Munster keen to pay tribute to mother of the late Anthony Foley and wife of Shaun Payne

Munster interim head coach Ian Costello is hoping the squad can honour the late Sheelagh Foley and Michelle Payne Munster are hoping to have a mark of respect before Saturday’s URC quarter-final away to the Sharks to honour two women with strong links to the squad who passed away in the last week. Sheelagh Foley … Read more

Draw for 2027 World Cup to take place in December as Ireland seek high seeding for 24-team competition

A general view of the Webb Ellis cup, the Rugby World Cup trophy. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile World Rugby have confirmed that the draw for the 2027 World Cup will take place in December. The seedings for the draw will be based on the world rankings at the end of the November international window, with Ireland … Read more

World Rugby Council approves the global law trial of controversial 20-minute red card that is now supported by the IRFU

Garry Ringrose is shown a yellow card, later upgraded to red against Wales. Picture: Seb Daly / SPORTSFILE The World Rugby Council has approved the global trial of the controversial 20-minute red card in elite competitions. This decision follows an extensive review of successful closed trials conducted in international and elite club rugby over the … Read more

World Rugby Council approves the global law trial of controversial 20-minute red card that is now supported by the IRFU

Garry Ringrose is shown a yellow card, later upgraded to red against Wales. Picture: Seb Daly / SPORTSFILE The World Rugby Council has approved the global trial of the controversial 20-minute red card in elite competitions. This decision follows an extensive review of successful closed trials conducted in international and elite club rugby over the … Read more

Ireland’s Aoife Wafer wins Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship award

Aoife Wafer receives her award from the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain. Ireland’s Aoife Wafer has been named the 2025 Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship, capping a stellar campaign with the national side that saw her claim 41% of the public vote and beat out strong competition from across the tournament. The … Read more

‘Absolutely shocking’ – Ireland star Terry Kennedy slams IRFU and big-spending Leinster after scrapping of Sevens programme

Former world player of the year also blasts ‘millions paid to bring foreign players over on short-term contracts’ in social media post Terry Kennedy in action for the Ireland sevens team at the Paris Olympics. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Former World Rugby Sevens player of the year Terry Kennedy has slammed the IRFU and taken a … Read more

Bernard Jackman: Andy Farrell made right calls but unlucky few may yet travel with Lions

Henry Pollock’s rise has been remarkable. Photo: David Rogers / Getty Thursday’s Lions squad announcement was hyped up like no other. There were 2,000 fans at the venue in London, and it was broadcast live on Sky Sports and all social media channels. Elements of the show were a little bit cringe, but people like … Read more

Cian Tracey: Central contract model change will hopefully help to level playing field

Making his mark: IRFU performance director David Humphreys. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile It’s coming up on a year since David Humphreys took over as IRFU performance director, and the former Ulster and Ireland out-half has wasted no time in putting his own stamp on how Irish rugby operates. Last May, shortly after Humphreys replaced David … Read more

From breaking point to beating world champions – how did Irish women’s rugby turn things around?

Irish set-up has undergone huge change in 18 months ahead of Women’s Six Nations opener Linda Djougang, right, and Edel McMahon during the Ireland rugby captain’s run at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile Scott Bemand was just a few weeks into his new job as Ireland head coach in August 2023 when … Read more