six nations Archives - SportsNewsIreland https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/tag/six-nations Sports News, Live GAA scores, GAA fixtures Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:45:15 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/www.sportsnewsireland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/sni-icon.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 six nations Archives - SportsNewsIreland https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/tag/six-nations 32 32 229439223 Jack Crowley at a Crossroads: Will He Stay with Munster or Follow Sexton’s Path Abroad? https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/jack-crowley-at-a-crossroads-will-he-stay-with-munster-or-follow-sextons-path-abroad https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/jack-crowley-at-a-crossroads-will-he-stay-with-munster-or-follow-sextons-path-abroad#respond Tue, 25 Mar 2025 08:15:46 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=33491 Jack Crowley at a Crossroads: Will He Stay with Munster or Follow Sexton’s Path Abroad? Jack Crowley is standing at one of the most critical junctures of his rugby career. At 25, the Munster outhalf is being heavily courted by Leicester Tigers, with reports suggesting a €600,000 annual offer is on the table — significantly […]

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Jack Crowley at a Crossroads: Will He Stay with Munster or Follow Sexton’s Path Abroad?

Jack Crowley is standing at one of the most critical junctures of his rugby career. At 25, the Munster outhalf is being heavily courted by Leicester Tigers, with reports suggesting a €600,000 annual offer is on the table — significantly more than what Munster and the IRFU are currently offering. It’s a moment that echoes past decisions made by Irish legends Ronan O’Gara and Johnny Sexton — two men who defined Irish rugby’s No.10 jersey over two decades.

But only one of them took the leap.

O’Gara Stayed. Sexton Walked — and Kept the Shirt.

In 2004, Ronan O’Gara entertained interest from Stade Français but ultimately stayed put. He was the established Ireland outhalf, central to Munster’s European ambitions, and had little desire to abandon his quest for Heineken Cup glory. The IRFU knew he was indispensable and didn’t take risks with his value.

Johnny Sexton’s story, however, is more relevant to Crowley’s current dilemma. In 2013, Sexton turned down an underwhelming central contract from the IRFU and accepted a lucrative offer from Racing 92 worth over €700,000 per year. The IRFU gambled — assuming Sexton wouldn’t really leave. But he did. And crucially, he kept the Ireland jersey throughout his stint in Paris. His quality was so far ahead of the competition that he remained the undisputed No.10 for Ireland, even while playing abroad.

Crowley is not in that position. Not yet.

Crowley’s Contract Standoff: A New Problem for the IRFU

Unlike O’Gara and Sexton, Crowley is not on a central contract — and that’s a glaring issue. Right now, there is no Irish outhalf on a central deal. That’s unprecedented in the modern era and has created a strange void in the IRFU’s wage structure.

If the IRFU now offer Crowley a lucrative central contract to fend off Leicester’s interest, they set a new benchmark. What happens when 23-year-old Sam Prendergast — seen by many as Ireland’s long-term playmaker — enters negotiations in 18 months for central contract. If Crowley earns €500k+ as a second-choice outhalf, Prendergast will command even more. The precedent could force the union to break their wage model wide open for a player who may not even be first choice long-term.

It’s a dangerous game of poker — and Crowley’s hand is stronger than it looks.

The Forgotten Man: Harry Byrne Roars Back into Contention

Amid the noise around Crowley and Prendergast, one name quietly gaining ground is Harry Byrne. At 25, Byrne is enjoying a stellar loan spell with high-flying Bristol Bears in the Premiership. He’s looked sharp, composed, and injury-free — all the things that once made him Ireland’s most exciting No.10 prospect.

If Byrne returns to Leinster this summer in top form, he will re-enter the Ireland selection frame with force. Suddenly, Farrell could have a three-way race for the No.10 shirt — and the IRFU could face three separate high-stakes contract battles.

Where Can Crowley Develop Best?

There’s no doubt Crowley needs to keep improving. He has all the tools — athleticism, vision, and confidence — but hasn’t yet shown the control or consistency expected at Test level. So where is he more likely to sharpen those tools?

• At Munster, he remains the first-choice outhalf but is playing in a system that lacks cohesion and consistent forward dominance. The attacking game plan is still developing, and he’s under pressure to lead without the experienced support that Sexton or O’Gara once had.

• At Leicester, he would earn nearly double, play in a competitive league, and work under top-tier coaches in a structured environment — but risk losing his Ireland spot if the IRFU take a hard line on foreign-based players.

