The awkward reality of ‘Warm up’ matches Wales lost to Ireland by 35 points to 21 in what was a very difficult game to watch from a Welsh perspective. But…
Ireland
Analysis: Jamie Heaslip shows his class against Wales
The list of honours compiled by Jamie Heaslip reads like a comprehensive catalogue. Now over a decade into his professional career, the 31 year-old No 8 boasts three Pro12 titles with…
Pro 12 transfers 2015-16: Comings and goings
In a game of inches, sides with an established foundation of pragmatism usually emerge clutching the etched handles of oversized silverware. For once it was a debonair attitude to open…
Lions fixtures for 2017 New Zealand tour
The Lions have announced their 10-match fixture list for 2017 tour. Unlike 2013, where they stopped off in Hong Kong for a sponsor-led fixture against the Barbarians, there will be…
5 ways to improve European Rugby
The first season of the new European format has seen big crowds, stunning tries and thrilling rugby but with Toulon basking in a third consecutive title, it’s worth considering how…
Champions Cup draw 2015/16
Rugby’s administrators, journalists and TV crews assembled in Neuchâtel for the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup draw, where it was left to Wales and Lions wing Ieuan Evans and 98-cap…
Rugby World End-of-Season Awards 2015
So, the Northern Hemisphere season has come to a thrilling conclusion leaving rugby fans counting down the days to the World Cup (okay, The Rugby Championship starts in six odd…
Hotshots: Leinster and UCD scrum-half Nick McCarthy
When did you start playing rugby? When I was about six, at Old Belvedere and St Michael’s College. Have you played different positions? I was a scrum-half from the start.…
Super Saturday predictions for the Premiership and Pro12
We’re finally here, Super Saturday looms large for teams have just one more chance to qualify for the Play-Offs and Europe next season. Just one point separates Leicester Tigers, Exeter…
European Champions Cup semi-finals: A statistical preview
Ahead of this weekend's Champions Cup semi-finals, Jack D'Arcy takes a look at the key statistics from the tournament to date