Andy Friend proud of Connacht’s character after battling win over Benetton
‘We had them under the pump and then we let them off, but we fought back and got the win’
‘We had them under the pump and then we let them off, but we fought back and got the win’
Five Irish players included, nine from the winning French team, and Maro Itoje
The Offload: Ireland conceded just four tries during the Six Nations
Coach plays down claims of arrogance after making seven changes to side
Visitors ended the game with 12 players on the pitch after early red card
Ireland centre hoping to line out for Leinster in European opener after breaking jaw
Ulster scrumhalf to provide cover with Jamison Gibson-Park a fitness concern
Impressive debuts from Connors and Keenan add to feelgood factor as Italy are outclassed
Leinster prop has overcome severe injury problems to finally win a first Ireland cap
Italy have handed a debut to outhalf Paolo Garbisi in a younger, remodelled team
Gerry Thornley’s team-by-team guide as the new season gets underway
Conor O’Shea names two outhalves in 31-man panel; Springboks lose Ulster backrow Marcel Coetzee to injury
Outhalf was the star turn for 49 minutes, but concern now is his wellbeing for World Cup
Outhalf a concern for World Cup after suffering injury at the Aviva Stadium
Task of narrowing down squad will be ‘really difficult’, says incoming Ireland head coach
Warm-up clash against Italy a chance to press their case for a place in 31-man squad
Jack Carty’s two penalties enough to take the points in Parma and keep up Champions Cup hopes
Joe Schmidt’s side limp home with bonus point after poor performance at the Stadio Olimpico
Joe Schmidt looking for an improved overall performance against plucky Italians
Patrick Madden profiles Conor O’Shea’s starting XV for the Rome game
Italy score three late tries but can’t avoid 18th straight Six Nations defeat
Head coach says team is making progress and beginning to create options in all positions
Les Bleus secure bonus-point win in Rome to consign Italy to wooden spoon
Leigh Halfpenny’s boot and three late scores end Azzurri resistance at Stadio Olimpico
A week after beating South Africa, Conor O’Shea’s side lose to Tonga
‘For us, this is just a start but it’s a very good one’ - former Irish fullback delighted with win
Round-up: French club lose for first time at home in Europe; Saints and Scarlets win in Pool 4; Wasps run in 12 tries in Zebre rout
Pat Lam’s side were trailing 22-10 in Parma when referee called off game for safety reasons
Six Nations: Joe Schmidt’s men need to end a frustrating sequence of results
Outhalf selected ahead of Kelly Haimona for Saturday’s match in Dublin
Luke McLean replaces David Odiete in starting XV for Stadio Olimpico clash
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Full general election coverage including analysis and results for all 43 constituencies
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices