David Kelly Conor Murray is not ruling out following his best friend Simon Zebo in moving abroad when his contract expires after the next World Cup.
Jonathan Bradley Ireland and Ulster captain Rory Best believes ensuring that his side's front-line players are not lured away by the cash-rich clubs of the Aviva Premiership and Top 14 is even more important for the...
John Fallon Connacht captain John Muldoon says Simon Zebo has probably put his international career 'on the back-burner' by going to France, but he can understand why he has decided to make the move.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Although he believes Simon Zebo will find it difficult to watch Ireland play without him in the years to come, Johnny Sexton reckons the Munster full-back is well placed to thrive when he moves to his...
Ruaidhri O’Connor Johnny Sexton believes Simon Zebo will find it tough to watch Ireland from afar when he moves to France next season.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan believes Joe Schmidt will ultimately decide whether Simon Zebo's decision to leave Munster for Racing 92 has ended, or suspended, his international career.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Former Munster and Ireland scrumhalf Tomás O'Leary believes that the culture and lifestyle, as well as the money, on offer in France was behind Simon Zebo's decision to leave the province.
Simon Zebo will effectively sacrifice his place at Rugby World Cup 2019 by leaving Munster and heading overseas at the end of the season.
Cormac Byrne Munster and Irish rugby has been rocked by today's news that Simon Zebo will leave at the end of the season but we shouldn't be shocked, this move was well signposted.
David Kelly If Simon Zebo were minded to walk into a betting shop, it wouldn't be a surprise if everyone's horse romped past the winning post.
Jack O'Toole With Rob Kearney's days as Ireland's preeminent full-back well and truly numbered, two viable contenders have emerged to challenge for his undisputed title as Joe Schmidt’s first-choice no.15.
Tony Ward It was out of character for a Champions Cup tie, particularly one involving Munster and in France, yet this latest clash with Castres all but died a death in the final quarter.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Simon Zebo has always spoken of his desire to play in France and it's clear that Top 14 side Pau want the diminutive winger in their ranks.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Munster will once again have a fight on their hands to keep hold of Simon Zebo who is attracting significant interest in France.
Daragh Small Such was his sharp start to the season that it came as a surprise when Alex Wootton wasn't one of the two try-scorers for Munster at Liberty Stadium in Round 3. But he was the one combining with...
Independent.ie Newsdesk Irish rugby star Simon Zebo lived a lot of fans' dreams today.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Ireland star Simon Zebo has a vast array of tricks in his arsenal and he unloaded one cheeky move on Munster teammate Stephen Archer today.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Simon Zebo has shared an adorable photo with his daughter Sofia.
Ireland made a blistering start to their summer tour with an emphatic 55-19 victory over the US Eagles at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.
Billy Keane The ball tiptoes almost apologetically towards Simon Zebo, standing alone just inside his 22-metre line.
Independent.ie Newsdesk The model girlfriend of Irish rugby star Simon Zebo is among is battling it out in the Miss Bikini Ireland pageant this year.
Brendan Fanning Faced with the prospect of an all-Welsh PRO12 final in Dublin on Saturday, you'd imagine a few of the secret society that is the board of Celtic Rugby didn't sleep too well on Friday night.
Cian Tracey It has been a long and difficult season for everyone involved in Munster Rugby but next week at the Aviva, they will get a chance to end it in the most fitting way possible.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Had Simon Zebo's life taken a different course, the 27-year-old might well have been preparing for tomorrow's Munster SHC opener at Semple Stadium rather than this evening's Guinness PRO12 play-off.
Daragh Small Simon Zebo prides himself on rising to the challenge and performing on the big occasion. And although he was devastated to miss out on a Lions call-up, he still hopes to be involved in plenty of...
Independent.ie Newsdesk Simon Zebo is an eccentric character and this anecdote proves that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Munster winger Simon Zebo insists Wednesday's squad announcement for the British and Irish Lions will in no way affect preparations for their Champions Cup semi-final.
Munster winger Simon Zebo insists Wednesday's squad announcement for the British and Irish Lions will in no way affect preparations for their Champions Cup semi-final.
Tony Ward I suggested ahead of Munster's kick-off with Toulouse, that the biggest game for the southern province in recent times represented the ideal opportunity - in practical and psychological terms - for...
