Keyword "leinster-rugby" - List of latest news (1 204 results)

07:30 Leinster excel when it comes to refining link between attack and defence

Tyler Bleyendaal: ‘If I have something specific that I need done for a certain reason, I really push that’

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

22/04 Leinster to wait until later in week to decide on Ryan Baird and RG Snyman availability for Scarlets

Prop Paddy McCarthy and flanker Will Connors have recovered from injury

22/04 Diarmuid Mangan making rapid strides towards the top

Former Ireland U20 star now emulating pal Sam Prendergast and impressing with Leinster

22/04 Gerry Thornley: Leinster’s success masking alarming fault lines which have emerged in Irish rugby

This season, as things stand, Munster, Ulster and Connacht have all lost more matches than they have won

21/04 Ryan Baird likely to return for Leinster-Northampton Champions Cup duel

Calf injury puts James Ryan’s availability in doubt

21/04 Ulster’s Richie Murphy questions legality of Leinster’s breakdown and scrum after defeat

Northern province facing battle to finish in the top eight after losing at the Aviva Stadium

21/04 Letters to the Editor, April 21st : On coercive control by neglect, a tourist tax, and two-tier rugby

There is little to no accountability for non-custodial parents who repeatedly fail to honour their obligations

19/04 Dan Sheehan’s hat-trick caps Leinster’s bonus-point victory over Ulster

Leinster show off their strength in depth and tighten their grip at the top of the URC table

19/04 ‘It’s not soccer money’ - Jamie Heaslip reflects on entering the business world after rugby

The idea that diversity practices in business oppose meritocracy is 'simply not true', the Dean said, suggesting the college should 'double down' on the drive for social diversity.

18/04 Gerry Thornley: The biggest benefit of Jordie Barrett’s signing for Leinster may be yet to come

Leinster’s move for Reiko Ioane was no doubt influenced by the experience of his fellow All Black

18/04 URC teams: Leinster make a dozen changes for visit of Ulster

Only three players retained from the starting team which beat Glasgow in Champions Cup

17/04 How Jacques Nienaber made Leinster’s defence thrive on the knife edge

South African helped Leinster do something no team had ever done in the Champions Cup - and then they did it again

17/04 ‘Ulster will be a huge test’: Leinster’s Tommy O’Brien on Saturday’s URC match and his international hopes

The centre’s performances since returning to Leinster colours in February have been top notch

16/04 Rieko Ioane’s move to Leinster sure to anger supporters of other provinces

Kiwi will not represent a like-for-like replacement of Jordie Barrett and is in curious position of being a pantomime villain for Leinster fans

16/04 Leinster bring in All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane for next season

Ioane will take up sabbatical in his contract to spend six months with Leinster from December

15/04 ‘It’s a daunting test’ - Ulster head coach Richie Murphy prepares for tough Leinster clash

Forward Cormac Izuchukwu set for return to action for Aviva Stadium encounter

15/04 Joe McCarthy firmly focused on ‘chasing down success’ with Leinster

Secondrow one of five players facing fitness test before Saturday’s URC clash with Ulster

15/04 Gerry Thornley: Structural flaws and English clubs’ apathy doing Champions Cup no favours

Rushing the quarter-finals again made no sense whatsoever while botched TV deals a sign of chickens coming home to roost

14/04 Munster say goodbye to the Champions Cup after defeat to Bordeaux Bègles

Munster interim head coach Ian Costello disappointed but says strides have been made in the last three weeks

12/04 Leinster to play Northampton in semi-final after the English side thrash Castres

Repeat of last season’s semi-final against Leinster ahead in May

12/04 Jordie Barrett: ‘The 52 points is nice, but the zero is extra pleasing’

Man of the match relishes another shutout as Leinster march on to Champions Cup semi-finals

11/04 Jordie Barrett masterclass leads ruthless Leinster to another big shutout win

Glasgow Warriors ship eight tries as Leo Cullen’s march on to Champions Cup semi-finals

11/04 How they rated: Leinster keep another clean sheet but one player stands above the rest

15 – Hugo Keenan 8

11/04 Leinster v Glasgow, Champions Cup quarter-final: Leo Cullen’s men look to take next step towards elusive fifth star

Leinster have Scottish visitors this week as their Champions Cup tour around Dublin’s finest stadiums continues.

11/04 As it happened – Leinster v Glasgow, Champions Cup quarter-final: Leo Cullen’s men steamroll Warriors

Leinster have Scottish visitors this week as their Champions Cup tour around Dublin’s finest stadiums continues.

11/04 Leinster v Glasgow, Champions Cup quarter-final: Leo Cullen’s men off to flyer at the Aviva Stadium

Leinster have Scottish visitors this week as their Champions Cup tour around Dublin’s finest stadiums continues.

11/04 Leinster v Glasgow, Champions Cup quarter-final: Leo Cullen’s men steamrolling Warriors at the Aviva Stadium

Leinster have Scottish visitors this week as their Champions Cup tour around Dublin’s finest stadiums continues.

11/04 Leinster vs Glasgow live updates: Leo Cullen’s side aims for Champions Cup semi-final spot

Updates from the Aviva Stadium as the URC champions looks to cause an upset

11/04 Leinster change things up as Leo Cullen rewards form for Glasgow Warriors clash

Scottish side will not be cowed by the challenge despite injuries and a suspension

10/04 Leo Cullen rings changes for Leinster ahead of clash with Glasgow

Tommy O’Brien to start as Leinster make six changes for Champions Cup quarter-final on Friday

10/04 Jordie Barrett: ‘I’m just hoping whatever opportunity I get, I’ll take it with two hands’

The multi-talented All Black is ready to get even more into the swing of things at Leinster as the season enters its critical stage

10/04 Ciarán Murphy: Ticket sales shooting up across the board as fans chase that communal feeling

More than 55,000 watched Leinster dismantle Harlequins, while attendance for Munster hurling championship could top 300,000

09/04 RG Snyman: Leinster lock happy to stay another year with the province

Springbok has been one of Leinster’s star performers after arriving from Munster this season

