Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Doris: 'I felt we had applied a lot of pressure and didn't convert early on'

Doris rues failure to capitalise on early pressure

Caelan Doris said Ireland's failure to convert their early pressure into points came back to hurt them as the French backs took wing in a rampant second half display.

Rugby • 09 Mar

Oscar Jego scores the bonus point try for France

Rampant France end Irish Grand Slam hopes at Aviva

Ireland's Grand Slam dreams are over, blown to smithereens by a ruthless and emphatic France, who now look destined to win the Guinness Six Nations title.

Rugby • 08 Mar

Damien Penaud among the celebrated French backs landing in town

France dialled in with overdue silverware on table

France arrive in Dublin with the title at stake and their coach under pressure to deliver trophies

Rugby • 08 Mar

Huw Jones scoring late on in last year's Six Nations clash at the Aviva Stadium

Easterby urges Ireland to be wary of dangerous Scotland

Ireland's interim coach Simon Easterby believes Guinness Six Nations rivals Scotland are capable of being one of the most dangerous sides in world rugby.

Rugby • 04 Feb

'At openside, Van Der Flier is the probable selection, but I'd go with Nick Timoney'

Brave selection calls can deliver exciting Irish side

Ireland are loath to enact wholesale changes but the South African tour is a great opportunity for the younger crop of players, writes Jonny Holland

Rugby • 02 Jul 24

Jackman expects Tom Ahern to be in the squad

Jackman: Irish squad situation 'worrying' ahead of 6N

Following the retirement of Johnny Sexton and a glut of high profile injuries, RTÉ rugby analyst Bernard Jackman admitted to some "worry" about Ireland's prospects ahead of what could be a transitional Six Nations campaign.

Rugby • 10 Jan 24

Syd Millar was a legendary player, coach and administrator

Tributes flow as 'rugby titan' Syd Millar dies aged 89

The IRFU have paid tribute to a "titan of rugby union" after the death was announced of Irish rugby great, Syd Millar, at the age of 89.

Rugby • 10 Dec 23

Ireland are top of Pool B after the opening round of games

Botha: Ireland will be 'biggest obstacle' for the Boks

France's opening Rugby World Cup win against New Zealand has heightened the importance of topping Pool B for both Ireland and Scotland, according to BJ Botha and James Downey.

Rugby • 12 Sep 23

'You make mistakes, you say sorry and hold your hands up and that's what I've done'

Sexton regrets 'mistake' which led to summer suspension

Johnny Sexton admits he instantly regretted the heated exchange with referee Jaco Peyper which caused him to miss three Rugby World Cup warm-up matches through suspension.

Rugby • 27 Aug 23

This year's World Cup should run smoother for Ireland

Pale moon rose: Ireland's chaotic inaugural World Cup

Ireland has a rich history in the field of World Cup shambles but few subsequent adventures have been as chaotic as the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.

Rugby • 03 Sep 23

'Those boys become a different beast when they enter into the Ireland camp'

Samoan coach prepares to face 'Leinster on steroids'

Samoa head coach Seilala Mapusua is preparing to face "Leinster on steroids" ahead of Saturday's World Cup warm-up clash with Ireland in Bayonne.

Rugby • 25 Aug 23

'Keith is a coaches' player, a players' player and immensely popular with supporters and even opposition players'

Keith Earls - a special talent and a better person

The international centurion has the experience, ability and work ethic that could be invaluable if he makes the plane to France

Rugby • 22 Aug 23

Freddie Steward sees red following a collision with Hugo Keenan

Jackman: Steward red card wasn't even a penalty

RTÉ Rugby analyst Bernard Jackman argues that Freddie Steward's collision with Hugo Keenan in Saturday's Six Nations finale did not even merit a penalty, let alone a red card, though he acknowledged the predicament that officials are in due to the increased focus on head injuries.

Rugby • 20 Mar 23

Stephen Ferris: 'Why shouldn't we go on and win it?'

Ferris: Current Irish team are the greatest ever

Stephen Ferris says the current Irish team has established themselves in the greatest in history after completing the Grand Slam at the weekend.

Rugby • 20 Mar 23

Selection of Craig Casey and Ross Byrne is a vote of confidence

Lenihan: No complacency in Rome given Italian form

Complacency shouldn't be an issue heading to Rome this year, given the team selection and Italy's impressive form, according to Donal Lenihan

Rugby • 24 Feb 23

"The discipline and soft penalties cost us"

Gatland: Ill-discipline cost us against Ireland

Warren Gatland has lamented "discipline and soft penalties" as key factors behind Wales' heaviest Six Nations home defeat for 22 years.

Rugby • 06 Feb 23

Former Irish rugby international Paul McNaughton has died aged 69.

Ex-Ireland rugby star Paul McNaughton dies aged 69

Former Irish rugby international Paul McNaughton has died at the age of 69, Leinster Rugby confirmed in a statement this morning.

Rugby • 07 Nov 22

Mack Hansen dives over for Ireland second try

Jackman: Irish depth & variety building for 'open' RWC

RTÉ Rugby analyst Bernard Jackman said Ireland's ability to cope with South Africa's physicality was the most heartening aspect of Saturday's win at the Aviva Stadium and cautiously acknowledged that Andy Farrell's side are among the teams with legitimate World Cup aspirations.

Rugby • 07 Nov 22

South Africa captain Kolisi: "For us it's (2017 loss) something that we can't forget. I remember we were here and it was very tough"

Kolisi: Current Irish team 'much better' than 2017 side

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi is braced for an even greater threat from Ireland after admitting his last Dublin Test match was among the toughest days of his international career.

Rugby • 04 Nov 22

'It's hard trying to play catch up with 14 men against a really well organised defensive team'

Foster laments 'unacceptable' errors against Ireland

New Zealand coach Ian Foster lamented his side's "unacceptable" errors in their 23-12 defeat to Ireland in Dunedin, acknowledging that it was "hard trying to play catch up" after the first-half red card to Angus Ta'avao.

Rugby • 09 Jul 22

'Playing your Leinsters, Munsters, Ulster and stuff, it's pretty confrontational teams'

Scotland's Fagerson wary of 'confrontational' Irish

Matt Fagerson vowed he and his Scotland team-mates would rally together and bid to deliver their potential in their final match of the Guinness Six Nations in Dublin.

Rugby • 15 Mar 22

'I'm trying to think of the last bar room brawl I was in. Is it going to be like that? It's probably a fair assumption'

Marler eager for 'clean bar brawl' with Ireland

Joe Marler has revealed that England's training sessions have become edgier in anticipation of the step up presented by Ireland in

Rugby • 08 Mar 22

"Joey is slowly growing into himself again"

Catt challenges Carbery to 'bring his X-factor'

Joey Carbery has been challenged to scale new heights in his quest to permanently dislodge influential captain Johnny Sexton.

Rugby • 26 Feb 22

'He's very physical, even though he doesn't look it - he's very slight looking - but he really hits hard,' O'Sullivan said of Baloucoune

O'Sullivan: Baloucoune has 'edge' to win starting spot

Eddie O'Sullivan believes Ulster's Robert Baloucoune has the "extra weapon" to really own one of the wing positions for Ireland in the upcoming Six Nations.

Rugby • 31 Jan 22

'For Ireland's ambitions to continue forward, you'll need a couple of breakthroughs in this year's competition'

Ireland need more 'breakthroughs' to bolster momentum

The Six Nations is back this weekend. With the normality of full crowds restored, and with Irish expectations climbing back towards their peak, it promises to be a highly enjoyable competition, writes Jonny Holland.

Rugby • 01 Feb 22

Ireland rugby union team