Asked Johnny Sexton if he was in favour of the kick-heavy direction rugby is heading in - he had some interesting things to say: “Certain people seem to have their way with how the game is going. I don’t think many other people get consulted.” More 👇🏻 m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ce…

Three week ban for James Ryan following his red card against South Africa last weekend.

Of all the people I could have talked to this week, Andrew Porter would have been top of the list Ripped the Springboks plaster off at the start but got into so much more He has some story to tell open.spotify.com/episode/3mHVhN…

Had a really good chat with Garry Ringrose about his decision to self-report the concussion that stopped him becoming a Test Lion, and why he has no regrets at all. m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/th…

Here’s Clayton McMillan on Munster’s excitement around getting Edwin Edogbo’s ‘big rig fired up’ again after injury. Plus the latest update on Oli Jager and Roman Salanoa’s fitness: m.independent.ie/sport/united-r…

‘I see a real value in vulnerability. It shows real character for people to say that they’re struggling’ An interview with Munster coach Clayton McMillan independent.ie/sport/rugby/mu…

Connacht and Ireland star Mack Hansen a major doubt for Six Nations after undergoing surgery on foot independent.ie/sport/rugby/ir…

Skerries native Jack Hanratty ‘honoured’ to be named USA Women’s Eagles head coach independent.ie/sport/rugby/sk…

A piece on the curious case of Leinster signing Rieko Ioane - so often the pantomime villain, a top class player, searching for his best form again after a tough season. m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ci…

Breaking: Ireland have been drawn in Pool D alongside Scotland, Uruguay and Portugal for the 2027 World Cup.

Full draw for the 2027 World Cup

➖Fourth time Ireland have drawn Scotland in World Cup pool - Ireland won previous two in 2019 & 2023, Scotland won in 1991 ➖ Ireland have never played Test against Uruguay - Emerging Ireland beat them in 2014 & 2015 ➖Ireland have played Portugal once - record win last summer

Rieko Ioane set to make his Leinster debut off the bench in Saturday's Champions Cup opener against Harlequins. Joe McCarthy will make his first appearance of the season following a foot injury. No Andrew Porter, James Lowe or Robbie Henshaw.

Breaking: SA Rugby has announced that Rassie Erasmus’ contract as Springboks head coach has been extended for a further four years. It means Erasmus is now contracted for SIX years until 2031.

Tangled up in blue – what Leinster will have to overcome in their latest ‘drive for five’ independent.ie/sport/rugby/ch…

Hearing Jack Crowley is set to miss Munster's Champions Cup opener in Bath tomorrow due to a leg injury. Team will be named at midday. Would obviously be a huge loss and a real shame not to have Crowley v Finn Russell.

Now confirmed. Jack Crowley ruled out for 1-2 weeks with a leg injury. JJ Hanrahan starts for Munster in Bath tomorrow.

Brave call for Munster to go to Bath without a recognised backup 10 in their match-day squad. Not clear what the plan is if JJ Hanrahan goes down.