Scotland win gives breathing space but focus remains

Our columnist spent the morning of the Scotland match in the company of young fans who expect Ireland to always win, but Joe Schmidt will ensure focus and competition with the squad remains high

Wallcharts primed for glorious 7 weeks for 7-year-olds

The excitement in our columnist's house on the eve of the Rugby World Cup brought back memories of 2007, as well as happier times!

Ireland should savour this - the world is at their feet

Fiona Steed reflects on an emotional and glorious day at Twickenham, and asks where Ireland - and England can go next.

Clean sweep beckons against Eddie Jones' dirty broom

Ahead of Saturday's Twickenham finale, Ireland have to enter as favourites against an England side struggling in the back row and giving up penalties at an alarming rate.

Ireland have to be wary of Scotland's running game

If you, like me, are a true sports fan and manic Irish rugby supporter then this weekend will excite and worry you in equal measure.

Mike Ross showing Ireland how to adapt under pressure

Porter not a cause for concern on seminal weekend

This weekend's matches are more than season-defining, must-win games. The results of each will be seminal in defining where our adult representative teams sit and a solid indicator of the state of our rugby health.

Ireland Women still have to up it a few gears

The win over Italy was a welcome boost for the Irish Women, but much improvement will still be needed when Wales come to town next weekend, writes Fiona Steed.

Schmidt may regret not unleashing Carbery's talent

Joe Schmidt could be repeating the mistakes of 2015 but not giving Joey Carbery enough game time ahead of next year's World Cup, writes Fiona Steed.

Schmidt to lead Ireland to title, Women need progress

In the first of her weekly columns during the Six Nations Championship, Fiona Steed remembers her own Paris in the springtime memories and what she hopes and expects for the three Irish teams in the competition.