Champions Cup double-header in store for Leinster and Munster in April
APRIL FOOL’S DAY will see both Leinster and Munster in back-to-back Champions Cup quarter-finals. The EPCR unveiled their schedule for the knock-out fixtures today with the return of Jimmy Gopperth and Wasps to the Aviva Stadium kicking off the quarter-final stage at 15.15 (BT Sport). The TV crane above Thomond during the win over Racing.…
Borussia Dortmund’s message to Donald Trump and more in our sporting tweets of the week
1. Richie Hogan paid tribute to the newly-retired Aidan O’Mahony in his own way 2. Michael Murphy has traded the cold of Donegal for….the cold of France with Clermont Auvergne 3. Trump was always more of a Bayern Munich fan 4. The Tipp man loves playing against German goalkeepers 5. It’s not a bad life… 6.…
Anthony Foley’s widow struck by ‘amazing goodness of people’ after husband’s death
THE WIFE OF the late Anthony Foley has said the 10,000 signatures on Limerick City and County Council’s Book of Condolences presented to her this week are another reminder of the “amazing goodness of people”. Munster Head Coach Anthony Foley passed away suddenly in Paris last year, aged 42. He was the father of two…
We’ll Leave it There So: Schmidt set to show faith, Ronnie O’Sullivan’s ‘robot’ interview and all today’s sport
Eimear Considine pictured at the Ireland Women’s Rugby Media Briefing in Sandymount Hotel earlier. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO HomeJoe Schmidt is unlikely to ring the changes for the Italy trip, but Donnacha Ryan is expected to get a recall.Paul Mannion starred as UCD walloped 13-man University of Ulster in the Sigerson Cup, while Cathal McShane was the star…
Cruel blow for Kearney as toe injury means he faces another spell on the sidelines
TWO GAMES INTO his return from a four-month layoff, Dave Kearney now faces another period on the sidelines with a toe injury sustained in Friday’s win over Edinburgh. The winger was replaced at half-time during the province’s six-try victory at the RDS after failing a Head Injury Assessment but it has now emerged he also…
New Jersey date with US set for Ireland’s summer schedule
IRELAND’S RUGBY PLAYERS will return to the United States of America this summer, this time to face the host nation as part of their summer tour. The IRFU had already lined up a two Test tour of Japan for the senior men’s team on 17 and 24 June, but have also now added a clash with…
Wales legend Williams excited by Lions head-to-heads in Cardiff
AS WE NOW look towards the fourth round of the Six Nations, the opportunities for Lions auditions are rapidly reducing. Lions head coach Warren Gatland said before the championship got underway that the Six Nations clashes would play a major role in how he and his assistants select their squad to travel to New Zealand.…
Carbery’s versatility ‘a great strength’ says Cullen as Byrne left at the wheel for Leinster
THE RAIN PELTED down mercilessly as Leo Cullen discussed his team selection with a view of the RDS pitch this afternoon. Both the Pro12 leaders and their guests Scarlets would be best served by a hard, dry surface to help them implement expansive attacking games. However, the weather forecast is giving no great hope that…
Milestone game for Owens as Howley keeps faith with side that defeated Ireland
WALES BOSS ROB Howley has kept faith with the starting XV that saw off Ireland 22-9 last Friday night for their final Six Nations game of the campaign, against France in Paris on Saturday [2.45pm, RTÉ2]. The former international scrum-half, who is currently in charge as Warren Gatland prepares to lead the British and Irish…
Marmion, Payne and Henderson start in Ireland’s 6 Nations finale against England
IRELAND HEAD COACH Joe Schmidt has made three changes in the starting line-up as he hopes to finish the Six Nations on an upward curve at home to England. Devin Toner, Conor Murray and Rob Kearney all drop out of the starting XV – the latter two out of the matchday squad through injury –…