09/04 Gordon D’Arcy: Player commitment the cornerstone of European competition despite clunky format

‘It is a privilege to play professional sport; you never know how long it will last and I think it is time players reminded themselves of that fact’

08/04 Leinster have sold almost 20,000 tickets for Glasgow clash so far

More than 55,000 people attended the previous round against Harlequins at Croke Park

08/04 English clubs’ European debacle illustrates growing French and Irish strength

Four Premiership clubs conceded 215 points on a calamitous weekend with French clubs poised to improve further

08/04 Ruthless Leinster show a darker side to their personality

Glasgow Warriors on Friday night in the Champions Cup quarter-finals will be a different challenge to Harlequins

08/04 Munster and their Red Army set to light up Champions Cup quarter-finals after saving round of 16

The province will bring plenty of colour as well as variety, and even a little madness to the last eight

07/04 Leo Cullen highlights Glasgow’s away form in big games ahead of Friday night quarter-final

Harlequins coach Danny Wilson heaps praise on Leinster after he admits his side ‘were completely blown away’

07/04 TV View: Liberation day for football championship as new rules kick in

Munster fans will have Saturday’s date tattooed in their memories forever following defeat of La Rochelle

07/04 Rhapsody in blue as Leinster attack finally fires on all cylinders

Tyler Bleyendaal can take a lot of credit for the lovely shape and potency of Leinster’s attacking display

06/04 Munster roadshow moves on to quarter-final showdown with Bordeaux Bègles next Saturday

Leinster will host Glasgow Warriors at the Aviva Stadium next Friday night

05/04 Josh van der Flier credits opening defensive stand as vital to Leinster’s big win

Irish flanker capped a man of the match display with a try at Croke Park

05/04 Leinster run in 10 tries as Harlequins hollowed out at Croke Park

Leo Cullen’s side now face a quarter-final next Friday night at the Aviva Stadium

05/04 Champions Cup round of 16: Leinster take on Harlequins at Croke Park

Leo Cullen’s Leinster march to Croke Park once again as they take on Harlequins in the last 16 of the Champions Cup.

05/04 Leinster v Harlequins – Champions Cup round of 16: Early trio of tries sees Blues assume control at Croke Park

Leo Cullen’s Leinster march to Croke Park once again as they take on Harlequins in the last 16 of the Champions Cup.

05/04 Leinster v Harlequins live score updates: Champions Cup

Follow all the action from Croke Park in the last 16 of the European competition

05/04 Leinster’s ball-carrying edge should win the day over Harlequins

The visitor’s ambition likely to wither in the face of Leinster’s aggressive line speed

05/04 Joey Carbery enjoying the good life in France both on and off the pitch

Carbery making a 13th start at outhalf against Ulster in Sunday’s Champions Cup round of 16 tie

05/04 Andy Dunne: ‘I was given more opportunity at Harlequins than I ever was at Leinster’

The Dubliner is neutral on Saturday’s Champions Cup match but says he will be fascinated to watch what he describes as a ‘culture clash’

04/04 Leinster bolstered by returning Ireland internationals for Harlequins Croke Park showdown

Connacht make five changes ahead of Cardiff Challenge Cup game

04/04 Matt Williams: Watch out Lions, the Wallabies have got their act together

People who want to put rugby behind a TV paywall would do well to learn from Australia

04/04 More than one Gibson-Park busily chasing a sporting goal

Leinster star Jamison focusing on Harlequins showdown in Champions Cup while his wife Patti has resumed her judo career

02/04 Harlequins look to past feats as they aim to upset Leinster

‘We’ve had big wins as underdogs,’ says coach Danny Wilson

01/04 Sam Prendergast’s duel with Marcus Smith could define Lions hopes for both

When the two outhalves meet at Croke Park, the result could weigh heavily on Andy Farrell’s selection

01/04 Leinster flip a switch and move away from Six Nations dip

The international players are back as coach Leo Cullen has most of his players healthy for the visit of Harlequins

01/04 Gerry Thornley: Record crowd to see Connacht face Munster a sign of what a little outside-the-box thinking can do

It’s ridiculous how many teams still show contempt for the Champions Cup

31/03 Champions Cup Last 16: TV details, kick-off times, team news and more

Leinster, Ulster and Munster are in action at the weekend in the first knockout round

31/03 Owen Doyle: Connacht left it too late to fire on all cylinders

Bunker was missing in action at MacHale Park, as Connacht left it too late to fire on all cylinders

31/03 Rónan Kelleher in race against time for Leinster’s Champions Cup game against Harlequins

Croke Park to host Champions Cup Round of 16 clash on Saturday

30/03 Aoife Dalton praises Ireland’s ‘complete team performance’ in sinking Italy

Provinces assess the weekend’s toll as attention turns back to Europe

29/03 Steadfast Leinster defence grinds out win against the Sharks in Durban

Leo Cullen’s side return to winning ways with hard-fought victory

28/03 Sharks sense blood as they circle around Leinster set-piece issues from Bulls game

Leinster have new midfield partnership in Liam Turner and Charlie Tector, who replace Jordie Barrett and Hugh Cooney

28/03 Mack Hansen to start at fullback For Connacht against Munster at MacHale Park

Alan Spicer in line for Leinster debut when they take on the Sharks in South Africa

26/03 Gordon D’Arcy: It’s up to Irish players to reap the benefits of bringing in RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett

From Alex Wyllie to Bundee Aki, people born abroad have made huge contributions to rugby in Ireland

25/03 Sam Prendergast signs new deal with Leinster

Ireland and Leinster outhalf has nailed down starting number 10 jersey with province this season

25/03 Leo Cullen tight-lipped on Leinster changes ahead of Sharks clash

Key players’ availability remains uncertain as province prepare for tough challenge in Durban

24/03 Simon Easterby and John Fogarty set to be confirmed as British & Irish Lions coaches

Ulster snatch late win as Munster, Leinster and Connacht suffer defeats, with Pete Wilkins on sick leave

