Michael Glennon

RTÉ Sport Journalist

29 January 2026; Ireland head coach Andy Farrell with Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley, right, during an Ireland Rugby squad training session at The Campus in Quinta do Lago, Portugal. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

'Are we Irish, do we want people to do well or not?'

Andy Farrell lashed out at the "keyboard warriors" who have targeted Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley ahead of another week in which the Irish out-half debate is certain to heat up.

Rugby • 16 Feb

14 February 2026; Stuart McCloskey of Ireland is tackled by Niccolò Cannone, left, and Manuel Zuliani of Italy during the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfil

McCloskey: 'Our confidence probably isn't what it was'

Stuart McCloskey has acknowledged that there's been a dip in confidence levels within the Ireland squad but remains hopeful that they are close to turning the corner.

Rugby • 15 Feb

14 February 2026; Ireland players, from left, Dan Sheehan, Joe McCarthy, Sam Prendergast and James Ryan watch on during the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sports

Scare can be 'absolutely huge' for Ireland - Farrell

Andy Farrell dismissed the suggestion that relief was his primary emotion following Ireland's nervy Six Nations win over Italy and believes the experience will stand to his side in the long term.

Rugby • 15 Feb

Robert Baloucoune of Ireland, 14, celebrates with teammate James Lowe, left, and Jamison Gibson-Park after scoring their side's third try during the Guinness 6 Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Bench boost sees Ireland secure nervy win over Italy

Ireland scored three tries as they held on for a hard-fought 20-13 Six Nations victory over Italy in Dublin.

Rugby • 16 Feb

16 March 2013; The Italian players celebrate their victory as Brian O'Briscoll and his Ireland team-mates applaud the Italian's from the pitch after the game. RBS Six Nations Rugby Championship, Italy v Ireland, Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy. Picture credi

Six Nations: Close encounters of the Italian kind

While Ireland have traditionally had it easy against Italy in the Six Nations in Dublin, the Azzurri will feel their time is now.

Rugby • 14 Feb

13 February 2026; The team huddle during an Ireland Rugby captain's run at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Farrell has done his talking, now for players to react

A new-look Ireland side need to react to defeat to France as Italy come looking for a first Six Nations win in Dublin, writes Michael Glennon.

Rugby • 14 Feb

11 February 2026; Edwin Edogbo during an Ireland Rugby squad training session at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Zebo: Edogbo ready to 'set the game alight'

Simon Zebo has backed Edwin Edogbo to "set the game alight" when he makes his international debut for Ireland against Italy on Saturday.

Rugby • 12 Feb

12 February 2026; Head coach Andy Farrell during an Ireland Rugby media conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Farrell eager for new blood to take their chance

Andy Farrell has laid down the gauntlet to his team and is expecting a big response against Italy after a harrowing loss in France.

Rugby • 12 Feb

'You always have to go through a little bit of pain'

Andy Farrell says all teams have to experience a little "bit of pain" as Ireland try to bounce back from a series of dispiriting losses.

Rugby • 13 Feb

10 February 2026; Cormac Izuchukwu during an Ireland Rugby squad training session at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Six changes for Ireland with Ulster pair to make 6N bow

Andy Farrell has made six changes to his starting XV for the visit of Italy, with Ulster pair Robert Baloucoune and Cormac Izuchukwu in line for Six Nations debuts.

Rugby • 12 Feb