IRFU has introduced mandatory concussion management training for coaches in Schools Cup rugby

THE IRFU HAS today announced that they have provided ‘concussion management training’ to all coaches involved in schools competitions. Senior Schools Cup competitions are under way across the country and this year the union’s Safe Rugby coordinator Shane Mooney delivered the seminars with support from a refereeing representative in each province. Last year, the Leinster…

‘I remember vividly thinking that this guy has got something special’

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL FIRST saw Garry Ringrose in action in 2014, when the Ireland U20s came to Carton House to train against Joe Schmidt’s senior side. Still an important part of the Ireland set-up at that stage, O’Driscoll was running opposite the young man who is now set to wear the 13 shirt this weekend against…

Great Scot! It’s our 6 Nations Team of the Week

IT’S THE ULTIMATE team game, but here are the individuals who stood out for us on the opening weekend of the 2017 Six Nations. 15. Stuart Hogg (Scotland) Source: RBS 6 Nations/YouTube 14. Sean Maitland (Scotland) Source: PA Wire/PA Images 13. Gael Fickou (France) Source: David Davies 12. Owen Farrell (England) Source: RBS 6 Nations/YouTube 11. Elliot…

‘The Russian Rubberbandits’ and a frosty atmosphere in Chile – it’s comments of the week

IT’S BEEN ANOTHER busy week of sport. Here’s how you reacted… Brendan urges people to get behind the League of Ireland this season. Kieran O Callaghan wins puns this week, after his comment under the article entitled ‘Alexis out! Thousands of Chileans to march for Sanchez to ditch Arsenal’. ktsiwot pretty much summed up everyone’s…

Ireland U20s hold out after second-half Six Nations scare against France

Ireland 27 France 22 Murray Kinsella reports from Donnybrook NIGEL CAROLAN’S IRELAND U20s made it three wins from three in the Six Nations with a win over France in Dublin, but the victory came in far less comfortable circumstances than had looked likely in the first half. Having raced into a 21-3 lead after just…

Toulon president suggests French rugby has a cocaine problem

TOULON WILL SUSPEND Australian international James O’Connor after Paris police charged him with possession of cocaine, the Top 14 club’s president said. French police charged former All Black Ali Williams with buying cocaine and O’Connor with possession of the drug on Sunday. The pair were arrested at 3:00am on Saturday outside a nightclub near the…

Schmidt rejects suggestion that Bowe inclusion is a ‘nostalgia’ call

JOE SCHMIDT HAS rejected the notion that the inclusion of Tommy Bowe in Ireland’s matchday squad is a ‘nostalgia’ call. The 33-year-old wing was used off the bench in Ireland’s defeat to Scotland on the opening weekend of the Six Nations, after which Schmidt’s selection was criticised. Bowe is now back on Ireland’s bench for…

Shaun Edwards plays down row over ‘harmless’ middle-finger gesture during win over Ireland

SHAUN EDWARDS WAS left “disappointed” at being questioned over his apparent middle-finger gesture while celebrating Wales’ Six Nations win over Ireland on Friday. Two George North tries and one from Jamie Roberts earned Wales a 22-9 victory at the Principality Stadium – a result enthusiastically enjoyed by defence coach Edwards. Television cameras picked up Edwards appearing to…

Cardiff win ‘a good reality check’ for Leinster ahead of Champions Cup quarter-final

Ryan Bailey reports from the RDS  IT’S OFTEN SAID a defeat can be more instructive than victory, and although Leinster came out the right side of the result earlier, the performance against Cardiff Blues was a timely ‘reality check’ ahead of the Champions Cup quarter-final with Wasps. Having strolled through the last four games, and…