22/03 Leinster winning streak ended as 14-man Bulls take late victory

David Kriel penalty hands the Bulls one-point win in Pretoria

22/03 Leinster need to be bullish in embracing challenge on the high veldt

Playing at altitude against opponents bolstered by nine Springboks a challenge province must embrace

21/03 URC team news: Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman in Leinster side for tough Bulls test

Connacht and Ulster also name their sides for the return of league action

20/03 URC run-in: The state of play for the Irish provinces as Leinster lead table

Connacht and Ulster need strong final period to make the top eight playoffs

14/03 Former Leinster star Rocky Elsom handed two-year jail sentence in France

Australia international was not in court and his whereabouts remain unknown

01/03 Six-try Leinster claim bonus-point win over Cardiff

Leo Cullen hands Ivan Soroka and Oliver Coffey debuts at the Aviva Stadium

26/02 Garry Ringrose’s Six Nations season in the balance after red card against Wales

Outside centre may miss remaining games against France and Italy after being sidelined for head-on-head collision

21/02 Harry Byrne highlights benefits of loan deals from time with Bristol Bears

The outhalf has got consistent game time, something that would not have been available to him had he remained at Leinster

19/02 Ross Byrne will leave Leinster after agreeing three-year Gloucester deal

29-year-old will bring an end to a 10-year career at Leinster as he looks for more playing opportunities

17/02 Jordi Murphy: A career-threatening injury taught me to plan for the future

Former Ireland rugby player on changing spending habits and why plan B matters

14/02 Leinster hold off strong challenge from Ospreys for 11th win in a row in URC

Irish province move 15 points clear at the top of the table

14/02 Garry Ringrose looking forward to challenge of fighting for Irish centre spots

Performance Director David Humphreys says better days are ahead for 30-year-old

14/02 Unbeaten Leinster know they must prove themselves worthy against resurgent Ospreys

Main challenge for returning national squad players is ability to quickly switch between playbooks and calls

13/02 Leinster call upon Irish squad players for URC clash against Ospreys

Tommy O’Brien back for his first match since picking up an injury in December

13/02 Leinster flex their strength in depth as Leo Cullen names strong side for Ospreys clash

Leo Cullen has been able to call a number of players back from the Ireland camp as he named a strong side to take on Ospreys on Friday evening, with the Blues looking to continue their unbeaten run this season.

11/02 Cullen calls for patience as he oversees Prendergast’s rise to prominence

Leinster coach fully aware of the game’s vagaries and the rocky road ahead for all aspiring outhalfs

10/02 Leinster hoping to have Irish trio back in harness for URC clash with Ospreys

Leinster will hope to include Ireland squad members Joe McCarthy, utility backs Jamie Osborne, Jimmy O'Brien and prop Jack Boyle for Friday’s URC trip to face Ospreys in Swansea.

01/02 Bohemian FC: ‘If they are richer than us, we have to be smarter than them’

Roy Barrett, Daniel Lambert and Matt Devaney discuss future plans for the club, including the development of Dalymount Park

28/01 David Humphreys: ‘For me it’s making sure Leinster remain where they are’

Despite disillusionment creeping in among fans from other provinces, the IRFU want Leinster to keep setting standards in Europe

25/01 ‘He’s in the dressing room fine’ – Leo Cullen allays injury fears over Luke McGrath after Leinster win

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has allayed fears over Luke McGrath after the scrum-half was stretchered off in a neck brace just before half-time in his side’s 36-12 bonus point win over the Stormers at the Aviva Stadium.

25/01 Two-try Dan Sheehan makes big impact on return as Leinster send Stormers packing

James Lowe also comes through his first match back in another bonus-point victory

25/01 Leinster blow Stormers away as Dan Sheehan scores two tries during comeback

For Leinster, the objective here was two-fold: One, maintain their unbeaten season by racking up their 14th consecutive win, and two, ensure that Dan Sheehan and James Lowe came through it unscathed.

25/01 RG Snyman forging new relationships at Leinster as he prepares to face friends and enemies

Dan Sheehan will start his first match for six months when Leinster take on the Stormers on Saturday

25/01 Leo Cullen calls on vast Leinster experience to weather incoming Stormers

As if to underline their strength in depth at a time when squads are stretched ahead of the Six Nations, even without 21 of their Ireland players, Leinster are able to name eight internationals, and another soon-to-be, in their team to face the Stormers at the Aviva Stadium this evening (KO 5pm).

25/01 Paul O’Connell rejects any idea Ireland have Leinster bias in team selection

It may be faintly ridiculous to ask former Munster captain Paul O’Connell if the team he is now involved in is inherently biased towards Leinster players, but that’s where we are in the world.

24/01 Dan Sheehan and James Lowe return from injury for Leinster’s URC clash against the Stormers

Sheehan to captain Leo Cullen’s side in first game since ACL injury

24/01 Six Nations boost for Ireland as Dan Sheehan and James Lowe return to Leinster team for Stormers clash

Leinster – and Ireland – have received a significant boost with the confirmed returns of Dan Sheehan and James Lowe to the side that faces the Stormers after the storm in the Aviva tomorrow.

24/01 X has become a dangerous place for sports people to inhabit

For each post about Leinster winning a match there is a tsunami of Monday morning quarterbacks bubbling with anger and bloated with certainties

23/01 Leinster star’s future a Racing uncertainty as rumours swirl around French return

Rabah Slimani’s re-emergence in a French squad has alerted Top 14 suitors that the Leinster player’s career there may still have some gas in the tank.

23/01 Luke McGrath focused on the task as Leinster brace for Stormers test

Experienced scrumhalf will help guide younger team-mates in the absence of squad members busily preparing for Six Nations duty with Ireland

23/01 Luke McGrath enjoying his mentor role in the Leinster squad

?Luke McGrath has been part of the Leinster furniture for so long that it’s almost difficult to imagine the squad without him.

