JOHANN VAN GRAAN says he will not take a chance with the fitness of Joey Carbery or Keith Earls as Munster bid for a home semi-final in the Pro14. Keith Earls (left) and Joey Carbery. Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO Dave Kilcoyne is the latest of Munster’s Irish internationals to pick up an injury, and he is … Continue reading "Munster will not risk Carbery or Earls after disappointing European exit"

WATCHING CONNACHT PUTTING the Munster scrum under severe pressure down in Thomond Park last weekend could have brought a few bad memories to the surface for Ulster. When the western province ended their 58-year losing streak in Belfast back in October, they gave Ulster a torrid time in the scrum, earning a penalty try on … Continue reading "Confident Connacht back ‘feared’ scrum but wary of Ulster ‘menace’ Coetzee"

MARK MCCALL MAY be the quiet leader but if you’re keen to tag someone in the Saracens set-up as a crucial but unsung influence, then performance director Philip Morrow is your man. Like McCall, Morrow is an Ulsterman.  He was previously the head of strength and conditioning for Ulster, then Ireland during the 2011 World … Continue reading "The unsung Irishman who has been at the heart of Saracens’ transformation"

CIAN KELLEHER’S RETURN to his native Leinster has been confirmed by the eastern province this afternoon, along with the announcement of 21 new senior contracts for next season. It was confirmed back in January that the 24-year-old winger would leave Connacht this summer, and now after three seasons in Galway, is making the switch back … Continue reading "Kelleher makes RDS return as Leinster confirm 21 new contracts"

Ireland 42 England 26 IT WAS NEVER straightforward, these high-octane tussles never are. But this Ireland U20 squad once again showed off their uncanny knack of finding a way – however improbable – to win. Craig Casey makes a burst in Santa Fe. Source: Pablo Gasparini/INPHO Beating England in today’s World Rugby U20 Championship opener … Continue reading "Ireland hit England for six to grab sensational victory in U20 World Cup opener"

Click:candle container THE WORLD CUP year may be seven and a half months old, but the international season in which it will culminate clanks into gear this weekend. Granted, it is set up to be a soft opening. Yet as the southern hemisphere heavyweights get strapped up for action, even the punches they are holding … Continue reading "Reece in the limelight as World Cup looms large over international rugby season kick-off"

DUBLIN MAY BE home now, and Leinster his province, but Robbie Henshaw will always receive a warm welcome around these parts. The Sportsground and Connacht have played huge parts in his life and rugby career. “It’s good to be back,” the Athlone man smiles, following Ireland’s squad workout yesterday morning. “Great training, great weather and … Continue reading "‘It’s special. There’s no other feeling like playing in a World Cup for your country’"

INJURY, RUGBY PLAYERS constantly tell us, is just part and parcel of the game. While those of us on the outside peering in feel some kind of vicarious gut-wrench whenever a talented athlete pulls up or gets knocked down, those involved usually insist they take every blow on the chin and march forth. It’s not … Continue reading "World Cup warm-ups arrive with promise of bolters and inevitable bad luck"

CIAN KELLEHER WILL make his return to Leinster colours when he starts at fullback in Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Coventry, as Leo Cullen uses the first hit-out of the summer to test his squad depth. Kelleher is Leinster’s only new addition to their squad ahead of the 2019/20 campaign have re-signed for his native province … Continue reading "Kelleher at 15 as Cullen names youthful Leinster team for Coventry friendly"

Paddy Reid The Hall of Fame Award is presented to Paddy Reid (left) by Gerry O’Loughlin. Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO Ireland, Munster and Garryowen rugby legend Paddy Reid passed away at the age of 91 in January. The Limerick native played at centre on the history-making Irish Grand Slam-winning team of 1948 having made his debut … Continue reading "Gone too soon: 5 people the rugby world lost in 2016"