Neil Treacy

RTÉ Sport Journalist

27 April 2024; Gus McCarthy of Leinster is tackled by Marcel Theunissen and Ruben van Heerden of DHL Stormers during the United Rugby Championship match between DHL Stormers and Leinster at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo by Harry Murphy

United Rugby Championship Round 1: All you need to know

The new BKT United Rugby Championship gets under way this weekend, the fifth season of this iteration of the competition.

United Rugby Championship • 26 Sep

Who is playing to impress in the URC this season?

With the United Rugby Championship season kicking off this week, Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy pick out some of the young - and not so young - players who could make an impact in 2025/26.

United Rugby Championship • 25 Sep

20 September 2025; Head coach Stuart Lancaster during a Connacht Rugby open training session at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

Lancaster excited by Connacht but hopes for Test return

Stuart Lancaster says he would love to return to Test rugby some day, but he doesn't believe his role with Connacht is a stepping stone to becoming the next Ireland head coach.

United Rugby Championship • 22 Sep

BRISTOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Justine Pelletier of Canada scores her team's first try during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Semi Final match between New Zealand and Canada at Ashton Gate on September 19, 2025 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Paul Hardi

Women's RWC: New Zealand 19-34 Canada - recap

Follow our minute by minute coverage as New Zealand take on Canada in Bristol in the first of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup semi-finals.

Rugby • 19 Sep

New Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster and Ulster head coach Richie Murphy

Pressure on Connacht and Ulster to come back stronger

With the new United Rugby Championship just over a week away, it's time to remind ourselves how the four provinces fared in 2024/25, and what lies ahead for the coming year.

United Rugby Championship • 21 Sep

Leinster's goal still the same as Munster begin new era

With the new United Rugby Championship just over a week away, it's time to remind ourselves how the four provinces fared in 2024/25, and what lies ahead for the coming year.

United Rugby Championship • 20 Sep

14 September 2025; Dannah O'Brien of Ireland after the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 quarter-final match between France and Ireland at Sandy Park in Exeter, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Peat: O'Brien may need Premiership move to develop

Lindsay Peat believes a move to Premiership Women's Rugby would benefit Ireland out-half Dannah O'Brien in the long term.

Rugby • 18 Sep

3 May 2025; Leinster players after the Investec Champions Cup semi-final match between Leinster and Northampton Saints at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Cullen hints at Leinster complacency against Saints

It's been nearly five months since Leinster's dreams of a fifth Investec Champions Cup title came to a crashing halt against the Northampton Saints, and head coach Leo Cullen admits it's a game that still takes up space in his mind.

United Rugby Championship • 17 Sep

Hugo Keenan will be sidelined until January at least

Keenan out until new year after hip surgery

The British and Irish Lions tour has taken a heavy toll on Leinster, with Hugo Keenan set to be out until early 2026, while Joe McCarthy may not return until November.

United Rugby Championship • 16 Sep

14 September 2025; Linda Djougang of Ireland scores her side's first try during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 quarter-final match between France and Ireland at Sandy Park in Exeter, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Wafer and Djougang outstanding as Ireland fall short

Here's how we rated the Ireland players in their 18-13 Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to France

Rugby • 14 Sep