Sport Rugby

Thursday 21 March 2019

Ireland players during a huddle against Wales

Neil Francis: 'Ireland must box clever to rediscover killer punch'

During the week I looked back over my match notebooks - I had a moment that almost made me blush. At half-time in the French game at the Aviva, with Ireland leading 19-0, I wrote "back in the groove - woo hoo" - ahem.

Rugby

World rugby preparing to implement 'significant law changes' after this summer's World Cup

World Rugby are examining a series of significant law changes to be tested in...

Craig Casey, Josh Wycherley and Scott Penney

International Rugby

Cian Tracey: 'Green Shoots - Under-20 class of 2019: five players to follow'

The Ireland U-20s' rip-roaring Grand Slam journey finished as it had started with a late try securing a...

England's Billy Vunipola during the training session at Twickenham Stadium

International Rugby

Ben Te'o and Billy Vunipola apologise to England team mates for late return following drinking session

Ben Te'o and Billy Vunipola have apologised to team-mates after...

Six Nations

Farrell to begin Ireland tenure with back-to-back home clashes

Incoming Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will be hoping it is a case of home comforts when he takes over from Joe Schmidt for next year's Six Nations.

Munster head coach Johann van Graan. Photo: Sportsfile

Munster Rugby

Van Graan prepared to fast-track young guns

Munster coach Johann van Graan says he would happily fast-track some of his academy stars into first-team action this season after they impressed in Ireland's U-20s Six Nations Grand Slam success.

Max Deegan: I want to give a good enough performance to be in there with the guys playing for Ireland. Photo: Sportsfile

Champions Cup

Deegan eager to stake his claim for Champions Cup clash

A quick scan through the previous winners of the World Rugby Junior Player of the Year award will tell you that Max Deegan is certainly in some illustrious company.

St Michael’s captain Zach Baird lifts the trophy after yesterday’s win over Blackrock. Photo: Sportsfile

Schools Rugby

Fegan crowns fightback as Michael's double up

St Michael's came from nowhere to down Blackrock with two late tries by Seán Egan and David Fegan, claiming the Leinster Junior Cup in dramatic circumstances at Energia Park.

Henry McErlean of St Michael's College celebrates after the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Junior Cup Final match between Blackrock College and St Michaels College at Energia Park in Donnybrook, Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Schools Rugby

St Michael's complete Leinster Senior-Junior Cup double after stunning late comeback against Blackrock

St Michael’s came from nowhere to down Blackrock with two late tries by Seán Egan and David Fegan, claiming the Leinster Junior Cup in dramatic circumstances at Energia Park.

Head coach Joe Schmidt during an Ireland rugby open training session at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

The Left Wing

'Joe will have a deep think about it' - Luke Fitzgerald on four improvements Ireland can make to get back on track

Luke Fitzgerald has hit out at the criticism of...

Six Nations

Andy Farrell to start Ireland tenure against Scotland as Six Nations fixtures for 2020 and 2021 are revealed

Andy Farrell's first game as Ireland head coach will be...

The Left Wing: Why Irish fans shouldn't lose faith and how Joe Schmidt can turn things around for the World Cup

In association with Aldi

Comment

Neil Francis: 'Ireland must box clever to rediscover killer punch'

During the week I looked back over my...

Cian Tracey: 'Green Shoots - Under-20 class of 2019: five players to follow'

The Ireland U-20s' rip-roaring Grand...

Cian Tracey: 'Leadership void and lack of trust in back-up halves cast a long shadow'

There are two...

Rúaidhrí O'Connor: 'Schmidt's review must start at home'

It said something about the last two months...

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Wales dominate Six Nations Player of the Year shortlist while Irish players miss out after tournament to forget

Tony Ward: 'Pillars of Schmidt’s team should fear for their World Cup places after woeful Cardiff no-show'

Cian Tracey: 'Leadership void and lack of trust in back-up halves cast a long shadow'

Irish campaign ends with a whimper after comprehensive Wales defeat

Time against Schmidt as tweaks are needed for World Cup

Jones: England still carrying scars from World Cup exit

Under-20s Six Nations

15 March 2019; Ireland celebrate with the cup after winning the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Wales and Ireland at Zip World Stadium in Colwyn Bay, Wales. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Under-20s Six Nations

Future looks bright as Ireland young guns clinch Grand Slam with grandstand finale in Wales

A grandstand finish fitting for the Grand Slam champions.

Ireland U-20s eye Grand Slam after clinching Six Nations title

Josh Wycherley immense as Ireland clinch U20 Six Nations with thrilling victory over France

As it happened: Ireland U20 31 France U20 29 - Ireland win U20 Six Nations - relive all the action

French stakes his claim with match-winning display for Con

Grand Slam still on cards for U20s after Craig Casey brace helps dispatch Italy

Joy Neville to take charge of first Six Nations Under-20 clash this evening when Scotland host Wales

Under-20s Six Nations

Jack O'Sullivan (left), Angus Curtis (centre) and Michael Silvester (right).

