Ireland Rugby

Read all of our stories related to the Ireland men's rugby team

Ireland grit it out against trademark physical buffeting from Springboks

Ireland grit it out against trademark physical buffeting from Springboks

Ireland coach Andy Farrell already looking forward to starkly contrasting test against Fiji next week

By Gerry ThornleySun Nov 06 2022 - 21:00

A stonewall red card: why Kolbe should have seen red for tackle on Ireland’s Mack Hansen

A stonewall red card: why Kolbe should have seen red for tackle on Ireland’s Mack Hansen

Turning a player upside down on a rugby pitch is not a legitimate act, it’s not a tackle and South Africa's Kolbe should have got a red card

By John O'SullivanSun Nov 06 2022 - 19:00

South African media reaction: ‘If Ireland sought validation, their ticket got stamped’

South African media reaction: ‘If Ireland sought validation, their ticket got stamped’

Newspapers and online outlets focus on refereeing decisions and poor goalkicking by Springboks

By David GormanSun Nov 06 2022 - 13:04

Nienaber: ‘Ireland deserved this one . . . they showed why they are number one in the world’

Nienaber: ‘Ireland deserved this one . . . they showed why they are number one in the world’

South Africa head coach rues his side’s kicking inaccuracy and credits Johnny Sexton for making the ones that count

By Johnny WattersonSat Nov 05 2022 - 22:16

Andy Farrell delighted after Ireland come out on top in ‘old-fashioned slinging match’

Andy Farrell delighted after Ireland come out on top in ‘old-fashioned slinging match’

‘I thought the character of the side was immense for all sorts of reasons’

By Gerry ThornleySat Nov 05 2022 - 22:05

Jimmy O’Brien shines after being thrown in at the deep end for Ireland international debut

Jimmy O’Brien shines after being thrown in at the deep end for Ireland international debut

‘I came on, chatted to Garry, said ‘let’s do this’ and from there it flowed’

By Nathan JohnsSat Nov 05 2022 - 21:49

Ireland v South Africa: How the Springbok players rated

Ireland v South Africa: How the Springbok players rated

Nathan Johns rates how the Springboks performed in defeat

By Nathan JohnsSat Nov 05 2022 - 21:48

Turning Point: Cheslin Kolbe deserved to see red for Mack Hansen tip tackle

Turning Point: Cheslin Kolbe deserved to see red for Mack Hansen tip tackle

That Hansen landed without injury was not due to Kolbe’s duty of care to the Ireland winger

By Johnny WattersonSat Nov 05 2022 - 20:40

Ireland stand firm against intense Springboks challenge to claim another memorable win

Ireland stand firm against intense Springboks challenge to claim another memorable win

Andy Farrell’s side claim victory over world champion in an old-fashioned bruiser

By Gerry ThornleySat Nov 05 2022 - 20:26

Ireland v South Africa: How the Irish players rated

Ireland v South Africa: How the Irish players rated

John O’Sullivan runs the rule over the Irish squad following victory over South Africa

By John O'SullivanSat Nov 05 2022 - 20:25

Autumn Nations Series: Ireland 19 South Africa 16 (full-time)

Autumn Nations Series: Ireland 19 South Africa 16 (full-time)

Nathan Johns has live updates from the Aviva as the Springboks open up Ireland’s November campaign

By Nathan JohnsSat Nov 05 2022 - 16:51

‘It’s what they make of this now’ - Andy Farrell challenges Ireland A to improve

‘It’s what they make of this now’ - Andy Farrell challenges Ireland A to improve

All Blacks XV pummel Ireland’s second string on Friday night at the RDS

By John O'SullivanSat Nov 05 2022 - 11:38

Matt Williams: Ireland can find a way to break Springboks’ stranglehold

Matt Williams: Ireland can find a way to break Springboks’ stranglehold

Matt Williams: The Springboks' strategy, which has delivered such astonishing success, has negativity at its heart

By Matt WilliamsSat Nov 05 2022 - 06:00

Up-tempo Ireland can keep physical South Africa in check in mouthwatering autumn opener

Up-tempo Ireland can keep physical South Africa in check in mouthwatering autumn opener

Bruising clash of styles in prospect at the Aviva Stadium as world champions come to town

By Gerry ThornleySat Nov 05 2022 - 06:00

Percy Montgomery: ‘Do I miss playing? No, I definitely prefer watching it now’

Percy Montgomery: ‘Do I miss playing? No, I definitely prefer watching it now’

Legendary Springbok Percy Montgomery amassed over 100 caps during an outstanding career and retains fond memories of games against Ireland and the Lions

By Jonathan DrennanSat Nov 05 2022 - 06:00

100 not out: Momentous achievement for new centurion Conor Murray

100 not out: Momentous achievement for new centurion Conor Murray

Conor Murray will win his 100th cap for Ireland when he lines out at scrumhalf against South Africa

By Gerry ThornleySat Nov 05 2022 - 05:00

Ireland A battered, bruised and outclassed by a dominant All Blacks Development XV