22/01 Young fan taken to hospital after being struck by object during Leinster’s game against Bath

It is unknown if object accidentally fell from the stand above or was thrown into the crowd from another section

22/01 Leinster to take on Harlequins at Croke Park in Champions Cup round of 16

Munster’s trip to La Rochelle will also take place on Saturday, April 5th

22/01 Croke Park to host Leinster's Champions Cup last 16 clash with Harlequins

Croke Park has been confirmed as the venue for Leinster's Champions Cup round of 16 clash against Harlequins on Saturday, April 5.

22/01 Ireland’s focus solely on England as Leinster learn to embrace the chaos

National Leagues spring into view as new rule changes in football come under spotlight again

22/01 Gordon D’Arcy: Leinster’s willingness to embrace the chaos is beautiful to see

Munster should be fired up by the frustration of losing a match they should have won against Northampton

21/01 Dan Sheehan and James Lowe hope to brew up a storm for Leinster before heading for Portugal

Irish squad members Jack Boyle and Ciarán Frawley could also be available to Leo Cullen for URC game against Stormers

21/01 Gerry Thornley: Ulster ponder dubious reward while only one prize will satisfy spoiled Leinster fans

Ulster and Munster face daunting assignments as they bid to progress in European competition

20/01 Owen Doyle: Nika Amashukeli showed again why he is the best referee in the world

Leinster were fortunate against Bath with the sequence of events leading up to Obano red card

20/01 Dan Sheehan and James Lowe set to make Leinster comebacks before Six Nations

Sheehan has made remarkable recovery from ACL injury he sustained while playing against Springboks

20/01 Leinster switch off comments on social media posts due to ‘personal attacks on players and coaches’

Leinster Rugby have revealed that they have been forced to switch off the commenting option on certain social media posts for the first time in ten years, due to “personal attacks on players and coaches in the lead up to and on match days.”

20/01 Leinster left with plenty to ponder following entertaining rollercoaster

It took the likes of RG Snyman and Doris to lead from the front for Leo Cullen’s men after Bath had initially caused the home side lots of problems

20/01 Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle to host Munster in intriguing last 16 clash

Top two seeding earns Leinster a home clash with Harlequins and the prospect of potential home ties all the way through to the final again

19/01 Champions Cup last 16: Leinster to play Harlequins, Munster against La Rochelle

Ulster will play Bordeaux Bègles in last 16 after squeezing through difficult Pool 1

19/01 Munster set for Ronan O’Gara reunion as they’ll face La Rochelle away in the Champions Cup round of 16

Ronan O’Gara will welcome Munster to La Rochelle in the Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 in April.

19/01 Munster set for Ronan O’Gara reunion as Leinster to host Harlequins at Croke Park in Champions Cup round of 16

Ronan O’Gara will welcome Munster to La Rochelle in the Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 in April.

19/01 Champions Cup last 16: Who will Leinster, Munster and Ulster get?

Bordeaux Bègles thrashed Sharks to top the seeding and will play Ulster in last 16

19/01 Johann van Graan: ‘Leinster have the best pipeline in world rugby’

Bath coach speaks highly of Leinster forward RG Snyman after defeat

18/01 Leo Cullen praises solution-focused Leinster for fighting back after blistering Bath start

Leinster came from 21-19 down at half-time to beat Bath 47-21 at the Aviva

18/01 Leinster line up Croke Park for Champions Cup round of 16 clash as Leo Cullen hails qualification from ‘tough’ pool

Leinster are set to play their Champions Cup round of 16 clash at Croke Park after Leo Cullen's side overcame Bath in their final pool game this evening.

18/01 Leinster ratings: Boys in Blue hit top form to sink Bath

Here’s how the Leinster players rated in their seven-try 47-21 over Bath at the Aviva Stadium.

18/01 Leinster demolish 14-man Bath to go undefeated in Champions Cup pool stages

Leo Cullen’s side take 47-21 win at the Aviva Stadium

18/01 Leinster await Champions Cup knockout fate as quality shines through in win over Bath

Leinster have put themselves within touching distance of guaranteeing home advantage throughout the Champions Cup knockout stages.

18/01 Champions Cup live updates: Leinster welcome Bath in final pool fixture

Leo Cullen’s side are aiming for an unbeaten run in Pool 2

18/01 Champions Cup permutations – What Munster and Leinster need in the final round

The penultimate round of the Champions Cup group games is in the books and it’s time to look ahead to the final round, which kick off today.

18/01 Leinster hoping to take the plunge in attack against Bath with a restyled backline

Province unbeaten this season yet fans awaiting slick interchanging play once considered the hallmark of side’s offensive DNA

18/01 Leinster v Bath preview: Leo Cullen opts for powerful backline in a bid to shut down threat of Finn Russell

Leo Cullen has come a long way since facing Bath in a competitive game for the first time as Leinster head coach.

17/01 Gerry Thornley: Is a slimmed down Champions Cup the answer to the competition’s woes?

A revamped 18-team tournament has been proposed by France’s LNR

17/01 Hugo Keenan returns to Leinster side as Garry Ringrose moves to the wing for Bath clash

Hugo Keenan returns to the Leinster starting line-up for his first start since October, as Leo Cullen makes five changes to his side for the final Champions Cup group game against Bath.

17/01 Champions Cup team news: O’Mahony returns for Munster; Ringrose named on Leinster wing

Diarmuid Kilgallen makes his Munster competitive debut on the left wing; Leinster makes five changes for Bath clash

17/01 Matt Williams: Begrudgers in Ireland must never be permitted to pull Leinster down

Without the province’s exceptional production line and the qualifying of overseas-born players, Irish rugby would be in a much weaker state

17/01 Jordie Barrett heaps high praise on young Leinster duo: ‘Leinster and Ireland are in great hands for a number of years’

Ireland have got a couple of gems on their hands in Sam Prendergast and Jamie Osborne, according to Jordie Barrett.

17/01 Leinster to put Dan Sheehan comeback on hold as Aviva nears full house for Bath clash

Leinster look set to keep Dan Sheehan on ice for another week as they hone in on securing a top-two seeding and home advantage for the knockouts of the Champions Cup by beating Bath.