Cian Tracey If Munster could have hand-picked one player to publicly steady the uncertainty that continues to hover over the future of their director of rugby, then Simon Zebo and his infectious positivity would have been high on their list of preferences.
Independent.ie Newsdesk. Five Irishmen have been included in the statistical team of the Six Nations, more than any other team.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Eccentric Munster and Ireland star Simon Zebo has once again proved that his wit is just as quick as his footwork on Twitter.
David Kelly You can just picture Simon Zebo in a blue jersey, non?
Independent.ie Newsdesk Family life suits Simon Zebo.
David Kelly Four years ago today, we sat in Cardiff to celebrate the opening of the Six Nations and cheer a superstar's coming of age.
David Kelly Munster were made to fight every inch for their Thomond Park victory which guarantees them the home quarter-final they crave after a two-season absence from the knock-outs by finishing as...
Munster and Ireland star Simon Zebo engaged in some light-hearted Twitter banter today with Burnley midfielder Joey Barton.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Munster full-back Simon Zebo is clearly using the memory of his late head coach Anthony Foley as an inspiration this season.
David Kelly Simon Zebo's smile illuminates the room, even though all the lights are on and the low winter sun spears its rays through the window.
Munster continued their impressive run of form with a rout of old rivals Leicester at Thomond Park last Saturday, with Conor Murray's fantastic no-look pass to Simon Zebo producing the pick of the tries.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Rob Kearney did not train with Ireland at their Surrey base yesterday and appears increasingly likely to miss Sunday's meeting with Italy after scans showed he strained his glute muscle in scoring a try...
Independent.ie Newsdesk Ireland second-row Devin Toner has said the World Cup squad will rally around Simon Zebo when he returns to team base following the funeral of his grand-father.
Ruaidhri O'Connor If Ireland's back three players felt like making the final cut for Joe Schmidt's World Cup squad was some sort of relief, it hasn't lasted.
Rob Kearney
John Fallon Munster coach Anthony Foley has praised the way Simon Zebo has fought 'tooth and nail' to force his way into Joe Schmidt's World Cup plans.
Only Keith Earls gets the nod after an easy win over Romania, who we felt were deserving of one representative for the brave, if limited, showing.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Simon Zebo has left the Ireland squad on "compassionate leave" but is expected to return to camp tomorrow ahead of the World Cup clash with Italy this weekend.
Cathal Austin Warren Gatland's opinions regarding Ireland's lack of width in attack are unpopular, but true, according to George Hook.
Cian Tracey The result was never in doubt but Joe Schmidt will have been quietly pleased with the individual performances of certain players who are looking to force their way into the reckoning for the more...
Ruaidhri O'Connor Rob Kearney is Ireland's major injury worry ahead of Sunday's Pool D clash with Italy after the Louth full-back injured his glute muscle when scoring his side's fifth try against Romania at Wembley.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Wembley's World Cup came to a close last night as the rugby posts came down, but not before an Irish-dominated crowd set a tournament record attendance of 89,297 while watching another strong Ireland win.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Simon Zebo did his chances of more starts in the Rugby World Cup no harm at all today but George Hook thinks that the winger will not get too many more chances under Joe Schmidt.
Declan Whooley Ireland made it two wins from two with a 34-point victory over Romania and here is what we learned from the bonus-point win at Wembley
We have seen Simon Zebo's sublime soccer skills before and he was at it again today.
It's business as usual feor Ireland against Romania at Wembley in their second match in the rugby World Cup.
Brendan Fanning Take your pick: the very fatigued Romanian players who were drilled by France in the final quarter in Olympic Park on Wednesday night; or the lads brought in to replace eight of them today, ie the...
Tony Ward Ireland took a big psychological step in the right direction last week. Of course we were expected to beat the Canadians convincingly, but Joe Schmidt's men launched their assault on the...
Tom Rooney Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has rung the changes for a game the Six Nations champions are expected to win comfortably. Here is what to look out for during the game.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Who will ever forget his flick against Wales in the Millennium Stadium in the 2013 Six Nations? Simon Zebo was at it again today.
Tony Ward Back in the 1987 World Cup, I was aboard the good ship Ireland as we played Canada for the first time. The final scoreline of 46-19 in Dunedin would seem to indicate that we breezed home, but it...
