“I cherish playing with him.” While the likes of Caelan Doris, Jack Conan and James Lowe were on the corporate beat, Peter O’Mahony was finishing up his captain’s media duties and the rest of the Ireland squad partied, Ryan Baird stepped forward and took one for the squad. The versatile Leinster forward started the home […]

1 year ago

World Rugby is looking at a five-phase plan, with some changes coming into play almost immediately. World Rugby is looking at a number of trials, law enforcements and changes – including the potential lowering of tackle heights and 20-minute red cards – as part of a radical plan to broaden the appeal of the sport. […]

1 year ago

“That’s a shit stat!” Two weeks before his 21st birthday, Peter O’Mahony captained Munster for the first time. Two years later, he got the gig, full-time. A few years back, we caught up with O’Mahony and got his recollections on what it meant to be entrusted with that Munster captaincy at such an early age. […]

1 year ago

Well aware of what time it was. Ahead of the 2024 Six Nations finale, for Ireland, against Scotland, Andy Farrell had spoken out in defence of his scrumhalf, Conor Murray. The Munster star had copped an disproportionate amount of the blame for Ireland’s 23-22 defeat to England, at Twickenham, after kicking possession away with 90 […]

1 year ago

“An absolutely brilliant team, and a joy to watch” Sam Warburton believes Ireland are good enough to do what no side has ever managed in the history of the ‘Home’ Nations, Five Nations or Six Nations – win three outright titles in a row. Ireland clinched back-to-back Six Nations titles, on Saturday, after defeating Scotland […]

1 year ago

A huge acknowledgement of the Connacht star’s consistency, and impact across a winning campaign. Bundee Aki is the sole Ireland star on a four-man shortlist for the 2024 Six Nations Player of the Championship. Aki, who was nominated for 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year, carried on his good form from last year into […]

1 year ago

“No-one has to worry about anything.” Jurgen Klopp looked understandably drained at Old Trafford, on Sunday, after witnessing his side give up the lead on two occasions before being knocked out of the FA Cup. Liverpool had rallied from 1-0 down to lead 2-1 at half-time only to concede an equaliser to Antony in the […]

1 year ago

We talk about Man United finding a way to win but Liverpool found a way to lose.” Roy Keane delivered a timely reminder to Liverpool, their players and their supporters, after Manchester United rallied from 3-2 down to win an FA Cup classic. Ahead of the game, heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson Fury, who is […]

1 year ago

No respect for his elders. Peter O’Mahony can thank Dan Sheehan for images of his bare torso being shared, far and wide, across the country, over the past 24 hours. The Ireland captain led his country to a 2024 Six Nations title and later answered questions on his possible retirement from Test rugby with a […]

1 year ago

The man is an inspiration to so many. As Thin Lizzy’s classic ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’ rang out across Aviva Stadium, there was a clip of Bundee Aki mock-fighting with Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe. The pair were teammates on the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, in 2021, and […]

1 year ago

Klopp shows his appreciation for Kobbie Mainoo Even Jurgen Klopp was able to appreciate the brilliance of Kobbie Mainoo in Manchester United’s win over Liverpool. The Liverpool manager applauded the Manchester United youngster when he was substituted in the 80th minute of the game, and subsequently gave him a high-five. Erik ten Hag, meanwhile praised […]

1 year ago

“And through it AAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!” The TV cameras could only stay around for so long. The fans that even wanted to stay eventually got ushered out. The media had to skip off to file stories and share video clips. When Aviva Stadium had just about settled down again, the Ireland squad real partying started. With gold […]

1 year ago

“We came out of the blocks in the second half, and that was magnificent.” As it all played out, at Aviva Stadium, the hard-fought manner of Ireland’s win over Scotland made the Six Nations title taste that much sweeter. Andy Farrell hailed his players for clinching back-to-back titles. Stung by a defeat to Italy, Scotland […]

1 year ago

“It was a nice moment.” Not long after Peter O’Mahony was announced over the public address system, the music was building to a crescendo. The Ireland captain would not be rushed. O’Mahony waited before any trophy lift until all of the wider Ireland squad, including injured players Hugo Keenan, James Ryan and Ciáran Frawley, were […]

1 year ago

“I’m still loving it.” Peter O’Mahony refused to steal the limelight on a fantastic night for his Ireland team. There has been growing speculation that the Munster back-row played his last home Test this evening, and it was a winning effort against Scotland. Following his team’s 17-13 victory over Scotland, O’Mahony was asked if this […]

1 year ago

“Is it arrogance when the stats speak for themselves?” On the week a leading English writer berated Ireland’s arrogant cheerleaders, the Irish pundits were lining up to dismiss Scotland’s chances of a Six Nations shock. Peter O’Mahony had heard all he needed to hear before Ireland and Scotland faced off at the 2023 World Cup. […]

1 year ago

“Nash and Frawley are both on track to be up for selection this weekend.” – Simon Easterby, March 12th In recent years, with GDPR coming to the fore and many players reticent to have personal information shared, getting much information out of Andy Farrell, or any rugby coach for that matter, has not been simple. […]

