Tom Stewart handed chance to stake Ireland claim against Samoa
Ulster hooker Tom Stewart will start his first Test match after being named in the Ireland team to take on Samoa in Bayonne on Saturday (7.45pm).
Ryan Baird Sport News
Back row battle a boost for Ireland - Van der Flier
There's little dispute where Caelan Doris' best position is but that doesn't mean the Ireland back row automatically gets the number 8 shirt.
Ireland start World Cup preparations with 33-17 Italy win
DUBLIN : Ireland got their World Cup preparations off to a mixed but nevertheless winning start on Saturday as some fringe players grasped the opportunity to impress coach Andy Farrell in a 33-17 victory over Italy at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland v Italy: All you need to know ahead of Rugby World Cup warm-up match
The countdown to the Rugby World Cup ramps up on Saturday when Ireland face Italy in their first warm-up match, live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
Farrell believes strength in depth will be key to Ireland's World Cup hopes
Andy Farrell insists squad depth will be key to Ireland achieving their dream of World Cup glory after handing opportunities to a number of fringe players for Saturday’s warm-up clash with Italy.
Ireland mix and match for Italy World Cup warm-up
DUBLIN : Ireland coach Andy Farrell handed a number of fringe players the chance to stake a claim for a World Cup place in Saturday's warm-up against Italy while also including some Grand Slam winners to try to extend a 10-game winning streak.
Crowley starts v Italy with three potential debuts off the bench
Jack Crowley will get a first opportunity of the summer to stake his claim at out-half for Ireland, with the Munster man starting at 10 in Saturday's opening Rugby World Cup warm-up against Italy at the Aviva Stadium.
Ryan Baird: Fishing, Wimbledon and the Paul O'Connell details
As Ryan Baird sits down to speak to a handful of writers, he seems slightly on edge.