It will be the seventh occasion that James Ryan will take the captain’s armband and he will be partnered in the second row by Iain Henderson, who makes his first start for Ireland since the final game of last year’s Championship against Scotland.

Ronan Kelleher is retained at hooker having come off the bench against France with Andrew Porterand Finlay Bealham either side of him in the front row. In the back row, Jack Conan comes in at number eight with Caelan Doris switching to the blindside flank and Josh van der Flier at openside.

Craig Casey and Ross Byrne are set to make their first Six Nations starts and Bundee Aki is introduced to the midfield having started from the bench in the opening two rounds. Garry Ringrose is set to make his 50th appearance for Ireland while the back three of Hugo Keenan, James Lowe and Mack Hansen is unchanged from the opening two rounds.

Dan Sheehan has returned to fitness to take his place among the replacements alongside Dave Kilcoyne, Tom O’Toole, Ryan Baird, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley and Stuart McCloskey.

The match will be broadcast live on RTE and ITV television and on RTE and BBC NI radio.

IRELAND team to play Italy – Round 3, 2023 Guinness Six Nations Championships, Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Saturday 25th February, 2023, KO 14.15 (IST)

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 27 caps
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht/Corinthians) 11 caps
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 49 caps
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 43 caps
11. James Lowe (Leinster) 17 caps
10. Ross Byrne (Leinster/UCD) 16 caps
9. Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) 9 caps

1. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 50 caps
2. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne) 19 caps
3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 29 caps
4. Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 70 caps
5. James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 50 caps (c)
6. Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 25 caps
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 47 caps
8. Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 35

Replacements
16. Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne) 14 caps
17. Dave Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemians) 50 caps
18. Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 6 caps
19. Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) 8 caps
20. Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 91 caps caps
21. Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 102 caps
22. Jack Crowley (Munster/Cork Constitution) 2 caps
23. Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor) 11 caps

2023 Guinness Six Nations Fixtures & Result

Wales 10 IRELAND 34
Principality Stadium, Saturday 4th February 2023

IRELAND 32 France 19
Aviva Stadium, Saturday 11th February 2023

Italy v IRELAND
Saturday 25th February 2023, KO 14:15 (IST)
RTE TV / ITV / RTE Radio / BBC Radio

Scotland v IRELAND
Sunday 12th March 2023, KO 15:00 (IST)
RTE TV / BBC / RTE Radio / BBC Radio

IRELAND v England
Saturday 18th March 2023, KO 17:00 (IST)
VIRGIN / ITV / RTE Radio / BBC Radio

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One of the most popular golf courses in Galway is the Galway Bay Golf Resort. Located just outside the city of Galway, this course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course is set along the coast and features beautiful views of Galway Bay and the surrounding countryside. It also offers a great opportunity for golfers to enjoy the scenery and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Another notable course in the area is the Moyvalley Golf Club, a championship course designed by Christy O’Connor Jr. and Peter McEvoy. This course is known for its challenging layout and fast greens, and it has hosted many major tournaments and events throughout the years. It is also considered one of the most challenging course in the area.

The Connemara Championship Golf Links, is another excellent course to consider. It is set in a rugged and beautiful landscape with the Atlantic ocean to one side, which gives it a unique feeling for golfer. The course is also challenging due to the elements, as the wind and rain can be a factor when playing.

In addition to these courses, there are also many other excellent golf courses throughout Galway, such as the Galway Golf Club and Bearna Golf Club. All of them offer different types of golfing experiences, and many of them have hosted major tournaments throughout the years.

Overall, Galway is an excellent destination for golfers, offering a wide range of challenging and beautiful courses, as well as the opportunity to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of the area. With excellent facilities, a warm welcome and great value, a golfing vacation in Galway is an experience that you’ll never forget.

LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com

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Ringrose has amassed 37 caps for Ireland since making his debut against Canada in 2016 and recently started all three Autumn Nations Series games last month.

Ringrose has won a Grand Slam with Ireland and was on their Rugby World Cup squad for the ill-fated 2019 campaign.