Alan Quinlan assesses how the key figures in Joe Schmidt’s drive for glory are shaping up and reveals why Dave Kearney’s swashbuckling late charge for inclusion has been inspiring
Nick Purewal Joe Schmidt insists Conor Murray will be fit to start the World Cup despite suffering a concussion in Ireland's defeat to England. Schmidt defended his decision to gamble on selecting just two recognised...
Brendan Fanning The prelude to this Test match before a full house at Twickenham yesterday featured what can best be described as a giddy up version of Ireland's Call. It didn't make a bad song any better. Rather it...
Brendan Fanning Towards the end of the first half at Twickenham yesterday Simon Zebo was delighted to get a break from aerial combat duty. At last, the chance to counter attack. He ran wide towards the east...
Joe Schmidt insists Conor Murray will be fit to start the World Cup despite suffering a concussion in Ireland's 21-13 defeat to England.
Nick Purewal Joe Schmidt insists Conor Murray will be fit to start the World Cup despite suffering a concussion in Ireland's 21-13 defeat to England.
Tom Rooney There were very few good displays for Ireland today in London.
Will Slattery Ireland closed their World Cup warm-up schedule with their second straight defeat, going down 21-13 to England at Twickenham. The overall performance was poor, but here are a few players who...
Ruaidhri O’Connor at Twickenham IN THE end, Ireland leave Twickenham with the sense that things could have been a lot worse.
Nick Purewal Simon Zebo has admitted it was an anxious wait to hear if he had had made Joe Schmidt's World Cup squad as he repeatedly checked his email for the final verdict.
Ireland have "no fears" of facing Rugby World Cup action with Ian Madigan as a makeshift scrum-half, according to Simon Zebo.
Alan Quinlan Amidst all the wondering of who will be in the squad, who will make a last-ditch bid for inclusion and who will miss out, it is incredible to think this will be Paul O’Connell’s last appearance in an Irish...
The big stories this week from Yvonne Connolly's blended family following Ronan's marriage to Storm, to Maggie Smith surviving Downton Abbey.
We’ve all seen Simon Zebo channel his inner John McClane while he battles scoundrels and swaps Nakatomi Plaza for Elverys Sports HQ in County Mayo, to launch Elverys Rugby World Cup 2015 campaign.
Cormac Byrne Ian Madigan appears to be getting fed up of the 'game management' issue which seems to follow him around wherever he goes.
Elaine McCahill Simon Zebo went from tackling rugby players to tackling nappies on the weekend.
Brendan Fanning Two down and two to go, and perversely the ropey nature of the Ireland performance at the half-full Aviva Stadium played perfectly into the hands of Joe Schmidt.
Ireland boss Joe Schmidt has hinted that veteran centre Gordon D'Arcy's World Cup berth could be under threat.
David Kelly Ireland coach Joe Schmidt hailed the impact of Ian Madigan at out-half and his Leinster team-mate Luke Fitzgerald after the 26-22 victory against Scotland.
Declan Whooley Ireland international Simon Zebo has admitted that the reigning Six Nations champions are still finding their feet early in the season but is confident they are moving in the right direction.
Scotland prop Ryan Grant's World Cup appears under threat due to an ankle injury suffered in 28-22 defeat in Ireland.
Tony Ward A total of 14 changes from the run-on team that blitzed the Welsh in Cardiff as Ireland prepare for Round 2 of their World Cup preparation against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium this evening.
George Hook The news that Andrew Trimble's ankle injury is not as bad as first feared is a welcome boost for coach Joe Schmidt, but it could also spell disaster for Simon Zebo and his hopes of making the World...
Ruaidhri O'Connor Tommy O'Donnell's World Cup hopes appear to be over with the IRFU expected to confirm the Munster flanker's dislocated hip when they issue a medical bulletin this afternoon.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Having managed to convince Warren Gatland to close the roof on the Millennium Stadium last Saturday to replicate World Cup conditions, Joe Schmidt's next challenge will be keeping a lid on expectations.
Brendan Fanning If it was surreal being indoors at a rugby match with the sun beating down outside then it matched the occasion.
It was business as usual for Joe Schmidt's Ireland at the Millennium Stadium today with plenty of players giving the manager food for thought ahead of the World Cup in September. Here is how the players rated.
Wales delivered a disjointed display in their opening World Cup warm-up game as RBS 6 Nations champions Ireland cruised to a 35-21 victory at the Millennium Stadium.
David Kelly If this warm-up is a gauge of Ireland’s World Cup prospects, then Joe Schmidt’s side are red hot.