1 year ago

IRELAND 17-13 SCOTLAND Scotland pitched up in Dublin and, as Stuart Hogg would tell you, they felt they are ‘due these f***ers one’. Our live hub of ‘Super Saturday and the Ireland vs. Scotland match (below) had all the biggest moments, talking points, best scores and full Ireland player ratings. Ireland shot out of the […]

1 year ago

The Grand Slam is gone but a fourth title in six years is still up for grabs. Andy Farrell made an emphatic statement with his Ireland team to face Scotland in Saturday’s Six Nations decider in Dublin. Farrell confirmed his Ireland team selection on Thursday ahead of the Saturday afternoon, March 16 (4:45pm kick-off) match […]

1 year ago

“It was a stupid comment when he obviously has no idea.” Mack Hansen was invited back in to join the Ireland squad, on Tuesday, as he continued with his rehab from his shoulder injury. The Connacht winger missed the chance to help Ireland try retain their Six Nations crown but has his eyes set on […]

1 year ago

Live by the box-kick, die by the box-kick. Lindsay Peat was down in Ballincollig RFC clubhouse, down in Cork, watching the TV as Conor Murray lined up a clearing box-kick, with the clock winding down at Twickenham. “I’m not a back,” she reflected, “but why not put the ball up your jumper?” Peat, the former […]

1 year ago

“Obviously, that will change a few things.” Simon Easterby has spoken about Antoine Frisch getting called up by France ahead of their Six Nations finale with England. The 27-year-old Munster centre has been playing in Ireland for the past two years and helped the province to a United Rugby Championship title, last May. Frisch is […]

1 year ago

The Ireland captain has looked entirely human in two of his side’s toughest losses, in the past six months. Not long after Brodie Retallick had sought him out, at Stade de France, to bellow, “Oi, Peter! Four more years, you ****wit!”, Peter O’Mahony was asked in a tough post-match interview if he would play on […]

1 year ago

“We need to get our biggest, most athletic players into the team.” Ireland are still in pole position to retain their Six Nations title, but Saturday’s narrow defeat to England has clipped some wings. Andy Farrell’s men lost 23-22 to England and were ruing a missed Jack Crowley conversion, some porous defending off England’s lineout […]

1 year ago

If the 27-year-old makes his Test debut, he will become a Non Irish Qualified (NIQ) player. France have rewarded one of the United Rugby Championship’s most consistent performers with an international call-up, and given Munster a tough dilemma. Antoine Frisch has been called into the French squad for their Six Nations finale against England. France […]

1 year ago

“That’s life. That’s rugby.” Andy Farrell’s Ireland team went into their Six Nations clash with England having lost just three times in their previous 34 games. You can make that four in 35 now. Steve Borthwick’s side did all the big things they had to – play with pace and attacking intent, cut down the […]

1 year ago

“We have a championship to win, next week.” Andy Farrell spoke very well, in the aftermath of his side’s 23-22 defeat to England, and defended his decision t only place two backs on the bench. Ireland looked set to record a come from behind victory, after trailing 20-15 in the second half, but a late […]

2 years ago

“That’s a daily thing – people slating me.” Jamie Heaslip put his hand up [the other was holding an RTÉ microphone] at Twickenham but was not exactly glowing about the victors. England defeated Ireland 23-22 after a late Marcus Smith drop goal. It denied Ireland a chance to clinch the title, one game early, and […]

2 years ago

ENGLAND 23-22 IRELAND England burst Ireland’s Grand Slam bubble at Twickenham. Our live hub of the England match (below) has all the biggest moments, talking points, best scores and full Ireland player ratings. England finished 3rd in the most recent World Cup and still had quality operators like Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge and […]

2 years ago

“Get out of the way, you p***k!” Almost as soon as Tommy Fleetwood secured The Ryder Cup for Team Europe, in Italy last September, the victors could look back and laugh at the Day 2 drama. Shane Lowry was certainly able to revel in the moment he went from agitated spectator to car-park peace-maker. Rory […]

2 years ago

A blow for Ireland in an otherwise smooth Six Nations campaign. Andy Farrell has confirmed that James Ryan will miss the remainder of Ireland’s Six Nations campaign after a ‘freak accident’ in training. Farrell named a strong match-day 23 for Saturday’s game against England, but was unable to call upon Ryan, the Leinster lock, or […]

2 years ago

Ireland are looking for a fifth straight win over the aul’d enemy. Andy Farrell has stuck with his big guns in a full bore Ireland team to take on England at Twickenham (4:45pm kick-off, Saturday March 9). The official announcement was made on Thursday afternoon – our Ireland team news live hub will keep you […]

2 years ago

“Roy should have been there, but he wasn’t!” OIe Gunnar Solskjaer insists it was a “coincidence” that two Manchester United legends happened to be in the building when the club was trying to secure the services of then-teenage sensation Jude Bellingham. The Norwegian was a special guest on the latest Stick to Football episode, and […]