16/01 ‘I have a bit of intel there’ - Bath’s Ross Molony says he doesn’t know Leinster lineout calls

Set-piece expert is a tag the former Leinster lock embraces as he looks forward to meeting with former team-mates

16/01 ‘I fondly recall those days’ – Friends reunited as Johann van Graan gets ready to cross swords with Jacques Nienaber

Johann van Graan will drink to a career-long friendship with Leinster counterpart Jacques Nienaber on Saturday night - but only after he tries to sink the Irish side’s blitz defence in their Champions Cup clash with Bath at the Aviva Stadium.

16/01 ‘It's exciting to go from two huge games in the Champions Cup and into an international against England at home’

Quickly switching from club to international mode is part of being a top-level professional rugby player, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy aspect of the job.

15/01 Leinster tighthead Rabah Slimani recalled to France squad for Six Nations

Leinster tighthead Rabah Slimani has earned a shock recall to France’s Six Nations squad.

15/01 Jacques Nienaber wary of the threat Bath can pose for Leinster

‘Premiership leaders versus URC leaders. It’s going to be a proper Test match-intensity game’ says Leinster’s senior coach

15/01 Gordon D’Arcy: Leinster will need to hone their attacking game to finally secure elusive big prize

Though Leo Cullen’s men eked out a dogfight win over great rivals La Rochelle, overall they struggled to build a consistent attacking shape

15/01 Letters: Popularity of Dublin’s Cherry Tomato Bridge can pave way for more attractions

The viral fame of the Cherry Tomato Bridge (‘The Cherry Tomato Bridge is better than Phoenix Park’ – Dublin’s new attraction is drawing in the crowds’ Irish Independent, January 14) is proof that Ireland has an unparalleled ability to turn the mundane into the magical.

14/01 Champions Cup permutations – What do the Irish provinces need in the final round?

The penultimate round of the Champions Cup group games is in the books and it’s time to look ahead to the final round.

14/01 Boost for Ireland and Leinster as Dan Sheehan and James Lowe step up recovery from injuries

Dan Sheehan and James Lowe have handed Leinster and Ireland a major boost, as both key internationals have stepped up their recoveries from respective injuries.

14/01 Leinster’s James Lowe and Dan Sheehan to step up injury recovery ahead of Bath game

Boost ahead of Six Nations as both players near return, with Sheehan out since July with a knee injury

14/01 Champions Cup pool deciders: All you need to know

16 of the 24 teams will qualify but there’s plenty more at stake as teams look to guarantee home advantage

14/01 Nienaber’s redesigned Leinster defence key to victory over La Rochelle, says James Ryan

Province’s defence held firm against French side that snatched victory with a last-minute try in the 2022 Champions Cup final

14/01 Ronan O’Gara says Leinster’s Sam Prendergast has ‘a huge future’

O’Gara says La Rochelle’s performance against Leinster had been their best of the season so far

14/01 Ireland’s historic Six Nations title bid bolstered by return of key players

Those named in Ireland squad on Wednesday will be able to focus on next weekend’s important Champions Cup clashes

14/01 James Ryan says Blue steel is vital when Leo Cullen’s Leinster need to win ‘ugly’

You can see by the way James Ryan is playing that he’s bought completely into the new Leinster way.

12/01 Gerry Thornley: An ugly but important win for Leinster on otherwise beautiful day in La Rochelle

No doubt Leinster’s players are relishing heightened defensive work ethic under influence of Jacques Nienaber

12/01 Champions Cup – What do the Irish provinces need in the final round?

The penultimate round of the Champions Cup group games is in the books and it’s time to look ahead to the final round.

12/01 ‘We’ll see in May’ - Ronan O’Gara strikes defiant note after Leinster’s successful La Rochelle raid

‘I hope we get another crack later in the season because our boys can do better and will do better’

12/01 'I hope we get another crack off them' - Disappointed Ronan O'Gara looking for rematch with Leinster in knockouts

Ronan O’Gara says La Rochelle would relish another crack at Leinster after coming up just short at the Stade Marcel Deflandre.

12/01 Leinster player ratings: Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier exceptional in epic stand

15 – Jordie Barrett

12/01 Leinster player ratings: Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier outstanding in epic stand

15 – Jordie Barrett

12/01 Leinster’s defence comes up trumps as they see off La Rochelle in another thriller

Skipper Caelan Doris makes 28 tackles and Josh van der Flier 21 as Leinster secure win over Ronan O’Gara’s side

12/01 Defiant Leinster rely on stunning defence to hold out against La Rochelle onslaught

It ended with Leinster in their happy place, deep in their own territory with the ball in someone else’s hands.

12/01 La Rochelle v Leinster: Ronan O’Gara’s side reignite Champions Cup rivalry with Leo Cullen’s Blues

Leinster are in La Rochelle for a repeat of the 2022 and 2023 Champions Cup finals.

12/01 La Rochelle v Leinster: Leo Cullen’s Blues hit back with first try after rocky start

Leinster are in La Rochelle for a repeat of the 2022 and 2023 Champions Cup finals.

12/01 La Rochelle v Leinster live updates: Champions Cup

Follow all the action as two tournament contenders and rivals battle it out again at Stade Marcel Deflandre

11/01 Jordie Barrett starts as Leinster forced into reshuffle by Tommy O'Brien injury for La Rochelle clash

Leinster have been forced to reshuffle their backline after Tommy O'Brien pulled up in training on Friday.

11/01 What Ronan O’Gara has done at La Rochelle is exceptional. What comes next will be fascinating

It would be fascinating to see the Cork coach try to translate his French success to Test level

10/01 Leinster-La Rochelle: New arrivals add spice to a rivalry like no other

It’s doubtful Leinster have ever picked a bench as strong as the one selected for Saturday’s big Champions Cup showdown

10/01 Gerry Thornley: The IRFU’s desire to ‘respect our game’ seems somewhat selective

Funny how unlike Connacht and Mack Hansen, no such fine was imposed on Leinster after Sexton’s three-week ban

10/01 Champions Cup team news: Furlong back for Leinster, Crowley starts for Munster

Furlong will win his 150th Leinster cap against La Rochelle

10/01 Tadhg Furlong returns from injury as Leinster keep Andrew Porter and Jordie Barrett in reserve for La Rochelle trip

Tadhg Furlong has recovered from his hamstring injury and will make his first appearance since October for Leinster against La Rochelle on Sunday.