The 26-year-old is close to becoming a centurion with Leinster, sitting ten appearances away from such an honour currently.

He has won four Pro14 titles with the provincial outfit, as well as a Champions Cup in 2018.

IRFU High Performance Director, David Nucifora commented: “Garry has had a tough road with injuries since the World Cup in Japan but he is a top international player who delivers big performances for Ireland and Leinster.

“He will be an influential figure at both national and provincial level over the coming years.”

Garry Ringrose commented: “Delighted to sign for another three years. It is an exciting time to be involved with Leinster and Ireland.

“Both squads have ambition to be competing for silverware every year and I’m motivated to do whatever I can to contribute”

The post Garry Ringrose signs new three-year IRFU contract appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The two 23-year-old hookers have had ample game time to show off their qualities this season and it seems that they are of a similar mould.

Dan Sheehan’s fantastic try (his fourth of the season for Leinster) against Connacht where he stepped Mack Hansen to send himself into a pocket of clear air with the try line in sight is reminiscent of what Kelleher brings to the game for both club and country.

Sheehan’s very presence in the wide channel to receive the ball draws similarities to how his fellow hooker plays and offers a glimpse into the future of Irish rugby.

Leinster assistant coach Stuart Lancaster is well aware of the depth of talent the side has at their disposal in the central front row position.

“There’s some very good, athletic forwards in the Leinster pack now,” Lancaster said. “Ronan [Kelleher] and Dan [Sheehan] are two players who epitomise what we want from our forwards – you know, good ball handlers, physical, abrasive, fit and they can play hooker but they can play multiple positional roles in phased attack and phased defence.”

Kelleher has often been seen in the same spot on a rugby pitch as Sheehan was on Friday, and with 29 carries to his name in just 164 minutes for Ireland during the Autumn Nations Series last month (14 against New Zealand), is clearly an attacking threat for any side he lines out for.

Sheehan, who only made his debut for Leinster last season, only has 313 minutes under his belt in competitive fixtures for the Pro 14 champions but has impressive attacking stats too – 187 metres from 58 carries among them.

With only 55 minutes to his name in green, Sheehan has looked the part, making 53 metres from a mere 11 carries in that time – an average of 4.82 metres per carry.

On top of this, their stats for the traditional roles of a hooker are impressive too – Kelleher missed only one lineout throw against both New Zealand and Argentina from 15 while Sheehan was perfect from 10 in the Autumn Internationals.

Their multi-faceted talents fall in line with what the province’s forwards coach Robin McBryde said about the ‘modern-day forward’ last month.

The competitiveness and experience that Leinster and Ireland veteran Sean Cronin and James Tracy has helped the two young hookers grow into the players they are today.

“It’s great to have [Kelleher and Sheehan] and they’ve got two very good hookers in, you know, James Tracy and Sean Cronin to learn from as well so it’s not like those two have just fallen away – they’re as competitive as the two lads.”

Lancaster is thrilled to see both Kelleher and Sheehan in such good form at the moments after watching their journey for several years but insists there is still work to be done.

“It’s great to see both come through – I’ve watched them both come from fourth-choice and being on the periphery and frustrated they’re not getting opportunities to force their way through to become first and second choice, in whatever order you pick them.

“There’s a lot of hard work gone into what they’ve achieved and a lot of credit must go to the two lads in particular but also to James and Sean for pushing them so hard as well.

“It’s a good position to be in, they’re both exciting players, but they’ve both got a lot to learn still and, you know, we’ll keep their feet on the ground for sure.”

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The competition begins on Saturday, March 26, 2022, and will end a month later on Saturday, April 30, 2022.

Ireland will have three home games set to be played at three different venues across Ireland – the RDS, Musgrave Park and Kingspan Stadium.

They play Wales, as mentioned before, Italy and Scotland at these venues respectively during the campaign.

The match against Scotland will be the first senior international to be played at the Belfast venue since the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup final.

