Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Aaron Smith can't wait for the final test against the Lions

Aaron Smith relishing decider with Lions

New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith says that games like next Saturday's Test series decider against the British and Irish Lions are "what you play rugby for".

Rugby • 03 Jul 17

Sam Warburton will lead the Lions against New Zealand

Warburton shuns outside world to focus on Lions

British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has shut himself off from the outside world as part of his quest to topple the All Blacks.

Rugby • 30 Jun 17

Iain Henderson (r) leaves the field after receiving a yellow card

Gatland laments yellow card but praises Henderson

Warren Gatland pointed to Iain Henderson's yellow card to explain the Lions' inability to beat the Hurricanes despite leading 31-17 with 14 minutes left but said the Irishman had put himself in contention to play in the second Test.

Rugby • 27 Jun 17

The Lions received a traditional haka welcome

British and Irish Lions arrive in New Zealand

The British and Irish Lions received a traditional Maori welcome at Auckland Airport as in New Zealand for their eagerly-anticipated 10-match tour, with coach Warren Gatland maintaining the only metric for success will be a series victory over the All Blacks.

Rugby • 31 May 17

Kieran Read could be out for the visit of the Britisn and Irish Lions to New Zealand

New Zealand skipper in danger of missing Lions series

New Zealand suffered a major blow to their preparations for the upcoming series against the touring British and Irish Lions when captain Kieran Read fractured his thumb in Super Rugby action on Saturday and was forced to undergo surgery.

Rugby • 30 Apr 17

Johnny Sexton starred for the Lions in 2013

Gatland: Sexton must be fit for tour of attrition

Lions coach Warren Gatland believes "world-class" Johnny Sexton will bounce back from injury but warned that he needed players who could "last for the six weeks" in the summer tour to New Zealand.

Rugby • 02 Feb 17