10/01 Eager Joe McCarthy is hungry again and looking for bigger fish to fry

Joe McCarthy knows the smell of victory against La Rochelle. And the taste of it too.

09/01 Garry Ringrose confident Leinster can balance the yin and yang of attack and defence

Sunday’s match against La Rochelle offers another benchmarking opportunity to see how Leinster’s evolution in style is progressing

09/01 Leinster’s kryptonite Will Skelton eager to stand tall against old rivals again

La Rochelle lock has proved Leinster’s nemesis during his outstanding career but is struggling with an ankle injury in advance of this week’s showdown between the sides

09/01 Garry Ringrose looking for elusive balance between attack and defence for Leinster

Perhaps no player embodies Leinster’s journey from fluid attacking force to gnarled defensive machine like Garry Ringrose.

08/01 Ronan O’Gara and La Rochelle suffer hooker blow as Wallaby Tolu Latu banned for three weeks

Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle will be without another key player for Sunday's Champions Cup rematch with Leinster after it emerged hooker Tolu Latu has been banned for three weeks a disciplinary hearing today.

08/01 Ronan O’Gara and La Rochelle braced for hooker blow as Wallaby Tolu Latu set for ban

Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle could be without another key player for Sunday's Champions Cup rematch with Leinster after it emerged hooker Tolu Latu will face a disciplinary hearing today.

08/01 Leinster’s attack looking to make swift progress under Tyler Bleyendaal’s guidance

Leinster’s defence and physicality have commandeered more headlines of late, but as attack coach, Bleyendaal points to the communality of the effort to fine tune the team’s patterns

08/01 Gordon D’Arcy: Sam Prendergast’s next task is to make Leinster less predictable

Munster can only succeed against Saracens and Northampton if Jack Crowley regains his best form

08/01 Mike Prendergast still in dark over chances of landing Munster’s top job

Mike Prendergast remains in the dark about his prospects of becoming Munster’s new head coach, as the province and the IRFU continue the search for Graham Rowntree’s successor, over two months on from the English man’s shock mid-season departure.

07/01 Champions Cup Round Three: TV details, kick-off time, team news and more

Leinster, Ulster and Munster are in action at the weekend in the next round of the pool stage

07/01 ‘We’re not putting pressure on him’ – Leinster to manage Tadhg Furlong’s return with Six Nations in view

Leinster say they will not rush Tadhg Furlong into his comeback as they tentatively prepare for the prop to make his return for this Sunday’s Champions Cup clash at La Rochelle.

07/01 Positive injury update for Leinster as Keenan, Frawley, Conan and Clarkson to return for La Rochelle clash

Hugo Keenan has not played since damaging a wrist in Ireland’s victory over Australia in the Autumn Nations series

06/01 Home advantage the name of the game as Champions Cup nears knock-out stages

An away side has only progressed from two knock-out fixtures over the last two seasons

06/01 Under pressure Ronan O’Gara admits La Rochelle are ‘suffering’ ahead of crunch Leinster clash

Ronan O’Gara has conceded his La Rochelle team is “suffering” and “in pain” as the struggling French side prepare to welcome familiar foes Leinster in the Champions Cup this weekend.

05/01 Under the guidance of Jacques Nienaber, are we seeing the Springbok-ification of Leinster?

Leinster’s focus on defence, set-pieces, and their kicking game has left them looking remarkably similar to South Africa

05/01 Five top Irish sporting prospects to watch in 2025

From an exceptional golfer to a generational Gaelic football talent and a pioneering cyclist, here are some young performers who could achieve big things this year

01/01 Gordon D’Arcy: Paying public deserved to see Jack Crowley-Sam Prendergast battle in Christmas interpros

Irish player management system was designed 20 years, when I was playing, and hasn’t evolved much since then

31/12 Bristol Bears sign Harry Byrne from Leinster on three-month loan deal

Outhalf heads to Pat Lam’s side who have been hit by a knee injury to former Connacht No 10 AJ MacGinty

30/12 Leinster out-half Harry Byrne set to join Bristol Bears on three-month loan deal

Harry Byrne is on the cusp of signing a three-month loan deal with Bristol Bears and could make his debut for the Premiership club against Saracens on Saturday.

29/12 ‘You want to get as high a seeding as possible’ – Leo Cullen targeting top spot as Leinster keep on winning

Such is the way the fixtures have fallen, Leinster will get to put their feet up and watch La Rochelle play another two Top 14 games before their Champions Cup pool-defining clash at Stade Marcel Deflandre on January 12.

27/12 ‘A pre-planned experiment we’ll call it’ – Leo Cullen reveals thinking behind early prop switch

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has revealed that the decision to bring Andrew Porter off the bench after just 22 minutes of the 28-7 bonus point win at Thomond Park was pre-planned.

27/12 Munster bring the fight but Leinster take the spoils at Thomond Park

Leinster continue winning streak with bonus-point win in Limerick

27/12 Leinster storm to bonus point victory as Blues outclass Munster in Thomond Park

As soon as the teams were named at noon on St Stephen’s Day, Munster supporters’ Christmas cheer was dampened by a sense of trepidation about what lay ahead the following night at a sold out Thomond Park.

27/12 Munster v Leinster, United Rugby Championship: As it happened

Munster take on Leinster in the United Rugby Championship in Thomond Park at 7.35pm.

27/12 Munster v Leinster, United Rugby Championship: Irish rivals face off in Thomond Park

Munster take on Leinster in the United Rugby Championship in Thomond Park at 7.35pm.

27/12 Live URC: Munster host Leinster at Thomond Park

Munster heavily depleted as Leinster travel without Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman

27/12 Big match preview: Jack Crowley and RG Snyman miss out but Leinster likely to lead way in interpro derby

Oh well, no gripping drama with a dynamic duo in Thomond Park then.

