The Irish Times

Richie Murphy salutes his charges as U20 Grand Slam completed in style

Ireland run in nine tries in impressive rout of Scotland at a packed Musgrave Park

Sun Mar 20 2022 - 21:15

Ireland Under-20s looking to cap remarkable turnaround with Grand Slam title

Richie Murphy’s side take on Scotland at a sold-out Musgrave Park on Sunday

Sat Mar 19 2022 - 06:00

Connacht Rugby season preview: Good start essential if Friend’s men are to reach their goal

Upheaval and season format against them but Connacht will aim to defy the odds again

Thu Sept 23 2021 - 06:00

Gerry Thornley: Rugby at risk of losing fans if two-hour games become the norm

Next season will be interesting for Connacht after major revamp of coaching ticket

Tue Jun 08 2021 - 07:00

Connacht target rare win across the water to secure European quarter-final spot

Andy Friend optimistic his province can produce third win against a Premiership side

Sat Apr 03 2021 - 01:00

Connacht reveal coaching ticket update

Province begin replacing attack coach Nigel Carolan and forwards’ coach Jimmy Duffy

Thu Apr 01 2021 - 20:12

Connacht forwards coach Jimmy Duffy to step down at the end of the season

Former player will end 13-year coaching run as he looks for new opportunity in the game

Wed Mar 31 2021 - 18:57

Connacht know any chance of catching Munster requires Thomond triumph

Connacht will have Bundee Aki, Dave Heffernan and Ultan Dillane available for Friday night’s game

Wed Mar 03 2021 - 06:00

Six Nations: Paul O’Connell ready to make an instant impact with Ireland

New forwards coach says experience is key when it comes to dominating the lineout

Tue Feb 02 2021 - 15:22

Hard work pays off for Roux as he gets the call to face England

‘Real big thing with Quinn is that he has really taken development into his own hands’

Thu Nov 19 2020 - 06:00

Uncharted waters and charter flights: Connacht weigh up pros and cons of Covid-19

Nigel Carolan outlines how players are constantly reminded of their responsibilities

Wed Oct 07 2020 - 06:00

Sporting Upsets: Connacht’s greatest day as they claim title glory

Pat Lam’s charges completed unlikely Pro12 triumph on memorable day in Murrayfield

Mon Sept 28 2020 - 01:00

Gerry Thornley: French clubs loom large for the provinces

France’s international contingent set to ensure tough test for Irish provinces in Europe

Tue Nov 19 2019 - 08:19

Lack of lock stock leaves Ireland looking down the barrel

One by one, the squad’s tall pines have been felled by injury, so what are Schmidt’s options?

Tue Feb 05 2019 - 06:00

Nigel Carolan loves the pressure as Connacht revival continues

Backs coach finds job ‘relentless’ but is happy to be playing key role in shaping province

Sat Jan 05 2019 - 07:00

Connacht expect backlash from highly motivated Perpignan

‘Perpignan are still searching for a win, and with their local hero unfortunately losing his life last week, it’s a big occasion for them’

Wed Dec 12 2018 - 06:00

Gerry Thornley: Kieran Keane didn’t get enough time with Connacht

Kiwi coach’s premature departure comes just as it seems his methods would bear fruit

Tue May 01 2018 - 06:35

Bundee Aki is back for Connacht’s trip to Scotstoun

Jimmy Duffy: ‘We are looking for continuous improvement and that is the driving factor’

Thu Apr 12 2018 - 12:51

High-flying Glasgow a tough assignment for struggling Connacht

Forwards coach Duffy says supporters will have to be patient with a team in transition

Wed Apr 11 2018 - 01:00

A potentially defining weekend for Irish sides in Europe

Victory could secure both Leinster and Munster a place in the Champions Cup quarter-finals

Sat Jan 13 2018 - 06:00

Connacht in confident mood ahead of tricky Worcester test

Kieran Keane's pool five leaders intent on nailing down a home European quarter-final

Wed Jan 10 2018 - 06:00

Connacht in a ‘good space’ as they prepare for Worcester

Jimmy Duffy hoping to build on Oyonnax against Worcester this weekend

Tue Oct 17 2017 - 17:55

Jimmy Duffy confident Connacht are on the right track

Forwards coach anticipating improvement for the Sportsground clash with Cardiff

Wed Sept 20 2017 - 06:00

Nigel Carolan leaves U20s to take up Connacht post

Peter Malone to take charge of underage side for Junior World Championship

Thu Mar 23 2017 - 15:52

Returning players driving Connacht’s Champions Cup push

Pat Lam’s side looking for their fourth win in a row when they host Zebre at Sportsground

Thu Mar 02 2017 - 01:00

Connacht collect bonus as they extend winning run

Pat Lam’s side gain revenge for last year’s defeat to Benetton Treviso

Sun Feb 26 2017 - 16:18

All rugby roads lead to Rome as Zebre battle extinction

Financial problems of Parma club suggest restructuring of Italian game is inevitable

Fri Jan 13 2017 - 17:06

Who will replace Pat Lam at Connacht?

Gerry Thornley looks at the possible contenders to replace Lam at Connacht coach

Mon Dec 05 2016 - 20:52

Connacht without big-name players for Treviso Pro12 encounter

Province boosted by return of quartet to compensate for trio of missing Ireland internationals

Tue Nov 29 2016 - 22:24

Front Up Rise Up extract: Connacht on the brink of history

Pro12 final is four days away and Pat Lam and co are plotting Leinster’s downfall

Sat Oct 29 2016 - 08:01

Gerry Thornley: What does future hold for all-conquering Connacht?

Pro12 win may not be repeated but province already setting high targets for next season

Tue May 31 2016 - 12:17

Connacht’s Andrew Browne welcomes the mix of home and away

Indigenous lock credits influence of outsiders for side’s success

Thu May 26 2016 - 07:30

Connacht’s Finlay Bealham epitomises team singing from same hymn sheet

Ireland’s Australian-born prop says each player knows their job inside-out

Tue Apr 19 2016 - 01:02

Gerry Thornley: Ultan Dillane's breaking on through

Those who saw the lock play as a youth knew his Ireland debut would be impressive

Sat Mar 05 2016 - 19:27