Keyword "johnny-sexton" - List of latest news (205 results)

07:25 Gordon D’Arcy: Let’s see what Rieko Ioane’s Leinster performances say about him

Rieko Ioane is not a playmaker like Jordie Barrett, but he could still have a big impact at Leinster when it matter

17/04 Johnny Sexton sure to have major say in Lions outhalf debate

Former Lions and Ireland outhalf has been critical of Scotland’s Finn Russell in the past

17/04 Johnny Sexton joins Andy Farrell’s coaching team for Lions tour

After summer tour to Australia, Sexton will then take up full-time coaching position with Ireland

29/03 Author Shane Hegarty: ‘I’m lucky to see the work done by teachers. They are undervalued’

The writer on his new picture book, the film adaptation of Darkmouth and kids who never seem to run out of questions

17/03 Ireland’s gladiator Peter O’Mahony bows out in Italian rugby’s colosseum

A player who gave so much – for that alone he will be remembered and celebrated

22/01 Simon Easterby targets ‘something special’ for Ireland in Six Nations

Johnny Sexton will continue helping Ireland coaching team, says interim head coach

17/01 Ardagh, Johnny Sexton’s new team, prepares to tackle disgruntled bondholders

Paul Coulson’s glass and cans business was built on the back of junk bond debt but rising rates and volatile glass bottle markets have left it debt heavy

20/12 Heart, Be at Peace by Donal Ryan wins An Post Irish Book of the Year 2024

Author repeats success with sequel to his debut The Spinning Heart, which won award in 2012

12/12 ‘I aspired to be like him’ – All Blacks legend Dan Carter picks his best fly-halves of the professional era

Dan Carter played a game of 'Winner Stays On' as he revealed his admiration for an England legend.

30/11 Sports Books of the Year: Conor Niland’s The Racket the best in a year dominated by autobiographies

Johnny Sexon, Joe Canning and Richie Hogan all have highly readable offerings and Miguel Delaney’s book on the hijacking of modern football is not to be missed

17/11 Ireland v Argentina: Jack Crowley gives reminder of his talent - and needs to keep doing so

Sam Prendergast did well off the bench but there’s little doubt who deserves to be Ireland’s first-choice pivot at present

14/11 Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi: ‘I spent 10 years here. It’s a lot of my adulthood. I’m grateful’

Back in Dublin with his national team for Friday’s Test, Contepomi is not assuming Ireland will be vulnerable after defeat to All Blacks

09/11 ‘Put that in the book’: Rieko Ioane opens fresh chapter in Johnny Sexton spat

All Blacks centre took to social media to send a message to the former Ireland captain after the victory over Ireland

09/11 ‘Put that in the book’: Rieko Ioane opens fresh chapter in Johnny Sexton spat

All Blacks centre took to social media to send a message to the former Ireland captain after the victory over Ireland

08/11 With all due respect to New Zealand and the haka, a laser-accurate kicking game can deliver victory for Ireland

I hope the Irish welcome for the All Blacks holds far more humility than the English displayed

07/11 Could Ireland v New Zealand be the grudge match of all grudge matches?

The chemistry between the sides provides Ireland with added motivation against the All Blacks at the Aviva Stadium

07/11 Andy Farrell: Johnny Sexton/Rieko Ioane spat will bring an extra edge to Aviva clash

Andy Farrell says Ireland are not out for revenge against the All Blacks tomorrow night, but he accepted that the fallout from last year’s World Cup quarter-final defeat will add an extra edge to the Aviva Stadium atmosphere.

04/11 New Zealand’s Jason Holland swerves questions on vacant Munster coaching role

‘I’m busy here. So, not me,’ says All Blacks’ assistant coach in advance of Ireland Test at the Aviva Stadium

02/11 ‘It sort of feels natural to be back playing 15s’ – Hugo Keenan is revitalised and primed for another long season

Hugo Keenan returned to the Ireland squad on Monday and even if he didn’t quite feel like he had a point to prove, he wouldn’t be human if he wasn’t looking over his shoulder a little more uncomfortably than he was during this year’s Six Nations.

01/11 Players ‘have loved’ Johnny Sexton’s involvement with Ireland, reveals Simon Easterby

The Ireland players have “loved” Johnny Sexton’s involvement in a part-time coaching capacity with the squad, according to assistant coach Simon Easterby.

23/10 Johnny Sexton approached to join Ireland set-up in mentoring role

Former Ireland captain would work with young group of outhalves and could be involved as soon as Autumn Nations Series

13/10 Letters: As election time looms, pensioners will not forget Budget 2025

Sir – An analysis by the ESRI has suggested that Budget 2025 will have little or no effect in reducing overall poverty or child poverty.

12/10 Obsessed. The Autobiography by Johnny Sexton: One of the best Irish sports books ever written

Paul Howard hails a frank and revealing book that achieves the rare feat of being worthy of the brilliant career that preceded it

03/10 New Munster captain Tadhg Beirne to lead by example like those before him

Being a captain in rugby has specific responsibilities, from talking to referees to leading the team and setting tone

29/09 Johnny Sexton tells how using Ronan O’Gara’s face as a mental target improved his place-kicking

Johnny Sexton has revealed how using a mental image of Ronan O’Gara’s face as a target helped him overcome difficulties from the tee in his early career.

28/09 ‘Like being back on the starting blocks, I have to prove myself again’ – Joe Molloy on big move to front ‘Indo Sport’ podcast

Some of the best plans are hatched over coffee.

