Ireland Rugby

Ireland could re-route summer tours to Pacific islands - report

According to the article by seasoned Irish rugby journalist Gerry Thornley, Andy Farrell’s men could face off against some or all of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in three test series set to commence in July.

Currently, Fiji has extremely low levels of Covid-19 meaning Ireland could potentially use the island as a base of operations in the South Pacific.

The context of course is whether or not the IRFU decide to risk a summer tour given the vagaries of the pandemic and the potential for matches to be cancelled.

Former Ireland rugby prop who taunted All Blacks dies aged 55

World Rugby announced the death on Wednesday (Thursday NZT). The cause of death was not immediately known.

Halpin made 11 appearances for Ireland and was known for his gesture after scoring a try against New Zealand at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. Jogging backward, he raised two middle fingers at his opponents. The All Blacks went on to win 43-19.

Halpin made his international debut against England in 1990 and also played in the 1991 Rugby World Cup. He played club rugby for Leinster, London Irish and Harlequins.

Best concerned by Ireland defeat

Ireland were subjected to a record defeat against England at Twickenham, Manu Tuilagi and Maro Itoje running the show while Joe Cokanasiga scored twice in a 57-15 home win.

The visitors had the opportunity to move to the top of the world rankings with victory but instead go into next week's match with number one side Wales reeling from an awful defeat.

Ireland were extremely sloppy, with their lineouts woeful, and captain Best acknowledged the need for considerable improvement in the coming weeks.

Ireland hit with World Cup injury blow

Leavy suffered the injury during Leinster's 21-18 Champions Cup quarter-final victory over Ulster on Saturday after coming off the bench in the second half.

"Leinster Rugby can confirm that Dan Leavy had an initial scan yesterday on a complex knee ligament injury but needs further assessment this week," the club said in a statement.

"He has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and into next season to include the Rugby World Cup."

Leavy, 24, won the last of his 11 caps against Argentina in November after missing last year's Six Nations with a calf injury.

'Enjoy the moment': Usain Bolt inspires Irish rugby team

The group of 40 players and management were thrilled as they entered the team room to find Bolt waiting to meet everyone and share his thoughts on preparation and performance at major championships.