The question is: will Crowley be treated like Sexton, who left and still led Ireland, or will the IRFU close the door behind him?

What’s the IRFU’s Next Move?

The union has a decision to make. If they let Crowley walk and Prendergast doesn’t kick on, they’re exposed. If they overpay to keep him, they open the floodgates for Prendergast — and potentially Byrne — to demand equal or greater deals.

In short, the IRFU may have created a problem they’ve never faced before: an outhalf vacuum with no clear hierarchy and no central contract in place. They must now choose between protecting their budget or protecting their depth chart.

For Crowley, the choice is simple on paper: stay and back himself to reclaim the Test jersey, or go and double his earnings — but gamble on international exile.

This isn’t just a career decision. It could be the moment that redefines the entire future of Ireland’s No.10 jersey.

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Mack Hansen Commits Future to Ireland and Connacht with New Contract https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/mack-hansen-commits-future-to-ireland-and-connacht-with-new-contract https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/mack-hansen-commits-future-to-ireland-and-connacht-with-new-contract#respond Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:25:46 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=33260 Mack Hansen Commits Future to Ireland and Connacht with New Contract The IRFU has confirmed that Mack Hansen has signed a new two-year deal, keeping him with Connacht and Ireland until at least the end of the 2026/27 season. Connacht Rugby and @IrishRugby are delighted to confirm Mack Hansen has signed a two-year contract extension […]

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Mack Hansen Commits Future to Ireland and Connacht with New Contract

The IRFU has confirmed that Mack Hansen has signed a new two-year deal, keeping him with Connacht and Ireland until at least the end of the 2026/27 season.

Since making his Test debut against Wales in February 2022, Hansen has been a standout performer in Ireland’s back three. The 25-year-old has earned 27 caps and crossed the whitewash 12 times, cementing his status as one of the most exciting attacking threats in the game.

Hansen’s meteoric rise saw him nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in his first international season. His decision to remain in Ireland is another boost for Andy Farrell’s squad as they build towards Rugby World Cup 2027.

Having joined Connacht in 2021, Hansen has made 38 appearances for the province, quickly becoming a fan favourite in Galway and beyond.

Speaking about his contract extension, Hansen said:

“Since moving to Ireland, I’ve loved every minute, and I’m delighted to sign this new contract. Playing for Connacht and Ireland means a huge amount to me, and I feel like I’ve developed massively thanks to the coaching and structures here. There’s a lot to play for this season, and my focus is on finishing strongly with both club and country. I’d like to thank the IRFU for their faith in me, and I’m really excited for the future.”

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys also welcomed the news:

“Mack has been a key player for Ireland and Connacht in recent years, and securing his future is a huge boost for Irish rugby. He’s a proven performer who thrives on the big stage and is a firm favourite with fans. We believe there’s still more to come from him, and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to progress.”

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Player of the Six Nations Championship Race Hinges on Ireland vs France Clash https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/player-of-the-six-nations-championship-race-hinges-on-ireland-vs-france-clash https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/player-of-the-six-nations-championship-race-hinges-on-ireland-vs-france-clash#respond Mon, 03 Mar 2025 09:15:30 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=33252 Player of the Six Nations Championship Race Hinges on Ireland vs France Clash As the 2025 Six Nations reaches its defining moment, the Player of the Championship race is intensifying ahead of this Saturday’s Ireland vs France showdown in Dublin. With Ireland potentially one win away from a Grand Slam, an Irish player could emerge […]

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Player of the Six Nations Championship Race Hinges on Ireland vs France Clash

As the 2025 Six Nations reaches its defining moment, the Player of the Championship race is intensifying ahead of this Saturday’s Ireland vs France showdown in Dublin. With Ireland potentially one win away from a Grand Slam, an Irish player could emerge as the frontrunner for individual honours, while France’s key stars will be determined to spoil the party.

Dupont Still Leads the Betting, But Irish Stars Are Closing In

Despite missing the opening rounds due to his Sevens commitments, Antoine Dupont (4/9) remains the bookmakers’ favourite. The France scrum-half is a generational talent, and his return has given Les Bleus a major boost. If France win in Dublin, he will likely cement his claim to the award.

However, should Ireland claim the Grand Slam, it will be hard to overlook one of their key players for the honour.

