PRO12 CHAMPIONS CONNACHT have today announced that Elverys Intersport will be their new sponsor on a three-year-deal. Lifestyle Sports have been the western province’s title sponsor since 2014, but will slip off the front of the jersey again as Pat Lam’s side defend their title and head back into the Champions Cup. The deal will …
Continue reading “Connacht sign new 3-year sponsorship deal with Elverys”
Murray Kinsella reports from the Sportsground PAT LAM SAYS he took encouragement from an improved Connacht performance, despite a 32-11 loss to the Ospreys at the Sportsground. For the second weekend in a row, the western province gave up a bonus point in defeat, meaning their Pro12 title defence is off to a poor start. …
Continue reading “‘I’m pleased that we were better than we were last weekend’ – Pat Lam”
WITH GPS TRACKERS in place, a well-measured basket of recovery food and drink by the sideline and drones hovering overhead to record every shape and re-shape; Leinster trained in Greystones today with a valuable piece of 70-year-old technology to complement the new. Graham Henry walked silently behind the play, man-marking Girvan Dempsey for a time, …
CONNACHT ENJOYED A worthwhile pre-season run-out against Montpellier in France back on 11 August, but won’t have another official friendly fixture before the Guinness Pro12 season begins against Glasgow on 3 September. Further fixtures had been planned, with an English club, one French side and one of the Irish provinces mooted, but a series of …
Continue reading “‘It’s not ideal preparation’ – Connacht left without pre-season run”
Murray Kinsella reports from Edinburgh THE LIONS ATTEMPTED to maintain the illusion of surprise right up until the final moment, before Warren Gatland appeared from whichever office he’d been hidden away in as 2017 tour manager John Spencer finally confirmed his appointment. Gatland takes control of the Lions with immediate effect. Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO Spencer, …
Continue reading “Not a popular choice for some, but Gatland brings experience to Lions role”
AS ANYONE WHO watched Saracens dismantle Glasgow in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals will know, you simply have to disrupt Mark McCall’s side when they’ve got the ball. Seven tries in a rampant performance demonstrated just how good the English club are they get into their stride and Munster will appreciate it better than anyone. …
Continue reading “Saracens wary of ‘incredible man’ O’Mahony but ‘have a plan’ for Beirne”
JAMIE CUDMORE IS set to take legal action against his former club, Clermont Auvergne, for medical negligence after he was allowed to return to play despite failing a mid-game concussion test. The 38-year-old Canada international, who spent 11 years at the Top 14 club but has now moved to Oyonnax, has claimed team doctors failed …
DIVISION 1A DUBLIN UNIVERSITY 39GARRYOWEN 22 Despite missing a number of regular starters, Dublin University rounded off an unforgettable regular season for the students with a 39-22 bonus point triumph over mid-table Garryowen at College Park. Already assured of a historic Division 1A semi-final place, Tony Smeeth’s Trinity side warmed up for their last-four trip …
Continue reading “Shannon suffer relegation to Division 1B after final day defeat to Cork Con”
SEÁN CRONIN HAS had a scan on the calf injury he sustained during Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup semi-final victory over Toulouse, and Leinster will now face an anxious wait over the hooker’s fitness for next month’s final. Cronin was forced off after 34 minutes at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday and had his right calf …
Continue reading “Cronin a concern for Newcastle final as Byrne to miss Leinster’s run-in”
IT’S EASY TO forget that when he burst onto the scene as a fresh-faced 20-year-old, Iain Henderson was a fairly shy and unassuming character. As hard as that is to believe given his imposing frame and destructive manner any time you hand him a rugby ball, the transformation in Henderson has been one that has …
Continue reading “Henderson a student of Best but ‘not expecting’ to be named new Ulster captain”