Tag Archives: IRFU

Irish Rugby have announced that their ‘Return to Play’ proposals have been submitted to the government with the penultimate weekend of August set for the targeted resumption of Guinness PRO14 inter-pro fixtures. IRFU’s Chief Executive Philip Browne announced the submission of the proposals which were settled upon following ‘an extensive and assiduous’ process involving experts including but not limited to, …

Rory Best has outlined why he felt it easier to adjust to life as captain of Ireland than when he took over the mantle at his native Ulster. The 124-time capped international took over from his brother Simon as Ulster captain prior to the 2007/08 season and had been captain of the provincial side for eight years before Joe Schmidt …

Johnny Sexton believes his position as Ireland captain may be reviewed following the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  The Leinster and Ireland out-half took over the captaincy from Rory Best at the turn of the year before leading Ireland in their opening three games of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations before all sporting events ceased due to the pandemic. Speaking on Off …

The IRFU have confirmed that they will make a fund available to Irish clubs who are impacted financially due to the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.  The game’s governing body will make €500,000 available to all clubs on the island of Ireland. Domestic Game Director, Colin McEntee, will be advising clubs how the fund is to be applied as soon as …

The IRFU along with the four provinces have agreed on a payment deferral model for all employees amidst the Covid-19 outbreak. According to Sky Sports, pay deferrals ranging from 10 to 50 per cent will come into effect in April where it will remain under constant review of the IRFU, as well as each province, financial situation. The IRFU is …

The IRFU have confirmed that the Irish club rugby season has concluded, officially putting an end to the 2019/20 season.  The directive applies to all national and provincial competitions. As a result, there will be no promotion or relegation in any of the five men’s Energia AIL divisions. For Cup competitions which have reached the final stage, the cup will …

Simon Zebo has said he still harbours ambitions to add to his 35 international rugby caps but will hold no grudges if it never comes to fruition. Zebo’s last appearance for Ireland came almost three years ago when he started at full-back in their summer tour of Japan. However, after leaving Munster in 2018 for pastures new with Racing 92, …

Ian Madigan will join Ulster ahead of next season the province has confirmed after agreeing on terms with the out-half last month. The 30-time capped Irish international made 147 appearances for Leinster between 2009 and 2016 before joining French outfit Bordeaux Béagles. After playing just 20 times in France, Madigan linked up in Pat Lam and Bristol in 2017 where …

Former Leinster star Jack McGrath has recommitted to Ulster, signing a new two-year contract extension that will see him remain at the Kingspan Stadium until 2022.  Since making the move to Ulster at the start of the season, McGrath has made 10 appearances for the province. With 56 caps for Ireland to-date, McGrath was selected by Andy Farrell for this …

Reports emerged earlier this week that the Six Nations Championship is currently accepting bids for the next round of broadcasting rights. Online streaming service Amazon looking like a potential bidder. While relatively new to sports broadcasting, Amazon has previous experience showcasing tennis and in December broadcast its first-ever Premier League encounter. It will be one of a number of pay-TV …

The IRFU have issued a statement in response to Minister of Health Simon Harris’ comments this evening whereby he recommended that Ireland’s clash with Italy in the Six Nations be postponed.  Harris was speaking after the Department of Health and the National Public Health Emergency Team made a recommendation that the Six Nations fixture due to take place in Dublin …

Former Ireland international Dan Tuohy announced his retirement from rugby yesterday claiming the game is “starting to look like it’s rotten from the core.” The 11-time capped international announced his retirement via Twitter having spent the last few seasons at French second division club Vannes. Tuohy claimed that while he loved the professional lifestyle, integrity and loyalty are now a …

Adam Griggs has named three changes to his Ireland side ahead of Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations game against Wales at Energia Park.  Eimear Considine returns from injury to make her first appearance of the tournament at full-back with Lauren Delaney moving to the wing where she will partner last week’s match-winner Béibhinn Parsons. Claire Keohane won her first international XV …

James Ryan will continue playing his club rugby with Leinster after signing a three-year IRFU contract extension until the end of the 2022/23 season. After scoring a try 60 seconds into his Ireland debut as a 20-year-old back in 2017, the second-row phenom has not looked back. He’s gone on to carve a career out for himself as one of the …

When Sene Naoupu landed in Ireland in December 2009, there was no way she could have known that, 10 years later, she’d be one of our most high-profile international athletes. The New Zealand native flocked to Galway back in the late-noughties with her rugby-playing husband George, who had signed with Connacht. It was a short-term deal, six months, that’s all. …

Paul O’Connell admits he is unsure whether or not he will resume a career in professional coaching following a spell at Stade Français that he described as “disappointing.”  After retiring from the professional game following the 2015 World Cup, O’Connell linked up with Noel McNamara and the Irish Under-20s as an assistant coach in 2018. However, the following summer he …

Iain Henderson has admitted he’s not ready to take on the role of Ireland captain.  The Ulster lock took over the role as captain of his provincial side in the wake of Rory Best’s retirement at the end of last season. Best also relinquished his Ireland captaincy with his successor unknown, as of yet. While Johnny Sexton, Peter O’Mahony and …

Ireland have been handed a tough draw in this year’s U20 World Championships in Italy. Noel McNamara’s side have been drawn in Pool A alongside defending champion France, Argentina and last year’s World Rugby U20 Trophy winners Japan. Pool B sees Australia and New Zealand go head-to-head with Wales and Georgia making up the other two teams. England and South …