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Earls and Murray start as Munster make three changes for Benetton
THE RETURN TO fitness of both Keith Earls and Conor Murray provides Munster with a welcome fillip heading into their Pro14 quarter-final against Benetton at Thomond Park on Saturday afternoon [KO 3pm, eir Sport/Premier Sports]. Earls, who hasn’t played since Read More …
Carty partners Marmion as Connacht ring in the changes for Pro14 quarter-final
CONNACHT HEAD COACH Andy Friend has made eight changes to his team for tomorrow’s Pro14 quarter-final tie away to Ulster. Saturday evening sees Kingspan Stadium host the provinces (5.35pm) with a place in the last four up for grabs. After Read More …
Premiership reportedly propose season without relegation to form 13-team division
ENGLAND’S TOP TIER of rugby, the Premiership, could be expanded from 12 to 13 teams after next season. Premiership Rugby, the Telegraph report, have lodged a proposal to the RFU’s management board to play the 2019/20 season without relegation and Read More …
‘There are a lot of guys bruised, a lot of guys cross, a lot of guys angry’
THIS IS ALL unchartered territory for Leinster. Never before have they experienced the heartache of finishing second best in a European final, nor has this squad — now disconsolate and downbeat — endured too many collective lows like this. The Read More …
Van der Flier takes inspiration from Nacewa’s injury mindset
AS IF JOSH van der Flier’s comeback performance against Munster wasn’t impressive enough, the Leinster flanker’s tackle stats for a remarkable 77-minute shift were updated to 25 post-match. Leo Cullen described van der Flier’s first game back from injury in Read More …
Would ex-England coach Rowntree be a good appointment for Munster?
ANDY DUNNE SAYS the appointment of Graham Rowntree to Munster’s backroom team would be a ‘pragmatic’ one, rather than a signing the province’s supporters will get excited about. The former England forwards coach has emerged as a possible candidate to Read More …
Fierce 14-man effort unravels for Ireland U20 against Australia
Ireland 17 Australia 45 THE REACTION FROM Ryan Baird told a tale by itself. Baird is issued red. Source: Pablo Gasparini/INPHO The Ireland second row’s long-reaching arms suddenly retracted to his head as he rolled away after connecting with Australia Read More …
Carty and Byrne set for Ireland chances as Carbery pushes to make recovery
Murray Kinsella reports from Portugal JOHNNY SEXTON, KEITH Earls, James Ryan and Robbie Henshaw all sat out Ireland’s squad training session in Portugal this morning but their coaches have “no real fears” about them ahead of the World Cup. Meanwhile, Read More …
France second row Gabrillagues handed six-week ban for illegal clearout
Click:Chlorine tablet factory FRANCE SECOND ROW Paul Gabrillagues has been handed a six-week ban after a World Rugby disciplinary committee found him guilty of intentionally committing an act of foul play during last Saturday’s Test against Scotland. Gabrillagues was cited for Read More …
Ireland can’t contain France at 7s Grand Prix
IRELAND SEVENS WILL meet Spain in tomorrow’s Rugby Europe Grand Prix quarter-final after today’s pool stage ended in 14-38 defeat to France. This weekend’s Moscow tournament will act as the seeding competition for next month’s European Olympic qualification in Colombiers, Read More …