MICHAEL CHEIKA WILL survive the axe as Wallabies coach but his powers will be curtailed with Scott Johnson appointed as director of rugby above him, according to a report in the Australian media. Cheika has faced a mounting backlash from dismayed fans and former players after winning just four of Australia’s 13 Tests this year. […]
John Fallon reports from Perpignan PADDY JACKSON HAS confirmed he is in talks with a number of clubs about a possible move away from Perpignan if, as expected, the Catalan club is relegated from the Top 14 at the end of the season. Jackson confirmed that he has a release clause in his two-year contract […]
SOUTH AFRICA SCRUM-HALF Faf de Klerk has signed a new deal with Sale Sharks until 2023. The Springboks pivot has been outstanding since joining the Premiership club at the start of last season. De Klerk was shortlisted for the World Player of the Year in November after some exceptional performances for his country following his […]
EXCITING WING ROB Lyttle is set for his return from injury in tomorrow’s Guinness Pro14 clash with Leinster at the RDS [KO 5.15pm, eir Sport/Premier Sports]. Lyttle scores against Munster in January 2018. Source: Brian Little/INPHO The 21-year-old is part of a young Ulster team that will take on the defending champions in Dublin, with […]
TWO DAYS ON from being named in Ireland’s Six Nations squad, second row Iain Henderson has returned from injury to aid Ulster in tomorrow’s Heineken Champions Cup Pool 4 finale away to Leicester (kick-off 15.15, BT Sport). It had been feared that a thumb injury would keep the powerful lock out of action for both […]
Updated at 22.34 RACING 92 HAVE released a statement saying the club “strongly condemns the racist insults” against Simon Zebo during Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup clash with Ulster at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Ulster Rugby, meanwhile, are appealing for anyone who can assist in their investigation to contact them and underlined that the club will […]
THE FACT THAT Robert Baloucoune wasn’t even part of Ulster’s full academy at the start of last season makes the impact he has made in the current campaign all the more impressive. The 21-year-old wing scored two tries in his province’s wins over Racing 92 and Leicester in the past fortnight, helping them to earn a […]
THE END OF a big block of games is in sight for Leinster, but before they face into a three-week gap between Pro14 games there is yet another chance to showcase their wealth of talent. Young and old. Scott Penny goes through a training drill under the watchful eye of Rob Kearney. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO […]
THIS ONE HAS all the makings of a Six Nations opener for the ages, and Rory Best admits Ireland will need to produce their best performance of the Joe Schmidt era to topple England at the Aviva Stadium this evening. The Ulster hooker, who will win his 114th cap later, has captained Ireland 28 times […]
FORMER CONNACHT ACADEMY out-half Tadhg Leader made a try-scoring debut for the USA in their 71-8 win over Chile in the Americas Rugby Championship on Saturday. The 26-year-old Galway man was a second-half replacement for starting 10 AJ MacGinty – another Ireland native – in the Eagles’ rout of the Chileans and Leader had a straightforward […]