Tony Tighe

RTE Sport journalist

Stuart Lancaster (left) rates Ulster among the best teams in Europe

Lancaster: Ulster 'a proper challenge' for Leinster

Stuart Lancaster believes Saturday's top-of-the-table clash between Leinster and Ulster has come at an ideal time for both provinces as their Ireland stars return ahead of a busy period of interprovincial and European action.

Rugby • 28 Nov 22

Robbie Henshaw will be sidelined until the new year

Henshaw ruled out until January after wrist surgery

Ireland and Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw has been ruled out of action until January after undergoing surgery on a wrist injury.

Rugby • 28 Nov 22

Edwin Edogbo leads the celebrations at the final whistle

Rowntree praises 'smart' Munster but Friend frustrated

Graham Rowntree believes Munster have turned a corner after they gave their season a shot in the arm with a bonus-point victory over Connacht.

Rugby • 27 Nov 22

Calvin Nash dives over for Munster's first try

Munster into top eight after crucial win over Connacht

Munster ground out a 24-17 derby win over Connacht at Thomond Park to move up to eighth in the BKT United Rugby Championship table.

Rugby • 26 Nov 22

Denis Buckley makes his 216th appearance for Connacht on Saturday

Buckley: Connacht's scrum turning into a major weapon

Denis Buckley says Connacht's work in the scrum is beginning to bear fruit as they travel to Thomond Park seeking a second win over Munster in seven weeks.

Rugby • 26 Nov 22

Luke McGrath and Ross Byrne resume their half-back partnership against Glasgow

McGrath: Byrne 'on cloud nine' after Ireland heroics

Luke McGrath says half-back partner Ross Byrne has been on cloud nine in Leinster training after his match-winning exploits with Ireland.

Rugby • 25 Nov 22

Joey Carbery (right) wears the No 10 shirt against Connacht with Jack Crowley on the bench

URC team news: Carbery starts as Ireland players return

Joey Carbery has been preferred to Jack Crowley at out-half for Munster's derby against Connacht, who also welcome back a number of Ireland internationals, while Rónan Kelleher returns for Leinster.

Rugby • 25 Nov 22

Andy Friend is in his fifth and final season with Connacht

Friend won't have role in finding Connacht successor

Connacht director of rugby Andy Friend says he will not have an official role in finding his replacement ahead of his departure at the end of the season.

Rugby • 23 Nov 22

Mack Hansen suffered a thigh injury while on Ireland duty

Hansen a major doubt for Connacht's clash with Munster

Mack Hansen is a major doubt for Connacht's derby game at Munster on Saturday after suffering a thigh injury in Ireland's win over Australia.

Rugby • 22 Nov 22

Josh van der Flier is the third Irishman to win World Rugby Men's Player of the Year

Leinster coach McBryde hails 'role model' Van der Flier

Leinster coach Robin McBryde struggles to recall the last time Josh van der Flier played poorly and says the openside fully deserved his world player of the year award.

Rugby • 21 Nov 22