Ireland A battered, bruised and outclassed by a dominant All Blacks Development XV

Damian McKenzie shows his class as he leads visiting side to impressive win at the RDS

By John O'SullivanFri Nov 04 2022 - 22:09

Ireland v South Africa head-to-head: Andrew Porter v Frans Malherbe

Ireland v South Africa head-to-head: Andrew Porter v Frans Malherbe

Ireland’s loosehead and the Springboks’ tighthead are modern props will all-rounds games

By John O'SullivanFri Nov 04 2022 - 19:00

Siya Kolisi vows ‘beautiful’ Boks won’t change their style for anyone ahead of Ireland clash

Siya Kolisi vows ‘beautiful’ Boks won’t change their style for anyone ahead of Ireland clash

‘We kick to get ourselves into places so we can play rugby. The way we play, to us, we think it’s beautiful’

Fri Nov 04 2022 - 18:02

Ireland v South Africa head-to-head: Stuart McCloskey v Damian de Allende

Ireland v South Africa head-to-head: Stuart McCloskey v Damian de Allende

The big Ulster midfielder gets a late call-up where he will face the experienced former Munster centre

By John O'SullivanFri Nov 04 2022 - 16:10

Rugby’s future under threat as more people ask is it worth the risk

Rugby’s future under threat as more people ask is it worth the risk

The very things that make rugby so enthralling also threaten to cut the ground from underneath it

By Brian O'ConnorFri Nov 04 2022 - 13:09

Ireland v South Africa: Stuart McCloskey promoted from bench as Robbie Henshaw ruled out

Ireland v South Africa: Stuart McCloskey promoted from bench as Robbie Henshaw ruled out

Jimmy O’Brien pulled from Ireland A squad to take up bench role in Saturday’s 23

By Gerry ThornleyFri Nov 04 2022 - 11:45

Bumper weekend ahead for Irish rugby; Qatar paying for fan silence

Bumper weekend ahead for Irish rugby; Qatar paying for fan silence

The Morning Sports Briefing: Keep ahead of the game with ‘The Irish Times’ sports team

By Nathan JohnsFri Nov 04 2022 - 07:29

Rugby must heed the warning signs and stamp out dissent and abuse of officials

Rugby must heed the warning signs and stamp out dissent and abuse of officials

If dissent is tolerated at the highest echelons, it’s certain to be seen in the lower grades

By Owen DoyleFri Nov 04 2022 - 06:00

Andy Farrell and Ireland braced for the ultimate challenge against Springboks

Andy Farrell and Ireland braced for the ultimate challenge against Springboks

The number one-ranked side facing the reigning world champions South Africa; it's a special occasion for Irish rugby

By Gerry ThornleyFri Nov 04 2022 - 06:00

Andrew Porter enjoys a frontrow seat and is happy to go back to the future

Andrew Porter enjoys a frontrow seat and is happy to go back to the future

Dominant packs, like South Africa’s, love to leave a calling card by keeping the ball in a scrum: no respite, no relief

By John O'SullivanFri Nov 04 2022 - 05:00

Ireland A players handed a platform to press claims for Fiji and beyond

Ireland A players handed a platform to press claims for Fiji and beyond

Fixture offers Farrell chance to hand out a debut or three, and to permit others to add to senior caps

By John O'SullivanFri Nov 04 2022 - 05:00

Rob Herring and Nick Timoney extend their Ulster deals for another two seasons

Rob Herring and Nick Timoney extend their Ulster deals for another two seasons

Ireland international forwards to remain at the province until summer of 2025 at least

Thu Nov 03 2022 - 17:18

Ireland v South Africa: Conor Murray handed starting berth on occasion of 100th cap

Ireland v South Africa: Conor Murray handed starting berth on occasion of 100th cap

Robert Baloucoune and Garry Ringrose the other changes to side that won third Test against New Zealand

By Gerry ThornleyThu Nov 03 2022 - 16:22

Conor Murray set for 100th cap; Chelsea and Man City finish group stages with wins

Conor Murray set for 100th cap; Chelsea and Man City finish group stages with wins

The Morning Sports Briefing: Keep ahead of the game with ‘The Irish Times’ sports team

By Nathan JohnsThu Nov 03 2022 - 07:23

New centurion Conor Murray set for centre stage on his landmark day

New centurion Conor Murray set for centre stage on his landmark day

Munster man looks set to start at scrumhalf against South Africa with Gibson-Park on the bench while Keenan poised to start at fullback

By Gerry ThornleyThu Nov 03 2022 - 06:01

Hooker Dan Sheehan rising to the Springbok challenge

Hooker Dan Sheehan rising to the Springbok challenge

Over the last year this young frontrow has impressed at Test level and shown an ability to score tries

By Johnny WattersonThu Nov 03 2022 - 05:00

Erasmus excited to be back at the heart of the action after his suspension

Erasmus excited to be back at the heart of the action after his suspension

Springboks' director of rugby Rassie Erasmus looking forward to returning to match-day duties against Ireland following his suspension

