The Irish Times

Gerry Thornley: Rugby at risk of losing fans if two-hour games become the norm

Next season will be interesting for Connacht after major revamp of coaching ticket

Tue Jun 08 2021 - 07:00

Owen Doyle: IRFU should be encouraging representation for Irish referees

Officials get a very raw deal that no player would accept

Tue Apr 13 2021 - 06:00

Gordon D’Arcy: Joe Schmidt will challenge referees like he previously did players

World Rugby have recruited a special mind to safeguard players and enhance the sport

Wed Oct 14 2020 - 07:50

The Offload: Joe Schmidt the influencer is due a second act

Rugby returns in 12 days and fans are keen to see Ryan Baird and Dan Leavy in action

Mon Aug 10 2020 - 10:00

The Offload: Early retirements show capricious nature of sport

An insight into Alain Rolland, Top 14 nears return and Crusaders’ home run ends

Mon Jul 27 2020 - 11:02

Alain Rolland to step down from World Rugby position

Former Ireland scrumhalf and long-serving Test match referee to move on from management role

Tue Jul 14 2020 - 20:56

‘I went into shock’: Justin Bieber speaks with Irish fan on live Instagram stream

Singer accepts 16-year-old Natasha Rolland’s request to join video chat on Sunday night

Mon May 18 2020 - 17:07

Men in Black: The referees for Ireland’s Six Nations games

Mathieu Raynal will take charge of Andy Farrell’s first game in charge this Saturday

Tue Jan 28 2020 - 05:00

Joe Schmidt reveals reason for omitting Toner in new book

'Ordinary Joe' shows ex-coach’s restless mind and obsessive attention to detail

Thu Nov 21 2019 - 06:00

Owen Doyle: Jaco Peyper’s cardinal error puts it up to the referee selectors

Photo fallout highlights the limited viable options for selecting officials in Japan

Wed Oct 23 2019 - 07:02

Owen Doyle: The refs know their duty – but do the coaches and players?

The referees don’t always get it spot-on, but everyone must adjust to new tackle laws

Wed Oct 09 2019 - 05:30

Owen Doyle: A red card is not a referee issue – it’s a player/coach issue

If a player merits a red card, then please don’t shoot the referee – he is but the messenger

Wed Sept 25 2019 - 07:00

Gordon D’Arcy: New Zealand are ahead of the curve again

Defending champions show what Ireland will need to produce against South Africa

Wed Sept 25 2019 - 07:00

Rugby World Cup match officials admit they must do better

Officials issue a statement per World Rugby after reviewing opening round of matches

Tue Sept 24 2019 - 19:20

Rugby World Cup Offload: Protect the ref, protect the game

The tournament is barely motoring and already refs are being targeted or lambasted

Mon Sept 23 2019 - 10:09

Rugby World Cup: Talking points from Ireland’s victory over Scotland

Ireland take a lot of credit against a Scotland side way off the pace required in opener

Sun Sept 22 2019 - 13:54

Hodge escapes red card in Australia win

‘The collision was a massive one and a try-saver’

Sat Sept 21 2019 - 09:52

Ireland hope that if desperation is the disease, then experience is the antidote

Scotland may be an old and manageable foe but danger lurks in Yokohama on Sunday

Sat Sept 21 2019 - 06:00

Alain Rolland: No red card grey areas during World Cup

Officials chief say his refs are 100% clear about foul play, and will act to protect players

Tue Sept 17 2019 - 07:00

Owen Doyle: Referees will be under more scrutiny than ever at this World Cup

The 12 referees have gone through a long and arduous selection process

Sat Sept 14 2019 - 08:30

January could be decisive for all four provinces in Pro14 and Europe

Van Graan expects another ‘big battle’ as Munster visit in-form Connacht

Mon Dec 31 2018 - 05:00

Gerry Thornley: Results have vindicated increased use of TMOs

Analysis of video replays has ensured many more correct decisions than wrong ones

Sat Apr 07 2018 - 06:00

Van der Westhuizen replaced by Nigel Owens for Twickenham game

World Rugby take responsibility after assistant referee worked with England at training

Thu Mar 15 2018 - 17:05

Eddie Jones struggles to put out the flames of video comments

England coach concedes that he will have to consider his public utterances in the future

Thu Mar 15 2018 - 14:59

Warren Gatland profile: former Ireland and Lions coach revealed

From club level up to Lions’ tours, Wales’ head coach has enjoyed substantial success

Sat Feb 17 2018 - 01:00

Precedent everything when it comes to contentious TMO decisions

Unshackled Wales look set to pose Ireland problems when the Six Nations resumes

Thu Feb 15 2018 - 12:08

Eddie Jones accuses World Rugby of undermining officials

World Rugby’s admission that TMO was wrong greeted with ire by England coach

Wed Feb 14 2018 - 11:42

World Rugby confirm they made a mistake over Wales try

‘Warren Gatland spoke to Alain Rolland, and they confirmed the TMO made a mistake’

Tue Feb 13 2018 - 14:42

No inner conflict for Simon Zebo as he prepares to face Racing

Popular figure determined to end his period with Munster by claiming silverware

Sat Jan 13 2018 - 07:00

New Zealand look unstoppable as serious rugby kicks off

England look too strong for France in second World Cup semi-final at Kingspan Stadium

Tue Aug 22 2017 - 06:00

How high tackle sanctions could impact on Six Nations

Penalties for reckless or accidental hits have increased since guideline was introduced

Mon Jan 30 2017 - 07:40

Wales hoping Sam Warburton can ‘get mojo back’ minus captaincy

‘He’ll be a bit disappointed, but it’s best decision moving forward for Sam and Wales’

Tue Jan 17 2017 - 17:40

Shadow of player-led litigation hastens latest rule changes

World Rugby has been forced to try to address rising prevalence of head injuries

Fri Jan 06 2017 - 07:56

Ed Morrison believes the referee has a duty to protect players

Referee Appointments Administrator says safety of players is main concern

Sat Dec 03 2016 - 08:00