Murphy’s coaching career spans 25 years and began after a knee injury ended his playing days as a goal-kicking fly-half in his late 20s. He’s now one month into his new role at Ulster, stepping in after Dan McFarland’s departure.

Despite the scrutiny that comes with the position, Murphy’s passion for coaching remains steadfast. He responds quickly when asked if he still enjoys coaching: “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t! I love rugby. The idea of working in an office job doesn’t really appeal to me.” His dedication to the sport is clear, with long hours at work being a norm for him: “I have no problem being on my laptop at 10 o’clock at night and then getting up at 6 o’clock in the morning and going to work.”

Originally from County Wicklow, Murphy played as a fly-half for several clubs in Ireland before transitioning to coaching at the club level due to his knee injury. His coaching career took off when he worked for the IRFU in various roles, including a decade-long stint with the Ireland coaching team. Most recently, he coached the U20s, leading them to consecutive Six Nations Grand Slams and a World Championship final.

Now, Murphy faces a new challenge with Ulster. “It’s definitely a different role,” he acknowledges. His experience with the U20s has provided a solid foundation for his current position, helping him build strong relationships with the players.

Murphy’s initiation into the role has been tough, starting with two challenging games in South Africa followed by trips to France for the EPCR Challenge Cup. “It definitely feels like it was a tough start, even just to be away for those four weeks,” says Murphy.

Returning to home soil, Murphy and the team face Cardiff Rugby at the Kingspan Stadium on Friday night. “We are coming off the back of a difficult enough four weeks on the road,” he admits, noting the challenges for both players and staff.

Ulster currently holds the final play-off spot in the league with five rounds of matches remaining. Murphy is optimistic about the team’s future prospects. “We know what we need to do in relation to the next number of weeks and we are hoping to get a good start on Friday night,” he says.

Despite his current position as interim head coach, Murphy has a long-term vision for his role at Ulster. “I have loved my time with the U20s and would be quite happy to go back to them if that happens,” he notes. “But I’m also very keen on the idea of a longer-term thing in Ulster. It’s a job that I’d really like to do and I suppose that will come down to whether Ulster wants me or not.”

The post Meet Richie Murphy the new Head coach of Ulster Rugby appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Leinster Rugby continues to showcase its dominance in the rugby world as several of its players secure nominations for the highly coveted 2024 Investec Player of the Year award. The list, featuring some of the brightest talents in the sport, highlights the exceptional performances throughout the season.

Among the nominees are familiar names from Leinster Rugby, including Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe, and Dan Sheehan, who have consistently delivered outstanding performances on the field. Their contributions have been pivotal in shaping the team’s success and securing their place among the top contenders for the prestigious award.

However, they face stiff competition from other exceptional players across various teams. Antoine Dupont of Stade Toulousain, Courtney Lawes of Northampton Saints, and Marcus Smith of Harlequins are just a few of the formidable contenders vying for the title of Player of the Year.

The judging panel, comprising esteemed figures such as two-time Investec Champions Cup winner Jim Hamilton, 2019 Rugby World Cup winner Francois Louw, and sports presenter Elma Smit, among others, faces the challenging task of selecting the ultimate winner from this illustrious lineup of nominees.

Reflecting on previous winners adds another layer of prestige to the award. In 2023, Gregory Alldritt of Stade Rochelais clinched the title, following in the footsteps of past victors like Josh van der Flier, Antoine Dupont, and Sam Simmonds. The Roll of Honour is a testament to the exceptional talent that has graced the rugby field over the years, with each winner leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

As anticipation builds towards the announcement of the 2024 Investec Player of the Year, fans and pundits alike eagerly await to see who will join the illustrious list of winners. The award not only recognizes individual excellence but also celebrates the collective effort and dedication of players who have raised the bar in rugby excellence.

“`wordpress
[roll_of_honour]
2013: Jonny Wilkinson (RC Toulon)
2014: Steffon Armitage (RC Toulon)
2015: Nick Abendanon (ASM Clermont Auvergne)
2016: Maro Itoje (Saracens)
2017: Owen Farrell (Saracens)
2018: Leone Nakarawa (Racing 92)
2019: Alex Goode (Saracens)
2020: Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs)
2021: Antoine Dupont (Stade Toulousain)
2022: Josh van der Flier (Leinster Rugby)
2023: Gregory Alldritt (Stade Rochelais)
“`

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Gonna be some huge games with one win maybe moving from 11th to 8th, also score difference could decide H Cup places.