Sam Prendergast’s Rise to Contention

Sam Prendergast (6/1) has quickly established himself as Ireland’s first-choice fly-half, overtaking Jack Crowley in the pecking order. The young Leinster playmaker has shown impressive game management and attacking creativity, though his tackling remains a slight weakness.

If he delivers a commanding performance against France and Ireland go on to win the Grand Slam, Prendergast could be the natural choice for Player of the Championship. The award has traditionally favoured players from the title-winning team, making his final two performances crucial.

Gibson-Park and Conan Also in the Running

Jamison Gibson-Park (7/2) has been instrumental in Ireland’s attacking tempo, his quick decision-making and sharp passing proving vital. A strong performance against Antoine Dupont could see him emerge as a major contender.

Meanwhile, Jack Conan (12/1) has been a rock in the Ireland pack. If he dominates the breakdown and carries strongly against France, his odds could shorten rapidly.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey: France’s Best Bet?

Outside of Dupont, Louis Bielle-Biarrey (7/2) has been one of France’s standout players. His pace and finishing ability have been crucial in keeping France’s title hopes alive. If he plays a starring role in Dublin, he could emerge as a dark horse for the award.

Grand Slam Could Decide It All

History suggests that if Ireland complete the Grand Slam, the Player of the Championship is likely to come from their squad. In 2018, Jacob Stockdale won the award after scoring a record-breaking seven tries in Ireland’s unbeaten campaign.

If Prendergast guides Ireland past France and then seals the Grand Slam against Italy, he could be impossible to ignore. But if France win on Saturday, Dupont’s grip on the award will only strengthen.

This weekend’s Ireland vs France clash isn’t just a title decider—it could determine the Six Nations Player of the Championship too.

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The omens are good for Ireland coming into the Six Nations but can they deliver? https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/the-omens-are-good-for-ireland-coming-into-the-six-nations-but-can-they-deliver https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/the-omens-are-good-for-ireland-coming-into-the-six-nations-but-can-they-deliver#respond Thu, 27 Jan 2022 12:56:18 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=23416 The autumn internationals have a habit of setting the mood for any upcoming Six Nations campaign. Indeed, the November tests either increase expectation for a particular country if they enjoy a string of positive results or on the contrary and as I’m sure you’ve guessed, if the end-of-year campaign turns into a nightmare, everyone watches […]

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The autumn internationals have a habit of setting the mood for any upcoming Six Nations campaign. Indeed, the November tests either increase expectation for a particular country if they enjoy a string of positive results or on the contrary and as I’m sure you’ve guessed, if the end-of-year campaign turns into a nightmare, everyone watches the Six Nations season opener from behind the couch.

In Ireland’s case, you would have to say that the autumn internationals couldn’t have gone any better after the men in green recorded a one hundred per cent win ratio. Notably, one of the three tests they played was against New Zealand that ended up in a remarkable 29-20 win at the Aviva Stadium

Japan and Argentina were the other nations that Ireland put to the sword in November, which you might argue was always going to happen, but both teams have shown they’re far from minnows anymore. In addition to that, Ireland were able to rack up over 50 points in both games which was another indicator that this team is primed for a Six Nations campaign that concludes with them as the overall champions. Can it happen?

It’s impossible to say for certain, but a favourable home draw against Wales on the 5th of February suggests Ireland can get off to a winning start at the Aviva Stadium. In many ways, a strong start dictates how a team fares in the early rounds, and whilst you can’t win the Six Nations in February, you can definitely lose it. 

Another point to consider when weighing up Ireland’s chances of becoming eventual champions of the 2022 Six Nations is that, as we can tell from the past, any Six Nations winning campaign depends on earning bonus points against the smaller nations.

So if we go back to Ireland’s form in the autumn internationals for a second, we can tell that they’re crossing the whitewash with ease which suggests that they will score more than four or more tries when they come up against Italy who tend to be on the receiving end of some hefty defeats in the Six Nations. Indeed, Aidan Perkins reflects here on the top five highest ever score in Six Nations matches revealingly, Italy were involved in three of them. This means that Ireland’s Six Nation hopes could rest on their clash against the Italians at the Aviva Stadium on the 27th of February and ultimately how many times they go over for a try. 


Of course, there’s also the small matter of beating England, Scotland, and then France in Paris.

