Andy Farrell’s Ireland side take on England in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday (Kick-off 2.10pm).

Caelan Doris will lead the Irish team for the Round 3 clash in the English capital, as Ireland bid to build on last Saturday’s defeat of Italy at the Aviva Stadium.

Back 3 unchanged

Jamie Osborne, Robert Baloucoune and James Lowe are named in an unchanged back three.

Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose continue in midfield, while Munster’s Jack Crowley comes in at out-half to partner Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs.

Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are selected in the front row. Joe McCarthy and James Ryan are retained in the engine room. Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier and captain Doris will play in the back row.

Experienced Irish bench

Farrell has named an experienced bench with Rónan Kelleher, Tom O’Toole, Finlay Bealham, Nick Timoney and Jack Conan making up the forward replacements.

The backs named in the Match Day 23 are Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley and Tommy O’Brien.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s clash, Head Coach Andy Farrell admitted

“Games between the two sides have been nip and tuck over recent times and there’s great familiarity and respect across both camps. We know their strengths and our aim is to deliver the best version of ourselves to put us in a position to get the performance that we want.”

Live on RTÉ TV and Radio

Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and ITV, with live radio commentary available on RTÉ Radio 1.

Ireland Team

15. Jamie Osborne, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Stuart McCloskey,    11. James Lowe, 10. Jack Crowley, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park.

1. Jeremy Loughman, 2. Dan Sheehan, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Joe McCarthy, 5. James Ryan,
6. Tadhg Beirne, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris (captain).

Ireland Replacements

16. Rónan Kelleher, 17. Tom O’Toole, 18. Finlay Bealham, 19. Nick Timoney, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Craig Casey, 22. Ciaran Frawley, 23. Tommy O’Brien.

The post Ireland side to play England, Saturday at 2.10pm appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Irishman posted an impressive score of 75.00 in the final run of the event. Lynch’s result marks one of the strongest Olympic performances by an Irish winter athlete to date.

Alex Ferreira of the United States won gold in the men’s freestyle skiing halfpipe competition with a score of 93.75. The US Olympian completed his Olympic medal set having previously won silver (2018) and bronze (2022). Silver went to Henry Sildaru from Estonia with a best score of 93.00, while Brendan Mackay of Canada claimed bronze with a 91.00 third run.

Lynch “couldn’t be more happy”

Reflecting on the significance of tonight’s result, Ben Lynch said:

“It feels really cool, especially because eight is my lucky number. My birthday is September 8th. I got eight stitches above my eyebrow here, so eight has always been my lucky number and the fact that I just got eight, the stars align.

“It definitely still feels surreal, but it’s sinking in a little bit. Yeah, it’s pretty cool because my last best result was 16, so I have that at the Olympics and couldn’t be more happy to be here.”

Pivotal third run

Lynch’s third run was his pivotal one, putting him right up the score board, as he explained:

“The third run, I was really nervous at the top. I felt very prepared, but obviously the nerves were on. My family’s here, everyone was watching, and I hadn’t landed my first two runs. But yeah, just tried really hard to focus on the run, not worry about the result, and I ended up landing it pretty much as good as I possibly could have, and I’m really, really excited.

“I think before this, I’d only gotten around the sixties in World Cups. It’s hard to get high scores in world level, world Cup level, but yeah, that’s the best score I’ve ever gotten. I also got down qualifier 75, so just so stoked.”

The post Ben Lynch takes 8th place at Winter Olympics appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Eleven combinations advanced to the tiebreaker, with the Irish representatives coming out in top over Andy Christiansen’s (ECU) jump-off course.

Irish 1-2

The 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding stopped the clock at 37.90 seconds with Wexford’s Bertram Allen right behind in 39.12 seconds riding Conquest de Rigo.

Taking third was Charlotte Jacobs (USA) in a time of 40.01 seconds riding North Star’s Playboy JT Z, an 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding.

Kenny delighted to be back in action

“I knew Bertram’s horse has a massive stride,” Kenny admitted. “He did seven [strides] from one to two. I wasn’t sure if I could do that, but it showed up for me. I think my horse is more experienced than his in jump-offs, so that’s probably where it got him,” said Kenny of his jump-off round with his 2025 European Championships partner Eddy Blue.

Kenny was officially cleared to return to international competition on 13 February after the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) lifted a provisional suspension issued on 13 October following a positive drug test during the FEI European Championships.

