Rugby

Who doesn’t love some controversy? Coupled with the positive moments of pride and jubilation, controversy is a core ingredient that makes sport everything it is today. It is the controversial moments that give all of us pundits something to talk about in the corners of the pub for the following weeks. In light of this, Eoin Lyons takes a look …

Since the beginning of the professional era in 1995, rugby union has evolved with the times. One area in particular to develop vastly is technology. Dominic Evans discusses the implications for the future of rugby as technology’s grip on the game increases. For British and Irish fans, Sky Sports exposed viewers to the sport worldwide. Subscribers were capable of watching …

There are a lot of questions to be answered for many teams following the 2014 Six Nations. Dominic Evans assesses the standings of each team as they face into their respective summer tours. 1. Ireland After a thrilling campaign the country have much to be proud of. A championship in his final hurrah was a fitting end for the talismanic …

Following the successful Six Nations win, many people have suggested we are entering the golden age of Irish rugby. Looking at the abundance of talent at Joe Schmidt’s disposal, one finds it hard to disagree. Here are five players that were not involved in this year’s Six Nations but will be central to Ireland’s plans going forward. Just after you …

As we all know, an Irish squad hampered by injuries won the Six Nations over the weekend in spectacular fashion. However, just how good is this current crop of players? Matt Cassidy takes a look at fifteen players that were either injured or unselected for the entire campaign. The final whistle has been blown and the fairy tale has come …

Irish sport has had many great moments over the years and as it’s St. Patrick’s Day, we take a look back at some of the best of them.   Eamonn Coghlan wins gold at 1983 World Championships We all remember that little look to the left. As Coughlan and the Soviet runner, Dmitry Dmitriyev, turned on to the final straight of …

As Brian O’ Driscoll hung up his international boots last weekend it truly marked the end of an era for Irish rugby. BOD was the leader of the Golden Generation of Irish rugby flanked by the likes of Paul O’ Connell and Ronan O’ Gara and people would be forgiven for thinking the golden age is coming to an end. But …

So there it is, all over. After eight exhilarating weeks the 2014 RBS Six Nations came to a close in Paris on Saturday night. The decisive France versus Ireland fixture not only brought the curtain down on one of the most exciting championships in recent memories, it also heralded the end of the international career of Irish legend Brian O’Driscoll. …

The Six Nations has concluded with Ireland becoming top dogs of the Northern Hemisphere. Tickets for Ireland’s home matches were as rare as Garth Brooks’ tickets at Croke Park and with the announcement that Ireland shall be bidding for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, rugby has been placed firmly at the front of the country’s mind. But now that the …

A simply unforgettable weekend in rugby history. No prizes for guessing what category Ireland come under. Who’s Hot Ireland A second victory in 42 years in Paris secured Ireland’s twelfth Championship win. The heroes in green produced a performance of courage, commitment and skill as they managed to defeat a vastly improved French team 22-20. Tries from Jonny Sexton and …

Brian O’ Driscoll hung up the green jersey on Saturday in Paris, bringing an end to an exceptional career and leaving a gaping hole in the Irish midfield. Who are the favourites to step up and make the number 13 jersey their own? Ireland’s Six Nations’ victory in Paris last Saturday provided Brian O’ Driscoll with the fairytale ending to …

The heartbeat of Irish rugby fans can finally revert to normal after an incredible clash with France to decide the 6 Nations Championship. Ireland won the most exciting Six Nations in Paris to give Brian O’ Driscoll a fitting send-off. With the competition now over here is a final assessment of Ireland’s best players.   Best Forward: It is hard …

5. Italy’s decline at home Italy have struggled since joining the tournament in 2000, but after beating Ireland and France last year, there were hopes for a top half finish. They ended up however being whitewashed – home and away – this year. A number of their warriors are looking battle weary and they could not keep up with the pace …

Ireland are the favourites for the Championship according to the bookies.  The 49-point difference puts Ireland as front-runners to finish first. On par with second place England in terms of consistent high intense rugby for four rounds,  it is still too early to assess whether head coach Joe Schmidt has created a dependable Ireland. Their record in Paris is poor, …

“You can’t make a definite view of France, if you do, you’re touching madness”. Keith Wood, Off the Ball Feb 19th 2014. The greatest unpredictables in sport are now all that stand between Brian O’ Driscoll and an, almost, perfect send-off from the international scene. Ireland took on the French in Paris on the 19th of March 2000, and with …

After Sunday’s victory over Wales, all of the England team, management and fans were buzzing at Twickenham.  Nearly a decade has passed since England can be truly considered challengers for the Rugby World Cup. In defeating Wales, the home side were rewarded with the Triple Crown (TC). TC is a deserved trophy. Wales and Ireland were strong challengers to the …

The final chapter of Brian O’ Driscoll’s Ireland career will be written in the stadium where he made his announcement to the rugby world; the Stade de France, Paris. He has worn the green jersey 132 times to date, 83 as Irish captain, scoring 46 tries. He has played at four World Cups and won four Triple Crowns and a …

Who’s Hot Brian O’ Driscoll In his final appearance at Lansdowne Road, Ireland’s finest sportsman produced sixty sumptuous minutes to remind everyone what we will all miss when he hangs up his boots at the end of the season. He delivered three deft offloads which led to three Irish tries, resulting in him being named Man of the Match. Ireland’s …