IT IS A decision many can relate to, yet few are so prodigiously talented across two contrasting codes that the chosen path has a powerful capacity to shape much more than a sporting career. For David Hawkshaw, there came a point when he simply had to choose between hurling and rugby; one or the other. … Continue reading "David Hawkshaw: From Dublin minor hurler to Ireland U20 rugby captain"

CONNACHT HAVE TODAY announced their first signing for next season with the unveiling of loosehead prop Paddy McAllister from Premiership side Gloucester. The prop will be 30 when he arrives in Galway after four years under David Humphreys in Gloucester. He played 57 times for the Cherry and Whites after cutting his teeth in his … Continue reading "Connacht sign ex-Ulster prop Paddy McAllister from Gloucester"

Sean Farrell reports from the RDS LEINSTER HEAD COACH Leo Cullen admitted his men were fortunate to come away with a win from a fractured meeting with Scarlets. Though the reigning champions ended up 22-17 winners, they were the benefactors of some glaring missed opportunities from the visitors, each one crucial in a game where … Continue reading "Leinster ‘feel like they lost’ close shave with Scarlets"

Sean Farrell reports from the Aviva Stadium THERE WERE NO grenades lobbed over post-match. No need. The smoke had cleared to show a the spoils of an utterly dominant English display. For Ireland the damage was more than the end of a potential Grand Slam defence. Four tries conceded, a first home Six Nations loss … Continue reading "‘We’re nowhere near our best’: Jones holds fire after England dominate in Dublin"

SCOTLAND ARE BRACING themselves for a big performance from Joe Schmidt’s Ireland at Murrayfield on Saturday [KO 2.15pm, Virgin Media], and not just because of their opening weekend defeat to England. Gregor Townsend’s side opened their Six Nations campaign with a comfortable win over Italy in Edinburgh, and are hoping to inflict more woe on … Continue reading "‘We expect a big showing from Ireland, not just because they lost their game’"

THE BARBARIANS HAVE announced a historic double-header against England at Twickenham in June. Both the women’s and men’s teams of the famous invitational club will face England on Sunday, 2 June, and not only is it the Baa Baa women’s first appearance at Twickenham, it will also come as the first time the Red Roses … Continue reading "Barbarians set for historic double-header at Twickenham this summer"

WHILE JOE SCHMIDT was at the centre of everything in the Aviva Stadium again yesterday, with his Ireland team training against the Ireland U20s, Andy Farrell was involved on a more in-and-out basis. Farrell will succeed Schmidt as head coach. Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO As an assistant coach focusing on the area of defence, his remit … Continue reading "‘Being over here as a family is special’ – Farrell excited to succeed Schmidt"

DESPITE THE CONTINUED absence of their international stars, Leinster will move into this week’s home encounter against the Cheetahs with a 22-point lead at the top of the PRO14 Conference B table. The defending champions briefly pulled 27 clear as a result of their facile 59-19 victory over Southern Kings on Friday, before subsequent bonus-point … Continue reading "‘No prizes for winning your Conference:’ Cullen won’t let Leinster rest on 22-point cushion"

CORK NATIVE DR Eanna Falvey has been appointed to the newly-created role of deputy chief medical officer with World Rugby, the sport’s governing body. While working as director of sports medicine at the Santry Sports Clinic, Dr Falvey spent six years as team doctor with the Ireland rugby team, departing after the 2015 World Cup, … Continue reading "Former Ireland team doctor Eanna Falvey takes up World Rugby role"

BROTHERS CONOR AND Kieran Joyce are busy with their careers as professional rugby players but they dedicate much of their spare time to another passion. Originally from the West Midlands in the UK, both came through the Exiles system and played underage rugby for Ireland, with their parents hailing from Connemara and Donegal. 25-year-old Conor … Continue reading "‘Our aim is to help people realise that it’s ok to talk about how they feel’"