Commenting on today’s news, IRFU CEO, Philip Browne, said: “We are delighted to announce that it will be even easier for fans around the county to support our women’s team in the 2022 Six Nations as we look at increasing the accessibility, profile, and interest in our women’s rugby team across the country.

“Support for the team has grown strongly as they moved from Ashbourne, to Energia Park and the RDS and we hope that by bringing the team closer to the provincial clubs that are developing women’s and girl’s rugby, we can encourage even more female involvement, at all levels.

“The three provincial venues deliver topflight facilities and playing surfaces that will allow for the best of international women’s rugby, and we are optimistic that our 2022 Six Nations will be one of the best supported campaigns ever.”

Greg McWilliams’ first two away trips as Ireland Women’s Head Coach will see the team and him travel to France and England.

The former national assistant coach will return to the setup to take the reins after Adam Griggs’ stepped down from the role.

Ticket information for Ireland’s three home games in Dublin, Cork and Belfast will be announced soon.

Ireland Women’s Six Nations 2022 Fixtures

Ireland v Wales – Saturday, March 26, 2022 (Kick-off 4:45 pm)

France v Ireland – Saturday, April 2, 2022 (Kick-off 3:15 pm)

Ireland v Italy – Sunday, April 10, 2022 (Kick-off 5 pm)

England v Ireland – Sunday, April 24, 2022 (Kick-off 12 pm)

Ireland v Scotland – Saturday, April 30, 2022 (Kick-off 8 pm)

The post Ireland Women’s Six Nations 2022 Fixtures Announced appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Openers Leah Paul and Gaby Lewis have recently made a habit out of providing Ireland with great starts and they didn’t disappoint after being asked to bat first in their Group A match.

The duo put on a 61-run stand, before Caroline de Lange put the brakes on scoring by scalping both the openers.

Ireland lost wickets in a heap soon after and found themselves at 85 for five, with Eva Lynch dismissing Shauna Kavanagh and Orla Prendergast off consecutive deliveries.

Skipper Laura Delany and Eimear Richardson had to pull off the rescue act and drag Ireland out of trouble, adding 85 runs for the sixth wicket.

Heather Siegers ran through the rest of the batting order with a four-wicket haul, including the wicket of Delany and Richardson as Ireland folded for 199.

Prendergast made up for her poor batting innings by dismissing Juliët Post for nought in the third over.

However, Babette de Leede and Sterre Kalis weathered the early storm with a 59-run partnership.

Once de Leede was dismissed for 34, Robine Rijke joined Kalis at the crease. Their 73-run partnership took the Netherlands close to victory, though Kalis fell short of a well-deserved half-century by just three runs.

Needing to go run-a-ball in the last 10 overs with seven wickets in hand, it seemed a simple chase for the Dutch.

Two run-outs, including that of skipper Siegers, changed the dynamic of the game before Prendergast struck to dismiss the well-set Rijke for 56.

Needing 35 from the last four overs, the pressure of the asking rate got to the Netherlands as they succumbed to a 29-run defeat. The Dutch, who were cruising at 158/3, were skittled out for 170.

The win has given Ireland a big chance to qualify for the Super Six stage, with the Dutch yet to win a game in the tournament’s group of four – the top three in both groups qualify.

Ed Joyce’s side will have a few days of rest before they play their third game of the qualifier on Monday – a matchup with Sri Lanka at 7:30 am GMT.

The post Ireland beat Netherlands to get off the mark in World Cup qualifier appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Furlong recently reached the halfway mark to becoming an Irish centurion when he picked up his 50th cap for the national side against Japan, and now currently sits on 52 after starting in the wins over New Zealand and Argentina.

The Wexford native made his debut for Ireland in a Rugby World Cup 2015 warm-up fixture against Wales at the Aviva Stadium and has been involved with the side since, making six appearances at two World Cups for the boys in green.

The tighthead started all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions against the Springboks during the summer and has started the last six consecutive Lions tests across the two tours of New Zealand (2017) and South Africa (2021).

In blue, Furlong has already crossed into three-digit territory and sits on 116 appearances for Leinster.

