Ireland

'The Gnarliest Schedule I've Ever Seen': Julian Shaw on the All Blacks' 2026 Test of Depth

Four Tests against the world champion Springboks, fixtures against the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls, and a date with Ireland at Eden Park. Julian Shaw lays out why the All Blacks' 2026 schedule may be exactly what they need.

Rugby Union · 4/24/2026

'A Sneak Peek of What's Coming': Newcastle Lands Japan-Ireland Test as RWC 2027 Build-Up

Newcastle has been confirmed as the venue for a Japan v Ireland international Test on Saturday 11 July 2026, with NSW ministers framing the fixture as a 'sneak peek' of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The Hunter region city will host four pool matches at the global tournament, including Japan v Samoa.

Rugby Union · 4/23/2026

Victor Matfield Tips All Blacks to Reclaim World No. 1 Status

In a prediction that surprised even himself, Victor Matfield has tipped New Zealand to finish the year as rugby's world No. 1 side, with Ireland second and his beloved Springboks third.

Rugby · 4/19/2026

'Nobody Is Safe': Ireland's De Lutiis Play Alarms Australian Rugby

A reported life-changing contract offer from Ireland to uncapped Wallabies prospect Massimo De Lutiis has inflamed Australian rugby, with analyst Nick Wasiliev warning the move sets a 'nobody is safe' precedent for every Australian player still on home soil.

Rugby · 4/17/2026

Ciaran Frawley: Ireland’s Versatile Playmaker Continues to Shape His International Rise

Ciaran Frawley is emerging as a valuable figure in Ireland’s backline thanks to his versatility, composure, and all-round skill set. At 188cm and 92kg, the No. 10 combines physicality with playmaking quality, offering Ireland a modern back capable of distributing, carrying, kicking, and defending at a high level. His adaptability across the backline and calm decision-making make him an increasingly important option in a competitive international setup.

Rugby · 4/10/2026

Erin King's Rapid Rise: From Sevens Contract to Ireland Women's Captain — 'I Took a Moment'

Ireland Women's captain Erin King describes the 'pinch me' moment of being asked by head coach Scott Bemand to lead the side, credits her sevens years for giving her the international grounding to handle it, and reflects on the perspective an injury gave her.

Rugby Union · 4/3/2026

'A Pinch Me Moment': Erin King on the Road from Naas to Ireland Women's Captain

Ireland Women's Rugby captain Erin King has spoken to Virgin Media Sport about the rise that has taken her from Naas RFC, through the Ireland Sevens programme, to leading her country at the Women's Six Nations. The interview pairs a rare moment of reflection — forced on her by injury — with a simple, repeated message about how many coaches and mentors she believes made it possible.

Rugby · 4/3/2026

'I Took a Moment': Erin King on the Sevens Crash Course That Made Her Ireland's Captain

Promoted from sevens prospect to Ireland Women's captain inside five years, Erin King says an injury-enforced break gave her the perspective to appreciate a 'pinch me' rise - and to thank everyone who got her there.

Rugby Union · 4/3/2026

'I Don't Think I Was as Effective': Schmidt Opens Up on the Les Kiss Wallabies Handover

Outgoing Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt reveals his nightly conversations with incoming boss Les Kiss and why he refuses to linger in the job past the July tests against Ireland, France and Italy.

Rugby Union · 3/26/2026

'They Are Lethal': Joe Schmidt Warns Wallabies of Ireland's Ruthless Six Nations Upswing

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has previewed his side's July Test against Ireland in Sydney with a sharp warning about the level the Six Nations has reached, describing Ireland as lethal in attack and belligerent in defence and pointing to the kick-through game as the championship's most dangerous weapon.

Rugby Union · 3/24/2026