GAA Rounders has officially secured its place at the top table of the association after an overwhelming vote at GAA Congress 2026.

Motion 2 — proposing the addition of a GAA Rounders representative to Ard Chomhairle — passed with a remarkable 98.3% in favour, with just 1.7% voting against. The motion was submitted by Old Leighlin (Carlow) and represents one of the most significant governance moments in the modern history of the sport.

A long-awaited breakthrough

For decades, Rounders has operated under the GAA umbrella without direct representation at Central Council level. While the sport has grown steadily in participation and profile — particularly in recent years — its absence from Ard Chomhairle has often been viewed as a structural gap.

That gap is now closed.

The scale of the vote leaves little ambiguity. A near-unanimous endorsement from delegates signals strong support across the association for recognising Rounders as a fully embedded part of the GAA’s governance framework.

More than symbolic

While the motion itself is short in wording, its implications are substantial.

Having a Rounders representative on Ard Chomhairle ensures the sport will now have a direct voice in discussions around:

• Governance and constitutional matters
• Development funding and resources
• Facilities and long-term planning
• The strategic direction of the wider association

It also strengthens Rounders’ standing within the GAA ecosystem, particularly at a time when conversations around multi-code inclusion and representation continue to evolve.

A defining Congress moment

Congress 2026 features numerous debates across governance, championships and structural reform, but Motion 2 will stand out as a defining legacy decision.

Unlike many technical rule changes that shape competitions or administration, this vote directly alters the governance landscape of the association. It formally acknowledges Rounders’ place not just within the GAA family, but within its core decision-making structure.

A clear mandate

The strength of the vote matters.

Passing with 98.3% support, the motion moves beyond simple approval into clear mandate territory. It reflects not just acceptance but strong backing from the wider GAA membership.

For those involved in Rounders at club, county and national level, the result is both symbolic and practical — a recognition of the work done to grow the sport and a platform for further development in the years ahead.

What happens next

With the motion now passed, attention will turn to how the Rounders representative is selected and integrated into Ard Chomhairle structures — a process that will likely require formal constitutional and governance steps.

However, the direction is now clear.

For the first time in its history, GAA Rounders will have a seat at the main table of the GAA.

More coverage: Follow SportsNewsIRELAND.com for updates from Congress and what the changes mean for clubs and counties.

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Connacht’s URC season feels like it’s hanging on a knife edge heading into this one.

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Three rounds into the 2026 Six Nations and the numbers are already shaping the storylines: France look the most clinical, Scotland the most efficient, England are living off territory, Ireland are still chasing precision, while Wales and Italy have quietly put up some fascinating underlying metrics.

50 Stats That Explain the First Three Rounds of the 2026 Six Nations

Below are 50 stats from the opening three rounds that show what’s working, what’s wobbling, and what might decide the championship run-in.

France: the benchmark (and the risk)

1. Total metres gained: France lead the tournament with 1,972m.
2. First-phase tries: France have scored 9, the most in the championship.
3. 22m efficiency: France convert 40.9% of 22m entries into tries.
4. Chip kicks: France lead with 11.
5. Box kicks: France have used 40, second only to Wales.
6. 50/22 success: France are one of only two teams with a successful 50/22.
7. Lineout errors: France have a perfect record with 0.
8. Maul-to-try: France are one of only two teams to convert a maul into a try.
9. Early momentum: France have scored 3 tries inside the opening 10 minutes.
10. Turnovers conceded: France have conceded a tournament-high 59.

France look the most dangerous side in the competition — but that turnover count is the one number that can keep others in touching distance.

Ireland: pressure without polish

11. Scrum offences: Ireland have conceded the most with 12.
12. Lineout errors: Ireland lead the tournament with 3.
13. Tackle success: Ireland sit at 75.00%.
14. Turnovers conceded: Ireland have conceded 43.
15. Rucks won in opposition 22: Ireland have recorded 30.
16. 50/22 success: Ireland are one of the two teams to execute one successfully.
17. Restart retention: Ireland have retained 1 restart kick.
18. Early momentum: Ireland have scored 2 tries inside the opening 10 minutes.

The underlying pressure is there for Ireland, but set-piece errors and scrum discipline are leaving points on the pitch.

