RONAN O’GARA was asked about potentially being the next Ireland coach – yet brought up the possibility of instead taking charge of France. With Andy Farrell’s contract set to expire after the 2027 World Cup, ROG would be the obvious choice as successor in an ideal world. AFPHe is highly thought of over there having guided La Rochelle to successive European Cups[/caption] PAAndy Farrell will take a sabbatical in 2025 to lead the British and Irish Lions[/caption] AFPLike Farrell, Fabien Galthie is contracted through to the next World Cup[/caption] GettyUnlike Ireland, Les Bleus did not bounce ba ..read more

IRELAND FANS have been issuing similar complaints about the November test match against New Zealand. The All Blacks will come to the Aviva Stadium later this year, along with Argentina, Fiji and Australia. Fans have voiced their complaints over the IRFU’s ticket systemNew Zealand will take on Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in November The IRFU have confirmed that ticket details for the Autumn Nations Series will be confirmed ‘in due course’. However, it is the priority window for IRFU Supporter’s Club members that has caused complaints from some fans. One fan wrote: “‘Supports club window’ so ju ..read more

ALAN QUINLAN loved getting to see an African Rock Python up close in the wild while staying beside Kruger National Park in South Africa. The Munster great is down there as part of a sponsored trip with Rugby Travel Ireland to attend both of the province’s URC fixtures against South African opposition. @AlanQuinlan1Pythons are of course non-venomous and these aren’t one of the types that you’d have to worry about being constricted by[/caption] They are the largest snake in Africa though and can grow as big as 16 feet long and weigh up to 55kg Initially, he was in Pretoria where he roared on his ..read more

JOHNNY SEXTON ranked one of his former Ireland teammates among the top two toughest players he faced in his career. The former Ireland and Leinster captain faced some of the biggest names in rugby throughout a trophy-laden career. Johnny Sexton played against some of the biggest names in rugbyAnd he revealed that former Ireland teammate and ex-Munster rival Paul O’Connell was among his toughest opponents The 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year won 188 caps for Ireland, and collected four Six Nations and three Grand Slams along the way. With Leinster, he lifted four Champions Cups and six Pro14 ..read more

PETER O’MAHONY has been warned that he faces “stiff competition” to retain his place in the Ireland team. The 35-year-old has been an ever-present in the Green jersey, having made his debut in 2012 and won over 100 caps. Peter O’Mahony has over 100 caps for IrelandBut Paul O’Connell warned that he faces stiff competition to keep his placeDavid Fitzgerald/Sportsfile He captained Andy Farrell‘s team to a Six Nations title back in March, amid speculation that he could retire. He put those rumours to bed by signing a new one-year contract with Munster, also ending speculation that he could leave t ..read more

IRELAND’S  Autumn  revenge Test was confirmed yesterday. Andy Farrell’s men will face the All Blacks in November as they seek redemption for the agonising World Cup quarter-final loss to the southern hemisphere side. Andy Farrell will be taking a sabbatical in 2025 to take over the British and Irish LionsThe All Blacks dug out a 28-24 victory when it mattered most New Zealand kick off Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series at the Aviva Stadium on November 8. Lansdowne Road will host Argentina on November 15 and Fiji on November 23 before Australia come to town for the 150th Anniversary Challenge matc ..read more

LEO CULLEN believes All Black Jordie Barrett can sprinkle gold dust on the next generation of Leinster and Ireland stars.  New Zealand superstar Barrett, 27, is set to join Leinster on a short-term deal next December in what is a big statement signing by Cullen’s men. Jordie Barrett will join Leinster in December for six monthsHead coach Leo Cullen insists Barrett’s signing should be seen as a universal positive But while his signing will put bums on seats at the Aviva Stadium, where Leinster will play next season while the RDS is redeveloped, the move has not been universally welcomed. C ..read more

CONNACHT have confirmed Mack Hansen’s return date after the Ireland winger underwent surgery in March. The Connacht winger had to watch the 2024 Six Nations from the sidelines due to a shoulder injury. Mack Hansen of Connacht is set to return against MunsterThe Ireland winger underwent surgery on a shoulder injury Hansen suffered the injury in Connacht’s United Rugby Championship clash against Munster on New Year’s Day. The 25-year-old – who had only just come back from a foot problem picked up at the World Cup – went under the knife to rectify the issue after the URC ..read more

MACK HANSEN accused New Zealand of ‘letting their girlfriends do their fighting’ after knocking Ireland out of the World Cup. The All Blacks condemned Andy Farrell‘s team to yet another quarter-final exit with a dramatic win last October. Ireland will rematch with New Zealand this winterNew Zealand knocked Ireland out of the World Cup last yearAnd Mack Hansen accused the All Blacks players of ‘letting their girlfriends do their fighting’ It was a contest the came with it a lot of heat and rivalry, with Ireland going into the game on the back of a famous series win in New Zealand in 2022. The t ..read more

JAMIE HEASLIP claimed three Leinster players missed out on the chance to ‘own the game’ against the Emirates Lions. Leo Cullen’s much-changed team failed to extend their lead at the top of the United Rugby Championship with a 44-12 defeat in South Africa. Leinster lost to the Emirates Lions in the United Rugby ChampionshipJamie Heaslip accused three Leinster stars of failing to take control of the gameRTE There were 13 alterations made to the team that beat La Rochelle in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals last weekend. Among the names who came into the team were Scott Penny and Max Dee ..read more