12/09 St Mary’s back in the big time and eager to make the right impression

Newly-promoted Division 1A side have signalled their intent by securing the services of Munster centre Dan Goggin and Ulster backrower Greg Jones for the new league campaign

06/09 Malachy Clerkin: Shane Lowry must know that if he stays with Kingspan, his choice makes a statement

In the wake of the damning report on the Grenfell fire, staying on as a brand ambassador for the Cavan-based insulation company flies in the face of the wishes of survivors’ groups

13/08 Accumulated profits at Johnny Sexton firm top €2.2m

Former Irish rugby captain moving into business since retiring from professional game

05/03 BWG Foods to invest €35m in Mace convenience store business

The Mace retail business registered record sales of €400 million in 2023, a 6.5 per cent increase on 2022

24/02 Unfazed Jack Crowley will keep striving for the next level

The sky is the limit for Ireland’s promising young outhalf Jack Crowley

23/02 Clinical Ireland eye Wales scalp in Six Nations

Ireland are in a "very good place" as they pursue unprecedented back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams and should move a step closer with victory over Wales on Saturday, former Irish fullback Hugo MacNeill told AFP.

22/02 Ageless Conor Murray not giving way in numbers game any time soon

Vastly experienced Munster and Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray believes he still has plenty to offer in a green shirt

30/01 Gerry Thornley: Opportunity knocks for Jack Crowley as outhalf giants leave the stage

Johnny Sexton's successor as Ireland outhalf Jack Crowley faces a baptism of fire in his first Six Nations start against France in the cauldron of the Stade Velodrome

29/01 Sexton shadow hangs over Irish Six Nations title defence | Sport

Ireland's hopes of successfully defending their Six Nations title hinge on filling the "massive gap" left by Johnny Sexton's decision to retire after their World Cup quarter-final loss to New Zealand, former Irish fullback Hugo MacNeill told AFP.

21/01 Who is Ireland’s MVP? Female sports stars are ‘most marketable’ targets, as sponsorships hit €227m record high

Spending on the Irish sponsorship industry will grow 7pc in 2024 to hit a record high of €227m – surpassing the previous pre-pandemic peak, which was reached in 2019.

19/01 Matt Williams: Crowley needs space to grow if Ireland are to preserve long line of generational 10s

While we never want to coach the creativity out of a talented player, Crowley also has to be educated as to when to pull the trigger

12/01 Rugby the favourite sport of Irish women – survey finds

Teneo Sport and Sponsorship Index (TSSI) survey reveals rugby as the favourite sport for Irish women

01/01 Indelible moments of 2023: From the Ashling Murphy murder trial verdict to the Dublin riots – the scenes our reporters will never forget

It was a year in which a range of huge news stories spoke to the heart...

01/01 Moments of the year: The scenes and events that stood out to Irish Independent staff

On April 17, Gerard ‘The Monk’ Hutch walked free from court after being found not guilty of the murder of Kinahan cartel associate David Byrne seven years earlier.

31/12 From shock returns to Grand designs – Our writers pick their sporting moments of 2023

Rúaidhri O’Connor Twelve years of hurt came to an end on a dog of a pitch at the Cape Town Stadium, where Munster captain Peter O’Mahony and Keith Earls held the United Rugby Championship trophy aloft to delight of 2,500 fans who’d made the 14,000km journey to witness history.

31/12 Ivan Little’s review of 2023: Bloodshed of biblical proportions

The year 2023 might well have been filed under the ‘extraordinarily ordinary’ category until 280 days into it.

20/12 Katie Taylor scoops top Irish award for the seventh year in a row

Katie Taylor has been named Ireland’s ‘Most Admired Athlete’ for the seventh year in a row.

06/12 Mark Sexton determined to make the most of Connacht opportunity

This is a busy week for Mark Sexton. On Friday night, he will be part of a Champions Cup match-day for the first time when Connacht host Bordeaux before he catches up with older brother Johnny on Saturday.

28/11 ‘I am sad not to ref Johnny Sexton again, I like him a lot’ – Mathieu Raynal

One of rugby’s top officials has admitted that he will ‘miss’ refereeing Johnny Sexton because he ‘likes him a lot’.

28/11 End of Sexton era leaves a huge void at outhalf in Irish rugby

Pivotal position of outhalf for Ireland has been dominated over 29 years by just four players but we are now in very different territory

25/11 Leinster v Munster: The old rivalry has found a healthier balance

In the past, the bitterness between the teams had not always been healthy for the Irish team

23/11 Sexton, Aki, Porter, Keenan and Doris nominated by rugby writers for men’s player of the year

Nichola Fryday, Neve Jones, Deirbhile Nic a Bháird and Aoife Dalton are all up for the top women’s award

14/11 ‘Loose lips sink ships’: Rory McIlroy keeps cards close to his chest on future of professional golf

Race to Dubai winner teams up with Irish rugby legend Jonny Sexton in the pre-tournament pro-am at Jumeirah Course

14/11 In pictures: Johnny Sexton teams up with Rory McIlroy for DP World Tour Pro-Am in Dubai

Irish rugby star Johnny Sexton is putting his retirement from the game to good use after teaming up with another Irish sporting legend Rory McIlroy this morning in the Pro-Am prior to the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

07/11 Gerry Thornley: Possibilities of post-Sexton era on show as World Cup hangover lifts

As is customary at the end of a four-year World Cup cycle, the level of change is more acute than at any point over the previous three seasons

01/11 Gordon D’Arcy: South Africa retained their crown thanks to defence, set-pieces and a little luck

For attacking play, the Rugby World Cup peaked in the quarter-finals

30/10 What they said at the Rugby World Cup

South Africa lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy for a record fourth title edging New Zealand 12-11 in a gripping final to bringing the curtain down on the seven week Rugby World Cup.

