Neil Treacy

RTÉ Sport Journalist

Nick Timoney, Stuart McCloskey, Tom O'Toole, Rob Baloucoune, Jacob Stockdale

Ulster's 'brilliant' turnaround reflected in selection

Just over three months since Ulster had no representatives in an Irish matchday squad, the province will provide seven of Ireland's 23 to take on Wales.

Rugby • 23 hrs

4 March 2026; Head coach Andy Farrell during an Ireland Rugby media conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

Farrell: Saracens link 'putting two and two together'

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says he will sit down with the IRFU to discuss his future after the Guinness Six Nations campaign, and has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Saracens in 2027.

Rugby • 04 Mar

5 February 2026; Jacob Stockdale of Ireland during the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Stockdale starts as Farrell rotates squad for Wales

Jacob Stockdale has earned a recall to the Ireland side, with Andy Farrell making five changes to his starting team for Friday's Guinness Six Nations meeting with Wales at Aviva Stadium.

Rugby • 04 Mar

21 February 2026; Ireland players, including Jack Crowley, James Ryan, Garry Ringrose, Tadhg Beirne and Ciarán Frawley, celebrate their side's first try, scored by teammate Jamison Gibson-Park, left, during the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match

Ryan: Ireland can continue to show ruthless streak

Ireland scored five tries and a record 42 points in their hammering of England last time out, but the enduring image came from the opening ruck of the game.

Rugby • 23 hrs

5 February 2026; Nick Timoney of Ireland during the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between France and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Timoney taking inspiration from McCloskey's late bloom

Nick Timoney has credited the "incredible story" of Stuart McCloskey for his own recent renaissance in the Ireland squad.

Rugby • 04 Mar

21 February 2026; Jamie Osborne of Ireland catches a high ball ahead of George Ford of England during the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, England. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsf

Osborne happy to take centre stage at full-back

Jamie Osborne is routinely asked whether he sees his long-term future at centre or full-back – or even on the wing – but his answer remains the same.

Rugby • 03 Mar

CARDIFF, WALES - FEBRUARY 21: Wales head coach Steve Tandy before a Guinness Six Nations match between Wales and Scotland at The Principality Stadium, on February 21, 2026, in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Ross MacDonald/SNS Group via Getty Images)

O'Connell predicts Wales will get better under Tandy

It's been five years since they beat Ireland, and three years since their last win in the Six Nations, but Paul O'Connell believes that the tide is about to turn for Wales under head coach Steve Tandy.

Rugby • 03 Mar

26 February 2026; Forwards coach Paul O'Connell during an Ireland Rugby open training session at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

O'Connell: Triple Crown thoughts not on agenda just yet

Paul O'Connell says Ireland's Triple Crown bid hasn't yet been discussed as they look to finish their Guinness Six Nations campaign on a high.

Rugby • 02 Mar

4 April 2025; Tadhg Beirne, right, and attack coach Mike Prendergast during a Munster Rugby captain's run at Stade Marcel Deflandre in La Rochelle, France. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Beirne disappointed but 'understands' Prendergast exit

Munster captain Tadhg Beirne admits he was disappointed to hear of the latest coaching change at the province, but says he understands Mike Prendergast's decision to move on a the end of the season.

United Rugby Championship • 28 Feb

22 February 2025; Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby before the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Wales and Ireland at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Easterby wary Welsh side 'growing in confidence'

If any players in the Irish rugby squad start feeling complacent after Saturday's resounding win against England, Andy Farrell only has to show his team a replay of last year's Six Nations clash with Wales.

Rugby • 27 Feb