Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Dogged Ulster claim derby spoils against Connacht

Ulster condemned Connacht to a third successive URC loss and moved up to eighth in the table following a well deserved 17-7 win at the Dexcom Stadium.

Rugby • 28 Dec 24

Jack Murphy (centre) made his debut against Munster

Connacht make three changes, Ulster to start Murphy

Connacht have made three changes to their side to take on Ulster at Dexcom Stadium in Saturday's URC derby, while the visitors have handed academy out-half Jack Murphy a first start.

Rugby • 27 Dec 24

Mack Hansen made his feelings clear about the way he feels Connacht's games have been refereed in Saturday's press conference

Hansen's press conference candour 'refreshing' - Ferris

Stephen Ferris feels it was "really refreshing" to see a player being as candid as Mack Hansen was on Saturday night after Connacht's defeat to Leinster in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Rugby • 23 Dec 24

Dave Heffernan starts at hooker for Connacht against Ulster

Connacht's Heffernan motivated by Irish disappointment

The 2024/25 season has been a mixed one so far for Dave Heffernan. The 33-year-old has been in career-best form this season, but that has been offset by a frustrating time in Ireland camp in November.

United Rugby Championship • 27 Dec 24

Mack Hansen's comments have dominated the fallout from Connacht's defeat to Leinster

Wilkins backs Mack as Connacht wait on URC response

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins says the province are yet to find out whether or not Mack Hansen will be sanctioned for his comments on the officiating in Saturday's 20-12 defeat to Leinster.

United Rugby Championship • 02 Jan

It'll be a first Connacht Rugby game in Mayo during the professional era

Home of Mayo GAA to host Connacht-Munster URC Interpro

Connacht Rugby are set to play at the home of Mayo GAA next year, in what will be their first senior competitive game in the county during the professional era.

Rugby • 23 Dec 24

Mack Hansen's incredible outburst may lead to sanctions if the URC deems his remarks went beyond acceptable criticism

Hansen outburst adds spice to URC derby dishes

If the URC decision-makers thought that switching up the Christmas schedule so that not having a St Stephen's or New Year's Day game would make the holiday period easier to navigate then Mack Hansen gave them another idea.

Rugby • 23 Dec 24

Jordie Barrett makes a pass despite the best effort of Sean Jansen and Mack Hansen

Barrett believes in active duty for Leinster young guns

Jordie Barrett paid tribute to opponents Connacht after Leinster's 20-12 BKT URC derby win at Aviva Stadium, and believes that Leo Cullen's decision to select five academy players as starters will bear fruit.

Rugby • 22 Dec 24

Mack Hansen was extremely frustrated after the game

'Like 16 men against us' - Hansen blasts officials

Mack Hansen blasted the officiating following Connacht's 20-12 URC defeat to Leinster, saying he felt his side were up against 16 men.

Rugby • 22 Dec 24

Charlie Tector scored Leinster's second try

Leinster edge past Connacht in Christmas cracker

Table-toppers Leinster maintained their 100% winning run with a nervy 20-12 victory over Connacht in the URC at Aviva Stadium.

Rugby • 22 Dec 24

URC: Leinster 20-12 Connacht - recap

Leinster welcome Connacht to Aviva Stadium for a festive inter-pro derby. Follow the action here.

Rugby • 21 Dec 24

Paul Boyle has four tries in eight games for Connacht this season

Boyle: 'I'm the best version that I've ever been'

Connacht's Paul Boyle believes he is in the best form of his career, as his side look to end Leinster's perfect start to the season.

Rugby • 20 Dec 24

Ulster were 21-14 winners when they last played Munster in Belfast

United Rugby Championship Round 8: All You Need to Know

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the Round 8 games this weekend in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

United Rugby Championship • 19 Dec 24

Jack Boyle: 'I want to push on. I'm very ambitious'

Boyle primed for 'battle' after taste of Ireland camp

A taste of Ireland camp has Jack Boyle gagging for more and the Leinster prop is sure he's in the right place to kick on.

Rugby • 19 Dec 24

Bundee Aki has agreed a contract extension

Wilkins: Aki contract 'great for Connacht'

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins believes Bundee Aki's new contract is a hugely important piece of business for the province.

United Rugby Championship • 17 Dec 24

Ryan and Aki extend central contracts

James Ryan and Bundee Aki are the latest big names to be tied down by the IRFU, who confirmed on Tuesday that the pair have agreed new three-year and one-year deals respectively.

Rugby • 17 Dec 24

Sam Prendergast: I want to keep playing and take whatever opportunities I can get'

Sexton 'a great sounding board', says Prendergast

Comparisons with Johnny Sexton are going to follow Sam Prendergast around. Whether he likes it or not.

Rugby • 16 Dec 24

Sexton 'a great sounding board', says Prendergast

Comparisons with Johnny Sexton are going to follow Sam Prendergast around. Whether he likes it or not.

Rugby • 17 Dec 24

Leo Cullen: 'Let's face it, some lads didn't go as well as we'd have hoped'

'We need to look at ourselves as coaches' - Cullen

Leinster boss Leo Cullen insists his coaching team won't escape scrutiny when questions about team performance are raised.

Rugby • 15 Dec 24

'We need to look at ourselves as coaches' - Cullen

Leinster boss Leo Cullen insists his coaching team won't escape scrutiny when questions about performance are raised.

Rugby • 16 Dec 24

Jordie Barrett starts at full-back for Leinster

Barrett set for first Leinster start against Clermont

Jordie Barrett will get his first Leinster start against Clermont in tomorrow's Champions Cup tie, while Sam Prendergast retains the out-half shirt.

Rugby • 13 Dec 24

Champions Cup Round 2: All You Need to Know

All four Irish provinces are in European action this weekend across the Investec Champions and Challenge Cups. Find out all you need to know here.

Rugby • 12 Dec 24

Updated Champions Cup Round 2: All You Need to Know

All four Irish provinces are in European action this weekend across the Investec Champions and Challenge Cups. Find out all you need to know here.

Rugby • 13 Dec 24

Shayne Bolton is currently sidelined with a foot injury

Connacht sweating on foot injury for luckless Bolton

Connacht could be without Shayne Bolton for an extended period, with the winger set to see a specialist regarding his foot injury.

United Rugby Championship • 10 Dec 24

Jordie Barrett will make his Leinster debut off bench

Team news: Provinces name squads for European openers

Jordie Barrett looks set to make his Leinster debut in Sunday's Investec Champions Cup opener against Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate, with the New Zealand international named among the replacements.

Rugby • 08 Dec 24