Scotland: efficiency, accuracy, composure

19. Tackle success: Scotland lead the tournament at 85.22%.
20. Turnovers conceded: Scotland have conceded 32.
21. Maul-to-try: Scotland are one of only two teams to convert a maul into a try.
22. Restart retention: Scotland lead with 2 retained restart kicks.
23. Chip kicks: Scotland have attempted 5.
24. Rucks won in opposition 22: Scotland have recorded 12.
25. Early momentum: Scotland have scored 2 tries inside the opening 10 minutes.

Scotland aren’t topping every “power” category, but their efficiency stats are screaming “hard to beat”.

England: territory kings, ball security worries

26. Territorial kicking metres: England lead with 2,893m kicked.
27. Box kicks: England have used 26.
28. Tackle success: England sit at 79.06%.
29. Turnovers conceded: England have conceded 56.
30. Chip kicks: England have attempted 6.
31. Rucks won in opposition 22: England have recorded 14.
32. Early momentum: England have scored 2 tries inside the opening 10 minutes.

England are controlling where games are played — but that turnover figure is the red flag.

Wales: high work-rate, strong retention, blunt edge

33. Box kicks: Wales lead the tournament with 43.
34. Turnovers conceded: Wales are the best in the championship with just 26.
35. Rucks won in opposition 22: Wales lead with 33.
36. Tackle success: Wales sit at 76.37%.
37. Turnover profile: Wales have conceded 33 fewer turnovers than France (26 vs 59).
38. Territory approach: Wales are the most committed to contestable-kick pressure (box-kick volume No.1).
39. Red-zone presence: Wales have spent plenty of time in the 22 (rucks won No.1) but haven’t matched France’s conversion rate.
40. Ball security: Wales’ retention is better than every other nation after three rounds.

Wales’ numbers suggest a side that can build pressure and keep the ball — the missing piece is turning that work into tries.

Italy: competitive in spells, still chasing cutting edge

41. 22m efficiency: Italy convert just 16.7% of 22m entries into tries.
42. Tackle success: Italy sit at 78.86%.
43. Turnovers conceded: Italy have conceded 52.
44. Chip kicks: Italy have attempted 3 (lowest in the tournament table shown).
45. Rucks won in opposition 22: Italy have recorded 13.
46. Early momentum: Italy have scored 1 try inside the opening 10 minutes.

Italy’s defence is not miles off, but their 22m conversion number explains why strong periods aren’t becoming scoreboard pressure.

Set-piece & discipline: the hidden swing factors

47. Scrum discipline: Ireland have conceded the most scrum offences (12), while England and Wales are the most disciplined (5 each).
48. Maul strategy: England have attempted the most mauls (24), but only France and Scotland have converted a maul into a try.
49. Lineout accuracy: Ireland lead lineout offences (3), while France have made 0 lineout errors.
50. Defensive danger-zone penalties: Wales have conceded the most in defence (23), closely followed by England (22).

What the numbers really mean after three rounds

France have the most clinical attack, Scotland have the cleanest efficiency profile, England are living off territory, and Ireland’s underlying pressure is being undermined by set-piece and discipline issues.

But don’t ignore Wales and Italy. Wales are leading the tournament for red-zone rucks and ball retention — those are foundations you can build on quickly if the attack clicks. Italy’s conversion rate tells you exactly why they’re not turning competitiveness into wins.

Two rounds remain. If one side improves a single lever — France reducing turnovers, Ireland cleaning up scrum/lineout, or Wales sharpening 22m conversion — the table can still shift fast.

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A seat long in the making

Congress agenda: 25 motions, big implications

Simplified guide: what each motion is about

• • Motion 1: Changes how the five-year rule for county officers is calculated, including a proposed variation to the rule (Meath).

• • Motion 2: Add a GAA Rounders representative to Ard Chomhairle by amending the composition of Central Council (Old Leighlin, Carlow).

• • Motion 3: Redefines “first club” by lowering the age grade from U12 to U10 (Kilteely-Dromkeen).

• • Motion 4: Alters an exception to the “one county per year” championship rule for U21 and younger where a player’s club has no team, allowing them to play with another club rather than an independent team (Kerry).

• • Motion 5: Proposes an inter-county eligibility restriction: to play senior inter-county championship, a player must have played eight club league/championship games the previous year (Clontarf).

• • Motion 6: Seeks to remove All-Ireland SHC preliminary quarter-finals; also proposes changes to the Joe McDonagh Cup format (Laois). (If this passes, Motion 18 won’t be heard.)

