“Those fine margins, you don’t really get second chances at this level.” For the first time since 1998, Ireland have lost their first two games of a Five/Six Nations championship. Despite that jarring stat, several of their squad are being tipped for the prospective [we won’t go as far as ‘upcoming’] Lions Tour. Ireland have […]

5 years ago

“On this Valentine’s Day I hope all the lovers of sport and rugby enjoyed that.” France head coach Fabien Galthie was in his pomp after leading his side to their first Six Nations win in Dublin for a decade. Les Bleus defeated Ireland 15-13 to end their host’s title hopes while keeping their own Grand […]

5 years ago

What we would’ve given for a Bundee Aki bellow, or two. At times, during Ireland’s 15-13 defeat to France, the silence was eerie. It was uncomfortably eerie. Ireland went into their must-win Six Nations clash with France without the services of Johnny Sexton, Jacob Stockdale, Conor Murray, James Ryan and Peter O’Mahony. Even the most […]

5 years ago

IRELAND 13-15 FRANCE France won a Six Nations match in Ireland for the first time in 10 years as they withstood a second half fight-back. The Ireland ratings reflect a game but fruitless fight. The Ireland players in Andy Farrell’s squad tell us they are on the verge of something special. After their third straight […]

5 years ago

So close for Lowe, but great defence from Gael Fickou. James Lowe was denied his second Ireland try by the tightest of Television Match Official calls. Ireland were leading 3-0 against Les Bleus when they visitors went down to 14 men for 10 minutes. Bernard La Roux was adjudged to have deliberately tripped Keith Earls […]

5 years ago

SCOTLAND 24-25 WALES Zander Fagerson’s 53rd minute red card ultimately broke Scotland’s stride and Wales are still on course for a Grand Slam. Gregor Townsend’s side went into the game in top form after they defeated England 11-6 at Twickenham the week before. They led 17-3 after tries from Darcy Graham and Stuart Hogg, but […]

5 years ago

“It can be cruel at times.” Ireland go into their next three games in the 2021 Six Nations without the services of Peter O’Mahony. Given the head injuries sustained by James Ryan and Johnny Sexton in Ireland’s loss to Wales, last weekend, O’Mahony would have been next in line as Ireland captain. As it is, […]

5 years ago

“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” Right now, Antoine Dupont is the third most recognisable ‘Toto’ since the loveable Wizard of Oz dog and the band that brought us ‘Africa’. However, given the form of Dupont and the way he seems to get better and better, the France No.9 could very well […]

5 years ago

Nate Diaz is not happy about it, and he’s not the only one. UFC president Dana White has been thinking hard about the ‘Conor McGregor next fight’ dilemma and believes he has cracked the code. He is still not sure, though, if it will be for the lightweight title. McGregor suffered a second round TKO […]

5 years ago

“Be the ball, Danny!” The SportsJOE 12 o’clock quiz is starting off on a golf swing before taking in GAA, rugby, football and even a touch of cricket. Best of luck.

5 years ago

An immediate shot at redemption for Billy Burns. As he was when he left the fray against Wales in the first half, last weekend, James Ryan will be a big loss to the Ireland team. Farrell has named his matchday squad for the Six Nations clash with France and there are four changes in the […]

5 years ago

“Not that type of player.” Some eagle-eyed rugby supporters in the UK believed Peter O’Mahony was always going to get sent off as he was too fired up in the pre-game anthems. Those supporters must have never seen Peter O’Mahony belting out Amhrán na bhFiann or Ireland’s Call before. Some that watched Ireland’s game against […]

5 years ago

“I regret the wrong I have done to the player.” Jean-François Chermann, the doctor that advised a 12-week break after he sustained three confirmed concussions in less than 12 months, has apologised for speculating on the number of concussions Johnny Sexton has sustained in his career. Chermann, a neurologist whom Sexton visited in Paris when […]

5 years ago

“We’ve been here before.” Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has come out strongly after a slew of media reports speculating on his concussion history. Sexton left the field with 11 minutes to play of Ireland’s 21-16 defeat to Wales, last Sunday, after taking an accidental knee to the head from flanker Justin Tipuric. He is currently […]

5 years ago

Day 300! The triple century! As many of you will know, we started The SportsJOE 12 o’clock quiz up not long after the first lockdown, as a way to keep your sporting brains ticking over, and to keep us all sane! We’re up to Day 300, and we thank each and every one of you […]

5 years ago

On French TV, not long after Wales had held off Ireland’s late fight-back, one of world rugby’s form players weighed in. “We followed this afternoon’s match attentively,” said Toulouse and France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont. “After the red card we thought the Welsh would walk all over them but the Irish showed their resources, their values. […]

5 years ago

Jack Carty, Ben Healy, Ian Madigan, Harry Byrne, JJ Hanrahan… you can all stand down. For now. Ireland called up Jack Conan, earlier today, as they plan for the likely suspension of Peter O’Mahony after his red card against Wales. However, defence coach Simon Easterby says the senior squad are happy with just Ross Byrne […]