Declan Whooley While the enormous financial clout of French club rugby continues to attract the finest rugby players from right around the globe, the highest earners still fall a long way short of their football...
Cian Tracey Simon Zebo smirks as he's 'informed' of Joe Schmidt's contract extension.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Joe Schmidt has penned a one-year extension to his IRFU contract and Simon Zebo believes he is the right man to lead the Lions when that deal expires in June 2017.
Can Ireland rugby star Simon Zebo stop a hoard of hurley-wielding thieves or a 'bunch of eejets' as the Corkman calls them?
Ireland and Munster winger Simon Zebo has suffered a knee injury during an open training session in Galway.
Ruaidhri O'Connor This evening in Belfast, Paul O'Connell brings the curtain down on a glorious chapter in Munster's history. Unfortunately, he'll do so without two crucial members of his supporting cast.
David Kelly Munster centre Andrew Smith believes that winning the Pro12 title in Belfast tomorrow evening could provide a springboard for his side in the Champions Cup next season, writes David Kelly.
Ruaidhri O'Connor So it was goodbye after all, but there's one last lap for Paul O'Connell as a Munster player as he looks to cap off a glittering provincial career with another medal in Belfast on Saturday.
Brendan Fanning Hard to know who was more relieved at Thomond Park yesterday: Pro12 Rugby or Munster themselves. In a scarcely credible finish to a decidedly odd game, the home team did everything in their...
Ruaidhri O’Connor MUNSTER are hopeful that the damage to Conor Murray’s knee will not threaten his World Cup preparations after he limped off during the first-half of their narrow win over Ospreys in the Guinness...
The Ospreys had a last-minute try disallowed as nervy Munster held on to clinch a 21-18 win and a place in next Saturday's Guinness PRO12 final against Glasgow Warriors.
It is the end of the Paul O'Connell era at Thomond Park.
Kirsty Blake Knox The Irish rugby baby boom is continuing with Simon Zebo.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Munster coach Anthony Foley welcomes back captain Peter O'Mahony and winger Simon Zebo for tomorrow's Guinness PRO12 semi-final against Ospreys at Thomond Park (ko 2.30pm)
David Kelly Munster's inspirational captain Peter O'Mahony and wing wizard Simon Zebo face crunch fitness tests tomorrow as they continue a desperate race against time to be fit for Saturday's Guinness...
David Kelly Paul O'Connell doesn't know if he will ever grace Cork's playing fields again but the Ireland captain will be determined to finish the regular season on a high at Irish Independent Park.
Ian Keatley will make his 100th Munster appearance against Newport-Gwent Dragons tomorrow at Irish Independent Park but the match has come too soon for Simon Zebo who misses out with a back problem.
John Fallon Tyler Bleyendaal looks set for an early birthday present when he finally makes his debut for Munster a year after signing for the Reds.
David Wallace It's going to be a cracking game at Kingspan Stadium tomorrow - I know Leinster are one of the big three in Ireland but Munster versus Ulster has the feel of an Irish trial in a World Cup year.
Kirsty Blake Knox TD Mary Mitchell O'Connor avoided a political slip-up at the Wings for Life World Run yesterday.
GAA stars Bernard Brogan and Joe Canning and Ireland rugby star Simon Zebo will be among those running in Dun Laoighaire as the Wings for Life World Run comes to Ireland.
JOHN FALLON Munster did enough to secure the bonus-point win which keeps them on track for a home semi-final in the Pro12 but there was little to suggest at Irish Independent Park yesterday that they are poised...
Munster maintained their challenge for a home Guinness PRO12 semi-final with a 30-19 bonus point victory over Benetton Treviso at Irish Independent Park.
Munster maintained their challenge for a home Guinness PRO12 semi-final with a 30-19 bonus point victory over Benetton Treviso at Irish Independent Park.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Ireland and Munster star Simon Zebo admits he cannot wait to run against GAA stars Joe Canning and Bernard Brogan when the Wings for Life World Run comes to Ireland.
Brendan Fanning If you’re in the business of harvesting quotes from professional athletes then you’ll have noticed a shift in the landscape in recent years. Its timing roughly can be traced, appropriately enough, to the arrival of the recession — hard on the heels of the 2007 World Cup.
Cormac Byrne Munster winger Simon Zebo played a pivotal role in helping Ireland to back-to-back Six Nations titles but his favourite moment of the tournament was not from the playing action.
