Gerry Thornley

Rugby Correspondent

Gerry Thornley is Rugby Correspondent of The Irish Times

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Jacques Nienaber and rest of Leinster coaching ticket extend contracts

Tyler Bleyendaal and Robin McBryde also sign up until the end of the 2026/27 season

Mon Sept 15 2025 - 13:47

Heartache aplenty but few recriminations as Ireland fall to France in quarter-final

Amid allegations of biting by a French player, Irish squad exited World Cup with heads held high

Sun Sept 14 2025 - 19:55

Ireland World Cup dreams dashed with quarter-final defeat to France

Scott Bemand’s side held the half-time lead before Les Bleus came storming back after the break

Sun Sept 14 2025 - 16:01

Return of ‘world class’ Aoife Wafer just what the doctor ordered ahead of France clash

Ireland up against it in World Cup quarter-final, but gifted 22-year-old offers reasons for hope

Sat Sept 13 2025 - 06:00

True romance: JJ Hanrahan says time away made his love for Munster stronger

Outhalf planning to hit the ground running in third spell at province

Fri Sept 12 2025 - 06:00

Premier Sports to show four provinces’ involvement across URC and Champions, Challenge Cups

Premier Sports ‘now the home of Irish club rugby,’ says CEO Ryle Nugent

Thu Sept 11 2025 - 19:00

Jack O’Donoghue excited to work with Clayton McMillan as new season offers fresh start

Munster backrower bulked up in the gym in the off-season

Thu Sept 11 2025 - 06:00

Clayton McMillan expects new leaders to emerge as he puts his stamp on Munster

Head coach says a big part of his job ‘is to try get as many Munster players in green jerseys’

Wed Sept 10 2025 - 06:00

Gerry Thornley: Ireland may need help from the rugby gods to prolong World Cup adventure

Injury concerns and changes to backroom staff make task against France more difficult

Tue Sept 09 2025 - 06:00

Ireland determined to gain strength from New Zealand defeat

Scott Bemand’s side now face familiar foes France in a defining Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash

Sun Sept 07 2025 - 19:35

Ireland suffer New Zealand blow out heading to Rugby World Cup quarter-finals

Black Ferns put 40 points past Scott Bemand’s side to top Pool C

Sun Sept 07 2025 - 17:40

How Ireland have beaten New Zealand before – and might do so again

Ireland are the only team ever to have beaten the Black Ferns in a group game at the World Cup - they hope to repeat the feat on Sunday

Sun Sept 07 2025 - 06:00

Ireland should aim to make a statement against New Zealand

Coach Scott Bemand paid little heed to speculation that his team is only focused on quarter-final

Tue Sept 02 2025 - 06:00

Gerry Thornley: Australia silenced all who doubted their place in the Lions’ touring schedule

Wallabies may feel hard done by with the Lions' series win, but it may add fuel to the fire for things to come

Wed Aug 06 2025 - 06:00

Lions tour player-by-player ratings: Beirne, Russell, Furlong and Gibson-Park lead the way

Hugo Keenan and Dan Sheehan among the Irish who had good tours

Mon Aug 04 2025 - 16:54