Joe McCarthy delighted after wrestling his way into Ireland’s World Cup squad
Ireland lock Joe McCarthy says wrestling matches and reassuring chats with his younger brother helped pave the way to his maiden Rugby World Cup.
Leinster Sport News
Ireland hooker Ronan Kelleher feeling ‘unbelievably healthy’ ahead of World Cup
Hooker Ronan Kelleher insisted his “body feels unbelievably healthy” as he declared himself fit for Ireland’s Rugby World Cup opener.
Ireland ‘devastated’ to lose prop Cian Healy to injury ahead of Rugby World Cup
Andy Farrell says Ireland are “devastated” to have lost veteran prop Cian Healy to injury ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France.
Johnny Sexton regrets ‘mistake’ which saw him miss Ireland’s World Cup warm-ups
Captain Johnny Sexton admits he instantly regretted the heated exchange with referee Jaco Peyper which caused him to miss Ireland’s Rugby World Cup warm-up matches through suspension.
'Instrumental' Dan Sheehan would be 'big loss' for Ireland – Mike Catt
Assistant coach Mike Catt admits injured hooker Dan Sheehan is “instrumental” in Ireland’s style of play and would be a “big loss” for the Rugby World Cup.
Connacht claim famous one point win over Leinster
Connacht threw the Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Championship title race wide open with an epic 18-17 win over a much-fancied Leinster at the Sportsground. Ireland international Méabh Deely gleefully scored the all-important 81st-minute try, but Connacht still had to endure eight more minutes - including a penalty miss from Leinster captain Hannah O'Connor - before being confirmed as winners of this six-try thriller. Connacht's only previous Interpro victory over Leinster was an 8-5 triumph at Tuam RFC back in December 2016, and this result gives Lyndon Jones' charges a real shot at making September's final. The first round clash exploded into life with a Deely try after just 94 seconds. A penalty from captain and Vodafone player-of-the-match Nicole Fowley had the westerners leading 8-5 at half-time. Despite the rain and wind, Leinster lock Eimear Corri showed her finishing skills with a terrific 15th-minute score. Aoife Wafer also starred for the Blues on her debut, albeit that she spent 10 minutes in the sin bin. The visitors looked to be taking control when Sene Taiti-Fanene and new cap Naoise O'Reilly both crossed during the third quarter. The home side were suddenly trailing 17-8 and with centre Clara Barrett in the sin bin. Full-back Deely, still just 22, rallied Connacht by setting up replacement Orla Dixon to score on the hour mark. Even better followed when the Ballinasloe native gathered Barrett's offload to complete her brace and decide the contest.
Johnny Sexton will feel uneasy about missing warm-up matches – Paul O’Connell
Paul O’Connell believes suspended Ireland captain Johnny Sexton will be concerned about his lack of game time ahead of his World Cup swansong.