5 years ago

If you wanna be the greatest, you’ve got to beat the greatest. Welcome to The SportsJOE 12 o’clock quiz – G.O.A.T Edition! Inspired by Tom Brady leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Super Bowl promised land, we are giving you 20 questions on some of the Greatest Of All Time athletes in their chosen […]

5 years ago

“I’m not so sure Wayne Barnes had a great game.” When Wayne Barnes has refereed Ireland, over the past decade, the men in green get penalised, on average, an extra two times. Whatever Barnes sees Ireland up to, he does not tolerate (or allow) it as much as other officials. “Every time I watch him […]

5 years ago

The big calls may have to wait under Andy Farrell gets a hefty medical report back. Despite a valiant 67-minute effort with only 14 men, Ireland dropped their Six Nations opener against Wales and are already in win-or-bust territory. It will be interesting to see, on Friday, what changes are made to the Ireland team […]

5 years ago

“As a back-rower, I know that when you see an opposition shirt and you want to completely smash it.” Chris Henry and Peter O’Mahony enjoyed many a breakdown battle against each other – for Ulster and Munster – and in the green jersey of Ireland. As he watched O’Mahony get his marching orders against Wales, […]

5 years ago

“It was a casualty ward at one stage.” Following Ireland’s 21-16 loss to Wales, head coach Andy Farrell only had a brief few moments to assess the damage – physical and emotional – in the away dressing room. He had left the Principality Stadium pitch, where he had spoken on TV after the agonising loss, […]

5 years ago

CHIEFS 9-31 BUCCANEERS In the end, it was a procession for Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Many called Tom Brady crazy, last March, for announcing he was leaving the New England Patriots, after 20 years and six Super Bowls with the franchise, to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady, he was told in […]

5 years ago

It was the final question of a fully forthcoming press briefing and Johnny Sexton was lost for words. Following Ireland’s 21-16 loss to Wales, the first query put to Sexton was about the knock he took to the head in the final stages. Inevitably, though, Wayne Barnes would come up in the conversation. “I’m okay […]

5 years ago

“He’s not the reason we lost the game.” Ireland head coach Andy Farrell and Johnny Sexton, his captain, both stood up for Billy Burns after a gut-wrenching defeat in Cardiff. Farrell was “gutted” that his side could not hold on to their half-time lead as they fell to Wales in their Six Nations opener. Ireland […]

5 years ago

WALES 21-16 IRELAND A 13th minute red card to Peter O’Mahony ultimately sunk Ireland’s ship, in Cardiff, and their Six Nations chances are already in big trouble. Andy Farrell’s side rallied from 6-0 down to lead 13-6 at the break only for Wales to make the numbers count in the second half. The fight showed […]

5 years ago

“Uncharacteristic.” That was the buzz word as Peter O’Mahony saw red after only 13 minutes of Ireland’s Six Nations opener against Wales. The Welsh were leading 3-0 but Ireland were on the attack and looking to make in-roads, inside the Welsh half, when O’Mahony went ploughing in to clear-out a ruck. Wales tighthead Tomas Francis […]

5 years ago

“He was out of shape.” Billy Vunipola had, at least, played one game for Saracens this stunted club rugby season, but he was not at his fearsome best. The Six Nations is back, and so are the piping hot opinions of Matt Williams. England fell to a shock 11-6 defeat to Scotland, at Twickenham, as […]

5 years ago

ENGLAND 6-11 SCOTLAND For the first time in 38 years, Scotland have defeated England at Twickenham in a stunning upset. Scotland were full value for their 11-6 victory over a flat, clueless England side and Stuart Hogg delivered a masterclass. It was their first win over the English in London since 1983. Scottish supporters will […]

5 years ago

Commentating for BBC, Alex Scott was unsparing in her criticism of the Ireland international. Newcastle United looked to be cruising to a much-needed league win over Southampton when Jeff Hendrick was sent off less than a minute after the Saints had pulled a goal back through James Ward-Prowse. Steve Bruce’s side began the afternoon 16th […]

5 years ago

“He’s a great player that’s right for this game.” Over 11 weeks after his last competitive game, James Lowe is straight back into the Ireland team and will make his Six Nations debut against Wales at the Principality Stadium. The Leinster winger has not played since Ireland’s Autumn Nations Cup loss to England, at Twickenham, […]

5 years ago

“You want to break me down? All right, I’m AFRAID! For the first time in my life, I’m afraid.” The SportsJOE 12 o’clock quiz is going heavy on Rocky III, Super Bowls and the Six Nations, but there are some tasty football and golf nuggets in there too. Give it your all. That’s all we […]

5 years ago

The team are now anxiously awaiting the latest round of Covid tests after the player was ordered to leave the squad. Wales have sent winger Josh Adams home from their Six Nations camp, and suspended him for two games, after a Covid-19 protocol breach. Adams attended a family gathering, which he was not permitted to […]

