Neil Treacy

RTÉ Sport Journalist

DUBLIN, IRELAND: November 22: The scrum packs down during the Ireland V South Africa, autumn series, rugby union match at Aviva Stadium on November 22, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images)

Ross: Springbok loss proof that the scrum still matters

Mike Ross is hopeful there won't be a "knee-jerk" reaction to Ireland's humbling 24-13 defeat to South Africa last weekend, but he believes it's a firm reminder that "the scrum still matters" at the top level of the game.

Rugby • 27 Nov

22 November 2025; James Ryan of Ireland leaves the pitch after being shown a yellow card by referee Matthew Carley, not pictured, during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David

Ryan suspended after red card against South Africa

James Ryan will likely only miss two games for Leinster after he was suspended following his 20-minute red card in Ireland's defeat to South Africa on Saturday.

App • 28 Nov

Ryan suspended after red card against South Africa

James Ryan will likely only miss two games for Leinster after he was suspended following his 20-minute red card in Ireland's defeat to South Africa on Saturday.

Rugby • 26 Nov

22 November 2025; A general view of a scrum during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Stats don't paint full picture of Irish scrum problems

The numbers would suggest that Ireland gave up six penalties from South Africa's 16 scrums, but the reality is considerably worse.

Rugby • 24 Nov

22 November 2025; Jack Crowley, left, and Sam Prendergast of Ireland sit on the bench after both recieved yellow cards during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/

Crowley frustrated by 'costly' error in chaotic defeat

If you dropped a euro in a jar every time the word chaotic was used at Aviva Stadium last night, it wouldn't have been long to fill up.

Rugby • 23 Nov

22 November 2025; Ireland captain Caelan Doris, left, remonstrates with referee Matthew Carley after he shows a yellow card to Andrew Porter of Ireland, hidden, during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva Sta

Farrell proud despite 'stupid errors' against Boks

Andy Farrell said "stupid errors" cost his side in Saturday's 24-13 defeat to South Africa, but the Irish head coach insisted his main emotion was pride despite the humbling defeat to the world champions.

Rugby • 23 Nov

22 November 2025; Garry Ringrose of Ireland and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu of South Africa tussle during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Ireland count cost of cards as Springboks power to win

South Africa's 13-year wait for a win in Dublin is over, with the world champions proving their credentials with a 24-13 win against Ireland after a remarkable game at Aviva Stadium.

Rugby • 22 Nov

13 July 2024; Siya Kolisi of South Africa is tackled by Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris and Jack Crowley during the second test between South Africa and Ireland at Kings Park in Durban, South Africa. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Ireland must produce year's best against Springboks

The final game of a November series will always dictate the Christmas mood, given the two-month layoff until the Six Nations rolls around in February. This year, it feels even more defining.

Rugby • 22 Nov

15 November 2025; Ireland players, from left, Caelan Doris, Ryan Baird, Cian Prendergast, Tadhg Beirne, Bundee Aki, Nick Timoney and Jack Crowley during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Ph

Lineout steals mask lingering Irish discipline issues

Ireland have had a reasonable penalty count in this November window, but where and when they are giving up penalties remains a source of frustration, writes Neil Treacy.

Rugby • 22 Nov

20 November 2025; Head coach Andy Farrell during an Ireland Rugby media conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Farrell: Ireland 'more up to speed' as Boks arrive

This is week five of Ireland's camp, and Andy Farrell says he always believed their performances would come together.

Rugby • 21 Nov