Cooney kicks 10 points as Ulster edge out Connacht
Ulster won the opening festive interprovincial derby by the narrowest of margins over Connacht, triumphing 20-19 at a weather-hit Kingspan Stadium.
United Rugby Championship Sport News
Ulster hold firm to earn derby win against Connacht
The Christmas celebrations can start early for Ulster, after they held on for a vital win against Connacht at Kingspan Stadium, to get back to winning ways in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Munster and Leinster name teams for Stephen's Day showdown
Simon Zebo, Dave Kilcoyne and Oli Jager will all start for Munster in the URC Interpro derby against Leinster on St Stephen's Day (7.35pm, live on RTÉ2/Player). There are four personnel changes altogether and one positional switch to the side beaten 32-24 by Exeter Chiefs last week. Tighthead prop Jager makes his first start for Munster on his third appearance for the province and Dave Kilcoyne joins Jager in the front row on his first start of the campaign. Hooker Diarmuid Barron captains the side and packs down with Kilcoyne and Jager in the front row. Simon Zebo comes into the side at full-back for his second appearance of the season with Shane Daly moving to the left wing. Calvin Nash keeps his place on the right wing with the centre and half-back partnerships unchanged. Scrum-half Craig Casey and out-half Jack Crowley start together once again with Alex Nankivell and Antoine Frisch in midfield.
Ulster's John Cooney: Connacht defeat 'bugged me for months'
There'll be few more motivated players than John Cooney when Ulster take on Connacht at the Kingspan Stadium this evening (7.35pm).
BKT United Rugby Championship Round 8: All you need to know
After two mixed weekends of Champions Cup action, the Irish provinces turn their attention back towards the BKT United Rigby Championship over the festive period, where two big rounds of Interprovincial games take centre stage.
Craig Casey: Munster must have 'the balls' to beat Leinster
In a world of learnings and processes, sometimes the simple terms strike the right note.
Leinster's Andrew Goodman to replace Mike Catt as Ireland backs coach
Andrew Goodman has been appointed as Ireland's new attack and backs coach, with the Leinster assistant set to swap the province for the national side next summer.
Mack is back - Hansen starts as Connacht and Ulster name teams
Mack Hansen will start at full-back for Connacht in Friday night's BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with Ulster, as Pete Wilkins makes seven changes to his side for the Interpro in Belfast.