2 years ago

‘Have Ireland improved since the World Cup, without Johnny Sexton?’ Not a question many pundits, fans or former players in Ireland are throwing around yet, but the question was asked this week. That will tell you how well Jack Crowley has been going in the 10 jersey. The Aotearoa Rugby Pod gang are at a […]

2 years ago

‘Thumbs up from the crowd.’ That thumbs up came from none other than Trevor Brennan, the former Leinster, Toulouse and Ireland star, as TV cameras panned to him, taking in a Top 14 schemozzle from the stands. The retired forward’s son, Josh Brennan was playing at openside for Toulouse, at the weekend, against Castres. It […]

2 years ago

Subtle, yet important, changes. Andy Farrell heads back to Twickenham, this weekend, with an Ireland team that can retain their Six Nations title if they secure a bonus point win. Ireland are currently six points clear, atop the standings, after wins over France, Italy and Wales. Steve Borthwick’s side had been the last country left, […]

2 years ago

That release clause is higher than anything Swansea or Coventry City might have ever imagined. If Viktor Gyökeres was hoping a spell in the Portuguese Primeira Liga would help boost his profile, the past season has seen such expectations massively exceeded. The 25-year-old Swedish forward has a serviceable but not spectacular footballing CV that includes […]

2 years ago

“I just see him as potentially the best player in the world.” Hugo Keenan had that ‘underrated’ tag on him for the first couple of years of his Test career, but he is widely acknowledged now as one of the best fullbacks in world rugby. We caught up with the Leinster and Ireland star out […]

2 years ago

“It’s easy to focus on the number on the weighing scales, and get caught up on that.” Back in 2016, as he was heading into his second full season as a professional, with Leinster, we spoke with Garry Ringrose at a jersey launch out at Tallaght Stadium. For his first season with the Leinster senior […]

2 years ago

Strap yourself in for another white-knuckle quizzing experience. The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz is back in your lives and ready to push your sporting knowledge to their very limits. We’ve gone football heavy today, but there is some GAA and rugby in there, too. Good luck to you all!   Related links: If you want to […]

2 years ago

“For me, England seem a bit rudderless, at the moment.” The after-glow of reaching a World Cup semi-final lasted up until Saturday, February 24 at around 6:35pm. England were slowly, slowly building something until Duhan van der Merwe and Scotland sent the blocks skittling at Murrayfield. The English are now facing into a visit from […]

2 years ago

The former Manchester United midfielder has vowed to fight the ban. Paul Pogba insists he will fight a reported four-year ban from football, following a failed doping test. Repubblica Sport reports that the midfielder has been banned for four years for doping violations. The French international, and 2018 World Cup winner, has released a passionate statement […]

2 years ago

‘The fluidity of nationality constantly lurks in the background at this tournament… ‘ England had Grand Slam ambitions in this year’s Six Nations but were well beaten by Scotland. They have Ireland up next, at Twickenham, before flying out to France to wrap their championship schedule. When the fixtures were decided on, a while back, […]

2 years ago

“They haven’t got me to do that yet!” It is the down-week of another Six Nations campaign and Garry Ringrose is helping promote the benefits of milk for the National Dairy Council. At the end of an engaging chat between Ringrose and a host of rugby writers, I ask if we might see any repeats […]

2 years ago

“Roy was there to demand 100% of everyone, at at all times.” It has been 31 years since Lee Sharpe won the PFA Young Player of the Year award, and there is still that sparkle in his eye as he sits and recalls his days at Manchester United. Sharpe arrived at United as part of […]

2 years ago

“That’s why it was so crushing for them at the World Cup, but they’ve responded really well.” Sam Warburton has insisted Ireland are the best team in rugby, despite South Africa retaining their World Cup trophy just over three months ago. Ireland defeated Wales 31-7, on Saturday, to remain on course to retain their own […]

2 years ago

“I was talking to Keith Earls, and he described him as a big child, full of energy and enthusiasm.” It is nearing the end of a Caelan Doris chat, with ourselves and a group of journalists, when someone brings up Joe McCarthy. The 25-year-old breaks into a big grin. “Yeah, he’s a great character. We […]

2 years ago

“That’s such a nice compliment.” Asked, on the spot [by me, admittedly] to ponder the best back rows in world rugby, Josh van der Flier went through the hit-list but was careful not to leave out the three players pushing hard for starting Ireland roles. Van der Flier put in another fine performance in a […]

2 years ago

The Leinster loosehead was stirring it up all match. Andrew Porter sent another powerful message about his scrummaging and power-game during Ireland’s 31-7 win over Wales. He did it with a little help from his friends, though. Ireland are now three wins from three in the 2024 Six Nations and the only side left chasing […]

2 years ago

The Ireland head coach also revealed Calvin Nash had a blip in the build-up to the match. Andy Farrell cleared up the situation over Josh van der Flier after the 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year did not return to the field after going for a Head Injury Assessment. The openside took a hefty […]

2 years ago