• • Motion 7: Fixes All-Ireland minor finals in Croke Park as curtain-raisers to the respective senior finals (Tempo Maguires).

• • Motion 8 (New Rule): Caps the senior inter-county playing season at 30 competitive weekends (31 if an All-Ireland final replay is required) (GPA).

• • Motion 9: Clarifies that match officials shall not be required to attend hearings or give oral evidence/cross-examination (Abbeylara).

• • Motion 10: Clarifies when an appealed decision takes effect — either after the appeal window ends, or after the appeal outcome is issued (Abbeylara).

• • Motion 11: Changes the threshold to call a club special general meeting to 10% of membership or 25 members (whichever is greater) (Castledaly).

• • Motion 12: Updates wording to allow for at least three female appointments on the Management Committee (Central Council).

• • Motion 13: Extends “Winner on the Day” to provincial football finals (currently All-Ireland finals go to replay after extra-time).

• • Motion 14: Moves All-Ireland finals back by two weeks (to on or before the 32nd Sunday of the year), prevents inter-county competitions before the 4th Sunday, and removes pre-season competitions; includes concessions for counties reaching All-Ireland finals.

• • Motion 15 (New Rule): Introduces a certification concept for counties to participate in senior inter-county competitions (Amateur Status Review Committee).

• • Motion 16: Recasts/rewords an existing Amateur Status rule to state what can be done as well as what cannot be done (Amateur Status Review Committee).

• • Motion 17: Addresses New York’s participation in inter-county championships and how that interacts with hurling groups, promotion and relegation.

• • Motion 18: Removes SHC preliminary quarter-finals (CCCC). (Will fall if Motion 6 passes.)

• • Motion 19: Brings dissent rules from football into hurling, with frees advanced 30 metres (rather than 50).

• • Motion 20: Begins a process to develop policy on the definition of a club, giving county committees scope to determine clubs within their counties.

• • Motion 21: Helps smaller rural clubs by allowing county committees to adjust outfield numbers to not below 11 (enabling 12-a-side).

• • Motion 22: Expands the composition of Development CCC and provides authority for annual operational reviews of U17-and-under competitions.

• • Motion 23: Extends Central Council powers to interpret codes as well as rules.

• • Motion 24: Enables counties to use an online system for club transfers.

• • Motion 25: Introduces Central Council guidelines on permanent residency for transfers/eligibility, allowing counties to apply criteria from those guidelines.

Why Motion 2 matters most for Rounders

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Cheltenham Preview Nights – 2026

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The game takes place at Stade Aime Giral, with kick-off at 8pm Irish time, and will be shown live on the RTÉ News Channel (Sky 517) as well as streamed on RTÉ Player, ensuring easy access for supporters across Ireland.

Byrne handed starting role in back three

Head coach Andrew Browne has named a youthful but well-balanced matchday squad, captained by tighthead prop Sami Bishti, with one of the standout selections being Noah Byrne at full-back.

Byrne, a former Dublin minor footballer, continues his impressive sporting journey by starting in the Ireland back three alongside Derry Moloney and Daniel Ryan. Comfortable under the high ball and composed in broken play, Byrne’s transition from Gaelic football to elite rugby has marked him out as one of the more intriguing prospects in the squad. His ability to read space and counter-attack could be key against a typically athletic French backline.

In midfield, Johnny O’Sullivan partners James O’Leary, while Christopher Barrett and Tom Wood link up at half-back, tasked with steering Ireland around the pitch in what is expected to be a high-tempo contest.

Strong UCD influence in the pack

Ireland’s pack features a strong Leinster core, with UCD well represented. Bishti captains the side from tighthead prop, packing down alongside Max Doyle and Rian Handley in the front row. Dylan McNeice and Donnacha McGuire form the second row partnership, while the back row of Josh Neill, Billy Hayes and Diarmaid O’Connell offers a blend of physicality and mobility.

Browne has also named a well-rounded bench, with impact options available across both forwards and backs should the game open up in the final quarter.

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ITV will introduce in-play advertising to its Six Nations coverage this week, a first for UK live sports broadcasting, starting with Ireland’s trip to holders France on Thursday night.

The broadcaster will run two adverts in each half, shown during breaks in play before scrums. The promotions will appear in a picture-in-picture format, taking up roughly half the screen while the match continues.

