Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

'The Samoans tackle technique is one of the most dangerous aspects of their game'

Samoan raw power can spell danger for Ireland

Ireland will face a physical and determined Samoan side on Saturday, writes Jonny Holland

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 09 Oct 19

Iain Henderson: "All we can hope for now is that it comes to fruition over the weekend."

'The knockouts have started a week earlier' - Henderson

Ireland's defeat by Japan has thrust Joe Schmidt's men into knockout rugby a week early at the World Cup, admits Iain Henderson.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 09 Oct 19

Samoa players perform Siva Tau before kick-off against Scotland

'Hurting' Samoa out but not down

Former Samoa 7s player Henry Bryce says he's expecting a big performance against Ireland from a 'hurting' team.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 11 Oct 19

As it stands. Scotland play Russia on Wednesday

World Cup permutations: What Ireland need to progress

A win of any kind for Ireland against Samoa would guarantee qualification from Pool A.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 07 Oct 19

The defeat to Japan might prove even more costly if weather intervenes

Ireland's final pool game threatened by typhoon

Ireland's final Pool A game at the World Cup might be under threat, with World Rugby confirming that they are monitoring a typhoon that could hit Fukuoka over the weekend.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 07 Oct 19

Recap: Japan v Samoa

Relive all the action as Japan produced a stunning performance to secure a bonus-point win.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 05 Oct 19

Kotaro Matsushima got that all-important score for the hosts

Japan claim bonus-point win to edge closer to quarters

Kotaro Matsushima scored a bonus-point try deep into injury time as Japan moved to the brink of their first Rugby World Cup quarter-final with a 38-19 Pool A victory over Samoa at the City of Toyota Stadium on Saturday.

Rugby • 07 Oct 19

Michael Leitch and his team-mates celebrate the win over Ireland

Two skippers leading the charge for Japan against Samoa

Japan attack coach Tony Brown believes having "two captains" will help their World Cup hopes.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 04 Oct 19

Murphy heading for scan to determine World Cup chances

Jordi Murphy is due to have a scan on a rib injury today, with his prospects of playing again in the World Cup in the balance, while Joey Carbery's late withdrawal ahead of the victory over Russia was 'precautionary', according to forward's coach Greg Feek.

Rugby • 04 Oct 19

Motu Matu'u will miss his side's clash with Ireland

Samoa hooker Matu'u's three-match ban is upheld

Samoa hooker Motu Matu'u will miss the final two Pool A matches at the Rugby World Cup, including their final pool stage game against Ireland after his three-match suspension for a dangerous high tackle was upheld.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 01 Oct 19

Scotland claimed a crucial win over Samoa

The real Scotland stood up against Samoa, says Townsend

Scotland's limp defeat to Ireland in their World Cup opener prompted questions about the squad's heart and desire but head coach Gregor Townsend said his players had proved their mettle in their bonus-point win over Samoa.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 30 Sep 19

Bonus for Ireland rivals Scots in Pool A win over Samoa

Scotland have beaten Samoa 34-0 in their World Cup Pool A match in Kobe, claiming a bonus point in the victory.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 30 Sep 19

Scotland suffered a big blow against Ireland

Scotland attempt to draw line under Ireland defeat

Scotland have been told to draw a line under their Ireland debacle or risk letting the mood of despair ruin attempts to get their World Cup back on track against Samoa.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 25 Sep 19

Samoa exploit tired Russians to secure bonus-point win

Samoa survived being reduced to 13 men for almost 10 minutes in the first half and struggled to overcome a limited and exhausted Russia team to open their Pool A campaign with a bonus-point 34-9 victory at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 24 Sep 19

Prop Logovii Mulipola is part of Samoa's World Cup squad

Tattooed Samoans don skin suits to avoid local offence

Samoan players will wear their hearts on their sleeves - but keep traditional Pacific islander tattoos under wraps with skin suits during the World Cup in Japan to avoid offending their hosts.

Rugby • 17 Sep 19

David Pocock played his first match since March

Pocock makes his return as Wallabies tune up with a win

David Pocock made a successful return as the Wallabies bid farewell to Australia with a hardfought 34-15 victory over Samoa at Western Sydney Stadium on Saturday in their final match before the Rugby World Cup.

Rugby • 07 Sep 19

Ambitious Samoa promise 'brutal collisions'

Samoa coach Steve Jackson has promised plenty of big hits and running rugby when the Pacific islanders take on Australia on Saturday.

Rugby • 06 Sep 19

The USA could round out a perfect season against Ireland

USA name team to take on Ireland

Head coach Gary Gold expects the United States' "greatest challenge yet" when facing Ireland in a bid to complete an unlikely perfect season.

Rugby • 22 Nov 18

Samoa have competed at the last seven World Cups

Samoa, Tonga and Fiji want more say in rugby governance

Lobby group PRPW have launched their 'Seats At The Table' campaign in a bid to highlight the growing influence of Pacific Islands players across the global game.

Rugby • 08 Aug 18

Samoa likely to join Ireland's World Cup pool

Samoa are on course to qualify for Ireland's pool at World Cup 2019 after a 66-15 first-leg win over Germany.

Rugby • 03 Jul 18

Chris Robshaw (L) and George Ford will lead a much changed England

Weekend international rugby team news

The Autumn Internationals continue and we have all the latest teams as they're named here, including the XVs for England v Samoa and Wales' date with the All Blacks.

Rugby • 23 Nov 17

Stuart McInally bundles over for Scotland

Scots left hanging on against battling Samoans

Scotland made a quick start with an early try but had to hang on for a 44-38 victory over Samoa in a try-filled test at Murrayfield.

Rugby • 11 Nov 17

Steffan Evans scored a last-gasp try to sink Samoa

Wales snatch victory from Samoa

Steffan Evans' late try snatched a dramatic 19-17 win for Wales against Samoa in Apia.

Rugby • 23 Jun 17

All Blacks blow Samoa to smithereens in ominous display

Just over a week out from the first Test against the Lions, New Zealand ran in 12 tries in a ruthless 78-0 demolition of Samoa in Eden Park.

Rugby • 16 Jun 17

Ireland U20s get first win at World Championships

Ireland got their first win of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship with a eight-try 52-26 victory over Samoa in Tbilisi.

Rugby • 13 Jun 17