Neil Francis: 'Ireland must box clever to rediscover killer punch'

World rugby preparing to implement 'significant law changes' after this summer's World Cup

Cian Tracey: 'Green Shoots - Under-20 class of 2019: five players to follow'

Ben Te'o and Billy Vunipola apologise to England team mates for late return following drinking session

Farrell to begin Ireland tenure with back-to-back home clashes

Van Graan prepared to fast-track young guns

Deegan eager to stake his claim for Champions Cup clash

Fegan crowns fightback as Michael's double up

St Michael's complete Leinster Senior-Junior Cup double after stunning late comeback against Blackrock

'Joe will have a deep think about it' - Luke Fitzgerald on four improvements Ireland can make to get back on track

Andy Farrell to start Ireland tenure against Scotland as Six Nations fixtures for 2020 and 2021 are revealed

The Left Wing: Why Irish fans shouldn't lose faith and how Joe Schmidt can turn things around for the World Cup

Comment

Neil Francis: 'Ireland must box clever to rediscover killer punch'

Cian Tracey: 'Green Shoots - Under-20 class of 2019: five players to follow'

Cian Tracey: 'Leadership void and lack of trust in back-up halves cast a long shadow'

Rúaidhrí O'Connor: 'Schmidt's review must start at home'

Neil Francis: 'Ireland must box clever to rediscover killer punch - so much... International Rugby

World rugby preparing to implement 'significant law changes' after this summer's... Rugby

Five Ireland players to watch following stunning U-20s Grand Slam... International Rugby

Van Graan prepared to fast-track young guns Munster Rugby

Ben Te'o and Billy Vunipola apologise to England team mates for late... International Rugby

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'The most dishonest and divisive statement from any Prime Minister' - May told her... Brexit

Campaigners demand site of mother and baby home be excavated after historic map... Irish News

Irish people are trolling a UK politician with hilarious 'alternative' takes on Irish history Trending

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Six Nations

Farrell to begin Ireland tenure with back-to-back home clashes

Ewan MacKenna: 'When will we learn? Reaction to Wales defeat is every bit as over-the-top as All Blacks...

How Ireland slipped into the same sense of false security that derailed England in 2018

'It's all b******t' - Alan Quinlan hits back at Irish critics who 'just want to feel important'

Wales dominate Six Nations Player of the Year shortlist while Irish players miss out after tournament to forget

Tony Ward: 'Pillars of Schmidt’s team should fear for their World Cup places after woeful Cardiff no-show'

Cian Tracey: 'Leadership void and lack of trust in back-up halves cast a long shadow'

Irish campaign ends with a whimper after comprehensive Wales defeat

Time against Schmidt as tweaks are needed for World Cup

Jones: England still carrying scars from World Cup exit

Under-20s Six Nations

Future looks bright as Ireland young guns clinch Grand Slam with grandstand finale in Wales

Ireland U-20s eye Grand Slam after clinching Six Nations title

Josh Wycherley immense as Ireland clinch U20 Six Nations with thrilling victory over France

As it happened: Ireland U20 31 France U20 29 - Ireland win U20 Six Nations - relive all the action

French stakes his claim with match-winning display for Con

Grand Slam still on cards for U20s after Craig Casey brace helps dispatch Italy

Joy Neville to take charge of first Six Nations Under-20 clash this evening when Scotland host Wales

The next generation: Five Ireland U20 stars who could make a big impact in professional rugby

Other Rugby

Ospreys-Scarlets merger ditched as Professional Rugby Board confirms the four Welsh regions will continue

Edwards open to offers despite Wigan deal

Byrne and Casey passed fit for Ireland U-20s

Munchin's keep defence alive despite late Castletroy scare

U-20s aim to rewrite history in Colwyn Bay

Energia set to come on board as new sponsor of the All-Ireland League

Griggs sees 'spots to exploit' despite daunting challenge

Ireland's Considine happy to pass on advice to AFL-playing sister

'I was in denial about it for a very long time' - Ireland star Sene Naoupu opens up on battle with eating disorder

'It'd be a fantastic opportunity' - Ronan O'Gara open to future role on All Blacks coaching staff

International Rugby

Ben Te'o and Billy Vunipola apologise to England team mates for late return following drinking session

Ronan O'Gara linked with surprise coaching role with France ahead of World Cup

Anscombe warns he could quit Wales for England

Miller calls time on stellar career

Stuart Lancaster rules out role with Ireland's coaching team

World Rugby meet unions for crunch talks over Nations League - and say new tournament can earn countries over €5bn

Griggs staying positive despite 'tough' run

Iain Henderson hopes for a personal magnificent seven against Les Bleus

'It will be hard to say goodbye' - Joe Schmidt prepared for his final home Six Nations game

World Rugby plans include Six Nations relegation

Champions Cup

Deegan eager to stake his claim for Champions Cup clash

Ulster hopeful Iain Henderson will be fit for European showdown with Leinster

Carbery in fitness race for Munster's European quarter-final in Edinburgh

Blow for Leinster as Robbie Henshaw emerges as major doubt for Champions Cup quarter-final against Ulster

Tickets for Leinster-Ulster Champions Cup quarter-final at the Aviva sell out within hours

Dates, venues and TV details confirmed for Champions Cup quarter finals