28/10 Ronan O’Gara believes ‘blunted’ Johnny Sexton should have been taken off

Ronan O'Gara says it was 'borderline miraculous' that Johnny Sexton lasted the full match.

28/10 Johnny Sexton is wrong - Ireland needed more than a quarter-final exit to inspire the nation

Making a World Cup final would have expanded Irish rugby’s circle enormously; going out in the quarter-final again made it feel no different

28/10 We can express solidarity with Palestinians and Israelis while condemning Hamas and bombing

It is possible and important to be able to distinguish between the head of state or government of a country on the one hand and the citizens of that country on the other.

26/10 Sexton thanks support in retirement statement

Johnny Sexton says the "sadness and frustration" of Ireland's World Cup knock-out will stay with him for a long time as he released a statement on his retirement.

26/10 ‘We lost, but we won’: Johnny Sexton writes retirement statement

Outhalf said retirement was tough after the ‘rollercoaster of emotions’ from France

25/10 World Rugby make big change for 2027 World Cup after 2023 farce

World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said on Tuesday holding the draw for the 2027 World Cup in January 2026 was a “compromise” but would be better than the situation for the current competition.

23/10 Denis Walsh: Bruised Ireland can recover from unique Rugby World Cup failure

Andy Farrell can take Ireland forward after a quarter-final elimination unlike any other

21/10 Gerry Thornley: We will never again see the like of Johnny Sexton

No Ireland rugby player gave more or achieved more than the recently retired outhalf

18/10 Gordon D’Arcy: Ireland’s performance in New Zealand defeat one to be proud of

Rugby World Cup: The outcome will hurt Ireland's outstanding group of players a long time but Andy Farrell has set the right tone and the squad remains one full of potential

17/10 In pictures: Ireland rugby team return home from Rugby World Cup to fans’ welcome at Dublin Airport

The players and manager Andy Farrell stopped for autographs and photographs

17/10 Gerry Thornley: Why can’t Ireland get past the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals?

More than any other Rugby World Cup exit, this one feels like a golden chance missed on so many levels

16/10 Owen Doyle: It is not possible to blame Wayne Barnes for Ireland’s defeat

English referee got most of the big calls right though Richie Mo’unga’s collision with Bundee Aki needed further scrutiny

16/10 ‘It’s the hope that kills you’: Social media reaction as Ireland exits the Rugby World Cup

Fans go from high to devastating lows following Ireland’s loss to New Zealand

16/10 Rugby World Cup: Five things we learned from Ireland’s loss to the All Blacks

You need to have some luck against New Zealand, Mack Hansen’s injury came at a bad time

16/10 Peter O’Mahony crestfallen as tough defeat signals end of an era

Peter O'Mahony says he retains huge pride in what this Ireland team have achieved in recent years

16/10 ‘I’m unbelievably proud’: Farrell praises Ireland squad after heartbreaking Rugby World Cup exit

Sense of a missed opportunity will linger for a long, long time as All Blacks deny the prize of a semi-final against Argentina

16/10 All Black magic derails Ireland’s Rugby World Cup dream

Courage comes in many forms and has rarely been personified better than by astonishing 37-phase attack in overtime

16/10 A competitor until the bitter end, Johnny Sexton bows out desperate to bend the game to his will

Ireland captain departs professional rugby amidst a flurry of emotion and gratitude

16/10 Editorial: As a true sporting icon bows out on the world stage, Ireland can say they gave it everything

Now we all know what it feels like to be a Mayo football fan. To endure disappointment, dejection and dismay when falling at the same hurdle each time; to always wonder what might have been, to dream of winning just once.

16/10 Letters: Israel’s policy of vengeance will only mean more war and more deaths to come

Israeli historian Ilan Pappe once described Israel’s 17-year long siege of Gaza as a slow genocide. Israel is now using the excuse of the lethal attack by Hamas to accelerate this genocide, a policy openly supported by the US, EU and other Western powers.

15/10 Irish hordes leave Paris in disbelief it ended like this

There was no hiding that the fairytale did not end the way the Irish team expected it to

15/10 Johnny Sexton fumes after ‘classless’ Rieko Ioane gesture post-World Cup quarter-final

Johnny Sexton was clearly not happy with Rieko Ioane after the loss to the All Blacks.

15/10 Brian O’Driscoll on the one moment Johnny Sexton will always regret after All Blacks defeat

Former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll believes Johnny Sexton will never forget the moment that could have swung an epic World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand in Paris.

15/10 Irish fans react to World Cup loss as video of Johnny Sexton and his son goes viral

Irish fans have taken to social media to react to Ireland’s quarter final defeat to New Zealand last night, including a “heart wrenching” viral video of Johnny Sexton taking in the loss with his son.

15/10 TV View: Rinse, wash and repeat as Rugby World Cup quarter-final hoodoo comes back to haunt Ireland

‘We didn’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but the team forced us to’: Funereal mood in the studio as Paris ‘23 joins the list of defeats

15/10 Sexton: Last two years were most enjoyable of my career

An emotional Johnny Sexton spoke of how grateful he is to have played for Ireland, after the captain's career came to a heartbreaking World Cup quarter-final end.

