Neil Treacy

RTÉ Sport Journalist

3 May 2025; A general view of the Champions Cup trophy before the Investec Champions Cup semi-final match between Leinster and Northampton Saints at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Low-key Champions Cup build-up a sign of the times

This is the sixth season of the 24-team Champions Cup format, where the sprint through the pools has ironically turned the tournament into a marathon.

Rugby • 05 Dec 25

1 December 2025; Rieko Ioane during a Leinster Rugby squad training at UCD in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Internationals return as Ioane set for Leinster debut

Rieko Ioane will feature off the bench for Leinster, with the New Zealand international in line for his debut in Saturday's Champions Cup Pool 3 opener against Harlequins.

Rugby • 04 Dec 25

28 November 2024; Angus Bell during an Australia Rugby squad training session at Wanderers RFC in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Ulster hand Bell debut in Challenge Cup opener v Racing

New signing Angus Bell will make his debut for Ulster in Friday night's EPCR Challenge Cup opener against Racing 92 in Belfast.

Rugby • 04 Dec 25

3 December 2025; Head coach Andy Farrell during an Ireland Rugby media conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Farrell: We don't want to just get past a quarter-final

Given Ireland's tortured history at the Rugby World Cup, Andy Farrell knew well enough to avoid getting sucked in by the permutations of Ireland's draw when he spoke to the media on Wednesday.

Rugby • 04 Dec 25

3 December 2025; Head coach Andy Farrell, left, and captain Caelan Doris during an Ireland Rugby media conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Farrell not drawn on Ireland's favourable RWC pool

Andy Farrell gave a pokerfaced reaction to what looks like a favourable 2027 Rugby World Cup pool draw, but the Ireland head coach will quietly be pleased with this morning's outcome.

Rugby • 03 Dec 25

Ireland drawn with Scotland in 2027 RWC pool

Ireland will face Scotland, Uruguay and Portugal in Pool D at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Rugby • 03 Dec 25

Australia's prop #01 Angus Bell runs to score a try during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ /

Ulster ready for Bell to step up against Racing

New Ulster signing Angus Bell is in line to make his debut for the province in this weekend's Challenge Cup opener against Racing 92 in Belfast.

Rugby • 02 Dec 25

22 November 2025; Mack Hansen of Ireland leaves the pitch with an injury during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Hansen a Six Nations doubt after surgery on foot injury

Mack Hansen has emerged as an injury doubt for Ireland's Guinness Six Nations campaign next year, with the Connacht back undergoing surgery on a foot injury.

Rugby • 02 Dec 25

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 29: The Webb Ellis Cup is displayed during the Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia Ticketing Program and Hospitality Launch at Museum of Contemporary Art on July 29, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe - World Rugby/Worl

2027 Rugby World Cup pool draw: All you need to know

The draw for the expanded men's 2027 RWC takes place in Sydney tomorrow morning, and here's everything you need to know about who Ireland could face, and how the tournament bracket will look.

Rugby • 03 Dec 25

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 25