Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Defiant Cheika says slumping Australia will be back

After being thumped 37-18 by England on Saturday coach Michael Cheika has issued a defiant promise that Australia will be all the better for their terrible 2018

Rugby • 25 Nov 18

Australia beat Italy in first win on European tour

Australia beat Italy keeping their unblemished record against the Azzurri intact what had been billed as a must-win match for the Wallabies' embattled coach, Michael Cheika.

Rugby • 17 Nov 18

Kurtley Beale gets the number 10 shirt for the Springboks clash

Beale replaces Foley as part of Aussie shake-up

Under-pressure Australia coach Michael Cheika hopes a selection "shake-up" that has demoted regular flyhalf Bernard Foley to the bench can ignite the Wallabies' Rugby Championship with a win over South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday.

Rugby • 06 Sep 18

'They do that thing where they get two players connected beforehand'

'Rolling in the way' - Cheika identifies Irish tactic

Australia boss Michael Cheika is an admirer of Ireland's style of play, in particular how Joe Schmidt's side slow down opposition ball.

Rugby • 21 Jun 18

Johnny Sexton takes instructions from then Leinster head coach Michael Cheika prior to a Heineken Cup game in 2010

Cheika: 'Maestro' Sexton is a tough rooster

Michael Cheika says his Australian team cannot afford to concentrate too much on Ireland out-half Johnny Sexton this weekend, though admitted he is the "maestro" in Joe Schmidt's side.

Rugby • 14 Jun 18

Johnny Sexton being put through his paces head of the second test against Australia

Sexton: We need to be a hell of a lot better

Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell says some players have had to endure a difficult few days poring over last weekend's defeat to Australia, but he expects a big reaction for Saturday's second Test in Melbourne.

Rugby • 12 Jun 18

Michael Cheika looks on as his Australian side defeat Ireland

Cheika delighted with Australia's work ethic

Australia coach Michael Cheika said his team's work ethic was the key factor in their 18-9 victory over Ireland in Brisbane on Saturday but warned his players they would have to step up to another level next week.

Rugby • 09 Jun 18

Michael Cheika played a big role in helping Ireland to get where they are now

This is Ireland's strongest ever side - Cheika

Australia coach Michael Cheika played a role in laying a foundation of success for Irish rugby during his stint at Leinster, and eight years on, he faces the juggernaut he helped create at Lang Park on Saturday.

Rugby • 07 Jun 18

Uncapped flanker Peter Samu free to face Ireland

Uncapped loose forward Peter Samu has joined the Australia squad for the Test series against Ireland after being granted a release by New Zealand Rugby

Rugby • 03 Jun 18

Samu in limbo for Wallabies ahead of Ireland series

The international future of Pete Samu remains in limbo with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) yet to decide on the player's release for Australia's test series against Ireland.

Rugby • 31 May 18

Folau-Pocock differences won't affect Aussies - Cheika

Australia coach Michael Cheika says he believes that the opposing views of two of his star players will not cause a distraction within the camp ahead of the visit of Ireland.

Rugby • 23 May 18

Michael Cheika's Australia face Ireland next month

Cheika aiming to cut Ireland down to size in June

Australia's home series against Ireland next month will provide an idea of how much progress the Wallabies have made since they were swept 3-0 by England in a similar series in 2016, coach Michael Cheika said.

Rugby • 23 May 18

Michael Cheika apologised for his in-game outburst during England-Australia at Twickenham on Saturday

Cheika escapes punishment for Twickenham outburst

Australia coach Michael Cheika has escaped punishment for comments made during the Wallabies' 30-6 loss to England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Rugby • 23 Nov 17

Eddie Jones has accused Australia of a lack of respect for the referee

England coach Jones ramps up mind games with Cheika

Eddie Jones has accused Australia of showing a lack of respect to referee Ben O'Keeffe by declining to meet the official in favour of influencing him through the media.

Rugby • 17 Nov 17

Jack Maddocks is one of the uncapped players in the squad

Cheika calls up six uncapped players for Australia

Australia coach Michael Cheika has named six uncapped players in his squad for next month's autumn internationals.

Rugby • 30 Oct 17

Cheika stays grounded in spite of win over New Zealand

Australia coach Michael Cheika is determined the Wallabies will not get carried away with their 23-18 victory over New Zealand on Saturday and warned them plenty of work lies ahead if they are to catch up with the world champions.

Rugby • 22 Oct 17

O'Connor stood down by Toulon

Former Wallaby James O'Connor has been stood down by Toulon and the French club will decide on his playing future next week following his detention by Paris police for an alleged attempt to buy cocaine.

Rugby • 01 Mar 17

Australia finished their European tour with losses to Ireland and England

Australian Rugby Union backs Cheika

Michael Cheika has been backed by the Australian Rugby Union to remain as Wallabies coach until after the 2019 Rugby World Cup at least, despite leading the team to nine losses this year.

Rugby • 07 Dec 16

Douglas recalled for Australia clash with England

Australia coach Michael Cheika has recalled lock Kane Douglas and number eight Lopeti Timani among four changes adding size to the side for Saturday's final test of the autumn series against England at Twickenham.

Rugby • 01 Dec 16

Simon Zebo goes over for a try during the 2014 encounter

Ireland must regroup for Australia clash, Kearney

Ireland training was cancelled this morning as Joe Schmidt's men recovered from a bruising encounter with New Zealand.

Rugby • 24 Nov 16

Gatland was left unimpressed by New Zealand media

Gatland 'embarrassed' by Cheika clown depiction

Warren Gatland was "embarrassed" to be a Kiwi when the New Zealand Herald mocked up Australia coach Michael Cheika as a clown.

Rugby • 01 Nov 16

Ireland beat Australia 26-23 two years ago at the Aviva

Cheika urges Aussies to dream big on Euro tour

Australia coach Michael Cheika wants his team to dream big ahead of the autumn internationals, including a date with Ireland at the end of November.

Rugby • 31 Oct 16

Marika Koroibete has yet to play a Super Rugby game

Convert Koroibete in Aussie squad for Ireland Test

Australia coach Michael Cheika has named rugby league convert Marika Koroibete in his 32-man squad for the season-ending tour of Europe, including a Test against Ireland on 26 November.

Rugby • 25 Oct 16

Michael Cheika: 'They dressed us up as clowns today, so they wouldn't really want our comment.'

Cheika enraged by New Zealand 'clown' jibe

Australia coach Michael Cheika fumed over what he perceived as disrespect from the All Blacks after the world champions beat his Wallabies side to secure the top tier record for consecutive Test wins on Saturday.

Rugby • 22 Oct 16

Australia have not beaten the All Blacks at Eden Park since 1986

Aussies delay naming side to face All Blacks

Australia rugby coach Michael Cheika has raised the stakes in his psychological battle with New Zealand counterpart Steve Hansen by delaying the naming of his team for Saturday's test at Eden Park until Friday.

Rugby • 20 Oct 16