15/10 Sexton's 'gutting' defeat as Ireland's World Cup exit ends storied career | Sport

Johnny Sexton's son Luca accompanied his father round a rugby pitch for the final time after his stellar career ended in bitter disappointment with a defeat to New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

15/10 Johnny Sexton’s son’s touching comment to his dad melts hearts as Ireland great bows out

Following Ireland’s devastating 28-24 defeat to New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, Luca Sexton attempted to comfort his dad.

15/10 Rugby World Cup run pushes Ireland captain Johnny Sexton to top of sports ranking list ahead of Katie Taylor

Johnny Sexton has overtaken Katie Taylor to top Ireland’s most admired Irish sports stars list, a position the Bray boxer has held since 2016, new research has found.

15/10 Ryan Tubridy still Ireland’s most admired broadcaster, as rugby players dominate list of favourite sports stars

Johnny Sexton has overtaken Katie Taylor to top Ireland’s most admired Irish sports stars list, a position the Bray boxer has held since 2016, new research has found.

15/10 Johnny Sexton’s son melts hearts after Ireland’s Rugby World Cup exit

Johnny Sexton was consoled by his son in an adorable moment after Ireland’s agonising Rugby World Cup defeat to New Zealand, The Sun reports.

15/10 Johnny Sexton fights back the tears in emotional final post-match interview

Johnny Sexton announced his retirement before the World Cup.

15/10 'I didn't think we'd be packing up', admits Sheehan

A shell-shocked Dan Sheehan admitted that it will take time for him to come to terms with Ireland's World Cup exit after they suffered a defeat to New Zealand that he didn't see coming.

14/10 New Zealand end Sexton’s career with more World Cup woe for Ireland

Three-time champions New Zealand inflicted more World Cup heartbreak on Ireland on Saturday, beating them 28-24 to bring a bitterly disappointing end to Irish captain Johnny Sexton's stellar career.

14/10 Ireland vs New Zealand: Rugby World Cup quarter-final live

Updates from the Stade de France as Ireland look to win a World Cup quarter-final for the first time ever

12/10 View from New Zealand: All Blacks have a deep respect for Ireland – but not a lot of love

New Zealand is a country unsure of where it is going but this weekend, with a general election and a Rugby World Cup clash with Ireland, it hopes for signs of a positive direction of travel

12/10 Ireland’s continuity and momentum give them favourites tag against New Zealand

Ireland v New Zealand: James Ryan misses out due to injury but team to play Rugby World Cup clash against All Blacks is almost the same as during the summer

12/10 Irish World Cup dream threatened by Barrett’s Gaelic Games schooling

Beauden Barrett seeks revenge against the Irish in Saturday's Rugby World Cup quarter-final but the All Blacks star owes a debt of gratitude to Ireland because he learned the basic skills thanks to -- Gaelic football.

11/10 Chasing a world record: All Blacks stand in Ireland’s way of equalling most consecutive wins

Ireland v New Zealand: Andy Farrell’s men began their winning streak in New Zealand and face the same team to continue it

10/10 Gerry Thornley: Paradigm shift shows Ireland are in All Blacks’ heads like never before

Will there be four European semi-finalists left in the World Cup for the first time ever?

09/10 Ireland v New Zealand: Kick off time, TV channel and team news ahead of Rugby World Cup showdown

Everything you need to know about Ireland’s quarter-final against the All Blacks

09/10 Owen Doyle: Pull back TMO power and place it in the referee’s hands

Ireland are an easy team to referee but were fortunate to escape a card during a trip-inspired scuffle on Saturday

09/10 Rugby World Cup: Ireland’s best yet to come, says Farrell, ahead of vengeful All Blacks showdown

Johnny Sexton believes quarter-final clash will be a battle of pressure and the team that deals with it the best will triumph

08/10 Johnny Sexton thanks Ireland fans for ‘some of the best days of our lives’ as focus turns to All Blacks

Johnny Sexton believes last year’s historic series win in New Zealand will stand to his side, as they bid to go where no Ireland team has ever gone before by getting past a World Cup quarter-final next weekend.

08/10 Sexton: All Blacks will be out for revenge

Johnny Sexton says Ireland can draw on the experiences of their Test series win in New Zealand when they face the All Blacks next week, but warns they'll be taking on a side more motivated than ever.

08/10 ‘This is proper living now’: Farrell and Sexton look forward to Ireland’s clash with All Blacks

Sexton: I see that they were talking about revenge already . . . we need to be ready for it’

08/10 Andy Farrell confirms Hansen, Lowe and Ryan the main Ireland injury concerns

Ireland head coach says All Blacks quarter-final ‘what dreams are made of’ after win over Scotland

08/10 Farrell: 'This is living, this is where you want to be'

Ireland boss Andy Farrell praised his players for their performance against Scotland, the Irish fans for their incomparable support and then looked forward to a day of destiny with the All Blacks, declaring "this is living."

07/10 Ireland v Scotland updates: Rugby World Cup Pool B

Ireland v Scotland updates: Rugby World Cup Pool B. Follow the action as Ireland look to qualify for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals

06/10 Irish bid to seal World Cup last eight spot, Scots to gatecrash party

Ireland's victory over defending champions South Africa two weeks ago has been hailed as one of the great Rugby World Cup performances and they will not wish to spoil that by losing to Scotland on Saturday.