(1) Leinster – Lions (1), Stormers (1), Ospreys (5), Ulster (5), Connacht (5)
– 71pts

(2) Bulls – Munster (5), Ospreys (5), Glasgow (5), Bennetton (5), Sharks (5)
– 70pts

(3) Glasgow – Sharks (5), Zebre (5), Bulls (0), Lions (1), Zebre (5)
– 65pts

(4) Stormers – Ospreys (5), Leinster (5), Dragons (5), Connacht (0), Lions (5)
– 59pts

(5) Munster – Bulls (0), Lions (1), Connacht (4), Edinburgh (2), Ulster (5)
– 55pts

(6) Edinburgh – Scarlets (5), Cardiff (4), Zebre (5), Munster (5), Benetton (1)
– 54pts

(7) Lions – Leinster (5), Munster (5), Cardiff (5), Glasgow (4), Stormers (0).
– 53pts

(8) Connacht – Zebre (5), Dragons (5), Munster (1), Stormers (4), Leinster (0).
– 49pts

(9) Ulster – Cardiff (4), Bennetton (5), Scarlets (4), Leinster (0), Munster (0)
– 48pts

(10) Bennetton – Dragons (5), Ulster (1), Sharks (0), Bulls (0), Edinburgh (4)
– 47pts

(11) Ospreys – Stormers (0), Bulls (0), Leinster (0), Dragons (5), Cardiff (4)
– 44pts

Quarter-Finals & H Cup places
Leinster v Connacht
Bulls v Lions
Glasgow v Edinburgh
Stormers v Munster

The post Predicted Final URC table and quarter-finals 2023/24 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

Ulster v Cardiff Rugby
Kingspan Stadium, Belfast – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 79th league game)
AR 1: Andrew Cole (IRFU) AR 2: Sam Holt (IRFU)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)
Live on: BBC NI, Premier Sports, BBC Wales, TG4, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Glasgow Warriors v Hollywoodbets Sharks
Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Federico Vedovellli (FIR, 7th league game)
AR 1: Sam Grove-White (SRU) AR 2: Rob McDowell (SRU)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Viaplay, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

Emirates Lions v Leinster
Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg – KO 14.00 IRE & UK / 15.00 ITA & SA
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR, 30th league game)
AR 1: Morne Ferreira (SARU) AR 2: Christopher Allison (SARU)
TMO: Andrea Piardi (FIR)
Live on: SuperSport, RTÉ, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Benetton v Dragons RFC
Stadio Monigo, Treviso – KO 14.00 IRE & UK / 15.00 ITA & SA
Referee: Frank Murphy (IRFU, 83rd league game)
AR 1: Fillipo Russo (FIR) AR 2: Alex Frasson (FIR)
TMO: Mark Patton (IRFU)
Live on: Sky Italia, S4C, SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Vodacom Bulls v Munster
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria – KO 16.05 IRE & UK / 17.05 ITA & SA
Referee: Adam Jones (WRU, 35th league game)
AR 1: AJ Jacobs (IRFU) AR 2: Dylen November (IRFU)
TMO: Craig Evans (WRU)
Live on: SuperSport, RTÉ, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

DHL Stormers v Ospreys
DHL Stadium, Cape Town – KO 18.15 IRE & UK / 19.15 ITA & SA
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 94th league game)
AR 1: Cwengile Jadzweni (SARU) AR 2: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU)
TMO: Chris Busby (IRFU)
Live on: SuperSport, S4C, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Connacht v Zebre Parma
Dexcom Stadium, Galway – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Aimee Barrett- Theron (SARU, 7th league game)
AR 1: Peter Martin (IRFU) AR 2: Tomas O’Sullivan (IRFU)
TMO: Colin Brett (SRU)
Live on: TG4, SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Edinburgh Rugby v Scarlets
Hive Stadium, Edinburgh – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 16th league game)
AR 1: Ru Campbell (SRU) AR 2: Michael Todd (SRU)
TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

The post List of URC and Champions Cup matches on TV – BBC, Sky, RTE, Virgin & TG4 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The match officials appointments of the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 14 fixtures have been confirmed and are available alongside TV listings below.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

