The Irish Times

What should Gatland do? Our rugby writers pick their Lions squads

It’s nearly decision time for the Lions coach - who should make the South Africa tour?

Sat May 01 2021 - 09:00

Leinster will expect nothing less than bonus point win in Bath

Big guns return for the Irish province as they look to keep touch with Toulouse in Pool 1

Sat Dec 08 2018 - 06:15

Farrell convinced a refocused Ireland are up to the challenge

Defence coach says a number of areas have been targeted for significant improvement

Wed Jun 13 2018 - 01:02

Chris Farrell in pole position to claim Ireland midfield spot

Managing midfield permutations nothing new for coach Joe Schmidt in his 52-game reign

Fri Feb 16 2018 - 01:00

Gerry Thornley: History suggests Ireland's odds are far from generous

Back-to-back champions England entitled to be favourites to retain the trophy

Tue Jan 30 2018 - 06:50

Moments of the year: In the Wellington rain, the Lions struck back

The loss of the 2023 Rugby World Cup bid was undoubtedly the lowlight of the year

Mon Dec 25 2017 - 13:00

Bernard Jackman focusing on long-term plan at Dragons

Determined coach says short-term pain is horrible but necessary to build a stronger side

Thu Nov 30 2017 - 06:00

Here’s Johnny: Sexton confounds his doubters again

People were saying he couldn’t survive a Lions tour. He is delighted to prove that he can

Thu Jul 06 2017 - 22:00

Sean O’Brien decision could be the boost that drives Lions to victory

Tullow Tank’s presence in final Test means Gatland can retain victorious back-row

Mon Jul 03 2017 - 06:30

Gerry Thornley: Great rugby gave the Lions a great win

It was a far from perfect performance, but Gatland’s ‘pro-active’ selection was vindicated

Mon Jul 03 2017 - 06:00

Vindicated Warren Gatland wants only a series win

Lions coach said demonising in New Zealand press has helped to motivate his team

Sat Jul 01 2017 - 14:53

Sam Warburton: ‘Only half the job done’ for the Lions

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says Warren Gatland’s side deserved second Test win

Sat Jul 01 2017 - 11:31

Lions back in the series as All Blacks see red

All Blacks reduced to 14-men in 25th minute as Sonny Bill Williams sent off

Sat Jul 01 2017 - 11:22

All Blacks 21 Lions 24: Five things we learned

Sonny Bill’s rugby league roots, totemic Itoje, Barrett’s boot and Garces’ nerves of steel

Sat Jul 01 2017 - 11:02

Impact off the bench sees CJ Stander oust Peter O’Mahony

Gatland leaves first Test captain out in Wellington, Henshaw and North out of tour

Thu Jun 29 2017 - 07:45

Iain Henderson to miss out on place in Lions’ second Test squad

Coach suggests Henderson’s yellow might cost him Test place against All Blacks

Wed Jun 28 2017 - 06:00

Lions frustrated with referee but were ultimately outclassed

O’Brien’s try threw the visitors a lifeline but New Zealand’s class told long before the end

Sun Jun 25 2017 - 18:32

All Blacks punish Lions in their garden of Eden

Tourists have their moments but Lions unable to live with All Blacks pace

Sat Jun 24 2017 - 11:18

Owen Farrell set to keep Sexton out of Lions test team

Peter O’Mahony still likely to captain Lions against All Blacks on Saturday

Tue Jun 20 2017 - 18:00

Chiefs 6 Lions 34: Five talking points

Creativity still an issue, did any of the Irish do enough for test selection and give the Haka a rest

Tue Jun 20 2017 - 13:15

Lions 22 Highlanders 23: Five talking points from Dunedin

The backrow and frontrow places are up for grabs while Webb stakes a serious claim

Tue Jun 13 2017 - 13:10

Gordon D’Arcy: No variation if everyone plays the same

Rather than quick ball, Lions seek contact, which is tough to resource

Mon Jun 12 2017 - 07:00

Conor Murray is back and kickstarts Lions’ resurgence in Christchurch

Scrumhalf links well with Owen Farrell to boss the game for the tourists

Sun Jun 11 2017 - 22:00

Rusty Lions struggle to get into the groove

Captain Sam Warburton acknowledges the need for improvement after shaky first outing

Sun Jun 04 2017 - 22:30

Kiwi press react: Lions reach ‘unimaginable levels of mediocrity’

New Zealand media deliver scathing verdict on tourists after narrow opening victory

Sat Jun 03 2017 - 13:18

Lions Tour: Leinster and Saracens defeats to help cause

Availability of key personnel Sexton, Biggar and Farrell a big bonus for Warren Gatland

Tue May 23 2017 - 06:00

Gerry Thornley picks his Lions squad for New Zealand

Warren Gatland’s task this week is far from easy but it still represents calm before storm

Sat Apr 15 2017 - 05:00

George North's double sees Irish title hopes go south

Familiar Welsh tactics help smother the Ireland team at the Principality Stadium

Fri Mar 10 2017 - 22:46

Welsh lineout adds up for Ireland’s Iain Henderson

Hooker Ken Owens hasn’t missed a single target from his throws in the Six Nations

Tue Mar 07 2017 - 01:00

Gerry Thornley: Simmering Six Nations nears boiling point

Tournament about to open up as weather improves and teams chase bonus points

Tue Feb 21 2017 - 05:00

Gerry Thornley: Merchants of doom wide of mark in 2016

Season turned on Connacht’s daring and unlikely success and will go down in history

Wed Dec 28 2016 - 15:54

New era but same old outcome as All Blacks grind down Wales

Eden Park remains a fortress as plucky tourists miss a chance to make history

Sat Jun 11 2016 - 11:00

England hold off fast-finishing Wales to keep Grand Slam hopes alive

Two late tries lead to nervous end for Eddie Jones’s side at Twickenham

Sun Mar 13 2016 - 15:22

Gordon D’Arcy: Evidence Ireland adding a new attacking dimension to game

Tribute to Paulie’s legacy came with collective performance against Wales

Wed Feb 10 2016 - 08:00