By Gerry ThornleyThu Nov 03 2022 - 05:00

IRFU look to improve match-day experience in wake of fan discontent over alcohol sales

IRFU look to improve match-day experience in wake of fan discontent over alcohol sales

The IRFU is to introduce new measures in an attempt to improve supporters’ match-day experiences at Ireland’s three November internationals

By Gerry ThornleyThu Nov 03 2022 - 05:00

No waterboy duties for Rassie Erasmus against Ireland

No waterboy duties for Rassie Erasmus against Ireland

South Africa’s director of rugby will be in the coach’s box at Lansdowne Road

By Gerry ThornleyWed Nov 02 2022 - 17:36

Ireland vs South Africa: kick-off time, TV channel, team news

Ireland vs South Africa: kick-off time, TV channel, team news

Ireland versus South Africa at sold-out Aviva arguably the clash of the entire Autumn Nations Series

By Nathan JohnsWed Nov 02 2022 - 16:17

Ireland A vs All Blacks XV: Casey named captain as Stockdale appearance rules him out of Springboks clash

Ireland A vs All Blacks XV: Casey named captain as Stockdale appearance rules him out of Springboks clash

Frawley, McCarthy and Lowry also feature despite being touted as options for senior side

By Johnny WattersonWed Nov 02 2022 - 13:54

Ireland captain Nichola Fryday not among first batch of professional contracts

Ireland captain Nichola Fryday not among first batch of professional contracts

Names of 29 contracted women confirmed as IRFU announces interpro dates

By Nathan JohnsWed Nov 02 2022 - 12:00

D’Arcy on Ireland’s scrumhalf conundrum; Liverpool return to winning ways

D’Arcy on Ireland’s scrumhalf conundrum; Liverpool return to winning ways

The Morning Sports Briefing: Keep ahead of the game with ‘The Irish Times’ sports team

By Nathan JohnsWed Nov 02 2022 - 06:48

South Africa opt to place faith in tried and trusted

South Africa opt to place faith in tried and trusted

Team selection suggests, true to type, the Springboks have come to beat Ireland up at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday

By Gerry ThornleyWed Nov 02 2022 - 05:00

Johnny Sexton: ‘It’s mad to think I’m still going’

Johnny Sexton: ‘It’s mad to think I’m still going’

With a World Cup at age 38 in his sights, Ireland captain still has ‘the drive’ he felt when first facing South Africa 13 years ago

By Johnny WattersonWed Nov 02 2022 - 05:00

Gordon D’Arcy: South Africa won’t make any apologies for trying to grind Ireland into the dirt

Gordon D’Arcy: South Africa won’t make any apologies for trying to grind Ireland into the dirt

Growing reliance on Jamison Gibson-Park means there’s an argument to give Craig Casey more opportunities

By Gordon D'ArcyWed Nov 02 2022 - 05:00

Gerry Thornley: Fractious rivalry in store when Ireland take on Springboks

Gerry Thornley: Fractious rivalry in store when Ireland take on Springboks

As ever with South Africa, this tour is about winning and, ideally, wining four games

By Gerry ThornleyTue Nov 01 2022 - 06:00

Springboks may opt for tried and trusted Jesse Kriel in the absence of Lukhanyo Am

Springboks may opt for tried and trusted Jesse Kriel in the absence of Lukhanyo Am

Expectation in South African media is that Damian de Allende and Kriel will once again combine

By John O'SullivanTue Nov 01 2022 - 06:00

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell could have strong hand to deal from for Springboks clash

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell could have strong hand to deal from for Springboks clash

Josh van der Flier in line to return to training on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s game

By Gerry ThornleyMon Oct 31 2022 - 16:12

Keenan and Gibson-Park making good progress in time for Springboks clash

Keenan and Gibson-Park making good progress in time for Springboks clash

Keenan, Jamison Gibson-Park, and van der Flier likely to be available for selection for Ireland for Test against South Africa

By John O'SullivanSun Oct 30 2022 - 19:00

Matt Williams: Time for Ireland fans to find Aviva voice for Springboks challenge

Matt Williams: Time for Ireland fans to find Aviva voice for Springboks challenge

Performances in New Zealand have been inspirational; for this game, supporters must play their part

By Matt WilliamsSat Oct 29 2022 - 06:00

Leinster’s Jason Jenkins in line to face Ireland for South Africa

Leinster’s Jason Jenkins in line to face Ireland for South Africa

Former Munster second row recalled to Springboks squad for November internationals

Fri Oct 28 2022 - 12:46

Johnny Watterson: Beating South Africa would show Ireland’s comfort in top dog status

Johnny Watterson: Beating South Africa would show Ireland’s comfort in top dog status

Andy Farrell’s men must back up successful New Zealand tour in upcoming autumn internationals

By Johnny WattersonFri Oct 28 2022 - 05:00

David Nucifora stresses need for more opportunities for young players

David Nucifora stresses need for more opportunities for young players

URC fixture schedule curtailing game time of some provincial players, affecting their progress

By John O'SullivanThu Oct 27 2022 - 16:22

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