Tony Tighe

RTE Sport journalist

John Porch was among the tryscorers in last weekend's win over Brive

Porch extends Connacht contract until 2025

Connacht wing John Porch has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the province until 2025.

Rugby • 16 Jan 23

Ultan Dillane started at lock for La Rochelle

Champions Cup recap: Mixed day for Irish provinces

Leinster thumped Gloucester to maintain their 100% winning record this season and 14-man Munster held on for a narrow win over Northampton, but there was late heartbreak for Ulster against La Rochelle.

Rugby • 14 Jan 23

La Rochelle's Irish trio of Ultan Dillane, Ronan O'Gara and Donnacha Ryan

La Rochelle: European champions developing Irish accent

A La Rochelle team with a growing Irish influence could put an end to Ulster's Heineken Champions Cup hopes on Saturday.

Rugby • 14 Jan 23

'We want to be playing into May, not pulling up stumps any earlier than that'

Ralston eyes big finish after weathering early storm

It is over six months since Byron Ralston swapped Western Australia for the west of Ireland and the days of playing with a dry ball are fast becoming a distant memory.

Rugby • 13 Jan 23

Mossy Lawler will join Munster's coaching ticket at the end of the season

Friend not expecting more coaches to leave with Lawler

Andy Friend doesn't believe there will be a major break-up of Connacht's coaching staff at the end of the season, despite Mossy Lawler announcing he will join Munster as skills coach.

Rugby • 10 Jan 23

Ulster have lost five of their last six matches

Ulster's URC game with Sharks rescheduled for February

Ulster's BKT United Rugby Championship game against the Cell C Sharks has been rescheduled for Saturday, 25 February in Durban.

Rugby • 10 Jan 23

Jack Conan comes into the Leinster back row for their trip to Swansea

Frustrated Conan keen to make statement against Ospreys

Jack Conan wants to make a statement against the Ospreys on Saturday after growing frustrated by his lack of first-team opportunities with Leinster.

Rugby • 06 Jan 23

Tom Farrell and Connacht are targeting a return to winning ways against the Sharks

Farrell focused on midfield duel against in-form Sharks

The Cell C Sharks may have sent a second-string side to Galway for Saturday's game with Connacht but Tom Farrell knows they still have plenty of bite in their midfield.

Rugby • 07 Jan 23

Harry Byrne is promoted to the Leinster starting line-up

URC team news: Byrne makes first start of season

Harry Byrne starts at out-half for Leinster's trip to the Ospreys, Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen are back for Connacht's crunch game with the Sharks, while Robert Baloucoune makes his 50th appearance for Ulster at Benetton.

Rugby • 06 Jan 23

Pete Wilkins (left) says there is a quiet confidence Connacht can turn their season around

'No panic stations' as Connacht face pivotal week

Pete Wilkins has called on Connacht to show their fighting spirit as they bid to get their faltering season back on track against the Cell C Sharks.

Rugby • 04 Jan 23