Alan Lorimer Munster defied the blustery and showery conditions at Murrayfield on Saturday to emerge with a bonus-point victory that keeps them firmly on course for a place in the play-offs of the Guinness Pro12.
Five-try Munster took a significant step towards a home Pro12 semi-final after they romped to victory against Edinburgh and leap-frogged Ulster into second place on scoring difference.
Munster closed the gap on Guinness PRO12 leaders Glasgow with a 34-3 victory in a one-sided game against Edinburgh at Murrayfield, gaining a much-needed try bonus point in the process.
Declan Rooney Coach Anthony Foley is hoping that the increased competition for places in his squad will drive Munster to a spot in the Pro12 top two and a home semi-final.
David Kelly Munster winger Simon Zebo has expressed his "hurt" at being axed from the Ireland squad for the Six Nations title decider against Scotland in Murrayfield.
David Wallace Munster showed a lot of grit and determination last weekend to get one over on Connacht after having lost to them earlier in the year.
There is a big core of the Munster team who have been involved with the Irish set-up in recent months.
Jerry Flannery The win last week over Connacht was a great response from the guys after the defeat to Ospreys before the break.
John Fallon It took them a while to get on top but Munster got their Pro12 title aspirations back on track when they ran in six converted tries at Thomond Park.
Munster scored five tries in the final 25 minutes to record a bonus-point 42-20 Guinness PRO12 victory over Connacht at a wet and windy Thomond Park to take a step closer to securing a play-off spot.
Munster scored five tries in the final 25 minutes to record a bonus-point 42-20 Guinness PRO12 victory over Connacht at a wet and windy Thomond Park to take a step closer to securing a play-off spot.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Anthony Foley welcomes back internationals Simon Zebo, Felix Jones and Tommy O'Donnell while Connacht coach Pat Lam has made four personnel changes for the inter-pro at Thomond Park.
Jerry Flannery We kept everyone busy last week with our training programme but it's good to get back to game-time now, and after the break since the Ospreys defeat we are rearing to go again.
Declan Whooley The Six Nations champions have landed back in Ireland and are set to continue the celebrations as they bask in the glory of back-to-back titles.
Declan Whooley After opening the scoring Ireland’s opening try after little more than four minutes yesterday, Paul O’Connell raced back to the halfway line.
George Hook Joe Schmidt is not a happy camper at the criticism emanating from certain quarters of the media. He seems to be labouring under the misconception that those who comment on the game are part of...
Tony Ward SOMEONE will have to sit me down sometime and explain precisely how it is you learn more about yourself in defeat than in victory.
For all the natural sympathy flowing towards Simon Zebo (right), only a heart of stone could begrudge Luke Fitzgerald his inclusion for today's game at Murrayfield.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Tony Ward says he expected Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt to make even more changes to the Ireland line-up against Scotland while Neil Francis has welcomed the inclusion of Luke Fitzgerald.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Murrayfield beckons, but Cardiff lingers. The image of despairing Irish players with their hands in the air, waving furiously in-field where the forwards are not listening just won't go away.
FIONA COGHLAN Joe Schmidt feels that Ireland need something different in attack against Scotland and Simon Zebo is the one to miss out.
David Kelly "JESUS!" Forgive the minor blasphemy, but for many Luke Fitzgerald's return to international rugby must feel like the second coming.
Fiona Coghlan Former Ireland international Fiona Coghlan writes exclusively for Independent.ie as she weighs up Ireland's chances of a Six Nations double this weekend.
Nick Purewal Luke Fitzgerald believes he has been "vindicated" and not "lucky" to end his agonising battle with chronic groin injuries and win his first Ireland start in four years.
Luke Fitzgerald believes he has been "vindicated" and not "lucky" to end his agonising battle with chronic groin injuries and win his first Ireland start in four years.
Ruaidhri O’Connor Simon Zebo will travel to Edinburgh for Ireland’s final Six Nations game against Scotland despite being left out of Joe Schmidt’s matchday 23 entirely.
Ruaidhri O’Connor LUKE FITZGERALD is back in the Ireland starting XV for the first time since 2011 as Joe Schmidt makes two changes to his team to face Scotland in the final game of this year’s Six Nations.
