Neil Treacy

RTÉ Sport Journalist

13 July 2024; Siya Kolisi of South Africa is tackled by Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris and Jack Crowley during the second test between South Africa and Ireland at Kings Park in Durban, South Africa. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Ireland must produce year's best against Springboks

The final game of a November series will always dictate the Christmas mood, given the two-month layoff until the Six Nations rolls around in February. This year, it feels even more defining.

Rugby • 22 Nov 25

15 November 2025; Ireland players, from left, Caelan Doris, Ryan Baird, Cian Prendergast, Tadhg Beirne, Bundee Aki, Nick Timoney and Jack Crowley during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Ph

Lineout steals mask lingering Irish discipline issues

Ireland have had a reasonable penalty count in this November window, but where and when they are giving up penalties remains a source of frustration, writes Neil Treacy.

Rugby • 22 Nov 25

20 November 2025; Head coach Andy Farrell during an Ireland Rugby media conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Farrell: Ireland 'more up to speed' as Boks arrive

This is week five of Ireland's camp, and Andy Farrell says he always believed their performances would come together.

Rugby • 21 Nov 25

15 November 2025; Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, right, with Sam Prendergast of Ireland before the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Farrell defends Prendergast over defensive 'work-on'

Andy Farrell has issued a staunch defence of his out-half Sam Prendergast, ahead of Saturday's Quilter Nations Series meeting with South Africa.

Rugby • 20 Nov 25

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 21: South Africa Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus talks to South Africa Head Coach Jacques Nienaber during the pre match warm up ahead of the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and South Africa at Stade de France on

Erasmus open to Nienaber return for Rugby World Cup

Rassie Erasmus says he is open to the idea of welcoming Jacques Nienaber back into his coaching team for the Rugby World Cup in 2027.

Rugby • 20 Nov 25

19 November 2025; IRFU chief executive officer Kevin Potts is interviewed after an IRFU media conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Rugby ticket prices a 'commercial reality' - Potts

The IRFU has defended its ticket pricing strategy for men's senior internationals at the Aviva Stadium, saying it is the "commercial reality" the sport is facing.

Rugby • 20 Nov 25

15 November 2025; A general view before the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

IRFU insists finances 'robust' despite €4.2m deficit

Irish Rugby chief executive Kevin Potts believes the IRFU is in a "robust" financial position, despite reporting a deficit of €4.2m for the 2024/25 season.

Rugby • 19 Nov 25

15 November 2025; Harry Potter of Australia in action against Ryan Baird, left, and Tommy O’Brien of Ireland during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

O'Brien: Sexton's 'nuggets' improving Irish kick game

Ireland dominated the skies against Australia on Saturday, and if they're to claim a big win against the world champions South Africa in Dublin this weekend, they will need a repeat performance.

Rugby • 20 Nov 25

15 November 2025; Sam Prendergast of Ireland, left, is replaced by team-mate Jack Crowley in a second half substitution during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Smit: Physicality should not dictate 10 selection

Former South Africa captain John Smit doesn't believe Ireland's coaches should be fixated on "physicality" in selecting their side for this weekend's Quilter Nations Series meeting with the Springboks at Aviva Stadium.

Rugby • 19 Nov 25

Former Leinster prop Ala'alatoa to join Munster

Munster have made a mid-season dip into the transfer market, confirming the signing of veteran prop Michael Ala'alatoa until the end of the season.

United Rugby Championship • 19 Nov 25