04/10 Mike Catt believes Johnny Sexton’s ban has worked in Ireland’s favour

When the news broke that Johnny Sexton would be suspended for Ireland’s warm-up games, there was concern that the captain may come into the World Cup undercooked.

03/10 Ireland v Scotland: Kick off time, TV channel and team news ahead of Rugby World Cup showdown

Everything you need to know about Ireland’s crucial final Pool B game

02/10 Owen Doyle: Johnny Sexton has learned his lesson; rugby’s regulations need a change too

It makes no sense to wait for a serious injury before implementing a meaningful deterrent to foul play

02/10 Ireland v Scotland: Kick off time, TV channel and team news ahead of Rugby World Cup match

Everything you need to know about Ireland’s crucial final Pool B game

30/09 Ian Madigan on what it is like to understudy Johnny Sexton: ‘He is very particular’

Former Ireland outhalf offers interesting insight into Jack Crowley’s role at this Rugby World Cup

26/09 Jack Crowley: ‘Preparation is massive. Scotland are going to be gunning for us’

Ireland and Munster outhalf came off the bench and kicked three points under pressure to extend Ireland’s narrow lead in their Rugby World Cup win over South Africa. Further adventures lies ahead

25/09 Memorable Ireland victory over South Africa built on splendid defensive line

Tackling accurate and ferocious but ‘that’s not a one-off’, says defence coach Simon Easterby of stout rearguard action

25/09 Editorial: We’ve won nothing yet – but Andy’s Army brings back memories of Italia ‘90 glory

The Irish rugby team have won nothing yet – but they have already secured the pride of the nation.

24/09 James Lowe’s influence in Ireland’s defeat of South Africa notable in several pivotal moments

Player epitomised general graft of the team, from winning first-half turnover penalty to important assist in Mack Hansen try

24/09 TV View: Exhausted Jerry Flannery put through the emotional wringer as Ireland beat the Springboks

RTÉ misstepped when jumping back to studio just as 40,000 Irish fans started to launch into the chorus of Zombie

24/09 Rugby World Cup: Ireland come out of South Africa epic with clean bill of health

Scrum coach John Fogarty reports no obvious injuries after 13-8 win over Springboks

24/09 Ireland pivot Sexton defends Libbok's goal-kicking woes: 'Every kicker goes through it' | Sport

Ireland's captain and pivot Johnny Sexton came to Manie Libbok's defence about his kicking that helped contribute to South Africa's loss to Ireland on Saturday, saying that every flyhalf goes through that phase in their careers.

24/09 Johnny Sexton on Ireland’s win: ‘It’s right up there but we’ve got to make it count now’

Captain and head coach Andy Farrell praise Irish fans for Stade de France atmosphere

24/09 Ireland beat South Africa in statement World Cup win as England romp

Ireland moved to the brink of the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals by beating reigning champions South Africa 13-8 in a low-scoring but thoroughly absorbing match at the Stade de France on Saturday.

23/09 Live Ireland v South Africa: Rugby World Cup Pool B

Follow all the action as Ireland look to make a statement win against the world champions in Paris

23/09 Energy of James Lowe fuels the Irish team during ‘a beast’ of a rugby week

In South Africa, James Lowe sees pretty much what everyone else does: physical strength, blazing line speed and an intention to play the game in a certain way

23/09 Editorial: Whatever the Ireland v South Africa result tonight, let’s celebrate our sporting heroes

Paris, as France’s King Henry IV famously said, is worth a mass. The green hordes that descend on the City of Light this weekend for the Rugby World Cup will be happy to throw in a few decades of the rosary to boot if they can secure a win.

22/09 South Africa to provide the ultimate test for Ireland’s attack

Saturday night’s winners will add to their form, confidence and momentum

22/09 Mary Hannigan: Ireland exuding ‘Zen-like calm’ ahead of South Africa clash

Nice wants to forget its past; Karen Duggan on turmoil for women’s team; Leona Maguire in action

22/09 Rugby World Cup: Settled Ireland at peace before big South Africa battle

Ireland coach Andy Farrell springs no selection surprises for Saturday’s pivotal Rugby World Cup clash with South Africa

21/09 Kolisi in Libbok's corner as kicking duel looms against Irish pivots Sexton, Crowley | Sport

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi's impassioned and firm defence of flyhalf Manie Libbok ahead of Saturday's crunch Pool B clash against Ireland in Paris shows no signs of wavering.

21/09 Ireland v South Africa: Jamison Gibson-Park the only change for crucial Rugby World Cup match

Andy Farrell retains conventional 5-3 split despite Springboks opting for seven forwards

18/09 Ireland v South Africa: Kick-off time, TV channel and team news for third Rugby World Cup pool match

Andy Farrell’s Ireland team face the reigning World Champions on Saturday night in Paris

18/09 Rugby World Cup Team of the Week: Springboks and Fiji lead the inclusions

Our Rugby World Cup Team of the Week after the second weekend of action.

18/09 Ross Byrne pulls off understudy role to perfection on World Cup debut

Outhalf helps Ireland finish strongly after taking over from Johnny Sexton in the second half

18/09 Johnny Sexton and Ronan O’Gara ‘not talking’ as Ireland points record broken

Johnny Sexton spoke to the media after he broke Ronan O’Gara’s points record during Ireland’s dominant 59-16 Rugby World Cup triumph over Tonga.

