‘We had a beer yesterday’ – Pumas coach Ledesma picks Schmidt’s brain
JOE SCHMIDT MET Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma for a beer yesterday evening. It’s not unusual for the Ireland boss to connect with his counterparts before games but this meeting was likely more relaxed than most. Schmidt and Ledesma go a good way back, the Argentinian having been a hooker and key player for Clermont when the…
Sabu Autobiography Due Out in March
A press release has been issued for Sabu’s autobiography Sabu: Scars, Silence & Superglue, which will be released in March through WOHW Publishers. Rob Van Dam and Taz will provide the forewords. SABU: Scars, Silence, & Superglue AUTHORS: “Sabu” Terry Brunk & Kenny Casanova PAGES: 400 pages of brutality PICTURES: Rare shots from ECW Photog…
Analysis: The Jacob Stockdale try that downed the All Blacks in Dublin
THE MOVE IRELAND used for Jacob Stockdale’s try against the All Blacks isn’t quite a new one. Rewind to Ireland’s 2015 World Cup warm-up win over Scotland in Dublin and we see a version of it in action, with a distinctly less successful outcome. Click here if you cannot view the clip above The personnel is very…
‘His job is not done’ – Schmidt motivated for the final chapters with Ireland
THE REAL SURPRISE in this morning’s announcement of Joe Schmidt’s departure from Ireland after next year’s World Cup was that the Kiwi will “finish coaching” at that time. Wording is always important and this does not indicate an intention to retire fully from rugby, but Schmidt is certainly going to take a step away for…
Ireland U19 winger produces outrageous finish against Australia
TOM TIERNEY’S IRELAND U19s got their international season underway with a defeat to the touring Australia Schools and U18 side at Donnybrook yesterday afternoon. Reesjan Pasitoa, John Connolly and Angus Bell all crossed for the Australian side, but the highlight score of the game was undoubtedly Andrew Smith’s acrobatic finish for Ireland in the first…
Leinster’s comeback and an error-filled contest in Belfast – Pro14 highlights
ROUND 11 of the Pro14 was played over the weekend. Ireland’s four provinces met as Leinster left it late to deny Connacht a first away win in Dublin since 2002, while Robert Baloucoune avoided an early red card to help Ulster overcome Munster at the Kingspan Stadium. Elsewhere, Edinburgh prevailed in an all-Scottish affair and there…
‘You just can’t afford to let up for one second’: Pain of defeat driving Ringrose’s on-field intensity
MIDWAY THROUGH HIS fourth season as a pro, Garry Ringrose’s class and quality has been clear to see for some time. It would be hard to argue against the case that it was clear in the years before that too. However, there are qualities less obvious than his athletic grace, steely tackle and silky pass…
Seth Rollins & Sasha Banks Not Cleared for Weekend Shows
Seth Rollins and Sasha Banks’ missed appearances during this weekend’s house shows are because neither were physically cleared to wrestle. Rollins and Banks, along with Becky Lynch, missed house shows which led to a report that Lynch is dealing with a knee injury. According to Post Wrestling, Rollins is dealing with an issue that began…
McCloskey and Ulster look to take the next step in Europe
PRIOR TO THE start of the season, Stuart McCloskey balked when confronted with the fact that he was one of the more experienced members of the now youthful Ulster squad. “Our changing room is done on caps, so Rory [Best] is at the top and I move around a lot, and I laughed because I’m…
McNamara preparing U20s to hit the ground running in Cork
IRELAND U20 HEAD coach Noel McNamara is relishing the rhythm that comes with tournament rugby. Ireland U20 head coach Noel McNamara. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO Ireland’s age grade men will take on England in Musgrave Park this Friday (kick-off 19.15) to kick off their Six Nations campaign and McNamara will hope to see the benefit of…