The Six Nations has decided to schedule its opening game, France against Ireland, on a Thursday next year, the first time there will be a midweek fixture in the tournament’s history. What does that, and other fixture decisions to accommodate television over the last few years, mean for the average match-going Irish fan? Irish Times … Read more
If anyone was under any illusions about the decreasing importance of paying rugby fans in general, and Ireland supporters especially, then a cursory glance at the 2026 Six Nations fixtures will confirm as much. The schedule was released on Monday and heaven knows how much bartering went into the negotiations between the various broadcasters (France … Read more
It’s hard not to feel a bit shiftless on a Sunday like that when you deem yourself to be worn out from hammering remote control buttons to take you from TG4’s coverage of the National League finals to Virgin Media’s broadcast of the second game of our women’s Six Nations campaign and back again. Just … Read more
Last Saturday against France at the Kingspan Stadium, Niamh O’Dowd put in her biggest shift yet in an Irish jersey. Not only did the 24-year-old prop from Wexford play for more than 76 minutes, but she led the Irish tackle count with 14 and had the same number of carries, with only Aoife Wafer and … Read more
Upon the final whistle at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, the curtain came down on the careers of three Irish legends. Cian Healy, Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray. Before the three men could even make their way down the tunnel after enjoying the moment with their friends and families, questions began about why Ireland‘s performance … Read more
England have more players named in the official Six Nations Team of the Championship than title-winners France, following a public vote. Steve Borthwick’s side have five men included in the official team, while Fabien Galthie’s men are represented by just four players. Elsewhere, Scotland and Ireland have two each, while Italy and Wales have only … Read more
Attention turns to provincial action and the women’s Six Nations after a lengthy men’s international campaign. With senior internationals set to be rested domestically, which young prospects can further their summer tour aspirations with a strong display over the next few weeks? How are Ulster fixed sitting as low as 14th in the table? Connacht … Read more
Brian O’Driscoll insists that Ireland’s current problems are not just limited to one area following their disappointing end to the 2025 Six Nations. The Irishmen were looking to become the first side to win three titles in a row during the Six Nations era having claimed back-to-back triumphs in 2023 and 2024. It started well … Read more
Ireland’s performance in the Stadio Olimpico caught me by surprise. I had talked myself into the belief that there would be a positive reaction to the defeat against France and it would manifest itself in Rome. This Ireland rugby team has ramped up expectations, both for themselves and their supporter base, due to the overarching … Read more
JESSICA O’MAHONY gave a glimpse into Peter’s post-retirement life with an adorable video on Instagram. The now-former Ireland flanker, 35, played his final game in a green jersey in the Six Nations win over Italy at the weekend. 2 Peter and Jessica O’Mahony in RomeCredit: Instagram/jeskaomahony 2 Peter O’Mahony playing with his kids He will … Read more