“This is my first week back – Bertram rode Eddy for me recently and did a fantastic job on him,” said the Irish Olympian. “The horse feels ready to go, and he was amazing today as he always is. I’m very lucky to have such a fantastic group of owners and staff who kept the horses in great shape. I was lucky Bertram was able to ride them for me – I’m very thankful to everybody who was involved in that.”

The post Darragh Kenny and Eddy Blue win at WEF appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The 29-year-old Van der Merwe’s move will be subject to the granting of a valid work permit.

Van der Merwe “excited and honoured”

Commenting on the news, van der Merwe said:

“I’m excited and honoured to be joining such a prestigious club, with such a proud rugby history. I want to finish the season strong with the Scarlets, before tackling this new challenge with Munster.”

The powerful South African marked his international debut with two tries against Georgia last summer.

He also helped the Springboks to the Rugby Championship title, featuring in the wins over New Zealand and Australia.

Debuted in PRO14 in 2018

From the province of Mpumalanga, van der Merwe played underage rugby with the Pumas before making the move to Cheetahs, where he made his PRO14 debut in 2018.

After winning the Currie Cup with Cheetahs in 2023, he joined Scarlets in 2024. His first season in Wales saw him named in the URC Elite XV alongside Craig Casey and Tom Farrell.

His strong form in 2024/25 earned an international call-up from Rassie Erasmus and he made his first three appearances for the Springboks last year.

He has made 38 appearances for the Scarlets since his debut in September 2024.

Costello welcomes new signing

Munster Rugby General Manager Ian Costello said of the southern province’s newest signing:

“He has been one of the best hookers in the URC over the past two years resulting in a call up to the Springboks squad.

“He is an physical, abrasive hooker, very strong in the set-piece, excellent over the ball, and now has demonstrated his ability to perform at international level.”

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After all, this is the country that birthed legendary athletes such as Kevin McHale, Connor McGregor, Finn Balor, Mickey Ward, and Danica Patrick and they have represented The Emerald Isle with exceptional prestige in their respective areas. Indeed, this kind of passion for competition serves as a testament to the respect that the Irish possess for sports overall.

However, there really is no comparison when it comes to the popularity of soccer in the Island of Ireland, especially when going by online live betting platforms. Obviously soccer is popular all over the world but it has a special p[lace in Ireland and these could be the reasons why!

A rich history

It bears mentioning that Ireland has a grand history of the sport because as mentioned earlier, there is no shortage of superior athletes from the Emerald Isle. And one of the most celebrated is also a legend in the sport itself: none other than winger George Best. Best had the fundamentals covered and was responsible for many incredible plays that players of the sport base their moves off today.

It would continue on during the primes of other legends like Roy Keane and Paul McGrath, all representing the exceptional ability of the Irish when it comes to running and kicking on the pitch. This is why sports pubs were filled with players and they would wager with one another whenever their teams had match days, preceding online live betting on online websites like the betway app when it comes to market traffic. These pubs would also usually turn host to soccer commentaries from many other patrons, which isn’t too far from what platforms like betway would provide its audience.

The excitement of soccer

Today, most Irish fans turn to mobile live betting platforms to find updates about match day games. The production of odds are results of projections and various commentaries that come from the pubs while the bets become easier to make through live betting platforms. Since football is a dynamic sport, odds can shift easily, especially in live betting. Suddenly, every turn and change happening in the game can be wagered on!

For the betting Irishman, the excitement never stops whenever they want to try on higher stakes and higher rewards. Fortunately, technology enhances live betting and poses a richer challenge to take on. Every tactical shift, injury, or red card creates a ripple effect in the live markets, allowing fans to leverage their understanding in real-time. Since these odds change every so often, winning the bet is not as cut and dry compared to the traditional way. But overcoming these odds grant lucrative rewards to the bettors!

Irish luck is always tested come soccer match days which is why live betting platforms have a regular resurgence. Fortunately, they can find out the numbers behind the luck embedded in these establishments.

The post Soccer Still Sets the Pace in Live Irish Betting Platforms appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

After 61 resolutions were passed during the GAA Special Congress at Croke Park, several structural modifications that were tested have now become part of the Official Guide. New rules for kick-outs and a new disciplinary system to deal with unscrupulous play and officiating standards are at the heart of these changes.

