Debutant Seán Edogbo shines in Munster fightback to beat Dragons – The Irish Times

URC: Munster 22 Dragons 20 Seán Edogbo crowned a special week for his family when he produced a superb display on his debut to help Munster prevent a shock loss to the Dragons. Looking for a response after a fourth defeat in a row last weekend, the loss to Castres seeing them crash out of … Read more

‘It’s a privilege to compete with your brother at the highest level’ – The Irish Times

Cian Prendergast gets it now. By his own admission, he didn’t always. But now in his sixth season after joining the Connacht academy in 2020 and approaching his 96th cap for the province and in his second season as captain, he’s long since realised that representing Connacht and the west of Ireland is unique. There … Read more

Clayton McMillan doubles down on commitment to Munster amid All Blacks noise – The Irish Times

Although a certain head coaching role has become available in his native New Zealand, and despite Munster’s demoralising exit from the Champions Cup, Clayton McMillan has vowed that he has no intention of walking out on his three-year contract with Munster. McMillan is one of the many New Zealand coaches who has been linked with … Read more

Ex-Ireland international hits back after Jacques Nienaber criticism

Ex-Ireland and Munster hooker Mike Sherry has explained why Jacques Nienaber’s tactics can be so successful after his style of defence was criticised. Former Leinster fly-half Andy Dunne believes that top quality players will always find a way to break that extreme blitz which the Dublin-based outfit employ. Leo Cullen’s men did struggle to keep … Read more

Bernard Jackman reveals the Sharks’ sledge that ‘fired-up’ Jack Crowley : Planet Rugby

Former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman has provided insight into the spat between Munster’s Jack Crowley and Sharks scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse during the penalty shootout. The two sides could not be separated in regular or extra time during the United Rugby Championship quarter-final in Durban, meaning that the semi-finalist would be decided by a penalty shootout. … Read more

Siya Kolisi breaks Sharks’ silence on Jaden Hendrikse’s ‘wink gate’ : Planet Rugby

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has come out to bat for his club and Test teammate Jaden Hendrikse after the scrum-half’s actions in the United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final. Hendrikse stole the spotlight during the penalty shootout between the Sharks and Munster in Durban when he went down with cramp after taking his second shot at … Read more

Rugby’s failure to punish violence and gamesmanship risks pushing a generation away – The Irish Times

So, Munster can be Munster after all. They have finished the season on a high note, with a performance of raw courage and true grit. Their match with the Sharks was one of the most dramatic encounters in United Rugby Championship history. The stadium in Durban was packed to the rafters, the men in red … Read more

Leo Cullen addresses fans after sparse crowd attended Leinster’s defeat of Scarlets – The Irish Times

Leo Cullen hopes to see a swollen Aviva Stadium on Saturday when Leinster face Glasgow in their United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final (kick-off 2.45pm). A combination of the bank holiday weekend and the end of school and university terms reduced the stadium to a trickle of fans last Saturday. The official attendance for the quarter-final … Read more

Bulls player ratings: Willie le Roux ‘grabs game by the throat’ in URC win : Planet Rugby

Following the Bulls’ 42-33 win over Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld in the URC quarter-finals, here is how we scored Jake White’s men. Bulls player ratings v Edinburgh 15 Willie le Roux: Started off quietly, but really grabbed the game by the throat. His two assists for David Kriel and Canan Moodie and his effort in the build-up to … Read more

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