5 years ago

“There were no cheap shots, no off-the-ball stuff.” Glad to hear it! On Sunday, Ireland welcomed down the senior Ulster squad to the High Performance Centre, in Dublin, for a full-throttle Six Nations warm-up. Conscious that they would like their players tossed into pressure-cooker situations, and that the Ulster squad were in need of a […]

5 years ago

First up, the good news. Johnny Sexton has confirmed that he is fit to lead Ireland into their 2021 Six Nations opener against Wales, in Cardiff, this Sunday. Having tweaked his precarious hamstring in Leinster’s PRO14 win over Munster, the Ireland captain sat out the first proper hit-out of the international window – a full-blooded […]

5 years ago

“Yeah, I’ve been in discussions with the IRFU there. That’s where it is, really. A discussion.” Asked if he cared to elaborate on that answer about his contract negotiations, Peter O’Mahony simply said, “No.” If there is any blinking to be done, as talks go on about a potential two year deal for the Munster […]

5 years ago

“Hell no! Damned alligator BIT my hand off!” The SportsJOE 12 o’clock quiz is all about 9-0 thrashings, with a sprinkling of GAA, tennis, pundits and movies. Go tear it up!

5 years ago

“Hopefully I’ll have something sorted in the next few weeks.” While Ulster Rugby are dropping good news contract nuggets in a liberal fashion, some of the other provinces are keeping their powder dry. By all reliable accounts [and sources], though, Leinster should have a Johnny Sexton update to please their fans very soon. Close to […]

5 years ago

Andy Farrell has brought in two young guns to help with his team’s preparations. Ireland have called Munster back-row Gavin Coombes and the versatile Leinster forward Ryan Baird for a week of training with the senior squad. The additions have been made after Farrell lost two senior players to injury set-backs. An IRFU statement on […]

5 years ago

“He’s definitely someone who I can see the coaching team sticking by.” On Wednesday, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will name his match-day squad for the 2021 Six Nations opener against Wales. There are expected to be at least two changes from the Ireland XV that beat Scotland 31-16, last December, in their most recent […]

5 years ago

Sir, here is some extra salt for your wounds. Manchester United supporters will be feeling vindicated, yet equally frustrated, after confirmation that two crucial goal decisions were called wrong, last Wednesday, in their 2-1 loss to Sheffield United. In the first half of the Premier League encounter at Old Trafford, last Wednesday, the Blades scored […]

5 years ago

A bunch of legends, one and all. We’ve a shiny, new quiz for you. The SportsJOE ‘Who Scored More For Their Club’ Quiz gives you a list of club legends and asks you who has scored more for the club they both played for. There are 20 to get right and, in fairness, anything over […]

5 years ago

ARSENAL 0-0 MAN UNITED “It looks as if the players have all got a bit frightened of the challenge,” declared Roy Keane after Manchester United drew 0-0 away to injury-hit Arsenal. Not for the first time, no-one was arguing with Keane. United’s home loss to Sheffield United and their draw with Arsenal has seen them […]

5 years ago

Take them on. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was over-heard bellowing instructions, in no uncertain terms, at Marcus Rashford to take on Arsenal defender Cedric Soares at The Emirates. One of the main frustrations felt by United fans, during their mid-week loss to Sheffield United, was that United’s attackers did not drive at the Blades’ doughty defence. […]

5 years ago

“I was like, ‘Oh my God!’” Back in July 2013, it all kicked off in Australia and in both Britain and Ireland. Jonathan Davies took Brian O’Driscoll’s place in the British & Irish Lions Test team and rugby earth shook. Lions head coach Warren Gatland had started Davies (selected at inside centre) and O’Driscoll in […]

5 years ago

“He’s been very impressive.” The assumption about Craig Casey is that he is in Ireland’s Six Nations squad to gain some experience and learn the ropes ahead of his gradual introduction to Test rugby. Those that know Casey, though, and those that have seen him at close quarters would not be surprised if he has […]

5 years ago

“Joe has made a decision that we 100 per cent support.” Joe Marler was named as part of England’s 28-man squad for the 2021 Guinness Six Nations, over the weekend, but he has since opted to withdraw his name from consideration. The 30-year-old, who previously retired fro Test rugby only to be lured back, has stated […]

5 years ago

“Anything to add to that, Gregor?” ….. “No!” The “deluded” comments from Eddie O’Sullivan, about Scotland were always going to come up at the launch of the 2021 Guinness Six Nations. Seven minutes into Gregor Townsend and Stuart Hogg’s press conference, it sure did. Back in December, after Ireland wrapped up their Nations Cup campaign […]

5 years ago

“Let’s tear this place apart!!” The SportsJOE 12 o’clock quiz is kicking off with some Simpsons sporting cameos and then traversing the sporting codes to bring you a real tester. Best of luck!

5 years ago

It would not be a Six Nations if we were not fretting over a key Irish player (or four) with injury issues. Heading into the 2021 championship, Johnny Sexton, James Lowe, Peter O’Mahony and Tadhg Furlong are all dealing with knocks or coming back from knocks. At today’s 2021 Guinness Six Nations launch, Sexton tried […]

5 years ago