Munster player ratings: Tadhg Beirne ‘inspires’ but replacement is ‘fall guy’ : Planet Rugby

Here are the Munster player ratings following Saturday’s cruel penalty shootout elimination. The Irish side bravely drew 24-all after extra time in Durban, only to lose their United Rugby Championship quarter-final to the Sharks 6-4 on kicks. Munster player ratings v Sharks 15 Thaakir Abrahams: No opportunity to show attacking polish; getting whistled for a … Read more

Munster player ratings: Jack Crowley stars and Tadhg Beirne heroic : Planet Rugby

Following a stunning 25-24 victory over La Rochelle in the Investec Champions Cup clash at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre on Saturday, here are the player ratings for Munster. 15 Thaakir Abrahams: Was a big call to bring him straight back into the XV after four months out, but it paid off as the fleet-footed back set … Read more

Tadhg Beirne vehemently denies he purposely injured Antoine Dupont – The Irish Times

Munster captain Tadhg Beirne has vehemently denied that he in any way sought to intentionally injure Antoine Dupont in the incident which led to the France captain suffering a ruptured ACL in his side’s win over Ireland in the Six Nations. The lock, along with Ireland team-mate Andrew Porter, has been at the sharp end … Read more

Mack Hansen to start at fullback for Connacht against Munster at MacHale Park – The Irish Times

Mack Hansen, one of four returning Ireland internationals, has been named at fullback, for Connacht’s history making URC fixture against Munster in Castlebar. The 27-year-old has played the majority of his rugby on the wing for club and country but has plenty of experience in the 15-jersey dating back to his days in Australia. It … Read more

‘Fabien Galthié can say what he wants, I’ve done nothing wrong. I sleep well at night’ – The Irish Times

Andrew Porter has dismissed suggestions of foul play and explained that Antoine Dupont’s knee injury in last Saturday’s game against Ireland was simply an accident. The Irish prop also sent a well-wishing message on Instagram to the French captain who limped off the pitch in Aviva Stadium. Porter was reacting to French coach Fabien Galthié, … Read more

Ireland spoilt for choice but major shake-up unlikely for trip to Wales – The Irish Times

Although there was the usual mayhem in his fixture, especially in a disconcerting first half of repeated head-knocks and four HIAs, ultimately Ireland emerged from Sunday’s 32-18 Six Nations win in Murrayfield seemingly unscathed, as well as on top of the table. What’s more, Joe McCarthy will be back in the mix and could feature … Read more