He has won one Six Nations title with Ireland as well as a Triple Crown from the Grand Slam year of 2018.

Furlong has won five trophies with Leinster – four Pro 14 titles, all won in succession, and one European Rugby Champions Cup, which he also won in 2018.

David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director, commented: “Tadhg has again illustrated his pedigree as one of the best tightheads in world rugby.

“His performances for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions in the past year have been top drawer and we are delighted that he has extended his contract to the end of the 2024/25 season.”

Tadhg Furlong commented: “November was a really positive block for the Ireland squad and it was great to have supporters back in the stadium.

“Ireland and Leinster have started the season well and both squads will be aiming for silverware again this season.”

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Leinster players dominated the starting pack selection for all three November internationals against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina and offered a wide variety of qualities throughout each game.

Seven Leinster forwards started the first two matches against Japan and New Zealand while the front row of Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong was a constant on the team sheet across all three games.

The Irish forward unit combined to score nine out of the nineteen tries the national side scored across the international break – all six forwards that got over the line in green will be back in blue in the coming weeks.

“They’ve kept up the trend really – the forwards are outdoing the backs by 3:1 [16-6] at Leinster here as well,” McBryde said.

“So whether it’s a sign of the times, a big shift in rugby or if the backs need to up their game – I don’t know what it is.

“It’s great to see that cohesion, both here at Leinster and with Ireland really, you know. I’m happy with just winning penalties or winning one against the head in the scrum and what have you but, you know, scoring tries – the more they can do, the better it reflects on the pack’s work really.”

McBryde also noted that he was impressed with other aspects of the forwards’ games during the international break, singling out the driving maul against Argentina.

Driving mauls and break-off runs from these mauls led to five of Ireland’s seven tries in Dublin at the weekend – both directly and indirectly.

On top of their excellence in scoring, the Irish forwards excelled with powerful carries that helped their side gain important metres – stats seen below are all via OptaJonny.

Caelan Doris topped the charts in the Autumn Nations Series with 36 carries to his name, while his teammate Jack Conan racked up 32 in two games – the pair’s numbers make up 45% of Ireland’s total in the three games (152).

Conan committed at least two tacklers from 19 of those carries and was a useful edge forward option in the first two games.

The two Leinster back rowers were also strong presences at rucks – Doris hit 99 rucks in total in the November Internationals, a total shared with Wales and Dragons flanker Taine Basham.

The evolution of forwards from solely three-man-pod crash-ball experts into mobile wide threats has been a trend several national teams have picked up on, including Andy Farrell’s Ireland.

Tadhg Furlong’s role as the wide player in the first pod of two in Ireland’s 1-3-2-2 attack underlines the threat of this tactic.

Furlong, arguably the world’s most complete tighthead, burst through defences several times in all three Autumn Nations Series games with the ball in his hands.

Josh Van Der Flier and Ronan Kelleher must also be commended for their carrying ability, as well as Ryan Baird who excelled against Argentina.

All forwards mentioned are on Leinster’s books and McBryde believes the multi-faceted ability of today’s packs is a huge asset for both province and country.

“You can’t rely on size alone, if you’ve got lemons, you make lemonade. You’re never gonna have the biggest pack ever – here in Leinster or in Ireland really – so you’re gonna have to play to your strengths and I think that’s what Ireland have done in the past month…”

“…that’s what the modern-day forward is all about really – being able to contribute around the field and obviously nailing the set-piece as well.”

Leinster return to action on Saturday night when they welcome Ulster to the RDS Arena for their first interprovincial clash of the season.

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Walsh received international clearance from FIFA to become eligible for selection by Ireland manager Vera Pauw as she had represented England at Under-17, U-19 & U-23 level.

The 27-year-old also represented Great Britain at the 2017 Summer Universiade but has yet to earn a senior international cap.

The Brighton & Hove Albion stopper – who holds the Women’s Super League record for most saves – qualifies for Ireland through her Wexford-born Grandfather, William Walsh, and finally got the green light.