As briefly alluded to, it’s impossible to say for certain if Ireland will win the Six Nations and when you read back that last sentence, you do feel the wind being taken out of your sails. However, a nation can only start as they mean to go and Ireland have found impressive momentum in 2021 that they will use to try to win this competition for the first time since 2018.

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Johnny Sexton Closing In On O’Gara’s Ireland Record https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/johnny-sexton-closing-in-on-ogaras-ireland-record https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/johnny-sexton-closing-in-on-ogaras-ireland-record#respond Thu, 11 Nov 2021 09:33:21 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=22480 Ireland captain Johnny Sexton is edging closer to Ronan O’Gara’s record for the most points scored for the national team in Test rugby. O’Gara, who played for Ireland between 2000 and 2013 as a fly-half, leads the way with 1,083 points. After Ireland’s mauling of Japan, Sexton was up to 941 points. The skipper of […]

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Ireland captain Johnny Sexton is edging closer to Ronan O’Gara’s record for the most points scored for the national team in Test rugby. O’Gara, who played for Ireland between 2000 and 2013 as a fly-half, leads the way with 1,083 points.

After Ireland’s mauling of Japan, Sexton was up to 941 points. The skipper of the national team looks set to surpass O’Gara in 2022 or 2023, as long as he stays injury free. The 36-year-old celebrated his 100th cap for the national team during that 60-5 victory over Japan in the Autumn international.

Sexton has no plans to retire from international rugby any time soon. He signed a one-year extension to his contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union earlier this year. This means he is signed up to play until the end of the 2021/22 season.

Following the fixtures in November, attention will turn to the 2022 Six Nations which begins in February. Ireland are third best in the rugby union outright betting for the trophy at 4/1. They have not prevailed in that competition since 2018, the year they won the Grand Slam.

Sexton has scored 496 points during the Six Nations. He is fourth on the all-time list behind O’Gara (557), Jonny Wilkinson (546) and Owen Farrell (500). The Irishman looks set to be involved in a great battle with Farrell for the top spot in the standings in 2022 as they chase down O’Gara’s record.

2023 World Cup A Goal For Sexton

The next World Cup in international rugby will come in 2023 in France and Sexton has expressed his desire to play in that tournament. That is sure to be his last appearance at a World Cup if he does represent Ireland.

Playing until the 2023 World Cup also increases Sexton’s chance of breaking O’Gara’s points tally, it could also see him go a long way clear of the current record. By the time the tournament comes around, Sexton will be 38 years old.

Ireland, with Sexton in their squad, have been eliminated at the quarter final stage at the last three World Cup tournaments. They were beaten by New Zealand in 2019 in a one-sided game which finished 46-14.

Since they first appeared at the World Cup in 1989, Ireland have yet to advance past the last eight. They will be hoping to put that right in 2023. With the tournament set to be held in Europe, it gives them advantage over the southern hemisphere teams.

The 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year captained Ireland at the 2019 World Cup which would have been a huge honour for him. If he can help Ireland have their best ever performance at the tournament in 2023, it will be some way to bow out.

Ireland are 14/1 in the outright betting for the 2023 World Cup. Head coach Andy Farrell has just under two years to prepare for that event. There is a lot of rugby to be played before then so plenty of opportunities for players to impress Farrell.

Sexton is already a legend of Irish rugby. He looks set to break numerous records before he retires and with O’Gara’s points tally in his sight, that may be the next to go his way.

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Ireland U20 Winger Ben Moxham Ready For England Test https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/ireland-u20-winger-ben-moxham-ready-for-england-test https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/ireland-u20-winger-ben-moxham-ready-for-england-test#respond Thu, 01 Jul 2021 16:07:08 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=17339 Ireland under-20s winger Ben Moxham is ready for his side’s match against England U20s on Thursday night in Cardiff. The winger has started both of Ireland’s games prior to their Triple Crown match against the English is an admirer of their game. Moxham noted that England U20s are a very physical side that like to […]

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Ireland under-20s winger Ben Moxham is ready for his side’s match against England U20s on Thursday night in Cardiff.

The winger has started both of Ireland’s games prior to their Triple Crown match against the English is an admirer of their game.

Moxham noted that England U20s are a very physical side that like to kick – similar to Eddie Jones’ England of late in that sense.

“They’re definitely a good side – probably the best side we’re going to face yet,” said the Larne native.

He complimented the performances of their back three in their first two games and understands they will be a challenge.