Jim Gavin leads the Football Review Committee (FRC), which made these revisions based on a lot of research. The major goal, as stated in official GAA publications, is to lengthen the “arc of play” and keep the ball moving for longer periods of time during competitive games.

The Intersection of Sporting Integrity and Digital Entertainment

The addition of these exact field lines and scoring zones has added a new level of statistical detail to the game, which is part of a larger change in how Irish people watch sports. The GAA is using more technology-based solutions, such as improved performance tracking and centralized match timing.

Simultaneously, the growth of high-quality digital services has changed how Irish fans interact with the sport. With the introduction of the 40-metre arc making high-scoring comebacks more likely, fans are engaging with the game in real-time. Many utilize sportsbooks and online platforms, such as Spin Casino Ireland, to follow live odds and place bets on whether a player will opt for the risky two-point attempt or a safer play. This move toward a digital-first strategy ensures that people all around the country can access information on rule changes and match data immediately

Enhanced Disciplinary Measures for Cynical Behavior

The 2026 season has stronger “Category II” punishments for transgressions. Intentional jersey-pulling to prevent a goal is now a black card violation. The offending player now receives a 10-minute sin-bin and the attacking side receives a penalty, a provision that has been expanded from inter-county senior grade to all club competitions.

Also, the GAA has established the “Solo and Go” for fouled players. If they are not inside the opposition’s 20-metre line, the fouled player or a nearby teammate can toe-tap the ball and immediately go forward to continue play. An opponent interfering with a “Solo and Go” within the four-metre protected zone is penalized by the referee advancing the ball 50 metres.

Official Pitch Markings and the 40-Metre Arc

Gaelic Football pitches have been modified to accommodate 2026 scoring and kick-out rules. All official pitches must have a 40-meter semi-circle arc in the goal line. This arc defines genuine kick-outs and the new two-point scoring restriction.

At least one foot on or outside the 40-meter arc counts as two points for play or free kicks. The score umpire waves an orange flag, and the referee lifts both arms over their heads. This correction is precise. A converted “45” is worth one point regardless of where it is kicked.

Managing Dissent and Sideline Conduct

In 2026, team officials and players-match officials are increasingly important. The new “disruptive conduct” rules provide the opposite team a 13-meter free kick if a team official verbally insults or enters the pitch without authorization. This will open the next quarter with the 13-meter free if it happens before or during halftime.

The team captain’s role is also explained in the Official Guide. The captain or his deputy (if the captain is out) can request further information regarding a referee’s call. This communication requires a game pause. Any player who challenges a ruling with an official risks a 50-meter penalty.

The Clock and Hooter System Integration

All Allianz Football League Division 1 and 2 matches and Senior Football Championship events must use the clock and hooter system after successful testing. This method eliminates the referee’s option to add time to halves by ending matches immediately after the hooter unless the ball is in flight or a free-kick/penalty is due.

The GAA has acknowledged that while the hooter system is the target for all grounds, its immediate implementation at lower club levels may be phased due to infrastructure requirements. However, in any venue where the technology is currently installed and operational, such as major county grounds, its use is officially required under the 2026 rules to ensure maximum transparency regarding match duration.

The post Gaelic Football 2026: Official Changes to Kick-Outs and Discipline appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Playing their 771st test match, and their 39th with Italy since the first meeting of the nations at Lansdowne Road on 31 December 1988, Andy Farrell’s side just held on for the home win.

On an historic day for rugby, Scottish referee Hollie Davidson became the first woman to referee a men’s Six Nations match.

In a rather disappointing first half from an Irish viewpoint, the hosts found themselves behind after 40 minutes.

An early Irish opportunity was spurned as Dan Sheehan attempted to leap over the Italian defence from a standing start. The Italians stood up, as though they expected the move, and blew the Irish hooker back into the ground.

Lynagh sent to sin bin

Italian winger Louis Lynagh, son of Australian rugby legend Michael, was yellow carded for what referee Hollie Davidson adjudged to be a deliberate knock on. The Scottish official consulted the TMO, and on viewing the screen, immediately made the decision to sin bin the Italian number 14.

A number of unforced errors from Ireland saw the home side lose possession in the opening quarter – much to the frustration of fans in the stands.

On the positive side, dangerous and effective runs from James Lowe on one wing and Robert Baloucoune on the opposite helped Ireland make field progress.

