RASSIE ERASMUS’ MUNSTER look to build on a fine start to their Guinness Pro12 campaign when they face the Cardiff Blues this evening in Musgrave Park [KO 7.35pm, TG4]. The Welsh region have their own reasons to be optimistic for this meeting, after they impressed in a 34-16 win over Edinburgh last weekend. Attacking steps Read more about Keatley looks to control Munster as Stander makes provincial return[…]
IT HAS BEEN a long 12 months but Munster skipper Peter O’Mahony looks set to make his return from a knee injury against Zebre this weekend. O’Mahony could also be joined by South African centre Jaco Taute on his debut, while Irish international Tommy O’Donnell and Simon Zebo are also in the mix for Rassie Erasmus’s Read more about We’ve waited 12 months to see Peter O’Mahony – but the wait is nearly over[…]
Matt Healy scores Connacht’s match-winning try. Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO A FASCINATING WEEKEND of Guinness Pro14 action has made the play-off picture somewhat clearer heading into the penultimate round of fixtures, with Ulster and Connacht emerging as the big winners. After two disappointing weeks, Dan McFarland’s Ulster hit top gear by clinching a crucial bonus-point victory Read more about Connacht’s nail-biter, Leinster beaten at home and all the Pro14 highlights[…]
ROB KEARNEY SAYS his contract discussions with the IRFU and Leinster are ongoing, as he stressed that he is keen to remain on home soil after the World Cup. The 33-year-old’s current deal with the IRFU expires after this year’s World Cup in Japan and Kearney says negotiations on a new deal are progressing slowly. Read more about Kearney’s contract discussions with IRFU and Leinster progress ‘slowly’[…]
ENGLAND CO-CAPTAIN Dylan Hartley is closing in on a return from the knee injury which has sidelined since December. After February surgery, the hooker returned to training in recent weeks and he could make his comeback in Northampton’s final-round Premiership clash with Exeter Chiefs. However, neither club are assured of their play-off seeding yet with Read more about Dylan Hartley on verge of return, but won’t be rushed by Northampton[…]
CHALLENGE CUP FINALISTS La Rochelle have today confirmed the departure of their backs coach Xavier Garbajosa, amid reports linking Ronan O’Gara with a position at the French club. Ex-France international Garbajosa will leave the Top 14 outfit at the end of the season, with O’Gara heavily linked with a role on Jono Gibbes’ coaching staff Read more about La Rochelle announce departure of backs coach amid O’Gara links[…]
WHILE LEINSTER’S RECORD in European finals had been faultless up until two weekends ago, the province have enjoyed and endured mixed fortunes in league deciders, having four won and lost four of their eight appearances at this stage of the competition. Whereas 12 months ago their motivation at the Aviva Stadium was to complete the Read more about ‘Our analysis is broader than just one game or the result of a final’[…]
OTAGO HIGHLANDERS and Northern Bulls played out a frustrating 24-24 draw in Dunedin on Friday that dented both teams’ chances of making the playoffs. The Highlanders scored four tries to three, with two apiece for Waisake Naholo and Josh McKay, but Handre Pollard’s boot kept the Bulls in touch with three conversions and a penalty. Read more about Naholo double not enough as Highlanders forced to hold off Bulls’ late charge[…]
LEO CULLEN ADMITS it has become ‘trickier’ for the provinces to sign non-Irish qualified [NIQ] players in the future following World Rugby’s move to change the qualification period from three years of residency to five. Leinster have successfully recruited a number of NIQ players in recent seasons — notably Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe — Read more about Rule change makes it ‘trickier’ for provinces to sign NIQ players[…]
LEINSTER WILL OPEN their Guinness Pro14 title defence with a trip to Italy to face Benetton on Saturday 28 September. Leo Cullen’s men welcome the Ospreys to the RDS the following Friday, 4 October, before Edinburgh visit Dublin on 11 October, with the first break weekend following on 18/19 October. Leinster lifted the 2018/19 trophy Read more about Cullen’s Leinster to open Pro14 title defence with a trip to Italy[…]