‘Silverware would be huge’ – Connacht dreaming big in Challenge Cup

Gloucester v Connacht, Challenge Cup quarter-final, Kingsholm Kick-off 19.45 tonight, Sky Sports 2 Kieran Marmion starts at scrum-half in a strong Connacht team. Source: James Crombie/INPHO THE CHALLENGE CUP has been talked down consistently over the past decade, but trophy success in the second-tier European competition would be enormous for Connacht. Increased investment from the…

Two former Munster men will be in the Top 14 next season as part of one of France’s richest clubs

JOHNNY SEXTON MIGHT be on his way home but we are still guaranteed an Irish presence in next season’s Top 14. Former Munster back row James Coughlan has had a very strong season for Pau in the ProD2 and they confirmed their promotion to the top tier of French rugby with a 31-5 win over…

We’ll Leave It There So: POC stays, Grealish undecided, Rocket’s socks and all today’s sport

Safe hands: 5-week-old Ruby Murray is joined by a happy Munster camp in Cork University Hospital Children’s Department. Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO HomeAfter speculation that Toulon would sign Paul O’Connell, the club emphatically quashed the rumour with a firm press release.Shay Given says his Villa team-mate Jack Grealish is ‘at a crossroads‘. His father ponders a…

Three of the All Blacks’ potential World Cup out-halves faced off this morning

BEAUDEN BARRETT’S HURRICANES came away with a 29-23 victory against a Crusaders side that included Colin Slade and Dan Carter in this morning’s Super Rugby action. Dan Carter and the Crusaders tasted defeat in Wellington. Source: Photosport/Grant Down/INPHO The Hurricanes strengthened their position at the top of the overall table with success in an absolutely…

We’ll Leave It There So: No McGregor on RTÉ, Healy healthier than hoped and all today’s sport

Conor McGregor’s UFC title bout won’t be on the national broadcaster. Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO HomeRTÉ won’t bid for the rights to show Conor McGregor’s UFC title bout because of budget constraints.Positive news for Irish rugby fans as Leinster report Cian Healy should be fit for the start of the World Cup.Seven Irish based players have made…

The All Blacks have been back in camp and are making some great video diaries

A BUSY FEW months of rugby for the All Blacks kicked off over the past few days, as Steve Hansen’s side came together for their first three day mini camp in preparation for tests against Samoa, Australia and the Rugby Championship. With 17 players unavailable due to to their continued Super Rugby commitments, the three…

5 spoofy phrases that make the Ireland jersey sound like a high-tech spacecraft

Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO IRELAND’S NEW RUGBY World Cup jersey was launched today — and it looks pretty damn good. Click Here: Alfa Romeo Racing Suit But did you know that it’s “the most innovative and technically advanced rugby jersey ever worn by an Irish rugby team”? We did, because it says so in the press…

Mourad Boudjellal vows to make Quade Cooper as broke as Greece after Toulon snub

Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal has said he will ensure Quade Cooper is as broke as Greece should he fail to turn up for his medical at the French club. The European champions announced that Cooper would be joining them on a two year contract in April, but the Australian outhalf has since gone back on…