Osborne Try

It took 17 minutes of the game before either of the try-scoring lines was breached. Ireland, with the advantage of a man, made the most of their numerical superiority, with fullback Jamie Osborne given the easy task of touching down, as the Italian defensive line was stretched.

Sam Prendergast missed the conversion attempt which followed. Though positioned just left of the posts, the kicker miscued and saw his effort drift harmlessly left of the posts.

𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐄 𝐎𝐒𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄!

Ireland strike first at the Aviva!

Ireland 5-0 Italy#IREvITA | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/sIvCo6hLRp

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 14, 2026

Garbisi penalty

The Italians soon reduced the deficit as Paolo Garbisi slotted over a penalty attempt. By that stage the visitors must have been satisfied to be only two points behind the Irish, despite the loss of a man for ten minutes.

Yellow card for Craig Casey

On 32 minutes Craig Casey was yellow carded for foul play. With the Munster player remaining upright in the tackle, he was deemed guilty of dangerous play and Ireland were reduced to 14 men.

Italy made the home side immediately pay for their yellow card. Winning a lineout, the Azzurri drove Ireland back over their own defensive line, and hooker Giacomo Nicotera of Stade Francais dived over the line for a try.

Paolo Garbisi maintained his 100% kicking record on the day, as he successfully slotted over his second kick of the afternoon.

Half-time: Ireland 5 Italy 10

Ireland began the second half at pace. Tadhg Furlong replaced Tom Clarkson in green. Soon Andy Farrell made more changes as the fresh players immediately had an effect across the field.

Conan’s early second-half try

With the the Irish winning the lineout, Ireland drove for the Italian line. Powerhouses  Caelan Doris and Jack Conan added strength from the back of the maul, as the Number 8 touched down for the opening score of the second period

Unfortunately for Ireland, Sam Prendergast again missed the kick at the posts – his second miss of the game to that stage.

𝐖𝐄’𝐑𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋!

Great start to the second half

Ireland 5-10 Italy#IREvITA | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/RwzlEpZQXI

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 14, 2026

Baloucoune try on Six Nations debut

Rob Baloucoune, later named Man of the Match, put the hosts back into the lead as the game approached the final quarter. The Ulster winger, with options to pass, showed great self-confidence on his Six Nations debut, as he ran and then stretched out for the line.

𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐄!

What a way to start your Six Nation’s debut!

Ireland 17-10 Italy#IREvITA | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/iUqZt9rbyi

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 14, 2026

With Jack Crowley now playing at 10, the Munster man kicked the conversion attempt which followed, and Andy Farrell’s men moved into a 17-10 lead.

Crowley soon made it a two-score game as he dissected the posts with his first penalty attempt of the game. In a match of swinging fortunes, Italy were next to score, as Garbisi kicked his second penalty of the fixture.

In an anxious final few minutes of the game, Italy were camped on the Irish line until a relieving interception from James Lowe reduced the pressure on the Irish defence.

Lowe’s pace of old was evident as he raced down the field, giving Ireland one last chance of achieving a bonus-point try, with the clock well past 80 minutes.

Jack Crowley, aiming for the touchline, misjudged his kick which went too far, and brought a sudden end to the game, giving Ireland their first Guinness Six Nations win of the 2026 season.

Final score: Ireland 20  Italy 13

Ireland Team

15. Jamie Osborne, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. James Lowe, 10. Sam Prendergast, 9. Craig Casey.

1. Jeremy Loughman, 2. Dan Sheehan, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Joe McCarthy, 5. James Ryan, 6. Cormac Izuchukwu, 7. Caelan Doris (captain), 8. Jack Conan.

Ireland Replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher, 17. Tom O’Toole, 18. Tadhg Furlong, 19. Edwin Edogbo, 20. Tadhg Beirne, 21. Nick Timoney, 22. Jamison Gibson-Park, 23. Jack Crowley.

Italy Team

15. Lorenzo Pani, 14. Louis Lynagh, 13. Leonardo Marin, 12. Tommaso Menoncello, 11. Monty Ioane, 10. Paolo Garbisi, 9. Alessandro Fusco.

1. Danilo Fischetti, 2. Giacomo Nicotera, 3. Simone Ferrari, 4. Niccolo Cannone, 5. Andrea Zambonin, 6. Michele Lamaro (captain), 7. Manuel Zuliani, 8. Lorenzo Cannone.

