The Irish Times

Bundee Aki: ‘I don’t know if I’d get the same treatment somewhere else’

A talisman on the pitch, Connacht’s first Lion in 39 years is adored by the young fans

Sat Jan 15 2022 - 05:00

Connacht’s Denis Buckley braced for Benetton test as he joins 200-game club

Loosehead prop becomes only the third Connacht player to hit milestone

Wed May 26 2021 - 06:00

Stander and Fardy’s exit signals a changing of Irish import guard

This summer marks a watershed moment in the role of ‘project players’ in Irish rugby

Sat Apr 24 2021 - 01:00

Andy Friend backs Connacht skipper Paul Boyle after scrum call

Coach also offers a little social media advice to his players

Wed Dec 23 2020 - 06:00

The Offload: Rejoice in the leadership of David Nucifora

All Irish rugby needs next year is a messianic figure to lead them to unknown places

Mon Dec 21 2020 - 09:00

Champions Cup: Munster one step closer as Connacht’s dream fades

Lam enjoys winning return to Galway but van Graan is big winner of weekend

Mon Dec 21 2020 - 06:00

John Muldoon’s return to the West reawakens tribal memories

As the Pat Lam circus rolls into the Sportsground, Muldoon is savouring coming home

Sun Dec 20 2020 - 08:00

Pat Lam not expecting red carpet on Connacht return

John Muldoon and Conor McPhillips also part of Bristol coaching team

Sun Dec 20 2020 - 08:00

2020-21 Champions Cup: The contenders, TV details, kick-off times and more

Gerry Thornley explains the tournament’s new format on the eve of the first round

Thu Dec 10 2020 - 18:00

Sporting Upsets: Connacht’s greatest day as they claim title glory

Pat Lam’s charges completed unlikely Pro12 triumph on memorable day in Murrayfield

Mon Sept 28 2020 - 01:00

Gerry Thornley’s end of term report: Did Ireland's peaks come too early?

Rugby correspondent runs the rule over the season for Ireland and the four provinces

Sat Jun 01 2019 - 06:30

Brexit unlikely to halt march to Aviva for Ulster-Leinster tie

For many fans, Champions Cup quarter-finals will be bigger than UK leaving the EU

Mon Jan 21 2019 - 06:00

Rugby Statistics: Foreign legion proving their worth where it counts

Former Springbok Coetzee ticks all the right boxes with massive contribution to Ulster

Thu Jan 03 2019 - 06:30

Leo Cullen and Leinster know Connacht can cause problems

Former Leinster contingent in visitors’ line-up adds extra spice to this festive interpro

Sat Dec 22 2018 - 08:00

Jarrad Butler faces big test of his Connacht captaincy

Australian ‘firecracker’ looking to fill John Muldoon-sized hole against Bordeaux Bègles

Thu Oct 11 2018 - 06:30

Ryan and Racing 92 savour derby win over Stade Francais

Wild Geese: Olding’s impressive form helps Brive to another victory in French Pro D2

Sun Sept 30 2018 - 21:13

Andy Friend already looking like a good find for Connacht

Head coach’s positivity has translated to the pitch with Carty taking greater responsibility

Fri Sept 28 2018 - 06:00

Scott Fardy shrugs off World Cup speculation to focus on Leinster

Australian preparing for clash against Connacht after his side’s 47-10 drubbing last April

Wed Sept 26 2018 - 06:00

Edinburgh win completes satisfying opening weeks for Leinster

Record loss to Connacht last year was lowest point of Leinster’s all-conquering season

Mon Sept 24 2018 - 07:00

Mixed emotions as Geordan Murphy takes helm at Leicester

Former Leicester player is one of many Irish men coaching around the world

Wed Sept 05 2018 - 07:30

Robin Copeland: ‘I’m not on Joe Schmidt’s Ireland radar’

‘What I want to do is take Connacht to the next level, get in the team, start every week’

Thu Aug 16 2018 - 09:22

French top flight a significant challenge for Zebo and Jackson

Seven former Munster players are preparing for the new season in France's Top 14

Thu Aug 02 2018 - 06:00

Rugby: Who’s in and who’s out at the Irish provinces

Leinster contemplate Contepomi as Munster look forward to Carbery’s influence

Wed Aug 01 2018 - 06:00

Bundee Aki: ‘Whenever I put on that shirt I try and do the country proud’

Huge family support for centre on Australia tour – but getting tickets for them all will be tough

Thu Jun 07 2018 - 06:00

Gerry Thornley: Ireland's retirees will leave a sizeable gap

Heaslip, Bowe and Trimble among those to bow out after hugely successful careers

Tue Jun 05 2018 - 06:00

Connacht set to confirm Keane's departure in the next day or two

Negotiations between the two parties expected to be finalised soon as New Zealander departs

Wed May 02 2018 - 06:00

Rugby players who last more than a decade can count themselves lucky

Donncha O’Callaghan, one of the few left with experience of club rugby in 20th century

Tue May 01 2018 - 11:38

Gerry Thornley: Kieran Keane didn’t get enough time with Connacht

Kiwi coach’s premature departure comes just as it seems his methods would bear fruit

Tue May 01 2018 - 06:35

Kieran Keane to leave Connacht with immediate effect

New Zealander has been in charge at the Sportsground for just one season

Mon Apr 30 2018 - 20:11

Connacht mark a special day in style with win over Leinster

John Muldoon gets a proper send-off as the province register historic victory over rivals

Mon Apr 30 2018 - 01:00

John Muldoon’s Connacht farewell goes nicely off script

Captain’s 327th and last game for province ends with stunning 47-10 win over Leinster

Sun Apr 29 2018 - 17:45

John Muldoon gets perfect send-off as Connacht demolish Leinster

Skipper enjoys fond farewell from Sportsground crowd on memorable day

Sat Apr 28 2018 - 17:59

Muldoon to make grand last stand as he bows out of Connacht

Pro14 preview: Captain’s final game for province will provide a poignant season finale

Sat Apr 28 2018 - 06:00

John Muldoon leads Connacht for one last time against Leinster

Joey Carbery starts at 15 for the visitors while Leo Cullen names James Lowe on the wing

Fri Apr 27 2018 - 12:50