Sinead Kissane: Aussie influence has helped to make Irish rugby what it is today
9 years ago by Irish IndependentA few days after Munster's Heineken Cup semi-final defeat to Wasps in 2004, Jim Williams thought it was time to do some straight talking.
Alan Quinlan: Rob Kearney silences critics with true warrior display in Soldier Field
9 years ago by Irish IndependentRob Kearney walked into Soldier Field last week with his reputation on the line. Memories of what he had achieved in 2009, when in the space of a few months he went from winning the Grand Slam to starting...
Rugby union: talking points from the weekend's Champions Cup action
9 years ago by The GuardianNorthampton’s beating at Castres was worryingly unsurprising, Williams injury a problem for Scarlets and Toulon resemble ‘Barbarians on a bad day’One of the most extraordinary turnarounds in rugby...
Eamonn Sweeney: No-nonsense hero epitomised what made Munster unique
9 years ago by Irish IndependentGame One: January 28, 2001. Heineken Cup quarter-final. Thomond Park. Munster 38, Biarritz 29. It was perhaps Anthony Foley's finest hour in the Munster jersey. It may also have been his most untypical....
Leinster v Saints: Heineken Cup Final 2011 all over again
1 decade ago by Leinster RugbyRound 3 of the European Champions Cup will see the boys in blue face Northampton Saints at Franklins Gardens on Friday 9 December. The clash will be reminiscent of the 2011 showdown, where...
He set the standards for Munster and paved the way for all who followed
1 decade ago by Irish IndependentIt was the eve of the 2006 Heineken Cup final in the Millennium Stadium and the battle lines were already being drawn by Anthony Foley.
Shift in balance of power means four provinces have to make early impression
1 decade ago by Irish IndependentHard to believe I know but this is the 22nd playing of what is now the European Champions Cup. The trophy, albeit in its previous ERC Heineken Cup existence, has made its way to these shores at the climax...
External investment way to keep Munster and the rest competitive
1 decade ago by Irish IndependentTen years ago this month Ronan O'Gara did an interview which blew the lid off the way the Munster players viewed themselves and their new position at the top of European rugby. Munster were beginning the...
Saracens take steady approach to Europe as Premiership clubs look to dominate
1 decade ago by The GuardianThe holders begin their campaign with a mouth-watering clash in Toulon as the balance of power shifts towards the English clubs in the Champions CupThe difference between the Champions Cup and the old...
Thursday Afternoon Round Up
1 decade ago by Ultimate RugbyAnthony Watson suffers broken jaw England have suffered an injury blow ahead of the autumn internationals with Anthony Watson sustaining a broken jaw just a day after Sam Jones broke a leg...