Commercial deals have been agreed with Samsung and Virgin Atlantic. Samsung’s advert will promote its Galaxy Fold 27 phone, showing fans watching live rugby together on a mobile device and asking: “Can your phone make you feel this close?” Virgin Atlantic’s slot will focus on the airline’s global routes.

While ITV has stressed the ads will only appear during natural stoppages, the move has already prompted debate about the impact on rugby’s flow and viewing experience.

Among the first to react was South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus who responded with a series of pointed social media posts.

Quoting the original report, Erasmus initially wrote “Rerig?”, a sarcastic reference to re-engineering rugby broadcasts to accommodate advertising.

He followed that up with a second post: “O shit Daan, wat nou?”

The tone was typical Erasmus: short, dry, and clearly sceptical of a direction that risks chipping away at the rhythm of the game.

For now, the experiment applies only to rugby. ITV would require separate approval to introduce similar in-play advertising during football broadcasts, including the World Cup.

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Ireland have been priced as outsiders for Thursday night’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations opener in Paris, with bookmakers firmly backing France — despite Andy Farrell naming an experienced and battle-hardened Match Day 23.

Caelan Doris will captain Ireland at the Stade de France as the 2026 Championship gets under way, but betting markets suggest expectations are low for the visitors, with France listed at 1/7 to win and Ireland drifting to 5/1.

Selection calls at out-half continue to dominate discussion, with Harry Byrne once again the unluckiest omission as Farrell opts for Sam Prendergast to start and Jack Crowley to cover from the bench.

Farrell Backs Continuity for Paris Test

Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and Jacob Stockdale form the back three, while Stuart McCloskey partners Garry Ringrose in midfield. Jamison Gibson-Park and Prendergast are named in the half-backs as Farrell prioritises tempo and game control.

In the pack, Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson start in the front row, with Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne combining in the engine room. Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier and Doris complete the back row.

Harry Byrne the Unlucky Loser Again

Byrne’s absence will raise eyebrows, particularly given his recent form and the condensed nature of the Six Nations. With Ireland light on depth at out-half in recent campaigns, his continued exclusion underlines just how tight Farrell’s selection calls have become.

Instead, Farrell has doubled down on familiarity, with Crowley again trusted as the primary replacement playmaker.

Bench Built for Paris Intensity

Ireland’s bench contains significant power and experience, with Rónan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan and Jack Conan all primed to make an impact, while Craig Casey and Crowley provide tempo and control in the closing stages.

Squad Stats: Experience and Provincial Split

• Total caps in Match Day 23: 786
• Average caps per player: 34

Provincial representation:

• Leinster: 13 players
• Munster: 5 players
• Ulster: 3 players
• Connacht: 2 player

Leinster again dominate the selection, particularly across the leadership group and spine of the side, while Connacht’s sole representative is Finlay Bealham.

Farrell: “An Amazing Tournament”

“I’ve been pleased with the application of the squad since we linked up last week and we’ve a good body of work under our belts from our training camp in Portugal,” Farrell said.

“The Six Nations is an amazing tournament to compete in and it brings out the best in players. We know what the Stade de France brings and how proud and vocal the travelling Irish support can be.”

Betting: France Strong Favourites

The betting markets paint a clear picture ahead of kick-off:

• Match odds: France 1/7, Ireland 5/1, Draw 35/1
• Handicap: France -13 (10/11), Ireland +13 (10/11)
• Six Nations outright: France 8/11, Ireland 6/1

Despite Ireland’s recent competitiveness in Paris, bookmakers expect France’s power and home advantage to prove decisive.

Live Coverage

The match kicks off at 8.10pm Irish time and is live on Virgin Media One and ITV, with radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.

Ireland v France – Match Day 23

15. Jamie Osborne (Leinster)
14. Tommy O’Brien (Leinster)
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster)
12. Stuart McCloskey (Ulster)
11. Jacob Stockdale (Ulster)
10. Sam Prendergast (Leinster)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)

1. Jeremy Loughman (Munster)
2. Dan Sheehan (Leinster)
3. Thomas Clarkson (Leinster)
4. Joe McCarthy (Leinster)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Munster)
6. Cian Prendergast (Connacht)
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster)
8. Caelan Doris (Leinster, captain)

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley

⸻

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