Italy Replacements

16. Tommaso di Bartolomeo, 17. Mirco Spagnolo, 18. Muhamed Hasa, 19. Federico Ruzza, 20. Riccardo Favretto, 21. David Odiase, 22. Alessandro ‌Garbisi, 23. Paolo Odogwu.

Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)

The post Ireland beat Italy 20-13 in Guinness Six Nations appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Tries a plenty in both halves – as both teams claimed bonus-point tries – a game that was in the balance for most of the night, saw the hosts edge home by three points in the end.

Ireland score first

Ireland took an early lead with a relatively easy penalty kick for Garryowen’s Tom Wood. The Munster player comfortably slotted over from directly in front of the post for 3-0.

3-0
Ireland out-half Tom Wood claims the opening score of the game as the hosts take an early lead
Watch live coverage of Ireland v Italy in the Under-20 Six Nations on @rte2 https://t.co/rEypK4GBey pic.twitter.com/PljD30nwRb

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 13, 2026

Barrett scores Ireland’s opening try

Winger Derry Moloney opened the Italian defence as he burst through the visitor’s side. Beginning in his own half, the Leinster speedster was supported by Noah Byrne and then by Christopher Barrett.

With Moloney offloading to Byrne, Barrett then received possession of the ball, and had the task of touching down for the game’s opening try. A second successful kick of the night from Tom Wood – this time, a conversion – pushed Ireland out to a 13-0 advantage with just over 13 minutes played on the clock.

10-0
Scrum-half Christopher Barrett with the opening try of the game
Watch live coverage of Ireland v Italy in the Under-20 Six Nations on @rte2 https://t.co/rEypK4GBey pic.twitter.com/vFVj70IpZh

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 13, 2026

Ireland defence breached

Despite some moments of both poor passing and substandard handling, the Italians were next on the score sheet. Winger Luca Rossa was on the receiving end of an Azzurri move as the Irish defence was breached for the first time tonight. Francesco Braga added the extras for the visitors, leaving Ireland with a 10-7 lead approaching the end of the first quarter of play.

Winger Ryan gets on score sheet

The hosts laid a charge to the Italian line following a powerful break from centre Rob Carney. With Ireland pummelling the defensive line, winger Daniel Ryan eventually touched down in the furthest corner from the Main Stand.

15-7
Daniel Ryan with Ireland’s second try as the Italian defence can’t hold out
Watch live coverage of Ireland v Italy in the Under-20 Six Nations on @rte2 https://t.co/rEypK4GBey pic.twitter.com/Eu7sCV9Ynx

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 13, 2026

With a more difficult conversion attempt – right on the side line – Wood was unsuccessful this time, meaning Ireland had a 15-7 lead.

Converted try and penalty give Italians half-time advantage

Italy struck back immediately with a pushover try that saw hooker Valerio Pelli crash over for a five-pointer. A favourable position gave Braga a relatively easy effort – which he converted, as the Irish lead was reduced to a single point.

15-14
Again Italy respond well to a setback, hooker Valerio Pelli powering over from a dominant rolling maul
Watch live coverage of Ireland v Italy in the Under-20 Six Nations on @rte2 https://t.co/rEypK4GBey pic.twitter.com/Ri88G1e4XA

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 13, 2026

With the half-time whistle close, Italy won a penalty which Braga kicked to give the Italian side an unexpected 17-15 lead at the interval.

Half-time: 15-17
Italy take the lead with the final act of the half, Francesca Braga maintaining his 100% record off the tee in Cork tonight
Watch live coverage of Ireland v Italy in the Under-20 Six Nations on @rte2 https://t.co/rEypK4GBey pic.twitter.com/mipp7j9U0e

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 13, 2026

Half-time: Ireland U20 15  Italy U20 17

The home side claimed the first score of the second half. Excellent teamwork and understanding between centre Rob Carney and Derry Moloney saw the winger score.

With Carney in possession as he made rapid progress from his own half of the field to the opposition’s, the Cashel RFC man kept the Italian defence guessing as to whether he would go for the line himself or pass out to Moloney. Ultimately he did neither, as a nicely placed grubber kick was successfully chased by Moloney who scored in the corner to the delight of the home fans.

Tom Wood was unsuccessful with his effort – his second missed kicked of the evening.

