Joe Schmidt

By Mark Coughlan It’s been a World Cup countdown of mixed emotions for Ireland fans. While England headed for Denver, Wales travelled to Qatar and their beloved Poland, and the…

John Smit

John Smit played in three World Cups, winning 111 caps for South Africa and lifting the 2007 trophy after defeating England in the final in Paris. After two years in…

George Ford

By Adam Hathaway Whatever the result at Twickenham on Saturday when England host Ireland we can be certain of two things. One coach will say that the result does not…

Picture the scene: Wales and Ireland are locked at 10-10, close to the hour mark. Dublin’s Aviva Stadium is expectant. The hosts have taken a while to click into gear but are finally…

Paul O'Connell will Captain Ireland

The squad has 14 players with World Cup experience and many of those without were involved with Ireland’s Six Nations victories in 2014 and 15. Over half the squad named today…

Rugby maul

The full-on Friendly. When Ireland faced Wales on Saturday it felt as though the Rugby World Cup had started early. The fitness sessions were over, the training bibs were back…