EUROPEAN RUGBY sometimes feels like a school dance. Some nervous sorts can feel flashes of panic and exhilaration as they stand, seemingly alone on the big stage, while celebrated individuals…
Ireland
The home nations’ autumn report
With results and incidental occurrences varying throughout the autumn Internationals, it is not a case of saying that there were winners and losers. There is a cost for the smallest…
A Lions XV to take on Australia
Who stood up during the autumn and consistently said: “I am a Lion”?
Is Quade Cooper boxing clever?
As Quade turns boxer, here are five rugby players who've enjoyed success in other sports
Ireland 46-24 Argentina: The Verdict
IRELAND WERE superior up front and absolutely ruthless about taking their scoring chances. This record win against the Pumas guarantees Ireland a top-eight seeding for the 2015 World Cup when…
Accent on youth reinvigorates Ireland
ON 31st July 2010 a young Ulsterman scored the first try in a challenge match to mark the opening of the Aviva Stadium. Another reporter turned to me and said…
Ireland v Argentina: The Preview
A MUCH improved Argentina went to Cardiff a fortnight ago and deservedly beat a faltering Wales 26-12 so Ireland have no excuses for getting caught cold. They know they need…
Debate: Is it time to rethink Ireland’s backrow?
IN 21st century Test rugby, superstars play at No 7. Richie McCaw, David Pocock and Sam Warburton have all been heralded, with Michael Hooper, after his performance against England, set…
Ireland XV v Fiji: What did we learn?
AN EXPERIMENTAL Ireland XV convincingly swept aside Fiji 53-0 on a damp, and blustery Saturday evening in Limerick. So far, so good, yet the game lacked Test match intensity. This…
Ireland XV 53-0 Fiji: The Verdict
IN WHAT turned out to be nothing more than a training ground run around, Ireland ran in eight unanswered tries in this non-cap match at Thomond Park. Fiji laboured in…