However, the 20-year-old relishes the challenge facing him.

Moxham has come a long way since getting into rugby five years ago after not making it in football.

After deciding on rugby because it was “the only other sport” in Larne and putting a lot of hard work behind the scenes, he was recruited by Ulster.

Moxham has been working with the seniors at Ravenhill for a year and says that training with them has improved his game greatly.

“Training with the [Ulster] seniors has helped me massively…You’ve got [Jacob] Stockdale, [Ian] Madigan, James Hume and others that are eager to help you as a young player.”

Moxham cited his coaches and full-back, Jamie Osborne, as figures that have helped him throughout the U20 Six Nations Championship so far.

The Ulster winger said that Head Coach Richie Murphy has been a huge help to him.

His defensive game is his strong point in his own opinion and the connection he has with Osborne on the pitch has helped him to do his job well.

“Jamie’s [a] really good [communicator], it makes my job a lot easier.”

The Ireland U20s match against England U20s kicks off at 8 pm on Thursday night and will be available to watch on RTÉ News Now and the RTÉ Player.

Click here to see the starting lineup.

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Forwards Coach Cullie Tucker Impressed By Ireland And England U20s https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/forwards-coach-collie-tucker-impressed-by-ireland-and-england-u20s-2021 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/forwards-coach-collie-tucker-impressed-by-ireland-and-england-u20s-2021#respond Thu, 01 Jul 2021 15:05:38 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=17331 Ireland under-20s forwards coach Colm ‘Cullie’ Tucker has been impressed by England U20s ahead of Thursday night’s match between the two teams. Their strong, cohesive forwards have looked powerful in their set-pieces and the side are very comfortable with playing direct or going wide. However, Tucker has been impressed most by another aspect of their […]

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Ireland under-20s forwards coach Colm ‘Cullie’ Tucker has been impressed by England U20s ahead of Thursday night’s match between the two teams.

Their strong, cohesive forwards have looked powerful in their set-pieces and the side are very comfortable with playing direct or going wide.

However, Tucker has been impressed most by another aspect of their game.

“One of the most impressive things for me about the team so far has been their character,” said the forwards coach.

England have gone two from two in the 2021 U20 Six Nations Championship so far with both wins impressing Cullie.

Their bonus-point comeback win against France and their victory over Scotland after being down to 13-men at one point in the game has underlined the strength of Alan Dickens’ side.

“There’s massive threats within them.”

Fortunately, Ireland U20s have multiple threats of their own, particularly among their pack which has been very impressive in the competition so far.

Tucker praised Ireland’s set-pieces in their opening games, noting their 88% success rate at the lineout.

Their scrummaging has also been very good with over 10 players showing their quality in that area of the game.

Ireland’s depth has looked impressive in the two games, especially at prop and Tucker says that, if the quality’s there, the coaches should not be afraid to rotate.

“There’s no doubt our depth will be tested and it’s up to us as coaches to trust our squad.”

The two Alex’s – Kendellen and Soroka – both earned individual praise from their coach.

Cullie described Kendellen as a great leader who wouldn’t ask anything of his fellow players that he would not do.

The coach put Soroka’s versatility down to his hard work off the field – studying set-pieces and other team’s calls.

“His versatility has been a huge asset to us.”

Ireland U20s will play England U20s at 8 pm on Thursday with a Triple Crown at stake for Richie Murphy’s side.

The game will be available to watch on RTÉ News Now and the RTÉ Player.

The starting lineup and bench can be seen here.

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Ireland U20 Starting Team Announced For Wales Clash https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/ireland-u20-team-announced-for-wales-clash-u20-six-nations-2021 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/ireland-u20-team-announced-for-wales-clash-u20-six-nations-2021#respond Thu, 24 Jun 2021 12:47:54 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=16974 The Ireland U20 team for their game against Wales at the Cardiff Arms Park has been announced. Six changes have been made to the Ireland side who beat Scotland 31-7 last Saturday. Prop Sam Illo is rested after a stellar performance, with Mark Donnelly coming in in his place. Leinster’s Alex Soroka is moved up […]

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The Ireland U20 team for their game against Wales at the Cardiff Arms Park has been announced.

Six changes have been made to the Ireland side who beat Scotland 31-7 last Saturday.

Prop Sam Illo is rested after a stellar performance, with Mark Donnelly coming in in his place.