17/09 Andy Farrell: It’s a fantastic week to look forward to playing the World Champions

Irish head coach reacts to win over Tonga, Johnny Sexton’s record and looks ahead to South Africa

17/09 Farrell: A fitting way for Sexton to break Irish record

Johnny Sexton surpassed the Irish points record with a stunning try and coach Andy Farrell said it was a "fitting" score.

17/09 Sexton breaks records as Ireland eye Springkoks at World Cup

Johnny Sexton became Ireland's all-time Test points scorer as Ireland swept aside Tonga at the World Cup on Saturday after Wales made it two pool wins in two.

16/09 Ireland 59 Tonga 16: How the Irish players rated in their Rugby World Cup Pool B win

Bundee Aki scores two tries in impressive performance as Johnny Sexton breaks Irish scoring record

16/09 Ireland 59 Tonga 16: Ireland gather further momentum with impressive bonus-point win

Rugby World Cup, Pool B: Andy Farrell will be happy with a display that saw his side rack up eight tries ahead of the vital meeting with South Africa

16/09 Ireland v Tonga live updates: Rugby World Cup Pool B clash

Andy Farrell’s team face a tricky test against Tonga in Nantes, follow the action as it happens ...

16/09 Rugby World Cup: Ireland looking to keep up momentum in tricky Tonga test

Irish fitness levels could be decisive against a Tongan team playing their first game in the tournament

15/09 Irish fans ‘having a ball’ in Nantes ahead of Rugby World Cup clash against Tonga

The Fontaine de la Loire in Place Royale in Nantes was one gathering point for Irish supporters in the French city today ahead of Ireland’s World Cup pool game against Tonga.

15/09 Rugby World Cup: Expect more of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Matt Williams: Whether you’re Clint Eastwood or a rugby fan with no name, there has been plenty to enjoy and ponder in the first acts of the Rugby World Cup

15/09 Justine McCarthy: Reverse snobbery about rugby is just as nauseating as plain old snobbery

Everybody knows rugby is an elitist sport in Ireland. But you don’t achieve an egalitarian society by throwing stones at athletes who are representing your country

15/09 Ireland v Tonga: Andy Farrell’s line-up for Saturday a logical choice

Irish team selected for Saturday has echoes of 2007 Rugby World Cup but makes utter sense

15/09 Record in Sexton’s sights, Tonga await ex-All Black impact

Ireland will hope to beat Tonga and come through injury-free on Saturday in their Pool B match giving themselves the perfect boost ahead of their Rugby World Cup meeting with defending champions South Africa.

14/09 Ireland v Tonga: Johnny Sexton to captain Irish team in second Rugby World Cup game

Ireland play their second Rugby World Cup match against Tonga in Nantes on Saturday night

14/09 Sexton keeps his place as Ireland make four changes

Johnny Sexton has been retained in the Ireland side for Saturday's Rugby World Cup Pool B meeting with Tonga in Nantes, with head coach Andy Farrell making just four changes from last week's hammering of Romania.

14/09 Mary Hannigan: FAI executives face busy media briefing over Pauw’s exit and Kenny’s future

Also, all the latest Irish rugby news including Sexton’s expected start against Tonga, and, in Gaelic games, a look at the dominant clubs around the country

13/09 Johnny Sexton likely to be named in another strong Ireland selection to face Tonga

Rugby World Cup: Robbie Henshaw set to return after missing opener through injury

11/09 Ireland v Tonga: Kick-off time, TV channel and team news for Rugby World Cup pool match

Andy Farrell’s Ireland team continue their campaign at Stade de la Beaujoire on Saturday night

11/09 Johnny Sexton keen to keep the foot down for Ireland’s next game with Tonga

Rugby World Cup: Outhalf was excellent in the 65 minutes he played in the opening win over Romania

10/09 Rugby World Cup TV View: Rout of Romania enough to fill Irish hearts with confidence

Every Rugby World Cup panel needs a wry Alun Wyn Jones to stop the home support losing the run of themselves

10/09 England dispel Rugby World Cup jitters as Ireland hail Sexton

England overcame a potentially dangerous Rugby World Cup opener against Argentina on Saturday thanks to the prolific boot of George Ford as Ireland welcomed back their dynamo Johnny Sexton.

09/09 Ireland head coach Andy Farrell delighted to have ‘record breaker’ Johnny Sexton back in harness

Rugby World Cup: Outhalf may also see some game time in tougher Tonga game next Saturday

09/09 Ireland make World Cup statement with Romania thrashing as Sexton sets new mark | Sport

Irish captain Johnny Sexton scored 24 points to make a spectacular injury return as he became Ireland's record World Cup points scorer in a sparkling 82-8 victory over Romania on Saturday.

09/09 Ireland 82 Romania 8: How the Irish players rated in their Rugby World Cup opener

Johnny Sexton earns a 7/10 after scoring two tries in Ireland's Rugby World Cup opener against Romania in Bordeaux

09/09 Rugby World Cup live - Ireland vs Romania

Updates from Ireland’s first game of the tournament as Johnny Sexton returns to lead the side in Bordeaux

09/09 A nation holds its breath again as rugby heroes vie to rule the world

Allez les gars en vert. All sporting eyes are on France this weekend. The Rugby World Cup 2023 kicked off in spectacular fashion with a blockbuster opening game between hosts France and the iconic team in the sport, New Zealand.

08/09 Preview: Ireland expects ahead of Sexton's last dance

Neil Treacy previews Ireland's opening game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup against Romania in Bordeaux.