26/12 Munster face mammoth Leinster test with injury-hit squad

Leo Cullen was unhappy about several aspects of the Leinster team play against Connacht

26/12 Munster’s Jack Crowley to miss out on Sam Prendergast derby duel as Leinster’s RG Snyman avoids Limerick return

Tadhg Beirne returns to captain Munster for tomorrow’s festive Thomond Park clash (KO 7.35, Live TG4) with Leinster but his predecessor Peter O’Mahony will miss out.

26/12 Jamie Osborne returns to Leinster team to face Munster in URC clash

Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray fail fitness tests to make match for Munster

24/12 ‘When your spirit isn’t right, it manifests in your defence,’ says Munster's Denis Leamy ahead of Leinster derby

One of the key aspects of Munster’s mid-season reset in light of Graham Rowntree’s sudden departure centred around a detailed internal look at how they were training, which in turn led to certain tweaks within the game-plan.

24/12 ‘I feel like I have a lot more to give’ – Robbie Henshaw motivated by sense of ‘unfinished business’

Robbie Henshaw has revealed that ending his World Cup heartache was a prime motivation in recommitting to Irish rugby after confirming he had penned a new contract extension that will take him to the end of the 2027 tournament.

23/12 Munster’s Denis Leamy confident that some key players will be back to face Leinster

Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray and hooker Diarmuid Barron are set to be fit for Thomond Park

23/12 Your complete guide to all the festive sporting action including TV details

From rugby to darts, there is something for everyone over the Christmas period

23/12 Leinster’s Jamie Osborne back available for selection for Munster clash

Jordan Larmour and Tommy O’Brien also expected to be available through injury precautions against Connacht

23/12 Interpro team news: Jamie Osborne set for Leinster return in Friday’s derby clash with Munster

Jamie Osborne is in line for a return against Munster in Thomond Park this Friday after returning to training while they also hope Max Deegan, Jordan Larmour, Tommy O’Brien and Jack Conan will also be available as they seek to maintain their unbeaten URC record.

23/12 Leinster should try to extract the absolute maximum from Jordie Barrett in chase of fifth star

Irish province appear to have struck gold, for as well as being a quality player, he’s clearly a quality bloke

23/12 Robbie Henshaw agrees two-year extension with Leinster and Ireland

31-year-old centre pens deal that will keep him at Leinster until the end of the 2027/28 season at the earliest

23/12 Robbie Henshaw signs two-year contract extension with IRFU amid interest from top French clubs

Robbie Henshaw has completed the Christmas gift box set for Irish and Leinster rugby fans by confirming he has joined Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong in penning a new contract extension and rebuffing a big money switch to the Top 14.

22/12 No decision yet if Connacht’s Mack Hansen will be sanctioned for his criticism of referees

Irish winger claims Connacht are too often on wrong side of officials’ decisions in tight matches

21/12 ‘It’s really f***ing starting to get to us a team’ - Mack Hansen hits out at how Connacht are refereed

Ireland international claims Connacht are consistently on the wrong side of official’s decisions in matches

21/12 Leinster hold off Connacht revival to continue unbeaten start to the season

Leo Cullen’s side were 17-0 up but Connacht showed plenty of fight to make it a gripping contest in the end

21/12 Jordie Barrett oozes class as imperfect Leinster do enough right to make it 10 wins in a row

Turns out signing a leading All Black at the peak of his powers was a pretty good idea.

21/12 Leinster v Connacht: Blues forge into an early lead as Andrew Osborne and Charlie Tector shine

League leaders Leinster take on Connacht in a United Rugby Championship interpro at the Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Road.

21/12 Leinster v Connacht: RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett start for Blues in URC interpro

League leaders Leinster take on Connacht in a United Rugby Championship interpro at the Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Road.

21/12 Leinster v Connacht: Thrilling second half at the Aviva Stadium as Leinster cling on to win

League leaders Leinster take on Connacht in a United Rugby Championship interpro at the Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Road.

21/12 Leinster v Connacht: Thrilling second half at the Aviva Stadium as Connacht fight back

League leaders Leinster take on Connacht in a United Rugby Championship interpro at the Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Road.

21/12 Leinster cling on to beat Connacht in Aviva Stadium festive thriller - here’s how it happened

League leaders Leinster take on Connacht in a United Rugby Championship interpro at the Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Road.

21/12 Connacht arrive to Aviva with strong team and high hopes

Leinster make 13 changes in personnel from the team that beat French side Clermont Auvergne last weekend

21/12 Leinster look to strength in depth as Connacht recall their big guns for Aviva showdown

Christmas is here and for Irish rugby fans that means big interprovincial derbies.

20/12 Leinster make wholesale changes as Connacht welcome back Irish Internationals for Aviva clash

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has made 13 changes to the team that beat Clermont Auvergne last week, with Jack Conan set to captain the side.

20/12 ‘You have to make sure everything is firing’ – Tommy O’Brien ready to seize festive opportunities

When Tommy O’Brien crossed the line for Leinster’s first try of the season against Edinburgh, he should have been overjoyed, but the overriding feeling was pain as he felt his hamstring go just before crossing the line.

19/12 Jack Boyle’s undoubted promise ensures a quick rise to prominence

Young loosehead prop is making real progress and his development at Leinster has already caught the eye of Ireland coach Andy Farrell

18/12 URC chief defends South African involvement in Europe and cools talk of a Premiership merger

BKT URC chief executive Martin Anayi has strongly defended the involvement of the South African franchises in European competition in the wake of a weekend of poor results from teams from the Rainbow Nation.

18/12 Leinster coach Jacques Nienaber hails contract extension for James Ryan

Retention of accomplished backrow forward ‘excellent’ and positive reflection on the province’s set-up

18/12 Jacques Nienaber – ‘If you don’t evolve, teams are going to catch up with you’

Senior coach Jacques Nienaber says Leinster must avoid stubbornness and evolve with new ideas if they are to achieve their goals this season.

