Hansen returns as Ireland name team to face Tonga
2 years 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...
Ireland open World Cup campaign with 12-try thumping of Romania
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyJohnny 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
2 years 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
2 years 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
2 years 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’s Jamison Gibson-Park relishing chance to test himself at World Cup
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyIreland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park is determined to make the most of his maiden World Cup following his unconventional late rise to Test-level rugby. New Zealand-born star Gibson-Park was...
Farrell Names 33-Player Ireland Rugby World Cup Squad
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyHead Coach Andy Farrell has today announced his 33-player Ireland squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with Jonathan Sexton named to captain the team in France. The Ireland...
Iain Henderson captains Ireland
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyHead Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland Match Day Squad to face Samoa in Saturday’s final Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture at Stade Jean-Dauger in Bayonne (Kick-off 8.45pm local...
Discipline key for Ireland coach Andy Farrell with ‘cards everywhere’
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyIreland benefited from the dismissal of England number eight Billy Vunipola on Saturday evening.Andy Farrell expects World Cup referees to be “red-hot” on foul play and says Ireland are striving...
England won’t give up after latest setback – Courtney Lawes
2 years ago by Ultimate RugbyEngland were beaten by Ireland and had Billy Vunipola sent off. Stand-in captain Courtney Lawes insists England will “relentlessly” strive for improvement and “won’t give...