08/09 Andy Farrell opts for experienced line-up as Ireland get down to business

Joe McCarthy bucks the trend as Andy Farrell selects formidable starting Ireland XV for World Cup opener against Romania

08/09 Rugby World Cup: This time Ireland have nothing to whine about in Bordeaux

Unlike in 2007, Ireland players have not been plonked in the middle of an industrial estate, so the tones have been just right during their preparation for Saturday’s opening match against Romania

08/09 No injury concerns for Johnny Sexton, as he returns to lead Ireland into his final tournament

Groin injuries are tricky business at the best of times, but for a goal-kicker, they generally have to be managed even more carefully.

08/09 Editorial: Irish rugby heroes take the world stage with highest hopes

From this evening, Irish sports fans, irrespective of their particular sporting passion, will be united in roaring on the Ireland rugby squad as the World Cup kicks off in France.

07/09 Ireland v Romania: Johnny Sexton captains strong side for Rugby World Cup opener

Keith Earls starts on the wing as Rob Herring starts as hooker

07/09 Sexton starts as Ireland name strong team for Romania

Johnny Sexton has been named to start in Ireland's Rugby World Cup meeting with Romania on Saturday, with head coach Andy Farrell picking close to a full-strength side for the Pool B opener in Bordeaux.

06/09 Gerry Thornley: Ireland likely to name strong selection for Rugby World Cup opener against Romania

The need to give Johnny Sexton and Rónan Kelleher game time forces Andy Farrell’s hand for Bordeaux game

05/09 Ireland v Romania: Kick-off time, TV channel and team news ahead of first Rugby World Cup match

Andy Farrell’s Ireland team begin their campaign at Stade de Bordeaux on Saturday afternoon

05/09 Rugby World Cup: Johnny Sexton faces one last challenge – and it is the most exciting yet of his remarkable career

Ireland’s celebrated outhalf has resolved to tick the one relatively empty box among his achievements by breaking Ireland through that quarter-final ceiling

04/09 Johnny Sexton: Past form counts for nothing – we know we must step up

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has warned his side not to rely on past success as they begin their World Cup campaign against Romania in Bordeaux on Saturday afternoon.

02/09 Top 20 best rugby players list features no England players, two All Blacks and three Springboks

British newspaper the Telegraph have unveiled their best rugby players in the world, with Ireland and France dominating the list.

02/09 Ireland welcomed by 12,000 locals in Tours but forced to change plans due to fungus on pitch

Johnny Sexton speaks of an ‘incredible’ reception as squad interacts with fans

02/09 Andy Farrell: Ireland must stay calm and roll with the punches to succeed in World Cup

Head coach hopeful his open-minded approach pays off as 18 Irish players to make their World Cup debuts

30/08 Rugby World Cup 2023 Fantasy: The most expensive players per position

Find out who are the most expensive players in each position in the newly launched Rugby World Cup 2023 Fantasy.

27/08 Wallabies’ massive World Cup concern

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones conceded it’s “a concern” to be taking Carter Gordon into the World Cup as his first choice No.10 after a horror show 41-17 loss to France in the final match before the tournament that continued a winless start to his tenure.

27/08 Sexton regrets 'mistake' which led to summer suspension

Johnny Sexton admits he instantly regretted the heated exchange with referee Jaco Peyper which caused him to miss three Rugby World Cup warm-up matches through suspension.

18/08 Sexton ploughs more than €550,000 into pension as rugby retirement nears

Ireland rugby captain set to hang up his boots after upcoming Rugby World Cup

11/08 Gerry Thornley: Photograph of Sexton and Keane captures optimism of Ireland’s World Cup hopes

This year, more than ever, the spread of support throughout Ireland for Andy Farrell’s side appears bigger than it has ever been

08/08 Injury concern for Jack Conan as he stays in Dublin to rehab foot injury ahead of World Cup

Craig Casey and Jimmy O’Brien overcome injury issues to join squad for camp in Algarve

08/08 Ireland captain Johnny Sexton enjoys a dip in the ocean as he prepares for behind-closed-doors clash with Portugal

Johnny Sexton was pictured having a good time with fellow teammates in Portugal ahead of his anticipated behind-closed-doors return.

08/08 Ireland captain Johnny Sexton prepares for ‘behind-closed-doors’ clash with Portugal

Johnny Sexton was pictured having a good time with fellow teammates in Portugal ahead of his anticipated "behind closed doors” return.

08/08 Owen Doyle: Johnny Sexton has only himself to blame and was handed a light-touch sentence

If the Ireland captain received just a three match ban, what level of misconduct would earn a stiffer sentence?

07/08 The FAI must know coaches run out of road if they don’t harness player power

Tipping point: Katie McCabe was out of line at the Women’s World Cup and Vera Pauw reacted poorly. The dressingroom verdict will help determine what the FAI does next

07/08 Johnny Sexton in line for training session run against Portugal as Ireland head for the heat

Andy Farrell explains Ireland’s warm-up programme and the process of honing squad to 33 players

01/08 ‘I’d say it’s a worry for Johnny’ – Paul O’Connell admits Sexton concern about missing World Cup warm-ups

Paul O’Connell says Johnny Sexton will be worried about missing all of Ireland’s World Cup warm-up games as a result of his suspension.

01/08 ‘I’d say it’s a worry for Johnny’ – Paul O’Connell admits Johnny Sexton concern about missing World Cup warm-ups

Paul O’Connell says Johnny Sexton will be worried about missing all of Ireland’s World Cup warm-up games as a result of his suspension.

