Ireland braced for ‘big step up’ ahead of facing Tonga’s ‘serious threats’
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyIreland’s coaching staff and players are braced for a “big step up” at the Rugby World Cup as they prepare to face the “serious threats” of Tonga in Nantes. Andy Farrell’s...
Michael Leitch sets Brave Blossoms record
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyJapan head coach Jamie Joseph has named his match-day squad to face England in Pool D at Stade de Nice on Sunday, 17 September, with back-row Michael Leitch on course to make his 15th Rugby World Cup appearance. 1...
‘Incredible character, top man’ – Peter O’Mahony hails Ireland wing Mack Hansen
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyPeter O’Mahony says Ireland squad would be lost without “characters” like Mack Hansen in their camp at the Rugby World Cup. Wing Hansen will make his full tournament debut against...
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...
Tameifuna leads from the front row - Tonga name team to play Ireland
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyTonga head coach Toutai Kefu has named his match-day 23 to face Ireland at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on Saturday, with captain Ben Tameifuna forming part of a heavyweight front row. 1 Siegfried...
Gregor Townsend sympathetic after concussion ruins Dave Cherry’s World Cup dream
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyGregor Townsend expressed sympathy for Dave Cherry after the veteran hooker’s first World Cup was brought to a premature end following a fall down the stairs at Scotland’s team hotel. It...
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...
Former Australia star Leali’ifano starts at 10 - Samoa name team to play Chile
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbySamoa head coach Seilala Mapusua has named his match-day 23 to face Chile at Stade de Bordeaux on Saturday, with Australia's top points scorer at Rugby World Cup 2019, Christian Leali'ifano, starting...
Japan’s Rugby World Cup 2023 : From Debut Triumph to the Challenge of England
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyJapan’s Rugby World Cup 2023 campaign goes from one extreme to another this week as they transition from something new to something old. Having beaten tournament debutants Chile 42-12 in Toulouse,...
Rugby World Cup hosts France have 'best generation ever' ready to avenge England pain
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyFrance will come to a standstill again this evening with all eyes turned to the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille. When Le XV de France plays these days, it is a national event. A domestic TV audience of 15.5million...
