Was 2024 a successful year for Irish rugby?
The Counter Ruck Podcast
The Counter Ruck Podcast
Tom Farrell’s third try of the evening won the game for the visitors at the death
Return of Gavin Coombes is a sign of Munster's intent against Ulster
Munster make six changes from the side that lost to Castres for the trip to Belfast on Friday night
Despite brilliant recent performances by Toulouse and Bordeaux, it’s clear the existing format of rugby’s top club competition does not work
Forwards coach confident injury-hit Ulster can return to a ‘good place’ after four consecutive defeats
Former Munster winger signs two-year extension to remain with home province to 2027
The Counter Ruck Podcast
Bordeaux Bègles pile more Champions Cup pain on Ulster with late barrage of tries in Belfast
Leo Cullen admits Leinster just muddling their way through after win over Clermont while chastened Munster and Ulster now facing important URC derby clash in Belfast
Ulster well beaten again by French opposition but Leinster grind out win in the Aviva
The former Leinster, Munster and Ireland outhalf has warned his team-mates what to expect when they lock horns with a chastened Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium
Head coach Richie Murphy makes 10 changes after crushing away defeat against Toulouse
The title ‘Champions Cup’ is a sham when the competition structure allows clubs to not select their best players yet still progress deeper into the competition
The former Ulster and Ireland lock has coached in France for 16 years, the last seven of which have been as a head coach in the fiercely competitive environment of the Top 14
The former Ulster scrumhalf has coached the Ireland under-18s and combined academies in recent seasons
After their record defeat by Toulouse, Richie Murphy’s side face another formidable French team, with their Champions Cup hopes in serious need of a boost
Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman represent the continuation of an old Irish rugby recipe: home-grown talent spiced up by a sprinkling of top international quality
The Irish challenge for the Champions Cup is reliant on Leinster, and that is not healthy for Irish rugby
Sexton will go in a different pathway to that of kickers like Charlie Smyth, working out as a wide receiver/returner
Champions Cup: Munster secure bonus-point win over Stade Francais, Connacht beat Zebre, while champions Toulouse pummel Ulster
Toulouse thrash Ulster, then Leinster come out on top 35-12 against Bristol
French side bag nine tries on way to 61-21 win
Coach Richie Murphy cautiously optimistic of overturning title-holders if province reduces errors and finds consistency
Champions and Challenge Cup team news: Leo Cullen confirms Hugo Keenan’s wrist injury will keep him out for ‘around four weeks’
Leinster again look best placed to challenge the recent domination by France’s big beasts Toulouse and La Rochelle
Coach Richie Murphy says there is excitement and fear ahead of clash with European champions in France
James Culhane’s late score secured the try bonus and, as it turned out, the victory
Ulster celebrating a century of rugby at Ravenhill this week as the corresponding game against Leinster in 1924 was the first at the historic ground
The 26-year-old South African backrower joins from Northampton Saints
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen offered the update ahead of Friday’s URC game away to Ulster
Ulster captain to move off his central IRFU contact at the end of this season
Connacht will be satisfied by their start as they seek a top-eight finish
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