15 Thomas Ramos (France) France’s Thomas Ramos lines up the winning kick during the Six Nations match against England at Stade de France. Photograph: Thomas Samson/AFP via Getty Images One of the main reasons France are champions, and ultimately the key man. Yet again, the most points (74) and the best kicking ratio (87.5 per … Read more
When will we ever learn? As in learn not to rush to judgment after just one round. Recall way back in time – well, a mere four weeks ago – when all three Celtic nations lost on the opening day for the first time since 2000. Warnings followed about the championship being on the road … Read more
Jeremy Loughman has been ruled out of Ireland’s Six Nations clash against Scotland at a sold-out Aviva Stadium on Saturday (Kick-off 2.10pm). There are no fresh injury concerns arising from the 27-17 win over Wales and with Loughman again sidelined, the likelihood is that Tom O’Toole will further his education as a loosehead option, while the Connacht … Read more
A classic Six Nations has the finale it deserves, if not quite the one many anticipated. Scotland’s stunning 50-40 win over France at Murrayfield on Saturday has made their clash with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium next Saturday (kick-off 2.10pm) the most meaningful between the two countries in Six Nations history. Not since Scotland won … Read more
‘Wales fans fume as crucial Ireland v Wales Six Nations incident sparks questions,’ proclaimed the headline in the Western Mail (Wales online), the object of their ire, according to Ben James, was that Wales “were left to rue some crucial second-half refereeing decisions as they fell just short of a remarkable victory over Ireland in … Read more
In comparison to the celebratory images of him among his backroom team in Twickenham, Andy Farrell cut a relieved figure after Ireland’s hard-earned 27-17 win over a rejuvenated Wales. The Irish head coach was grateful for the bonus-point win which kept his side in the title mix, which they will take to the last day … Read more
Six Nations: Ireland 19 Wales 10 IRELAND: Jamie Osborne; Robert Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Tom O’Toole, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Caelan Doris (capt). WALES: Louis Rees-Zammit; Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Rhys Carre, … 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
Jacob Stockdale is his own toughest critic. It’s been that way since his youth, and it’s worth recounting a story from his first year on the Ireland Under-20 squad to illustrate the point. Sitting in the Lansdowne pavilion in January 2015, the 18-year-old Lurgan-born wing opened a folder to reveal handwritten notes alongside numbers on … 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