Ulster v Cardiff Rugby
Kingspan Stadium, Belfast – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 79th league game)
AR 1: Andrew Cole (IRFU) AR 2: Sam Holt (IRFU)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)
Live on: BBC NI, Premier Sports, BBC Wales, TG4, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Glasgow Warriors v Hollywoodbets Sharks
Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Federico Vedovellli (FIR, 7th league game)
AR 1: Sam Grove-White (SRU) AR 2: Rob McDowell (SRU)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Viaplay, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

Emirates Lions v Leinster
Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg – KO 14.00 IRE & UK / 15.00 ITA & SA
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR, 30th league game)
AR 1: Morne Ferreira (SARU) AR 2: Christopher Allison (SARU)
TMO: Andrea Piardi (FIR)
Live on: SuperSport, RTÉ, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Benetton v Dragons RFC
Stadio Monigo, Treviso – KO 14.00 IRE & UK / 15.00 ITA & SA
Referee: Frank Murphy (IRFU, 83rd league game)
AR 1: Fillipo Russo (FIR) AR 2: Alex Frasson (FIR)
TMO: Mark Patton (IRFU)
Live on: Sky Italia, S4C, SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Vodacom Bulls v Munster
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria – KO 16.05 IRE & UK / 17.05 ITA & SA
Referee: Adam Jones (WRU, 35th league game)
AR 1: AJ Jacobs (IRFU) AR 2: Dylen November (IRFU)
TMO: Craig Evans (WRU)
Live on: SuperSport, RTÉ, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

DHL Stormers v Ospreys
DHL Stadium, Cape Town – KO 18.15 IRE & UK / 19.15 ITA & SA
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 94th league game)
AR 1: Cwengile Jadzweni (SARU) AR 2: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU)
TMO: Chris Busby (IRFU)
Live on: SuperSport, S4C, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Connacht v Zebre Parma
Dexcom Stadium, Galway – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Aimee Barrett- Theron (SARU, 7th league game)
AR 1: Peter Martin (IRFU) AR 2: Tomas O’Sullivan (IRFU)
TMO: Colin Brett (SRU)
Live on: TG4, SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Edinburgh Rugby v Scarlets
Hive Stadium, Edinburgh – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 16th league game)
AR 1: Ru Campbell (SRU) AR 2: Michael Todd (SRU)
TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

The post List of Rugby Referees and TMOs for this weeks matches appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Tuesday
Barcelona v PSG, 8pm – RTE2

Wednesday
Man City v Real Madrid, 8pm, Virgin 2

Thursday
Lille v Aston Villa, 5:45pm, Virgin 2
Atlanta v Liverpool, 8pm, Virgin 2

Friday
Ulster v Cardiff, 7:35pm, TG4
Derry City v Shamrock Rvrs, 7:45 RTE2

Saturday
Diamond League Athletics, 12pm Vir 2
World Snooker, 1:45pm, BBC1
England v Ireland W6N, 2pm, Virgin 1
Lions v Leinster, 2pm, RTE2
Kerry v Cork, 4pm, GAAGO
Bulls v Munster, 4:05pm, RTE2
Man City v Chelsea, FA Cup, 5:15 BBC1
Donegal v Derry, 6:15pm, RTE2
Connacht v Zebre, 7:30pm, TG4

Sunday
Clare v Limerick, 2pm, RTE2
Tramore Races, 2:30pm, TG4
Coventry v Man UTD, FA Cup, 3:30 ITV
Mayo v Roscommon, 4pm, RTE2
Cavan v Tyrone, 4pm, BBC 2
Waterford v Cork, 4pm GAAGO

Dublin v Meath, 4:30pm RTE2
Arsenal v Villa, 4:30pm Sky Sports 1
US Masters Golf, 6:30pm Sky Sports

The post List of Live Sport on TV this week – RTE, Virgin, TG4 and BBC appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

A sell-out crowd of 120,000 is expected at the iconic Hong Kong Stadium across the three days of action, as the race to secure a place at the season-ending Grand Final in Madrid heats up.

The top eight teams from the Men’s and Women’s Standings will book their spot for Madrid, where the overall Series Champions will be crowned at the start of June.

Ireland Men, who secured their second podium finish in three SVNS Series events by claiming bronze in Los Angeles last time out, currently sit second in the overall Standings after five tournaments, with Argentina leading the way.

