Croker return sparks memories but there's no going back to noughties frontier
Rugby returns to returns to the home of the GAA on Saturday afternoon for the first time since Ireland hosted Scotland on the last day of the 2010 Six Nations.
Northampton Saints Sport News
Fraser Dingwall: Saints won't be overawed at Croke Park
Northampton Saints centre Fraser Dingwall believes his side won't be intimidated by the size of the crowd when they take on Leinster at Croke Park on Saturday.
Bernard Jackman: Leinster correct in cautious squad rotation
Bernard Jackman believes Leinster's team selection on their recent two-game tour of South Africa was a risk worth taking, ahead of Saturday's Investec Champions Cup semi-final with Northampton (live on RTÉ 2 and RTÉ Player).
Saints semi-final not just another game, says Leinster out-half Ross Byrne
Ross Byrne admits Leinster can't treat Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton as just another game.
Northampton need 'appreciation and respect' for Croke Park ahead of Leinster semi-final
Northampton have been learning about the history of Croke Park in anticipation of becoming the first English club side to play at the home of Gaelic Games when they clash with Leinster on Saturday. Saints visit the famous stadium for an Investec Champions Cup semi-final that matches the best teams in Ireland and England. Director of rugby Phil Dowson believes crucial to success is an understanding of the history of Croke Park, which is steeped in national symbolism as the site of the 1920 Bloody Sunday massacre that took place during the Irish War of Independence. Northampton's Irish strength and conditioning coach Eamonn Hyland gave a presentation on its background to the squad on Monday and while Dowson stresses "we are not playing against ghosts", he knows the venue carried special meaning. "It's absolutely fundamental that we have an appreciation of the significance of Croke Park, both culturally and historically, to the Irish battle for independence and to their psyche," Dowson said. "It's mainly important because we should have an understanding of the history, regardless of whether we are playing rugby there or not. "But we should also understand the influence it will have on their playing group, the crowd and the implications for that around the atmosphere. "At the same time we are not playing against ghosts. We need an appreciation and respect for the history, but then we have to get our game on the field.
Fine line between 'battle-hardened and battle-weary', says Robin McBryde of Leinster lay-off
Leinster's result against Northampton on Saturday will determine if their approach to the Investec Champions Cup semi-final was correct, says Robin McBryde.
Garry Ringrose and Jimmy O'Brien good to go but Hugo Keenan a doubt for Leinster against Northampton
Leinster will have Garry Ringrose and Jimmy O'Brien available for selection for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton, but Hugo Keenan is still being assessed for a hip injury.
No reason to break up Osborne-Henshaw axis - Gordon D'Arcy on Leinster centre pairing
Gordon D'Arcy doesn’t believe there’s any reason for Leinster to change their European centre partnership of Jamie Osborne and Robbie Henshaw, even if Garry Ringrose becomes available.