Brendan Cole

RTÉ Sport journalist

Sean O'Brien was an outstanding performer in Ireland's win over France

Schmidt 'hopeful' that O'Brien will not face ban

Joe Schmidt has said he hopes Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien will not face a ban over a punching incident that took place during Ireland’s clash with France.

Rugby • 12 Oct 15

Rob Kearney crashes over for Ireland's first try against France in Cardiff

Heroic Ireland overcome France in Cardiff classic

Ireland have won Rugby World Cup Pool D with an impressive 24-9 victory over France at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. Joe Schmidt's team will now face Argentina in the quarter-finals next Sunday.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 12 Oct 15

Ireland have won their last two encounters against France

Ireland v France: This game matters

After three years of waiting, Ireland versus France in Rugby World Cup Pool D is almost upon is, RTÉ Sport's Brendan Cole previews the tie.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 11 Oct 15

Ian Madigan and Luke Fitzgerald at Ireland training this week

Permutations: What would a win over France mean?

How important is this weekend's match against France? Brendan Cole looks at potential paths to the final and what a win would mean for Joe Schmidt's men.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 10 Oct 15

Joe Schmidt with Dave Kearney, who will be hopeful for a place on the wing

Schmidt to reveal team to face France today

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt will reveal his team to face France in Ireland’s crucial Rugby World Cup Pool D match later this afternoon.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 09 Oct 15

Column: Why the Tuilagi Tweeters have got it wrong

Alesana Tuilagi's five-week suspension has attracted strong criticism from players, journalists and fans - read Brendan Cole on the incident and why the decision was correct.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 08 Oct 15

Bernard Foley has scored two tries for Australia

As It Happened: England 13-33 Australia

See how Australia humiliated tournament hosts England, while South Africa and Japan also had wins on a packed Saturday of action at the Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 04 Oct 15