20-17
A huge hit from Tom Wood turns Italy over before Derry Moloney shows blistering pace to put Ireland back in front
Watch live coverage of Ireland v Italy in the Under-20 Six Nations on @rte2 https://t.co/rEypK4GBey pic.twitter.com/D8DF7vUXUn

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 13, 2026

Pelli’s second try

With the Italians enjoying a period of domination on the field, Valerio Pelli claimed his second try of the night. As Italy made numerous efforts to cross the try-scoring line, the brawn and strength of the Mogliano Veneto Rugby player was required to complete the task. Kicker Braga missed at the posts for the first time, as the Italians held a slender 22-20 advantage.

20-22
Once again the Italians show their strength with the rolling maul, hooker Valerio Pelli with his second try of the night. The visitors back in front
Watch live coverage of Ireland v Italy in the Under-20 Six Nations on @rte2 https://t.co/rEypK4GBey pic.twitter.com/REfU3bItVo

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 13, 2026

Bonus-point try for Josh Neil

Ireland soon fought back as they noticeably upped the tempo. With the Azzurri defence penalised near their own line, Ireland reacted quickly and three quick motions saw Josh Neil of Leinster in for the bonus-point try.

27-22
Josh Neill secures a bonus point for Ireland by barging over from close range
Watch live coverage of Ireland v Italy in the Under-20 Six Nations on @rte2 https://t.co/rEypK4GBey pic.twitter.com/BEGATpZskF

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 13, 2026

Wood kicked – from directly in front of the posts – for a 27-22 lead, but the Munster number 10 soon extended this advantage, as a successful penalty kick – which saw Italian Davide Sette sin-binned – gave Ireland a little breathing space on the score board, 30-22, with the game inside the final quarter.

30-22
Italy’s Davide Sette is sent to the sin bin and Tom Wood converts the resulting penalty.
Watch live coverage of Ireland v Italy in the Under-20 Six Nations on @rte2 https://t.co/rEypK4GBey pic.twitter.com/g0zdyKcTWt

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 13, 2026

Replacement Jacopo de Rossi gave the Italians hope of taking the victory in this game when his teammates’ powerful maul allowed him touch down for a try, his side’s bonus-point five-pointer. Braga, who had been so successful with his kicking in the opening period, missed his second of this half, as Ireland faced into the final 10 minutes with a slender three-point advantage, an advantage they would ultimately maintain.

Final score: Ireland U20 30  Italy U20 27

Ireland U20 Team

15. Noah Byrne (Dublin University FC/Leinster), 14. Derry Moloney (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster), 13. Rob Carney (Cashel RFC/Munster), 12. James O’Leary (UCC/Munster), 11. Daniel Ryan (Galway Corinthians RFC/Connacht), 10. Tom Wood (Garryowen FC/ Munster), 9. Christopher Barrett (UCC RFC/Munster).

1. Max Doyle (UCD RFC/Leinster), 2. Lee Fitzpatrick (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster), 3. Sami Bishti (UCD RFC/Leinster)(captain), 4. Dylan McNeice (UCD RFC/Leinster), 5. Donnacha McGuire (UCD RFC/Leinster), 6. Joe Finn (Garryowen FC/Munster), 7. Josh Neill (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster), 8. Diarmaid O’Connell (Galway Corinthians RFC/Connacht).

Replacements:

16. Rían Handley (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster), 17. Christian Foley (Young Munster RFC/ Munster), 18. Blake McClean (Instonians RFC/Ulster), 19. Ben Blaney (Terenure College RFC/Leinster), 20. Billy Hayes (Garryowen FC/Munster), 21. James O’Dwyer (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster), 22. Charlie O’Shea (UCC RFC/Munster), 23. Johnny O’Sullivan (Dublin University FC/Leinster).

The post Ireland U20s hold out for 30-27 Cork victory appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Cheltenham Preview Nights – 2026

The post List of Cheltenham Preview nights 2026 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

While the FAI banned gambling sponsors from the Republic of Ireland national team in June 2024, domestic clubs remain free to sign casino partnerships, and the financial pressure to do so has never been clearer.

The 888 Blueprint

The clearest example of how deep casino brands have embedded themselves in Irish football comes from 888, the global betting and gaming group that has secured headline sponsorships with two of the league’s most successful clubs.

In 2024, Dundalk announced 888 as their main sponsor in what the club described as the largest commercial deal in their history. The arrangement went beyond a simple logo placement. 888 Casino appeared on the home shirt, 888 Sport on the away kit, and 888 Poker on the third strip.

