Neil Treacy

RTÉ Sport Journalist

6 April 2024; Jack Conan of Leinster dives over to score his side's fifth which was subsequently disallowed during the Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 match between Leinster and Leicester Tigers at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Tyler Miller/Spo

Champions and Challenge Cup R2: All You Need To Know

All four Irish provinces are back in action this week across the Investec Champions and Challenge Cup pool stages. Here's everything you need to know ahead of this weekend's games.

Rugby • 13 Dec 25

6 December 2025; Rieko Ioane of Leinster after the Investec Champions Cup match between Leinster and Harlequins at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Ioane to start as Cullen shuffles Leinster deck

Rieko Ioane will make his first Leinster start in Friday night's Investec Champions Cup encounter with Leicester Tigers, with Leo Cullen shuffling his deck for the Pool 3 meeting.

Rugby • 11 Dec 25

22 November 2025; Jack Crowley of Ireland contests a high ball with Cheslin Kolbe of South Africa during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Jackman doesn't agree with kicking game criticism

Bernard Jackman doesn't believe the current laws around the kick-chase are having a negative effect on the game.

Rugby • 10 Dec 25

The kick-escort debate and a mixed provincial Euro week

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast to discuss a mixed week of results for the Irish provinces in the Investec Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup.

Rugby • 10 Dec 25

6 December 2025; Shane Daly of Munster and Santi Carreras of Bath contest a high ball during the Investec Champions Cup match between Bath and Munster at The Recreation Ground in Bath, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Prendergast frustrated by kicking escort clampdown

Munster's attack coach Mike Prendergast is the latest figure to voice his frustration with the way kicking has changed rugby in the last year.

Rugby • 10 Dec 25

29 November 2025; Jack Crowley of Munster during the United Rugby Championship match between Munster and DHL Stormers at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

Munster trio 'tracking well' for Gloucester return

Munster appear confident that Jack Crowley, Jean Kleyn and Michael Milne will all be able to return for Saturday's crucial Champions Cup Pool 3 meeting with Gloucester in Cork.

Rugby • 09 Dec 25