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Ireland open World Cup campaign with 12-try thumping of Romania

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Johnny Sexton marked his long-awaited comeback with two of 12 tries as Ireland launched their Rugby World Cup campaign by blitzing Romania in the baking heat of Bordeaux.   Captain Sexton, playing...

Key talking points as Ireland prepare for Rugby World Cup opener against Romania

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Ireland launch their Rugby World Cup campaign against Pool B minnows Romania in Bordeaux. Johnny Sexton will captain the world’s top-ranked nation on his return from suspension, with head coach...

James Ryan urges Ireland to begin Rugby World Cup with ‘real intent’

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Vice-captain James Ryan insists Ireland must begin the Rugby World Cup with “real intent” if they have genuine aspirations of being crowned champions.   Andy Farrell’s side are...

Mike Catt: Ireland wing Mack Hansen’s dropping not due to disciplinary matter

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Assistant coach Mike Catt categorically denied Mack Hansen’s shock omission for Ireland’s Rugby World Cup opener against Romania is down to an internal disciplinary issue. Australia-born wing...

Andy Farrell expects Ireland to step up quality in World Cup opener

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

The world’s top-ranked team failed to fully convince against Italy, England and Samoa last month.   Head coach Andy Farrell expects Ireland to be “a hell of a lot slicker” in their...

If you get inflated, you get deflated – Ireland’s Caelan Doris staying grounded

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Ireland back-rower Caelan Doris actively avoids the media hype surrounding him and feels his own high standards are sufficient pressure going into his first World Cup.   Doris is tipped to shine...

Hugo Keenan: Ireland must take it up a notch to have a shot at World Cup glory

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Full-back Hugo Keenan insists in-form Ireland must lift their performances “up a notch” as they chase glory at the Rugby World Cup.   The 27-year-old Leinster player has been virtually...

A final look at the Rugby World Cup

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

We are less than two days away from rugby's biggest competition and there has never been a more open tournament, a far cry from the previous years where a winner was deemed to be pre-determined. The world...

Steven Kitshoff Overtakes Irish Star as URC Top 100 Leader

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff has risen to the No 1 spot in the latest update to the URC Top 100 with forward players dominating the upper end of the ‘pound-for-pound’ rankings.   Based...

'I made a mistake' Says Owen Farrell

1 year ago by Ultimate Rugby

Farrell will be suspended for Saturday’s opener against Argentina and a clash with Japan after his red card for a high tackle in a warm-up game against Wales. The 31-year-old initially had his red...