James Topping‘s side have been in excellent form throughout the 2024 campaign and will be determined to build further momentum heading towards Madrid and this summer’s Paris Olympics.

Harry McNulty once again captains the team in Hong Kong, with potential debutant Zac McConnellincluded in Ireland’s 13-player squad.

Topping’s side get their tournament underway against South Africa on Friday (11.39am local time/4.39am Irish time) before further Pool outings against Samoa and Spain.

Ireland Women, meanwhile, will be looking to rediscover the form that saw them make history by winning their maiden Series title in Perth at the end of January.

Allan Temple-Jones‘ charges are lying sixth in the overall Women’s Standings and have been drawn alongside South Africa, Australia and Fiji in Pool B in Hong Kong.

With Lucy Mulhall sidelined through injury, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe captains the side with Clare Gorman in line for her HSBC SVNS Series debut in green.

Ireland Women go head-to-head with South Africa in their tournament opener on Friday (12.02pm local time/5.02am Irish time).

You can watch all of the HSBC SVNS Series matches for free on RugbyPass TV or on TNT Sports, while there will be coverage of Ireland’s progress in Hong Kong across the new @Ireland7s social media channels.

Ireland Men’s Sevens Squad (HSBC SVNS Series – Hong Kong):

Niall Comerford (UCD RFC)
Sean Cribbin (Suttonians RFC)
Ed Kelly (Dublin University FC)
Terry Kennedy (St Mary’s College RFC)
Hugo Lennox (Skerries RFC)
Zac McConnell (Ireland Sevens)
Matthew McDonald (Ireland Sevens)
Harry McNulty (UCD RFC)(captain)
Bryan Mollen (UCD RFC)
Gavin Mullin (UCD RFC)
Chay Mullins (Galway Corinthians RFC/Connacht/IQ Rugby)
Mark Roche (Lansdowne FC)
Zac Ward (Ballynahinch RFC)

Ireland Women’s Sevens Squad (HSBC SVNS Series – Hong Kong):

Natasja Behan (Blackrock College RFC)
Megan Burns (Blackrock College RFC)
Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe (Railway Union RFC)(captain)
Alanna Fitzpatrick (Portarlington RFC/Blackrock College RFC)
Stacey Flood (Railway Union RFC)
Clare Gorman (Old Belvedere RFC)
Katie Heffernan (Railway Union RFC)
Erin King (Old Belvedere RFC)
Lucinda Kinghan (Railway Union RFC)
Vicky Elmes Kinlan (Wicklow RFC)
Emily Lane (Blackrock College RFC)
Kate Farrell McCabe (Suttonians RFC)
Vikki Wall (Ireland Sevens)

Ireland Fixtures – HSBC SVNS Series, Hong Kong:

Friday, April 5 –

• Ireland Men v South Africa, 11.39am local time/4.39am Irish time
• Ireland Women v South Africa, 12.02pm local time/5.02am Irish time
• Ireland Men v Samoa, 2.49pm local time/7.49am Irish time
• Ireland Women v Australia, 3.35pm local time/8.35am Irish time

Saturday, April 6 –

• Ireland Men v Spain, 10.39am local time/3.39am Irish time
• Ireland Women v Fiji, 11.02am local time/4.02am Irish time
• Play-Offs & Ranking Matches

Sunday, April 7 –

• Play-Offs & Ranking Matches.

The post Ireland Fixtures – HSBC Sevens Series appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Pity there are three Irish games on Sunday, and two at the same time. Not sure what genius picked the start times, but Connacht playing at 5pm in Pau on a Sunday evening seems ridiculous. Anyway, here are my mini match previews:

Leinster v Leicester, 8pm Saturday: Harry Byrne had a lovely match last week; he really looks like he is going to fulfill his potential and battle it out for the starting ten for Ireland. This should be another game for him to show his skills in front of a packed Aviva Stadium. Their squad if just so stacked with top internationals it really will be disappointing if they don’t lift the trophy in May. Leicester are very hot and cold and even with their best performance they will hardly stay within 10 of Leinster. Handicap for this match is -16, Maybe 35-17.