21/07 Robbie Henshaw has no concerns of Johnny Sexton being undercooked for World Cup campaign

Ireland captain will miss the three warm-up games due to suspension

17/07 ‘The sport is a joke’ – Social media reacts to Johnny Sexton’s suspension

Check out how social media reacted to Ireland captain Johnny Sexton's three-match suspension that rules him out of their World Cup warm-up games.

17/07 Slap on the wrist! Ireland captain Sexton free to play in Rugby World Cup despite ban | Sport

Johnny Sexton will be free to captain Ireland in the Rugby World Cup after receiving a three-game ban for misconduct announced by European rugby chiefs on Sunday.

16/07 Johnny Sexton given three match ban ruling him out of Ireland’s World Cup warm up games

Ireland captain to miss games against Italy, England and Samoa but to return for World Cup opener

16/07 Ireland captain Sexton slapped with three-match ban

Johnny Sexton has been given a three-match ban which rules him out of Ireland's Rugby World Cup warm-up matches, but he is free to play in their tournament opener against Romania on 9 September.

16/07 Johnny Sexton receives three match ban ruling him out of Ireland’s World Cup warm up games

Ireland captain to miss games against Italy, England and Samoa but to return for World Cup opener

16/07 Johnny Sexton cleared to play in World Cup as EPCR ban covers Ireland’s warm-up games

Johnny Sexton will miss all of Ireland's three Rugby World Cup warm-ups after being found guilty of misconduct by an EPCR disciplinary panel, but his three-week suspension clears him to lead Ireland at the tournament in France this autumn.

14/07 Ireland captain Sexton's misconduct decision due 'in coming days' | Sport

The decision from Ireland captain Johnny Sexton's disciplinary hearing with European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) held on Thursday is expected "in the coming days", AFP was told by the tournament organisers.

13/07 Johnny Sexton may have to wait until next week to learn outcome of disciplinary hearing

Decision of the disciplinary tribunal will be communicated to Sexton and Leinster first

12/07 Johnny Sexton faces disciplinary hearing on Thursday into Champions Cup final incident

Ireland captain went on to the pitch after Leinster defeat to La Rochelle and had heated exchange with match officials

29/06 Johnny Sexton faces EPCR hearing over behaviour towards officials at Champions Cup final

Any potential ban could hamper the Irish outhalf’s World Cup preparations

29/06 Leinster's Sexton to face panel over 'misconduct complaints' at Champions Cup final | Sport

Leinster fly-half Johnny Sexton is to appear before an independent disciplinary panel on July 13 over "misconduct complaints" arising from last month's Champions Cup final, organisers EPCR said Thursday.

29/06 Sexton to face disciplinary board over final conduct

The EPCR have confirmed that Ireland captain Johnny Sexton will appear before a disciplinary committee next month, in relation to his conduct after the Champions Cup final at the Aviva Stadium in May.

14/06 Rassie Erasmus sidesteps Johnny Sexton referee drama: 'I'd rather keep quiet' | Sport

SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus chose to stay clear of Johnny Sexton's impending disciplinary process that stemmed from last month's Heineken Champions Cup final.

13/06 24-week ban for Johnny Sexton after foul-mouthed rant at SA ref Peyper? | Sport

Leinster and Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton could face a lengthy ban over comments he made towards South African referee Jaco Peyper and his assistants after last month's Champions Cup final.

12/06 Johnny Sexton in trouble for abusing referee Jaco Peyper after Champions Cup final

Johnny Sexton's preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup could be hampered after he received a misconduct letter from European Professional Club Rugby.

12/06 Johnny Sexton’s World Cup preparation could be impacted as he faces misconduct letter

Irish outhalf disciplined for dissent to officials during Leinster’s game with La Rochelle

12/06 Johnny Sexton hit with misconduct letter after F-bomb tirade at SA ref Peyper - report | Sport

Johnny Sexton is reportedly in hot water after admonishing South African referee Jaco Peyper and his assistants after last month's Champions Cup final.

12/06 Johnny Sexton’s World Cup plans in jeopardy as Euro chiefs investigate referee row

Johnny Sexton’s World Cup preparations could be thrown into chaos as he sweats on disciplinary charges arising from the controversial conclusion to Leinster’s Champions Cup loss to La Rochelle last month.

29/05 Johnny Sexton launched F-bomb tirade at SA ref Jaco Peyper after Champions Cup final - report | Sport

Leinster club captain Johnny Sexton reportedly swore at South African referee Jaco Peyper and his match officials after the Irish giants were beaten by La Rochelle in the Champions Cup final.

23/05 Gerry Thornley: Nienaber bringing a new voice to Leinster may now prove perfectly timed

Only the finest of margins denied Leinster the Champions Cup on Saturday, yet they do still need to take a good look at themselves

19/03 Grand Slam a fitting Six Nations finale for Ireland's 'greatest' Sexton, says Farrell | Sport

Head coach Andy Farrell said it was "unbelievably fitting" that "the greatest player to play for Ireland", Johnny Sexton, ended his Six Nations career by captaining the Irish to the Grand Slam.

15/03 Irish icon Sexton plays down Six Nations final bow | Sport

Johnny Sexton says even though Saturday's Six Nations match at home to England will be his last in the tournament and could end in fairytale fashion with the Grand Slam, it does not feel as momentous as winning his 100th cap.

25/01 Six Nations: The last hurrah for these 12 legends of the Championship?

Twelve players who could be feature in the Six Nations for the last time in 2023.