Match Day Programme: Ireland v Tonga
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyAndy Farrell is not taking any chnces as he names a side close to what we will see run out against the Springboks next weekend. Tonga are making their RWC2023 bow this weekend and have a host of talented...
Johnny Sexton does not put personal glory ahead of an Ireland victory over Tonga
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyJohnny Sexton believes none of his team-mates will care if he surpasses Ronan O’Gara as Ireland’s record points holder during Saturday’s clash with Tonga. Captain Sexton is on...
Hansen returns as Ireland name team to face Tonga
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyIreland head coach Andy Farrell has recalled wing Mack Hansen and also brought in scrum-half Conor Murray, fit-again hooker Ronan Kelleher and flanker Josh van der Flier to the starting side to face Tonga...
Key talking points as Ireland prepare for Rugby World Cup opener against Romania
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyIreland 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...
Mike Catt: Ireland wing Mack Hansen’s dropping not due to disciplinary matter
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyAssistant 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 RugbyThe 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...
Ireland Team Named For Rugby World Cup Opener Against Romania
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyHead Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland Match Day Squad for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup opener against Romania at Stade de Bordeaux. Captain Jonathan Sexton returns...
World Player of the Year award ‘long forgotten’ by Ireland – Josh van der Flier
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyIreland star Josh van der Flier feels his team-mates have “long forgotten” about his status as World Player of the Year. The Leinster flanker goes into the Rugby World Cup as the holder of...
Steven Kitshoff Overtakes Irish Star as URC Top 100 Leader
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbySpringbok 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...
Rankings suggest Ireland or France can land a first World Cup
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyThere is a neat statistical symmetry that suggests the 2023 Rugby World Cup might be won by Ireland or France. Since the sport’s world rankings were launched 20 years ago, all five subsequent world...
