The Irish Times

Ulster looking to finish off impressive pool performance when Clermont come calling

Forwards coach Roddy Grant expects another fierce physical test against French side

Wed Jan 19 2022 - 06:00

Depleted Ulster braced for tough Northampton assignment

Absence of influential trio Cooney, Henderson and McCloskey may tilt balance

Fri Jan 14 2022 - 17:40

Dan McFarland challenges Ulster to back up another famous win

Consistency key ahead of Northampton visit if Ulster want to fix up and down form book

Mon Dec 13 2021 - 06:00

Almost all of Munster’s internationals back for clash with Connacht

Game may come down to which of Hanrahan or Carty is the most composed place kicker

Sat Jan 09 2021 - 06:00

Munster to restore international front-liners for Connacht clash

Stephen Larkham confirms Keith Earls and CJ Stander among those to return

Wed Jan 06 2021 - 15:13

Van Graan praises De Allende for belief and calmness he brings to Munster

World Cup winner played key role in turning things around against Clermont

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

Munster stage remarkable comeback win to raid Clermont fortress

Johann van Graan’s side overturn 19-point deficit to keep up unbeaten start to the season

Sat Dec 19 2020 - 20:24

Danny Care stirs pot as fallout continues between Munster and Harlequins

Murray brands late hit on Healy as ‘reckless’ with young outhalf ruled out of French trip

Thu Dec 17 2020 - 01:00

Ulster look to secure quarter-final place with win against Bath

Dan McFarland makes one change to side as Tom O’Toole replaces injured Marty Moore

Sat Jan 18 2020 - 06:00

Gerry Thornley: So much for the French not caring about Europe

French heavyweights and England’s big two prioritising Champions Cup

Tue Jan 14 2020 - 07:52

Ireland cut could come at the wrong time for Addison and Moore

Ulster duo both hobbled out of Ulster’s defeat away to Clermont Auvergne

Mon Jan 13 2020 - 19:51

The Offload: Devin Toner opens up on Rugby World Cup snub

Ulster and Munster’s European defeats show the importance of power in Champions Cup

Mon Jan 13 2020 - 10:00

Ulster rue missed opportunity as clinical Clermont produce final flourish

Failure to make ample pressure count in the first half duly punished by French hosts

Mon Jan 13 2020 - 06:00

Clermont defeat takes Ulster down to the wire

Ulster need win against Bath next weekend to make sure of quarter-finals

Sat Jan 11 2020 - 15:10

Confident Ulster braced for their stiffest test to date

Clermont in atmospheric Stade Marcel Michelin a tough assignment for any side

Sat Jan 11 2020 - 06:00

Rugby Stats: Pro14 player rotation could give provinces a boost over Top14 foes

Top 14 bears the reputation of a league that exacts huge physical toll on players

Thu Jan 09 2020 - 07:00

Gerry Thornley: In-form Stuart McCloskey on track for Six Nations promotion

Player beating at Andy Farrell’s door, but logjam at Ireland’s inside centre an obstacle

Tue Jan 07 2020 - 07:00

Gerry Thornley: Champions Cup packed with usual suspects again

Leinster have qualified after four rounds, turning a potential pool of sharks into a romp

Tue Dec 17 2019 - 07:00

Wounded Munster left facing a win-or-bust clash in Paris

Unseemly fracas during defeat to Saracens to be investigated by tournament organisers

Mon Dec 16 2019 - 01:00

Formidable home fortress key to Munster conquering the French

Over the years Racing have been one of many French sides to fail the Thomond Park test

Sat Nov 23 2019 - 05:00

Ulster need to be at their best to contain Clermont threat

The French side ooze quality but Ulster have had their measure before in Belfast

Fri Nov 22 2019 - 01:00

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

The Offload: Class act Kelleher ready to stake his claim

Powerful Leinster hooker looks a potential ready-made replacement for Rory Best

Mon Nov 11 2019 - 11:00

Leinster didn't lose one lineout against Saracens and Scarlets

One area in which Racing will have to improve massively is in discipline

Thu May 10 2018 - 07:00

Rugby Statistics: Leinster's champion journey to Bilbao

If Leo Cullen's side can also lift the Pro14 title they would eclipse class of 2011

Thu Apr 26 2018 - 07:00

Racing 92: French aristocrats keep ahead of fashion and controversy

Paris club’s latest reincarnation has not been all plain sailing

Mon Apr 16 2018 - 06:00

Gerry Thornley: Two mighty games stand in the way of all-Irish final

Leinster and Munster have vanquished past champions but there’s plenty of work to do

Mon Apr 02 2018 - 06:00

Gerry Thornley: Irish seasons hinge on this European quarter-final weekend

Playing at home is a massive advantage as Leinster, Munster and Connacht go forth

Tue Mar 27 2018 - 07:00

Intriguing finale as 14 teams vie for Champions Cup last-eight

Munster and Ulster seeking to join tournament favourites Leinster in quarter-finals

Sat Jan 20 2018 - 06:00

Ulster position required no hard sell for Jono Gibbes

New Zealander’s relationship with Les Kiss made his decision an easy one

Wed Sept 06 2017 - 12:01

Cream rises to the top as Munster and Leinster prepare for semi-finals

Provinces will be underdogs against Saracens and Clermont, but at least they’re back

Mon Apr 03 2017 - 01:00

Leinster and Munster given April Fools' Day quarter-finals

Leo Cullen’s team first in action at Aviva, before Munster v Toulouse at Thomond Park

Fri Jan 27 2017 - 12:52

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