Independent.ie Newsdesk Speculation has been rife that Joe Schmidt is preparing to make some changes to his starting team for Ireland's crucial clash at Murrayfield following lat weekend's defeat in Cardiff. Find out who will be...
Ruaidhri O'Connor Joe Schmidt is set to make two changes to his Ireland team for their final Six Nations clash against Scotland on Saturday, with Luke Fitzgerald primed to win his first cap since November 2013.
Eamonn Sweeney Not since Oedipus commented on what a brilliant job he was doing as King of Thebes has hubris been so painfully punished. And the most painful thing of all was that almost everything we thought...
David Kelly Two years after Simon Zebo illuminated Cardiff's Millennium Stadium with the most audacious of flicked try-scoring assists, few would have wagered that his genius may have been calmed to such a...
Daragh Small Munster 'A' will be hoping for a solid display when they host Ulster Ravens at Nenagh Ormond RFC next Thursday (4.30).
Munster and Ireland both won last weekend and they were two performances out of the top drawer.
Simon Zebo is enjoying his best time in the green jersey and views the clash against Wales at the Millennium Stadium as the biggest on the Irish calendar.
Declan Whooley Three games in and the 2015 RBS Six Nations has really taken shape, with Ireland the only unbeaten team so far. Here is our Team of the Tournament with two games remaining.
Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton have proved they are the best half-back combination in world rugby, according to Ireland team-mate Simon Zebo.
Declan Whooley Ireland maintained their push for a Grand Slam, Wales kept dreams of a championship alive while Italy got the better of Scotland in the Wooden Spoon decider. Here is our team of the weekend.
Ruaidhri O'Connor It was another highly impressive performance from the boys in green as they sit at the top of the Six Nations table. Here is how they rated against England.
Billy Keane The lights are way down low and the crowds have all gone home. But the memory of the day lights up a nation. Now in the late evening, the meaning of it all becomes clear.
Ruaidhri O'Conor This was a statement from Ireland about their place in the world.
Cian Tracey Ireland v England - Five things we learned
Daragh Small Mick O'Driscoll's Munster 'A' side will host Ulster Ravens at Nenagh Ormond RFC on Thursday, March 19 (4.30pm).
Ruaidhri O'Connor DEEP inside the inner sanctum of Ireland's Carton House base, in a room that is almost certainly above your security clearance level, Joe Schmidt and his coaching staff have been working feverishly...
Alex Goode will spearhead England's counter-attack threat and ease the loss of Mike Brown for the pivotal RBS 6 Nations showdown with Ireland, according to Simon Zebo.
Declan Whooley It has been argued by some that while Ireland's kick-chase game plan is highly effective, it is not maximising Ireland's creative threat and presumably less enjoyable for those involved.
Ruaidhri O'Connor Midway through the first half of Saturday's battle at the Aviva Stadium, Ireland had a lineout on their own 10m line.
Ruaidhri O'Connor THE very idea of a Grand Slam is likely to be banned from Ireland's camp in Galway this week as Joe Schmidt begins plotting for England, but Brian O'Driscoll put the idea on the agenda by suggesting his former team-mates "have a Slam in them" and it would have been rude not to put it to the coach.
Damien Dunne and Michael Verney Ireland and France collide in the most anticipated game of the Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow.
David Wallace The Six Nations trip to Italy is always one to remember. More so than any of the other away trips, rugby seems to take over Rome a bit more and once again last week didn't disappoint.
Declan Whooley Ireland winger Simon Zebo is bracing himself for a stern test from the Italians in the Six Nations opener this weekend and is hoping to unleash his attacking instincts in Rome.
Declan Whooley Ireland winger Simon Zebo is bracing himself for a stern test from the Italians in the Six Nations opener this weekend and is hoping to unleash his attacking instincts in Rome.
Tony Ward Despite suggestions to the contrary, last weekend wasn't bad at all for Irish rugby. Yes, Leinster did squeeze through by the skin of their teeth to keep relatively slim Irish title hopes alive.
Ruaidhri O'Conor Foley's men secure record European score against abject Sale outfit at Thomond
Munster head coach Anthony Foley admitted his side's 65-10 thumping of Sale at Thomond Park felt "bittersweet" as their hopes of making the European Champions Cup quarter-finals had disappeared before this round-six clash.
Simon Zebo and Andrew Conway both crossed twice as Munster dominated their Champions Cup dead rubber against a young Sale outfit at Thomond Park.