Ireland

'Les Will Take Over the Game Plan': Tim Horan on the Joe Schmidt-to-Les Kiss Wallaby Handover

Stan Sport's Rugby Heaven panel — Tim Horan, Justin Harrison and Michael Atkinson — sketch the Wallabies' staggered Joe Schmidt-to-Les Kiss handover and run the rule over four very different backline picks 50 days out from Ireland in Sydney.

Rugby Union · 5/8/2026

'And Also They Stole the Song': McCloskey on Ireland's New Springbok Rivalry and Farrell's Pull

Ulster and Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey has used a Belfast pub appearance on For The Love Of Rugby to walk through Ireland's evolving rivalry with the Springboks - and made clear the Zombie 'Razzy version' was a step too far. He also addressed Andy Farrell's hold on his career at 33 and the camp's reaction to England's Six Nations opener.

Rugby Union · 5/8/2026

'Mad to Rip Into It Again': Hannah O'Connor on Ireland's Women's Six Nations Home Run

Ireland back-row Hannah O'Connor tells the RTÉ Rugby podcast that finishing the Six Nations with two home games against Wales and Scotland is the best possible reset after the Clermont defeat, and weighs in on the Dannah O'Brien-Katrina Finn out-half debate.

Rugby Union · 5/6/2026

'His Life Flashed Before Him': Eddie O'Sullivan Explains Leo Cullen's Out-of-Character Outburst

Former Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan tells the Independent.ie podcast that Leo Cullen's stunning post-match attack on the media after Leinster's 29-25 win over Tulon was a coach in shock - a man who had just seen a Champions Cup final disappear in 10 minutes and reacted to the pressure that has been building for years.

Rugby Union · 5/5/2026

'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