Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

David Nucifora was the main driver behind the elite Sevens programme in Ireland

Nucifora hits out at 'nonsense' IRFU move on Sevens

Former IRFU high performance director David Nucifora has hit out at the union's decision to axe the men's Sevens programme, calling it "short sighted nonsense".

Rugby • 21 May

Former IRFU performance director David Nucifora will be part of the British and Irish Lions tour

Farrell confirms Nucifora among Lions appointments

David Nucifora has been confirmed as a member of Andy Farrell's backroom team with the British and Irish Lions next summer, while Farrell has also included Aled Walters and Vinnie Hammond from his Irish rugby staff.

Rugby • 28 Jan

David Nucifora (L) with Andy Farrell in 2022

Farrell to bring Nucifora and Walters into Lions set-up

Andy Farrell is set to appoint David Nucifora and Aled Walters to his management team for the British and Irish Lions' tour to Australia.

Rugby • 23 Jan

Nucifora spent ten years as performance director at the IRFU

Nucifora confirms new role with Scottish rugby

The Scottish Rugby Union has confirmed the appointment of former Irish Rugby performance director David Nucifora in a new advisory role.

Rugby • 27 Aug 24

David Nucifora will take up a role with Rugby Australia

Nucifora to take up advisory role with Rugby Australia

Outgoing IRFU director of high performance David Nucifora is returning home to take up an advisory role with Rugby Australia.

Rugby • 22 Dec 23

Could Johnny Sexton make a quick return to Irish rugby?

Nucifora leaves door open for Sexton coaching role

IRFU performance director David Nucifora says the union 'would be mad to say no' to Johnny Sexton, if he wanted to get involved in coaching.

Rugby • 15 Dec 23

Andy Farrell served as an assistant coach of the Lions in 2013 and 2017

Farrell gets IRFU Lions backing after new contract

IRFU performance director David Nucifora says it was vital they locked their "sought after" head coach Andy Farrell into a new contract, adding that they would fully back Farrell to become head coach of the Lions in 2025.

Rugby • 14 Dec 23

Nucifora says the Emerging Ireland tour surpassed their expectations

Nucifora: Emerging tour didn't damage relationships

David Nucifora says the relationship between the IRFU and the four provinces hasn't been damaged by the recent Emerging Ireland tour of South Africa, but admits it caused "robust discussion" between the parties.

Rugby • 28 Oct 22

David Nucifora has been Irish rugby's performance director since 2014

Nucifora: Eight women's players turned down contracts

IRFU performance director David Nucifora has confirmed that eight women's players have turned down professional contracts from the union.

Rugby • 27 Oct 22

Philip Browne (r) was present at the Aviva today

Browne: Time not right to comment on team management

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne says it would be inappropriate to comment on the future of women's director of rugby Anthony Eddy's position with Ireland about to kick off their Autumn international series.

Rugby • 12 Nov 21

Anthony Eddy inadvertently kicked off a serious debate about the future of women's rugby in this country

Time for IRFU to confront their failing of women's game

The IRFU like to commission reviews when things go wrong in the women's game, but Ali Donnelly believes such tactics may not suffice in wake of Anthony Eddy's press conference this week.

Rugby • 12 Nov 21

Ronan O'Gara spent time as an assistant coach for Ireland's game against the USA in 2017

No need for ROG to serve time with province - Nucifora

Ronan O'Gara would not have to serve time in the Irish system before becoming head coach of the national team, according to David Nucifora.

Rugby • 03 Jun 21

France ran eight tries past Ireland in their recent Six Nations meeting

'No short-term fix' for women's game - Nucifora

The issues surrounding the women's game in Ireland won't be sorted out quickly, says IRFU high performance director David Nucifora.

Rugby • 02 Jun 21

Nucifora: IRFU wanted Furlong to sign longer deal

The IRFU is hopeful that a changed rugby landscape next year will help them to keep Tadhg Furlong on the books past his recently signed one-year deal.

Rugby • 02 Jun 21

IRFU bosses say Farrell's the right man to lead Ireland

Ireland rugby bosses have no regrets over the appointment of head coach Andy Farrell and believe he is "absolutely" the right man to lead the country forward.

Rugby • 01 Dec 20

O'Callaghan: Rugby in dangerous place and change needed

Donncha O'Callaghan believes rugby is in a "dangerous place" and rule changes are required to give the sport a lift.

Rugby • 30 Nov 20

'The Six Nations - winning our home games, losing two away games - you'd call it, I suppose, an average return for us'

Nucifora eager for South African teams to join Pro14

IRFU high performance director David Nucifora is extremely keen that South Africa's four biggest franchises complete the deal to join the Guinness Pro14, saying it would both "challenge" and benefit the development of Irish players.

Rugby • 30 Nov 20

Ireland had been due to face Australia Down Under on 4 and 11 July

Ireland's July tour to Australia postponed

The Irish rugby team's Tests in Australia in July are among the global rugby fixtures postponed as confirmed by World Rugby.

Rugby • 15 May 20

Dejection among Irish players after their World Cup exit

IRFU World Cup review: Irish approach did not evolve

The IRFU's review into another underwhelming performance by Ireland at the World Cup has honed in on Ireland's style of play, the anxiousness that affected performances since the start of the Six Nations and the fact that Japan were underestimated.

Rugby • 04 Dec 19

Rob Kearney's contract is up after the World Cup in Japan

Nucifora on Kearney: 'Everyone has decisions to make'

IRFU high-performance director David Nucifora has hinted that Rob Kearney may be set for pastures new after the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Rugby • 24 May 19

David Nucifora: "Things are achievable, they're attainable. We've got to back ourselves"

'Dare to dream' - Nucifora backs Ireland to rule World

IRFU high performance director David Nucifora is daring to dream that Ireland can win the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Rugby • 24 May 19

David Nucifora is a former Brumbies and Blues hooker

IRFU extends Nucifora contract

David Nucifora, the IRFU's high-performance director, has signed a three-year extension to his contract.

Rugby • 22 May 19

Joe Schmidt (L) was central to the appointment of Farrell as his replacement

Nucifora: Farrell will ensure clarity and continuity

Andy Farrell to replace Joe Schmidt as head coach and lead Ireland to the 2023 World Cup in a move that will provide clarity to players, IRFU high performance director David Nucifora told RTÉ Sport.

Rugby • 26 Nov 18

Schmidt to decide on future before end of the year

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne expects Joe Schmidt to decide on his future as Ireland head coach after the November internationals.

Rugby • 23 Oct 18

New Irish-Welsh Cup gives academy stars chance to shine

David Nucifora has reassured Ulster Bank League clubs that the new Celtic Cup competition for emerging professional players will not hamper their own seasons.

Rugby • 15 Aug 18