ireland

Wales wary of ‘wounded’ Australia, says assistant coach Jonathan Thomas

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Wales assistant coach Jonathan Thomas has described Australia as “a wounded animal” ahead of Sunday’s Rugby World Cup clash that could see the Wallabies make unwanted history. Eddie...

Former Ireland Fly-half Ian Madigan announces retirement

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Former Ireland international Ian Madigan has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 34. The Ulster Fly-half steps away from the game after a 14-year professional career, during...

The heaviest players at the Rugby World Cup

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

The 2023 Rugby World Cup is well under way and we've already seen some of the world's biggest stars showing what they can do in France. By 'biggest' stars, we're not meaning the likes of Antoine Dupont...

Ronan O'Gara responds to Johnny Sexton breaking his record

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Ronan O'Gara will be itching for the Top 14 season to return, but must wait until next month before league fixtures resume. His Stade Rochelais side lie ninth after winning one of their opening three games. While...

Welsh flanker in races to make Wallabies match

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Wales returned to the training pitch in Versailles hoping for a clean bill of health heading into the Wallabies encounter. Flanker Tommy Reffell withdrew from facing Portugal last weekend in the warm-up...

Ireland won’t change approach against Springboks ‘Nuke squad’ – Caelan Doris

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Caelan Doris admits to initially being shocked by the sheer size of the South Africa team but insists facing the fearsome might of the so-called ‘Bomb Squad’ will not significantly alter Ireland’s...

Nienaber makes wholesale changes for Rugby World Cup duel with Ireland

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber made 13 personnel changes and a positional switch as well naming a seven-one split in favour of the forwards on the replacements’ bench for Saturday’s third...

Warren Gatland has been there and done it – Alex King glad he is in Wales’ camp

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Alex King has underlined the importance of Wales boss Warren Gatland’s presence and proven track record heading into Sunday’s Rugby World Cup clash against Australia.   Wales are heading...

Scotland full-back Ollie Smith eager for another taste of World Cup action

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Ollie Smith’s first taste of playing for Scotland at a World Cup has left him craving more after he was blown away by the atmosphere inside the “awesome” Stade Velodrome.   The...

Fully-fit squad for Ireland with Finlay Bealham available for South Africa match

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Ireland prop Finlay Bealham has been cleared to face reigning world champions South Africa after passing his head injury assessments.   The Connacht tighthead was withdrawn 10 minutes after coming...