Neil Treacy

RTÉ Sport Journalist

27 December 2025; Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster before the United Rugby Championship match between Connacht and Ulster at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

'Frustrating' Connacht set for make or break period

In three weeks, the ribbon will be cut on Connacht Rugby's new and improved Dexcom Stadium, completing the three-year, €40m redevelopment of the Sportsground.

United Rugby Championship • 02 Jan

20 December 2024; Tom Farrell of Munster on his way to scoring his side's first try despite the tackle of Stuart McCloskey and Werner Kok of Ulster during the United Rugby Championship match between Ulster and Munster at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Photo

United Rugby Championship round 9: All you need to know

Round nine of the United Rugby Championship serves up a double helping of derbies on the first weekend of 2026.

United Rugby Championship • 02 Jan

28 November 2025; Iain Henderson of Ulster during the warm-up before the United Rugby Championship match between Ulster and Benetton at Affidea Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Henderson back for Ulster, Munster rest internationals

Iain Henderson will make his first provincial appearance since October in Friday night's crucial BKT United Rugby Championship Interpro against Munster in Belfast.

United Rugby Championship • 01 Jan

27 December 2025; Caelan Doris, right, and Max Deegan of Leinster after the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Leinster at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Defence delights Cullen in crucial Leinster win

Leo Cullen hailed his side's defence, as Leinster came through the "proper cauldron" of Thomond Park with a crucial 13-8 Interpro win against Munster.

United Rugby Championship • 28 Dec 25

27 December 2025; Josh van der Flier of Leinster, third from left, celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's first try during the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and Leinster at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/S

Gritty Leinster hold off Munster in Thomond arm-wrestle

Leinster gained revenge for their Croke Park humbling as they recorded a 13-8 victory over Munster in a classic URC arm-wrestle at Thomond Park.

Rugby • 28 Dec 25

20 December 2025; Sean O'Brien of Connacht is tackled by Angus O'Brien of Dragons during the United Rugby Championship match between Dragons and Connacht at Rodney Parade in Newport, Wales. Photo by Kian Abdullah/Sportsfile

URC: Mixed results for Connacht and Munster - recap

Munster's 100% record may have disappeared last time out, but they will be hopeful of getting back to winning ways in Wales.

Rugby • 20 Dec 25

19 December 2025; Jack Conan, right, and Jack Boyle of Leinster celebrate winning a penalty during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Ulster at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Conan: Leinster have 'a bit of fight and a bit of dog'

Whatever way Leinster's season finishes, it feels like these last two games will be referenced in the retrospective analysis.

United Rugby Championship • 21 Dec 25

19 December 2025; Dan Sheehan of Leinster, hidden, dives over to score his side's fourth try during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Ulster at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Cullen: 'We need to get a hell of a lot better'

Leo Cullen hailed the attitude of his Leinster players as they staged a second-half comeback for the second week in a row, but the head coach admitted his side can't make a habit of it.

United Rugby Championship • 19 Dec 25

19 December 2025; Rieko Ioane of Leinster, second from left, celebrates with teammates, from left, Luke McGrath, Ciarán Frawley and James Lowe after scoring their side's first try during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Ulster at t

Leinster hold off Ulster with late fightback at Aviva

For the second Friday in a row it looked like Leinster's season was about to hit another stumbling block, but for the second week in a row they found a way to win.

United Rugby Championship • 19 Dec 25

5 December 2025; Ulster head coach Richie Murphy before the EPCR Challenge Cup match between Ulster and Racing 92 at Affidea Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Jackman: Ulster may have to move fast to lock in Murphy

Bernard Jackman believes Ulster may have competition to keep head coach Richie Murphy beyond this season.

Rugby • 17 Dec 25