Shamrock Rovers, the reigning Premier Division champions at the time, signed a similar deal that saw 888sport branding occupy the front of their jerseys for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The partnership was framed in community terms, but the outcome was straightforward: one of Ireland’s biggest clubs carried a gambling brand in the most prominent position available.

Both deals illustrate that casino sponsorships are not confined to struggling sides hunting for cash. Top-performing clubs with national visibility have leaned into these partnerships, making gambling logos as much a part of League of Ireland identity as any crest or colour scheme.

The Online Casino Market Behind the Jerseys

The operators appearing on League of Ireland shirts are drawn from a well-established online casino market in Ireland that has matured significantly over the past decade.

The sector is competitive and well-funded. Operators compete on game libraries, payout percentages, payment options, and customer support, but they also compete heavily on brand recognition. That is where football comes in. Getting a logo onto the front of a League of Ireland jersey offers weekly visibility in communities where digital advertising alone struggles to build the same level of trust or familiarity.

For Irish players trying to separate legitimate online casinosfrom less reliable options, it is worth looking at reviews from trusted experts that assess licensing, payout records, and safety standards rather than promotional offers. The brands investing in football sponsorships tend to be the larger, more established operators with stronger regulatory oversight, but size alone does not guarantee a good experience or fair terms.

What matters for clubs is that these operators have substantial marketing budgets and view Irish football as a worthwhile investment.

Why Clubs Need the Money

League of Ireland clubs operate in a financial environment that makes high-value sponsorships essential rather than optional. The FAI itself is carrying €43 million in debt, has cycled through repeated leadership changes, and offers prize money that barely covers operating costs. The broader structural problems at the association have been well documented, but the effect on clubs is straightforward: limited funding and few alternatives.

Winning the league brings €125,000. Lifting the FAI Cup adds €32,000 plus gate receipts. For context, that is less than many clubs spend on a single senior signing or a few months of squad wages. Academy funding remains patchy, infrastructure lags behind European norms, and alternative revenue streams such as broadcast deals or merchandise have failed to fill the gap.

Against that backdrop, a front-of-shirt casino sponsor offering six figures becomes difficult to refuse. Clubs such as Bohemians, Derry City, and others have followed the same path, prioritising survival, and competitiveness over concerns about gambling exposure.

A Two-tier Sponsorship Policy

The FAI’s decision to ban betting operators from national team sponsorship while leaving League of Ireland clubs untouched has created a policy split that benefits casino brands.

At international level, the association has distanced itself from gambling partnerships, citing public health concerns around problem gambling. That ban covers all official sponsorships of the Republic of Ireland senior side, including shirt deals.

At club level, however, no such restrictions apply. Domestic teams are explicitly permitted to continue signing casino and betting sponsors, including front-of-shirt agreements. The contrast is stark: the national team presents a gambling-free image, while the clubs that feed it carry casino logos every week.

This divergence may actually increase the attractiveness of Irish club shirts to casino operators. The English Premier League has committed to phasing out front-of-shirt betting sponsorships, and several European leagues are tightening similar rules. Ireland’s domestic competition, by comparison, remains open for business.

Safeguards and Limitations

Not every shirt carries a casino logo. Dundalk’s 888 deal included a carve-out for infant and youth jerseys, as well as some adult replicas, which were produced without gambling branding. The move reflects regulatory caution and acknowledges the ethical concerns around exposing children to casino advertising, even indirectly.

Still, the core commercial message remains intact. Adult match shirts, the versions worn by players and most visible to broadcasters and crowds, carry the full casino branding. The safeguard limits the reach but does not fundamentally alter the partnership.

What Happens Next

Casino brands have established themselves as central rather than incidental to League of Ireland sponsorship. They bring the kind of money clubs need to stay competitive, and they occupy the most valuable marketing space available.

As long as debts remain high and financial structures remain weak, and as long as domestic teams are excluded from the betting-sponsor ban, casino logos will continue to appear on Irish football jerseys. The policy environment currently favours that outcome, and there is little indication it will change soon.

The question is no longer whether casino brands belong in Irish football sponsorship. They are already here, and they have been for several seasons. The question now is whether the league can build alternative revenue strong enough to make them optional rather than essential.

So far, the answer is no.

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