FORMER IRELAND TEAM manager Michael Kearney, who retired from the role in 2016, has been appointed to the European Professional Club Rugby [EPCR] board. Kearney replaces Paul McNaughton and will represent the IRFU at the top table of European rugby. Kearney was Ireland team manager for five years. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO A former past president…
Read moreSale pull off major coup with signing of Springbok second row
Click Here: gold coast titans team jersey SALE SHARKS HAVE pulled off a major coup with the signing of South Africa international Lood de Jager on a three-year deal. The lock will arrive at Sale from the Bulls ahead of the 2019-20 Premiership season or, if selected, following his country’s Rugby World Cup campaign, which…
Read moreSpringbok Kriel the latest star to depart the Bulls as he heads for Japan
JESSE KRIEL HAS become the latest Bulls star to sign elsewhere, agreeing a deal to join Japanese side Canon Eagles at the end of the Super Rugby season. A day after Handre Pollard’s impending switch to Top 14 side Montpellier was confirmed, the Bulls announced South Africa international Kriel would be following his compatriot out…
Read moreBest in harness for final home match with Ulster, but Stockdale misses out on Connacht clash
ULSTER CAPTAIN RORY Best has shaken off an ankle knock to lead his province in Saturday’s Pro14 quarter-final against Connacht (kick-off 17.35, eir Sport). File photo of Best in training. Source: Matt Mackey/INPHO With the Ireland skipper set to hang up his boots after this year’s World Cup, Best will hope to prolong his playing…
Read moreScottish ref Adamson to take charge of Leinster-Munster at sold-out RDS
SCOTLAND’S MIKE ADAMSON has been appointed to referee Saturday’s Guinness Pro14 semi-final showdown between Leinster and Munster at a sold-out RDS [KO 2.30pm, eir Sport/Premier Sports]. Adamson’s appointment carries extra significance as he will be the first Scottish official to take charge of a Pro14 knockout game since the format was re-introduced to the championship…
Read moreLeicester’s Geordan Murphy charged with verbal abuse of match official
THE RUGBY FOOTBALL Union [RFU] has charged Leicester boss Geordan Murphy with verbally abusing a match official. The former Ireland fullback will face two charges at a disciplinary hearing on 29 May in relation to his behaviour during Leicester’s Premiership clash with Bath last weekend. Murphy and Leicester have had a miserable season. Source: Gary Carr/INPHO…
Read moreImpressive Australia offer Ireland U20 another chance to flex
THE TABLE IS set for another bun fight. They tend to veer sharply to the chaotic side, these high-grade U20 contests. Leads are rarely safe, deficits can’t be deep enough and the momentum myth struggles to take hold. Plenty of thought and effort is put in on the defensive side, but at this level attacking…
Read moreHansen irked by ‘dumb’ indiscipline during All Blacks’ thrashing of Wallabies
ALL BLACKS COACH Steve Hansen refused to get carried away by the comprehensive 36-0 thrashing of the Wallabies today, saying he was “proud” of his side but that discipline remained an issue. It was a ruthless performance by New Zealand at Eden Park, just five weeks before they start their World Cup defence, as they…
Read moreIreland U20 international Scannell signs for French club Biarritz
IRELAND U20 INTERNATIONAL Billy Scannell has signed for French Pro D2 club Biarritz. 19-year-old Scannell, the younger brother of senior Ireland internationals Niall and Rory, has joined the former Heineken Cup finalists after spending a season in Munster’s sub-academy. Scannell at senior Munster training earlier this year. Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO Scannell, who played club rugby…
Read more‘Something you can’t fathom or comprehend’: McKinley pushing for remarkable RWC run
FOR IAN MCKINLEY, going to Japan with Italy next month, 10 years after featuring there for Ireland in the Junior World Cup, would mark a remarkable full circle on his unlikely rugby journey. The 29-year Dubliner, who was forced to retire from professional rugby in 2011 after losing the sight in his left eye, is…
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