Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley

Rugby Correspondent

Gerry Thornley is Rugby Correspondent of The Irish Times

Munster’s Clayton McMillan: ‘There were a few things that I would have had a strong opinion on’

Head coach is focusing on change, saying team must be more multidimensional to meet challenges of game

Munster can call on Marnus van der Merwe as South African hooker recovers from calf injury

29-year-old set to be involved in Friday’s preseason clash against Leicester Tigers in Cork

World Rugby is wasting its time if it thinks the US is an untapped goldmine

The US already has its own, hugely popular version of the sport. It’s called American football

Ronan O’Gara signs four-year extension to La Rochelle deal that closes door on Leinster job

The former Munster and Ireland outhalf will remain at the French club until the end of the 2030-31 season

Seán O’Brien handed 10-week suspension by IRFU after verbally abusing official at Women’s AIL match

Tullow RFC hit with three-match ground closure for an unrelated incident in the same match

Leo Cullen: ‘We won’t be taking bullshit off anybody this year. Nobody. None of our players, nobody’

Leinster coach’s mood in keeping with 56-12 win over Zebre in final preseason friendly

Exuberant Leinster make winning return to the RDS against Zebre

Leo Cullen offers opportunities aplenty in preseason friendly

Leinster have grounds for optimism but key exits could leave them rowing against the wind

While RDS return is a bonus for the province, chasing down the Champions Cup looks a tall order

Gerry Thornley: World Rugby’s aim of playing a Six Nations match in the USA looks a long shot

There are numerous stumbling blocks in the way of moving one of the championship matches stateside

Clayton McMillan faces formidable task with Munster, with young guns key to any revival

Continuing commitment of head coach and emerging stars crucial to their chances

Connacht face demanding tests ahead but Lancaster effect bodes for improvement

Young players were given their opportunities and flourished under Stuart Lancaster’s watch last season

Ulster turn to new recruits and youthful energy in push to end trophy drought

Silverware a realistic goal, but Richie Murphy may have to get by without his Ireland contingent more often than he would like

Premier Sport confident of securing new deal to exclusively show Champions Cup

‘Vast majority accept they aren’t going to get everything for free’: Ryle Nugent on changing attitudes to TV sports coverage

Felipe Contepomi should be next Leinster head coach, says Ian Madigan

Argentina head coach is tied to national team until after World Cup, but Madigan believes he’s worth waiting for

Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle face formidable task in Top 14 opener as best league in world returns

Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle face a formidable task in their opening match of the new French season

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