Northampton v Munster, 12:30pm Sun:
This should be a cracking match; both sides are in good form. I watched Bristol tear the Saints apart a few weeks ago, which should give Munster a lot of hope. Calvin Nash & RG Snyman playing 60 min is vital. Jack Crowley is in fantastic form so sit back and enjoy a cracker. Hopefully, Munster sneak it. Handicap is Munster -6

Montpellier v Ulster, 12:30pm Sunday: The French side is in all sorts of relegation troubles, and I’d be fairly shocked if they don’t rest 12/13 players for this match. This should really give Ulster a fighting chance. If the Irish side were in any sort of form, you would have to fancy them hammering a very under-strength Montpellier, so let’s go Ulster by 7 pts. I’d expect the handicap to be Montpellier -3.

Pau v Connacht, 5pm Sunday: Connacht should be at full strength for this match, and if the Lions can beat Bennetton on Saturday, a win would give the western province a home quarter-final. This game totally depends on the starting teams. If Pau go full strength, they probably win by 20. If they rest lots of players, which is highly likely, it’s a toss of a coin. Connacht has no try-scorers, which might be the downfall. Expect Pau by 12-15 pts unless they rest their first team, and then look at the draw at 20s. I’d reckon handicap will be Pau -14.

The post Rugby betting previews – Leinster, Connacht, Ulster and Munster appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Murray and Daly have signed one-year extensions with Gleeson moving up to the senior squad on a two-year deal.

Gleeson is one of five Academy players progressing to the senior squad next year with Tony Butler, Ethan Coughlan, Mark Donnelly and Edwin Edogbo also signing two-year deals.

Conor Murray is one of the most decorated scrum-halfs in world rugby with 116 Ireland caps and three British & Irish Lions tours to his name.

A former St Munchin’s College student, the Garryowen man won his fifth 6 Nations title with Ireland last month and earned his second league title with Munster last season.

The 34-year-old has made 185 Munster appearances and scored 34 tries for the province to date and was named on World Rugby’s Team of the Decade in 2019.

25-year-old flanker Jack Daly came up through the ranks at Castleisland RFC and made his Munster debut against Zebre in 2020.

Daly joined the Academy in 2018, moved up to the senior squad in 2021 and plays his AIL rugby with Garryowen.

A former Ireland U20 international, he made his Champions Cup debut against Toulouse in the quarter-final at the Aviva Stadium in 2022.

20-year-old Gleeson moves up to the senior squad after just one year in the Academy that has seen him score one try in nine senior appearances.

Currently out of action with an ankle injury, he had already made three Champions Cup appearances before turning 20.

The powerful back-row forward was a Grand Slam winner with the Ireland U20s last year. plays his AIL rugby with Garryowen and came up through the ranks at Thurles RFC and Rockwell College.

The post Conor Murray signs with until end of 2024/25 season appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Munster Squad Update

The Munster squad have started preparations at the HPC ahead of Sunday’s Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against Northampton Saints at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens (12.30pm, live on TNT Sports & ITV).

On the injury front, Calvin Nash (leg) and RG Snyman (illness) are being monitored and a decision on their availability will be made later this week.

Jack O’Donoghue missed the Cardiff game due to a minor knock and has returned to training.

Academy back-row forward Brian Gleeson underwent ankle surgery last month and is continuing to rehab.

In player news, it was confirmed on Friday that hooker Chris Moore has made the move to Ospreys on a short-term loan.

Continuing to rehab: Oli Jager (knee), Fineen Wycherley (knee), Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder), Diarmuid Barron (foot), Roman Salanoa (knee), Jean Kleyn (knee/eye), Paddy Patterson (knee), Liam Coombes (shoulder), Patrick Campbell (shoulder).

On the AIL front, there were 14 Munster players in action at the weekend.

In Division 1A, Mark Donnelly helped Cork Constitution beat Ballynahinch.

There were six players in Munster derby action as Shannon defeated Young Munster. Daniel Okeke was among the tries for Shannon with Kieran Ryan and Darragh McSweeney also lining out for the hosts.
Tony Butler kicked two conversions and a penalty for Young Munster as Fionn Gibbons and Shay McCarthy also started for the Cookies.

In Division 1B, four players featured for Garryowen in their victory over Old Belvedere. Jack Oliver scored a try in the win with Cian Hurley, Colm Hogan, and George Hadden also featuring.

Jack O’Sullivan scored two tries for UCC in their big win over Buccaneers with Ben O’Connor and Andrew O’Mahony playing their part.

In Division 2A, Evan O’Connell was in action for UL

The post Calvin Nash and RG Snyman should be available for Munster Northampton clash appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.