RONAN O’GARA suggested Munster fans ‘must feel they’ve trodden on someone’s black cat’ follow RG Snyman’s move to Leinster. Leo Cullen‘s men have been busy making some headline moves recently, particularly the signing of All Blacks star Jordie Barrett. Ronan O’Gara spoke about the Leinster-isation of Irish rugbyJordie Barrett will join Leinster in December 2024REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File PhotoRG Snyman will join Leinster from MunsterShaun Roy/Sportsfile The 27-year-old will join the province in December 2024 and remain in a Blue jersey until the end of the 2024/25 campaign. He will further bo ..read more

MICHAEL MILNE always had ambitions to play at Croke Park with a sliotar – but hopes his rise to Leinster’s Champions Cup team sees him do it with the oval ball.  Michael Milne is dreaming of playing in Leinster’s Euro semi-final against NorthamptonLeinster will host the Saints at Croke Park on Saturday week in the vital clash Prop Milne, 25, is in South Africa this week ahead of Leinster’s URC meeting with Stormers in the build-up to Saturday week’s Champions Cup semi with Northampton at Croke Park.  The Dublin 3 venue is one that Offaly man Milne knows well, but not as well as he wa ..read more

MACK HANSEN usually turns heads with his latest hairstyle but on this occasion everyone’s gaze will fall further down. Only last week the wing wizard modelled his new bleach blonde hair. @budgysmugglerukThe Aussie-born free spirit instantly established himself as a fan favourite when he arrived at Connacht in 2021[/caption] He’s expected back from a shoulder problem that meant he missed the entire Six Nation on May 11 against Munster But on this occasion it’s his tri-colour budgy smugglers that immediately take centre stage. The eh, creative advert is an amusing watch from start to finish with ..read more

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