Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Cullen wants Leinster to ditch 'mental lapses'

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen wants Leinster to sharpen up during games, citing "mental lapses" as an area for improvement.

Rugby • 03 Jan 20

Robin Copeland runs in to score the winning try

Late heroics sees Connacht edge out Gloucester

Robin Copeland's last-gasp try rescued a 27-24 win from the jaws of defeat as Connacht pipped Gloucester in a dramatic Heineken Champions Cup clash at the Sportsground.

Rugby • 14 Dec 19

Toulouse players celebrate the late try to seal the bonus point

'They never stopped trying' - Friend proud in defeat

Connacht head coach Andy Friend was proud of his side's performance despite slipping to a 32-17 Champions Cup defeat against Toulouse.

Rugby • 23 Nov 19

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny and Conor Coventry celebrate a fine win over Sweden

Recap: Your morning sports updates

Jose Mourinho is back in management, the Republic of Ireland U21s light up Tallaght and all the latest sports news this November Wednesday morning.

Other sport • 20 Nov 19

Friend: 'Honestly, we go over there thinking we can win this game of rugby. I don't say that lightly'

'We think we can win' - Friend targets Toulouse scalp

Connacht head coach Andy Friend believes his team are more than capable of leaving Toulouse with a victory at the weekend.

Rugby • 20 Nov 19

Kieran Marmion will remain at Connacht until at least the end of the 2022-23 season after agreeing a three-year contract extension

Marmion onboard Connacht ship after 'soul searching'

Andy Friend says he is delighted scrum-half Kieran Marmion has committed his future to Connacht after a "tricky" few months.

Rugby • 19 Nov 19

Dillane missed the defeat to Leinster last week but is expected to feature against Montpellier in Connacht's Champions Cup opener

Dillane boost for Connacht ahead of Montpellier visit

Connacht have been handed a significant boost ahead of their Champions Cup opener against Montpellier on Sunday as Ultan Dillane is available for selection.

Rugby • 13 Nov 19

Farrell earned his start after last week's brace of tries

Tom Farrell handed first start for Connacht

Tom Farrell will start for Connacht for the first time this season when they travel to play Opsreys on Saturday.

Rugby • 01 Nov 19

John Porch touching down for the Australian Sevens

Connacht sign up Aussie winger John Porch

Connacht have announced the signing of Australian Sevens international John Porch ahead of next season.

Rugby • 15 May 19

Andy Friend: "I've loved it this season. I think we're a team that's building."

'We're growing' - Friend eyes another Ravenhill raid

Connacht are the only side to have beaten Ulster on their own patch this season. Now head coach Andy Friend is plotting another huge victory in Belfast and a place in the Pro14 play-off semi-finals.

Rugby • 30 Apr 19

Andy Friend: 'All eyes are now on Ulster'

Upbeat Friend takes positives ahead of Ulster showdown

Connacht head coach Andy Friend was in reasonably sanguine mood after his understrength side's defeat against Munster in Thomond Park, praising the performance and the efforts of his young outhalf Conor Dean.

Rugby • 28 Apr 19

'We believed in ourselves throughout the whole year. We're delighted to be there,' said Bundee Aki.

Friend urges Connacht players to 'have a good night'

The celebrations were in full swing in the Connacht dressing room after a victory over the Cardiff Blues which sent them through to the Guinness Pro14 play-offs.

Rugby • 13 Apr 19

Connacht host Cardiff Blues this weekend in a crucial game with regards to the play-off berths

Resolute Connacht primed for Cardiff showdown

Connacht head coach Andy Friend is hopeful home advantage will prove crucial in their final home game of the regular season against Cardiff with a play-off berth there for the taking.

Rugby • 10 Apr 19

Connacht went over an hour without a score on Friday night

Andy Friend frustrated by Connacht errors

Connacht failed to spark in a disappointing night at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Rugby • 29 Mar 19

Bundee Aki returns for Connacht's European showdown

Bundee Aki will start for Connacht in their Challenge Cup quarter-final against Sale Sharks on Friday night, with Jack Carty and Kieran Marmion also in the first 15 for the Westerners.

Rugby • 28 Mar 19

Andy Friend: "All these games now are must-wins aren't they?"

Friend urges Connacht to 'stay in control of destiny'

Connacht head coach Andy Friend is targeting a perfect Pro14 push to the play-offs after the Westerners powered past Benettton Treviso on Friday night.

Rugby • 23 Mar 19

Friend: Connacht must win to control their own destiny

Andy Friend admits his Connacht team needs to beat Benetton at the Sportsground this Friday to keep their Pro14 play-off fate in their own hands.

Rugby • 19 Mar 19

Connacht's Cillian Gallagher makes his first start of the season

Team news: Connacht ring changes for Cardiff

Connacht Head Coach Andy Friend has given 21 year old Sligo man Cillian Gallagher his first start of the season as Connacht take on Conference rivals Cardiff Blues in the Guinness PRO14 on Saturday (Kick off 5:15pm).

Rugby • 25 Jan 19

Bundee Aki will now link up with Ireland

Connacht delighted with European progress

Connacht head coach Andy Friend hailed "a good day's" work after his side ensured a Challenge Cup quarter-final against Sale Sharks in March.

Rugby • 20 Jan 19

Friend: Connacht gives you chance to prove your worth

Andy Friend says Connacht is now a proven destination for any player hungry to play and hungry to prove they are good enough to represent Ireland.

Rugby • 17 Jan 19

Andy Friend: 'The boys didn't stop, they didn't stop whacking them'

'Not good for the heart' - Friend hails Connacht steel

Connacht head coach Andy Friend fancied his men to turn over Sale at the Sportsground, and said he was "proud" of a physical, gritty Challenge Cup display.

Rugby • 13 Jan 19

Ultan Dillane has signed a new deal with Connacht

Ultan Dillane signs new Connacht contract

Connacht have been handed a timely boost with the news that Ultan Dillane has signed a two-year contract extension with the province.

Rugby • 09 Jan 19

Andy Friend has welcomed the news of Jack Carty's contract extension

Friend sees Carty contract as brilliant sign for future

Connacht head coach Andy Friend believes the new contract signed by Jack Carty is a great sign for their future.

Rugby • 08 Jan 19

Connacht head coach Andy Friend in Galway last night

Friend: Munster are the best team Connacht have played

Connacht head coach Andy Friend described Munster as "the best team we have played this year" following their narrow defeat in the Sportsground on Saturday night.

Rugby • 06 Jan 19

Bundee Aki celebrates with Connacht Rugby President Mossy Moran

Andy Friend: I couldn't be prouder of the Connacht clan

Andy Friend toasted a very happy Christmas for Connacht after they ground down Ulster at the Sportsground to ease the pain of their agonising loss to Leinster.

Rugby • 29 Dec 18