House of Rugby Ireland

“You want to prove them wrong, even if they’re not telling the right story” – Conor Murray

“I had no idea. It was such a weird build-up. Over the last few years, with injuries and all that, I was really nervous.” Conor Murray making the British & Irish Lions squad – now that it has happened for a third time – is one of those occurrences that, in retrospect, seem inevitable. In […]

“I had no idea. It was such a weird build-up. Over the last few years, with injuries and all that, I was really nervous.” Conor Murray making the British & Irish Lions squad – now that it has happened for a third time – is one of those occurrences that, in retrospect, seem inevitable. In […]

5 years ago

Four Irish players propelled into Lions debate after England hiding

“There’ll be one or two more headaches for Warren after that game.” After a tough start to this year’s Six Nations campaign, Ireland finished with three wins from three and, against England, had their best game for two and a half years. Not since the then world champions, New Zealand came to Dublin and were […]

“There’ll be one or two more headaches for Warren after that game.” After a tough start to this year’s Six Nations campaign, Ireland finished with three wins from three and, against England, had their best game for two and a half years. Not since the then world champions, New Zealand came to Dublin and were […]

5 years ago

Defence grows for Billy Burns after one of the roughest days of his rugby career

“As a 10, you have moments when you’re a hero and you have moments when you’re a villain.” Johnny Sexton will know better than most how Billy Burns was feeling after his last kick error against Wales, on Sunday. With Ireland trailing their hosts 21-16, but awarded a penalty, deep in injury time, they were […]

“As a 10, you have moments when you’re a hero and you have moments when you’re a villain.” Johnny Sexton will know better than most how Billy Burns was feeling after his last kick error against Wales, on Sunday. With Ireland trailing their hosts 21-16, but awarded a penalty, deep in injury time, they were […]

5 years ago

Major upside to Ireland’s Six Nations challenge that should make all the difference

“What a weapon to have coming on for that last 25 to 30 minutes.” Later this week, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will name his starting XV for the 2021 Six Nations opener against Wales. Given that they have France and England at home, this year, an opening weekend win would set the Irish up […]

“What a weapon to have coming on for that last 25 to 30 minutes.” Later this week, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will name his starting XV for the 2021 Six Nations opener against Wales. Given that they have France and England at home, this year, an opening weekend win would set the Irish up […]

5 years ago

John Cooney comes to defence of JJ Hanrahan after kicking criticism

“I think it’s the first time I’ve ever been up for Munster in a rugby game!” Munster supporters were not the only ones gutted to see JJ Hanrahan and his teammates falling short against Leinster, on Saturday. With Ulster aiming to top Conference A in the Guinness PRO14, their players and fans were hoping for […]

“I think it’s the first time I’ve ever been up for Munster in a rugby game!” Munster supporters were not the only ones gutted to see JJ Hanrahan and his teammates falling short against Leinster, on Saturday. With Ulster aiming to top Conference A in the Guinness PRO14, their players and fans were hoping for […]

5 years ago

Cardiff conversation that proved Paul O’Connell always put the team first

“I always remember thinking, ‘Flip, that just shows the mark of the man’.” Paul O’Connell was earmarked for captaincy of Munster and Ireland from an early age. Although he did not succeed Anthony Foley as Munster captain until 2007, he had already led Ireland out in the Six Nations three years prior. The Limerick native […]

“I always remember thinking, ‘Flip, that just shows the mark of the man’.” Paul O’Connell was earmarked for captaincy of Munster and Ireland from an early age. Although he did not succeed Anthony Foley as Munster captain until 2007, he had already led Ireland out in the Six Nations three years prior. The Limerick native […]

5 years ago