“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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