Leinster’s Alex Soroka is moved up to lock as Donncha Byrne gets a starting berth on the blindside.

Two of last week’s standout performers, Oisin McCormack and Captain Alex Kendellen keep their places in the starting XV.

Nathan Doak and Tim Corkery take the nine and 10 jerseys respectfully, replacing Ulster’s Conor McKee and James Humphreys.

The Connacht centre pairing of Cathal Forde and Shane Jennings starts once again while one change is made to the back three.

St. Michael’s College graduate Chris Cosgrave comes into the side to play alongside Jamie Osborne and Ben Moxham.

Illo, McKee and others are available from the bench.

The kick-off is at 8 pm with coverage starting on RTÉ One at 7:30 pm.

Backs

15. Jamie Osborne (Naas CBS/Naas RFC/Leinster)
14. Ben Moxham (Larne High School/Ballymena RFC/Ulster)
13. Shane Jennings (Garbally College/Buccaneers RFC/Connacht)
12. Cathal Forde (Colaiste Iognaid/Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
11. Chris Cosgrave (St Michael’s College/UCD RFC/Leinster)
10. Tim Corkery (St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny/UCD RFC/Leinster)
9. Nathan Doak (Wallace High School/Banbridge RFC/Ulster)

Forwards

1. Jack Boyle (St Michael’s College/UCD RFC/Leinster)
2. Ronan Loughnane (Cistercian College Roscrea/UCD RFC/Leinster)
3. Mark Donnelly (CBC Cork/Garryowen RFC/Munster)
4. Alex Soroka (Belvedere College/Clontarf RFC/Leinster)
5. Harry Sheridan (Sullivan Upper School/Dublin University FC/Ulster)
6. Donnacha Byrne (Summerhill College/Sligo RFC/Connacht)
7. Oisin McCormack (Garbally College/Buccaneers RFC/Connacht)
8. Alex Kendellen (PBC Cork/UCC RFC/Munster)(Captain)

Replacements

16. Eoin de Buitléar (Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiáran/An Ghaeltacht/Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
17. George Saunderson (Sullivan Upper School/Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
18. Sam Illo (Wesley College/Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
19. Mark Morrissey (Blackrock College/UCD RFC/Leinster)
20. Reuben Crothers (Wallace High School/Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster)
21. Conor McKee (Sullivan Upper School/Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster)
22. Ben Carson (Wallace High School/Banbridge RFC/Ulster)
23. Jude Postlethwaite (RBAI/Banbridge RFC/Ulster)
24. Fearghail O’Donoghue (Cashel Community School/Cashel RFC/Munster)
25. Daniel Okeke (Ard Scoil Ris/Shannon RFC/Munster)
26. Conor Rankin (Campbell College Belfast/Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster).

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Lions Team to play Japan – Start time 3pm Saturday – Live on Channel 4 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/lions-team-announced-for-japan-test https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/lions-team-announced-for-japan-test#respond Wed, 23 Jun 2021 09:45:59 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=16893 The British and Irish Lions matchday 23 for their first warm-up test against Japan this Saturday has been announced. The two teams will face each other at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh with kick-off at 3:00 pm. Six Irish players are included in the starting XV – Iain Henderson, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Bundee […]

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The British and Irish Lions matchday 23 for their first warm-up test against Japan this Saturday has been announced.

The two teams will face each other at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh with kick-off at 3:00 pm.

Six Irish players are included in the starting XV – Iain Henderson, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw. You can use your Coral Promo Code and back The Lions at 2/1 to win the tour in South Africa.

It is the highest amount of players in the XV from any of the four national teams of Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland.

Leinster prop Tadhg Furlong is on the bench, bringing the total of Irish players in the 23 to seven.

Tour Captain Alun Wyn Jones= takes the armband for the side’s first warm-up test.

Rory Sutherland and Zander Fagerson give a Scottish feel to the front row while the back row includes Beirne and Conan alongside Hamish Watson.

Conor Murray and Dan Biggar are the starting inside-back pairing with Irish centres Aki and Henshaw beside them.

Duhan Van Der Merwe, Josh Adams and Liam Williams round off the XV.

Furlong, Jamie George, Owen Farrell and Anthony Watson are among those on the bench.

The game will be available to watch on Channel 4 in Ireland and the UK with coverage starting at 2:15 pm.