17/12 Connacht’s Bundee Aki pens contract extension in advance of URC clash against old foe Leinster

New Zealand-born centre, lauded by coach for his ‘calm’, is available for the game against unbeaten provincial rivals

17/12 Leinster without Liam Turner for Connacht game, Jordan Larmour and Tom Clarkson in doubt

Larmour and Clarkson to undergo further assessment this week

17/12 Bundee Aki and James Ryan sign new IRFU contract extensions

Aki signs one-year deal to extend stay at Connacht while Ryan agrees three-year deal to stay at Leinster

17/12 Gerry Thornley: Last weekend crystallised the waning appeal of the Champions Cup

The inclusion of the South African sides is not working. One-off long haul treks to Europe are not wanted by anyone

17/12 ‘It’s what I’ve wanted to do from a young age’ – Sam Prendergast

Thirty two days ago, Sam Prendergast was an uncapped up and comer preparing for his international debut off the bench. It was quite a month for the 21-year-old.

16/12 Owen Doyle: Referees should not strive to be everyone’s pal. Foul play needs real disapproval

Dangerous carded actions must get more than just a nonchalant wave of the card from the referee

16/12 Tadhg Furlong signs IRFU contract extension to 2027

Leinster prop made his debut for Ireland in 2015

15/12 TV View: Roy Keane cracks a smile as ‘donkey derby’ raises a late gallop

Leinster claim agricultural win thanks in part to former Meath farmboy Jordie Barrett

14/12 Leo Cullen: ‘The dressingroom is frustrated at how we performed today’

Head coach says players wanted to put on a better show against Clermont Auvergne for the home fans

14/12 ‘We’re not at the level we need to be if we want to be successful’ – Leo Cullen says Leinster must improve

A frustrated Leo Cullen acknowledged that his Leinster team are way off the level of in-form champions Toulouse and will need to improve if they are to challenge for the Champions Cup title this season.

14/12 Leinster player ratings: Slimani and Healy make impact off the bench against Clermont

Here’s how Leinster rated in their Champions Cup win over Clermont at the Aviva Stadium.

14/12 Leinster see off brave Clermont but error-strewn display brings little cheer

Leinster lineout was a shambles while their handling and decision-making also left a lot to be desired

14/12 Leinster claim second Champions Cup win – but no Christmas bonus – in Aviva battle with Clermont

Leinster fans have grown used to this December gathering at the Aviva Stadium and usually their visitors obligingly go with the flow, allowing the boys in blue to put on a show and send the fans home happy.

14/12 Champions Cup Saturday live updates: Leinster v Clermont

Follow all the action from Belfast as Ulster look to recover from record defeat against Toulouse

14/12 Leinster v Clermont – Old rivals square off in Champions Cup clash at Aviva Stadium

Leinster renew their rivalry with Clermont in Pool 2 of the Champions Cup this evening.

14/12 Champions Cup Saturday live updates: Ulster v Bordeaux Bègles

Follow all the action from Belfast as Ulster look to recover from record defeat against Toulouse

14/12 Meet the opposition: Clermont renew old rivalry with Leinster

Leinster’s opening Champions Cup home game sees them face a resurgent Clermont Auvergne at the Aviva Stadium today. The history between the sides has produced some memorable clashes, from Brock James’ kicking disaster in the quarter-final at the RDS in 2010, to the titanic defensive effort from Leinster in the semi-final in 2012 in France.

14/12 ‘It’s private’ – Leo Cullen coy on IRFU’s playing restrictions for RG Snyman

Leo Cullen has refused to be drawn on the IRFU’s restrictions on when and how he uses star second row RG Snyman.

14/12 Leo Cullen backs Sam Prendergast to kick on as Leinster brace for physical Clermont challenge

The class of 2023 are beginning to come on stream for Irish rugby, with Brian Gleeson getting his big Munster chance last night and James McNabney starting in Toulouse last weekend.

13/12 Leinster v Clermont: Jordie Barrett gets first start as province aim for second win in Champions Cup

Leo Cullen blends the old, the new and the borrowed in team selection for clash with tough French side

13/12 Jordie Barrett will make first start for Leinster against Clermont

The New Zealander has been named at fullback, one of five changes to the starting team

13/12 Wexford and Ireland rugby star Aoife Wafer announced as Opel brand ambassador

One of the rising stars of Irish women’s rugby is certainly motoring when it comes to her choice of car, following a recent announcement by a Wexford car dealership.

13/12 Matt Williams: Ulster’s decision to run up the white flag a bleak day for Irish rugby

The title ‘Champions Cup’ is a sham when the competition structure allows clubs to not select their best players yet still progress deeper into the competition

13/12 James Ryan says there is always huge pressure when trying to win trophies

Meetings between Leinster and Clermont have provided the Champions Cup with some of its finest memories

13/12 James Ryan and Leinster learning from RG Snyman’s ‘chilled’ attitude on the pitch

Meetings between Leinster and Clermont have provided the Champions Cup with some of its finest memories

12/12 Jordie Barrett to make first Leinster start at full-back against Clermont Auvergne

All Black star Jordie Barrett is set to make his first Leinster start in Saturday’s Champions Cup clash with Clermont Auvergne at the Aviva Stadium (5.30).

12/12 Sam Prendergast’s problem-solving ability against Bristol pleases Tyler Bleyendaal

The young Leinster outhalf overcame a difficult first half to score two tries in the Champions Cup match

12/12 Tyler Bleyendaal believes adversity in games will stand to Sam Prendergast as Leinster career flourishes

Leinster assistant coach Tyler Bleyendaal says that Sam Prendergast will benefit greatly from the adversity the 21-year-old and his team-mates faced in the first half of their Champions Cup opener against Bristol Bears.

11/12 Jordie Barrett: ‘I came to Leinster to grow my game’

New arrival from New Zealand says ‘family affinity to Ireland’ helped convince him to join province

11/12 Gordon D’Arcy: Irish rugby is a good place to be, thanks to people such as Dave Fagan

Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman represent the continuation of an old Irish rugby recipe: home-grown talent spiced up by a sprinkling of top international quality