Neil Treacy

RTÉ Sport Journalist

Provincial temperature check as attention turns to NZ

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we recap Round 5 of the URC, and begin to look ahead at Ireland's meeting with the All Blacks in Chicago.

United Rugby Championship • 28 Oct 25

18 October 2025; Tom Farrell of Munster celebrates after scoring his side's second try during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Munster at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Farrell caps off memorable week with new Munster deal

Munster centre Tom Farrell has signed a new contract to keep him at the province until the summer of 2028.

United Rugby Championship • 22 Oct 25

18 October 2025; Leinster players after their side's defeat in the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Munster at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Cullen: 'I'll take the criticism but it's a collective'

The Leinster head coach was magnanimous in his praise for the Munster performance after Clayton McMillan's side handed him a third defeat from four games to start the season.

Rugby • 20 Oct 25

18 October 2025; Munster players celebrate after the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Munster at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

McMillan delighted with Munster's 'outstanding' win

Clayton McMillan says his players delivered on their promise to turn their meeting with Leinster into a "dogfight".

United Rugby Championship • 19 Oct 25

18 October 2025; Jack Crowley of Munster celebrates his side winning a penalty during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Munster at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Statement Munster performance downs Leinster at Croker

Munster's Clayton McMillan era roared into life at Croke Park as his side recorded a 31-14 bonus-point victory over defending URC champions Leinster.

United Rugby Championship • 18 Oct 25

15 March 2025; Caelan Doris of Ireland during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Italy and Ireland at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Doris named in Ireland squad, call-up for McCarthy

Caelan Doris is on track to make his return for Ireland next month after being included in Andy Farrell's 34-man squad for their meeting with the All Blacks in Chicago, as well as the Quilter Autumn Nations Series games.

Rugby • 15 Oct 25

12 October 2024; A general view during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Munster at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Ryan: Munster-Leinster rivalry just hits differently

In each of the last three seasons, Munster have gone into the first of their URC meetings with Leinster already trying to make up lost ground.

United Rugby Championship • 15 Oct 25

20 September 2025; Bundee Aki during a Connacht Rugby open training session at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

Connacht ready to welcome back Lions for visit of Bulls

Connacht look set to unleash their Lions on the Bulls in Galway this Friday, with Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen all available to make their first appearances of the season.

Rugby • 14 Oct 25

11 October 2025; Jimmy O'Brien of Leinster celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's second try despite the tackle of Makazole Mapimpi of Hollywoodbets Sharks during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Hollywoodbets Sharks

Cullen pleased as Leinster's defence leads the way

Leinster scored five tries as they cruised to their first win of the season, but it was their defensive efforts in the 31-5 win against the Sharks that pleased Leo Cullen most.

United Rugby Championship • 11 Oct 25

12 July 2025; Sam Prendergast with Jack Crowley of Ireland during the International Rugby Test match between Portugal and Ireland at Estádio Nacional do Jamor in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Jackman: Croker clash will have big say on 10 picture

Bernard Jackman says Leinster and Munster's URC meeting next week will have a major say on Ireland's out-half picture in November, and he believes Andy Farrell will have to settle on his first-choice 10 by next year's Six Nations.

United Rugby Championship • 09 Oct 25