The Irish Times

Five of the best: Centurion Johnny Sexton’s best Ireland games in the eyes of his peers

Brian O’Driscoll, Rob Kearney and Joe Schmidt recall Sexton’s best days in green

Sat Nov 06 2021 - 06:00

Ireland can treat fans to some tricks on Halloween night in Paris

Conor Murray warns Les Bleus’ new-found ability to play as a unit could prove problematic

Fri Oct 30 2020 - 06:02

Clermont set for imposing staging post as they look to the top again

French club’s title credentials will be seriously examined by Ulster in Belfast

Fri Nov 22 2019 - 01:00

Garry Ringrose: heir to O’Driscoll’s throne is world class in his own right

Leinster centre shows leadership and ‘is now starting to express himself’

Sat May 11 2019 - 05:00

Six Nations: Logic points to Welsh win but doesn’t apply to France

Unpredictable les bleus will fired up and keen to redeem themselves after Fiji upset

Fri Feb 01 2019 - 06:30

Late, late shows: Looking back at five of Ireland’s most dramatic finishes

Ireland are no strangers to late euphoria – and late heartbreak – when the clock runs out

Sun Feb 04 2018 - 08:00

Saracens’ classy display cements their place as Europe’s finest

With talents such as Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje in their ranks, they look unstoppable

Sun May 14 2017 - 15:45

Saracens defend Champions Cup title at Murrayfield

Clermont Auvergne’s wait for European glory continues as Mark McCall’s side triumph

Sat May 13 2017 - 19:29

Clermont not interested in another glorious defeat

French club keenly aware of big games lost ahead of Champions Cup clash with Leinster

Fri Apr 21 2017 - 05:30

Jono Gibbes makes Ireland his port of call again

Former All Black will arrive at Ulster having thrived out of comfort zone at Clermont

Wed Apr 12 2017 - 06:30

Gerry Thornley: Six Nations defences still on top despite bonus points

Tournament of close contests was hardly vintage but compellingly tribal as ever

Tue Mar 21 2017 - 07:00

Heroic Ireland halt England’s chariot one win short of history

Eddie Jones’s side miss out on back-to-back Grand Slams and world record 19th win

Sat Mar 18 2017 - 20:30

France lose Mathieu Bastareaud and Damien Chouly for Ireland game

Centre ruled out with concussion while backrow suffers ankle injury in training

Mon Feb 20 2017 - 21:25

Ireland braced for different France – a well-rested outfit

Sexton and Kearney battling for fitness but van der Flier’s Six Nations looks to be over

Mon Feb 20 2017 - 10:33

France stirring under Guy Novès as they combine force with touch of flair

Les Bleus will arrive in Dublin with most settled team and squad since Laporte days

Fri Feb 17 2017 - 20:05

Loann Goujon in as France resist wholesale changes for Scotland

On the bench hooker Christopher Tolofua and second row Julien Le Devedec come in

Fri Feb 10 2017 - 10:55

Ulster braced for Clermont power surge but still unlikely to resist it

French league leaders will greet visitor’s pack with ruthless welcome party

Sat Dec 17 2016 - 12:01

Ulster hold on to claim bonus-point win in Belfast belter

Clermont Auvergne take two bonus points back to France after nine-try thriller

Sat Dec 10 2016 - 17:40

Ireland v France: Kearneys and O’Brien back in the starting XV

Schmidt welcomes back tried and trusted as Zebo and Earls out, writes Gerry Thornley

Fri Feb 12 2016 - 01:00

No sign of revolution as France scrape past Italy

A Sergio Parisse inspired Italy push Les Bleus to the death in Six Nations opener in Paris

Sat Feb 06 2016 - 16:18

Noves brings in Vakatawa from leftfield

Sevens star will start on the wing when France take on Italy in Six Nations

Thu Feb 04 2016 - 13:01

Ireland v France: The last four encounters

Ireland have more than matched their French rivals since the 2012 Six Nations

Fri Oct 09 2015 - 20:21

Remy Grosso to make France Test debut against Canada

Louis Picamoles rested as boss Philippe Saint-André makes four changes

Tue Sept 29 2015 - 12:41

Jack Conan handed debut as Schmidt makes 14 changes

Opportunity knocks for likes of Zebo, Madigan, Tuohy and Kilcoyne to seal squad place

Fri Aug 14 2015 - 08:49

Breakdown battle likely to prove pivotal to Ireland’s hopes

Wales possess a far superior breakdown to what Ireland have faced thus far

Fri Mar 13 2015 - 05:45

Bastareaud remains benched as Sebastien Tillous-Borde returns for France

Eight changes to team to face Italy as halfback partnership restored

Thu Mar 12 2015 - 13:59

Ireland win brutally physical, suffocatingly tight encounter

Joe Schmidt’s fingerprints all over performance as his side keep France at bay

Mon Feb 16 2015 - 09:18

France turn up the heat on Sexton

Mind games from French lead IRFU to release statement defending selection

Sat Feb 14 2015 - 15:55

Blossoming Marty Moore relishing visit of France

23-year-old Leinster tighthead has ousted Mike Ross in Leinster team but likely to start on bench

Tue Feb 10 2015 - 18:46

Munster show up this time and take home a Christmas bonus

Clermont in control of Pool One after completing double at Stade Michelin

Sun Dec 14 2014 - 21:22

Peter O’Mahony vows Munster will fight for quarter-final spot

Skipper believes losing bonus point from Ian Keatley’s late penalty could prove crucial

Sun Dec 14 2014 - 18:55

Munster face uphill task to secure survival in European Champions Cup

Clermont drew enough blood in Thomond to finish job at home

Sat Dec 13 2014 - 01:00

Jono Gibbes says Clermont must evolve their strategy for Munster clash

French side’s 16-9 victory at Thomond Park down to ‘good preparation’

Tue Dec 09 2014 - 14:48

Anthony Foley admits Munster lost physical battle against Clermont Auvergne

Coach says province will not throw in towel in return fixture at weekend

Mon Dec 08 2014 - 01:06