“The competition really begins against South Africa, on Saturday.” Ronan O’Gara will be itching for the Top 14 season to return, but must wait until next month before league fixtures resume. His Stade Rochelais side lie ninth after winning one of their opening three games. While work continues in La Rochelle, the World Cup rolls […]

2 years ago

“No, I won’t be. There have been no talks and there is no truth in that.” Rassie Erasmus has denied any suggestions he will be returning to Ireland to take over from David Nucifora as IRFU Performance Director. While he was at it, he lobbed a couple of verbal grenades at Ireland and their World Cup […]

2 years ago

“It’s a big week ahead.” It was understandable, given the game that is coming swiftly into focus next Saturday, that Johnny Sexton and Andy Farrell were asked a few South Africa questions, less than an hour after seeing off Tonga. Such is the nature of this Rugby World Cup that once one challenge is passed, […]

2 years ago

What a performance from the Connacht man… On a night when Johnny Sexton will steal all the headlines, and rightly so we might add, it was the performance of Bundee Aki in Ireland’s midfield which will have stood out to many instead. A rampaging 59-16 victory over Tonga sees Ireland sit atop their Rugby World […]

2 years ago

“I’ve no idea! Ask him.” Johnny Sexton became Ireland’s record points scorer with his 16-point haul in the team’s 59-16 win over Tonga. The legendary out-half only played the first half in the Rugby World Cup on Saturday night, but that was all he needed. Having come into this tournament under the cloud of a […]

2 years ago

This will be a stiff test, two weeks out from their World Cup opener. Andy Farrell is changing tack from the World Cup preparations of the last two Ireland coaches. Their final match before the big tournament will be in the host country. Last month, the IRFU confirmed dates and opponents for Ireland’s two home […]

3 years ago