THE IRFU IS trying to lure Australian tighthead prop Massimo De Lutiis to Ireland. As first reported by Code Sports in Australia, 22-year-old Reds player De Lutiis has a big decision to make about his future, with Rugby Australia keen to keep him at home. De Lutiis played for the Australia U20s against Ireland in … Read more
A voluntary redundancy plan has been outlined to Munster Rugby staff due to mounting financial pressures at the province. Employees were shocked when informed of the situation at a meeting on Tuesday. Up to 100 staff are eligible for the plan, but it is hoped that compulsory measures can be avoided. Senior professional players and … Read more
In 2009, when I was coaching Ulster, World Rugby proposed a few sensible law changes that would allow players to execute quick lineout throws. Hardly a radical change. At that time, the coaches of the leading professional teams were invited to vote on whether the new laws should be adopted. To my great bewilderment, I … Read more
Andy Farrell has confirmed that he will sit down imminently with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) to explore the possibility of extending his tenure as the Ireland head coach beyond the conclusion of next year’s World Cup in Australia. Although he is highly regarded elsewhere, not least by influential people in England’s Rugby Football … Read more
IRELAND’S NOVEMBER NATIONS Championship schedule has been confirmed. November will see Argentina, Fiji and South Africa visit Dublin as part of the new tournament’s northern series. The previously confirmed southern series sees Ireland take on Australia, Japan and New Zealand in July. Following the conclusion of the northern series games, Ireland will travel to London … Read more
The state of Welsh rugby should concern everyone invested in the game. The sport is not durable enough to lose one of its established powers. None of this happened overnight. Warren Gatland warned the WRU, back in 2007, about the long-term impact of not investing in schools. Not much changed. The clubs held sway, like … Read more
Andy Farrell and the IRFU remain the personification of calm about any reports or rumours linking him with alternative employment after the 2027 World Cup. Farrell is under contract with the union until the culmination of that tournament. And as one of the most highly regarded coaches in world rugby, he will also be coveted, … Read more
The Six Nations trophy is to be replaced after suffering fire damage while being transported by road last month, the organisers of the tournament have said. It is understood the trophy was being driven from Limerick to Dublin after an event when the vehicle transporting it was involved in an “incident”, and though nobody was … Read more
It’s an affliction that is impossible to avoid. One of the more contagious viruses that runs through sports fans the world over. Irish rugby punters are no different and the latest bout has fast taken hold. Shiny new toy syndrome has certainly kicked in thanks to the performances of one Irish Under-20 forward: South African-born … Read more
Connacht have expressed disappointment at the announcement that Matthew Devine will join Ulster at the end of the season. The former Ireland under-20 scrumhalf will join on a one-year deal “until at least the summer of 2027”, according to Ulster. The 23-old from Ballinasloe, Co Galway, will renew acquaintances with some of the Ulster coaches, … Read more