“It is a real honour and privilege to be called up into the Ireland squad. I was with Rianna Jarrett, Denise O’Sullivan and Megan Connolly at Brighton last year when my Irish heritage came up and things went from there,” said Walsh.

“It has taken about 12 months to finally get here. I am excited at the opportunity to be part of the Irish Women’s Team and to work with Vera.

“My Grandparents, on my Dad’s side, were from Enniscorthy, County Wexford, where we still have family.

“I know they would be so proud of me being part of the Women’s National Team.”

Walsh reported into Ireland camp following Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Reading, where fellow Ireland goalkeeper Grace Moloney kept a clean sheet.

“I realise I will have to fight hard for a place on the team but that’s always the case in elite football and I have had to do that wherever I have been in football,” said Walsh.

“The main thing is to qualify for the World Cup and I know all the squad will want to make sure we get out of the Group.”

Shelbourne midfielder Jess Ziu has also been added to the squad alongside 16-year-old clubmate Jessie Stapleton, Celtic’s Isibeal Atkinson and Birmingham City forward Emily Whelan.

Injuries rule out Glasgow City’s Claire Walsh, Wexford Youths midfielder Ellen Molloy and Liverpool forward Leanne Kiernan.

The squad will train at the FAI National Training Centre on Monday afternoon ahead of taking on Slovakia on Thursday, November 25th and then Georgia on Tuesday, November 30th – both at Tallaght Stadium.

Republic of Ireland squad for Slovakia and Georgia

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (North Carolina Courage), Jessie Stapleton (Shelbourne), Savannah McCarthy (Galway WFC), Éabha O’Mahony (Boston College), Áine O’Gorman (Peamount United)
Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Niamh Farrelly (Glasgow City), Ciara Grant (Shelbourne), Aoibheann Clancy (Wexford Youths), Roma McLaughlin (Central Connecticut State University), Jess Ziu (Shelbourne)
Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Amber Barrett (FC Koln), Kyra Carusa (HB Koge), Emily Whelan (Birmingham City) Isibeal Atkinson (Celtic), Saoirse Noonan (Shelbourne), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City)

Fixtures

2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Round – Group A
Republic of Ireland v Slovakia
Thursday, November 25th
Tallaght Stadium
KO 19:00
LIVE on RTÉ2
#IRLSVK

2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Round – Group A
Republic of Ireland v Georgia
Tuesday, November 30th
Tallaght Stadium
KO 19:00
LIVE on RTÉ2
#IRLGEO

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The players tested positive following a screening of all team members after one player showed mild symptoms, as per the bio-secure protocols in place to ensure the safety of all participants in the nine-team event, which got underway in Harare on Sunday.

Two of the players are experiencing mild symptoms, whilst the third is asymptomatic. All three are isolating and receiving the appropriate medical care.

The remainder of the Sri Lanka squad are negative but are currently isolating as a precaution and will be re-tested ahead of their opening match against the Netherlands on Tuesday.

ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley said the event would be proceeding as planned: “We have playing squads of 15 at the event, which allows for injuries and illness, including COVID-19 to be managed, and in addition teams have had the option of bringing traveling reserves with them.

“As you would expect, the remainder of the squad are being closely monitored and they will all be re-tested ahead of taking to the field on Tuesday.

“The event bio-security plan provides us with protocols to manage positive tests effectively with the intention of enabling the event to proceed whilst keeping all other players and participants safe.”

Sri Lanka play the Netherlands in their opening match on Tuesday with their remaining Group A matches on Saturday (vs the West Indies) and Monday (vs Ireland).

Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Zimbabwe and the USA form Group B, with three sides from each group making it to the Super Six stage, in which the final placings will be decided.

The tournament decides three qualifiers for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 to be held in New Zealand from 4 March to 3 April, joining five teams who have already qualified through the ICC Women’s Championship – Australia, England, India, South Africa and hosts New Zealand.

The three qualifiers as well as the next two teams will also ensure places in the next ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) along with the top five from last time, as the number of teams in the third cycle of the IWC goes up from eight to 10 teams.

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