British and Irish Lions 1888 Cup Squad

Backs

15. Liam Williams (Wales/Scarlets)

14. Josh Adams (Wales/Cardiff Blues)

13. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland/Leinster)

12. Bundee Aki (Ireland/Connacht)

11. Duhan Van Der Merwe (Scotland/Edinburgh)

10. Dan Biggar (Wales/Northampton Saints)

9. Conor Murray (Ireland/Munster)

Forwards
  1. Rory Sutherland (Scotland/Edinburgh)
  2. Ken Owens (Wales/Scarlets)
  3. Zander Fagerson (Scotland/Glasgow Warriors)
  4. Iain Henderson (Ireland/Ulster)
  5. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales/Ospreys)
  6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland/Munster)
  7. Hamish Watson (Scotland/Edinburgh)
  8. Jack Conan (Ireland/Leinster)

Bench

16. Jamie George (England/Saracens)

17. Wyn Jones (Wales/Scarlets)

18. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland/Leinster)

19. Courtney Lawes (England/Northampton Saints)

20. Taulupe Faletau (Wales/Bath)

21. Ali Price (Scotland/Glasgow Warriors)

22. Owen Farrell (England/Saracens)

23. Anthony Watson (England/Bath)

Match Review

Chris Farrell opened Ireland’s account with a try after Yu Tamura’s early penalty. Japan responded when Michael Leitch touched down after the visitors mauled over for a try.

Stuart McCloskey then gave Ireland a 12-10 lead after Joey Carbery started an attack with a clever chip, but Japan continued to attack in waves and Timothy Lafaele got over after a free-flowing move.

Finlay Bealham responded for Ireland just before half-time with a try and they took a 19-17 lead into the break.

Siosaia Fifita was next to touch down after the break as Japan came out all guns blazing. It was tit-for-tat as Josh van der Flier then got an Ireland try to put Farrell’s men 26-24 ahead.

Jacob Stockdale was next to notch a try for Ireland but Japan rallied with a late try from Naoto Saito. A Joey Carbery penalty opened up an eight-point lead and Ireland held on for the win.

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Connacht’s Cathal Forde Itching To Get Going Again With U20s https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/connacht-cathal-forde-u20-six-nations-2021 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/connacht-cathal-forde-u20-six-nations-2021#respond Fri, 18 Jun 2021 21:36:23 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=16786 Connacht academy centre Cathal Forde is itching to play again for the Ireland under-20’s. The U20’s face Scotland at 2 pm on Saturday with coverage available on RTÉ One from 1:40 pm. Forde says that the squad has a great atmosphere in training and that the side is raring to go. “We are really just […]

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Connacht academy centre Cathal Forde is itching to play again for the Ireland under-20’s.

The U20’s face Scotland at 2 pm on Saturday with coverage available on RTÉ One from 1:40 pm.

Forde says that the squad has a great atmosphere in training and that the side is raring to go.

“We are really just looking forward to getting out there and getting competitive rugby under our belts,” said Forde.

The Connacht prospect will don the number 12 shirt later today but game time in the past year has been hard to come by.

Forde only played for the Connacht Eagles a handful of times and some sevens tournaments only compliment that slightly.

However, he will have a familiar face on the touchline to help him through the match on Saturday.

Colm ‘Collie’ Tucker is the forwards coach for the Ireland U20s and is currently involved in the Connacht senior setup after being the academy’s Elite Player Development Officer.

“We would have had him since Under 17s, myself and a few of the other Connacht lads here so it has been good to have a familiar face here with the Connacht coaching staff.

“Obviously he was here last year and had massive experience at this level – it has been brilliant.”

Forde thinks that the experience he had in the U20 squad for last year’s curtailed Six Nations is important.

The experience of training with the Connacht seniors will also pay dividends for the 19-year-old.

Forde highlighted the advice given to him by established figures in the province as one of his biggest takeaways from his time with the seniors.

“Obviously, I got massive experience from the likes of Jack and Bundee, Forde noted.

“They have been fairly helpful to my game – Bundee knows his stuff and he has been great to me.

“I’m always looking for fixes for my game and if he spots them, they’ll call them out to me, give me a few tips.”

The energy in this year’s squad is similar to the Triple Crown winners of last year, according to Forde.

The free-flowing rugby visible last year could be on show again this year and the Connacht academy star is supportive of that.

“It is a case of enjoying our rugby and going out and give a performance.”

 

 

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