After Round 14, just three points separate 5th – 11th place, with only four rounds remaining. This weekend, the Race To The Eight continues. Every game counts.

TEAM NEWS HEADLINES

#SCAvSHA
Second row Morgan Jones comes into Scarlets starting XV
Werner Kok will make his 50th appearance for Hollywoodbets Sharks
#ULSvBEN
Ulster development player, Reuben Crothers, starts in the back row
Marco Zanon and Tommaso Menoncello make up Benetton’s’ centre pairing
#ZEBvGLA
Marco Manfredi to make his 50th appearance for Zebre Parma
Josh McKay returns for Glasgow Warriors starting at full-back
#BULvOSP
Jannes Kirsten set to make his BKT URC debut for the Vodacom Bulls if called upon from the bench
Dewi Lake returns from injury for Ospreys to take up a place on the bench
#CARvEDI
Ellis Jenkins makes his final appearance for Cardiff at the Arms Park before his retirement at the end of the season
Emiliano Boffelli named in Edinburgh Rugby’s starting XV on his return from injury and Chris Dean set to make his 150th appearance if called upon from the bench
#LIOvMUN
Jordan Hendrikse makes his 50th appearance for the Emirates Lions
Seán O’Brien makes his first start at inside centre for Munster
#STOvLEI
Brok Harris becomes the first player to reach 150 caps for the DHL Stormers with Marcel Theunissen and Evan Roos playing their 50th game for the club
Gus McCarthy is in line to make his Leinster debut is called upon from the bench
#DRAvCON
Wales hooker Elliot Dee makes 150th appearance for Dragons RFC
Connacht’s Dylan Tierney-Martin named on the bench for first game back since a neck injury if called upon from the bench

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

Scarlets v Hollywoodbets Sharks
Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 80th league game)
AR 1: Ben Breakspear (WRU) AR 2: Dewi Phillips (WRU)
TMO: David Sutherland (SRU)
Live on: BBC Wales, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Scarlets: Ioan Nicholas, Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Eddie James, Tomi Lewis, Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies, Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias (CAPT), Sam Wainwright, Morgan Jones, Sam Lousi, Taine Plumtree, Dan Davis, Vaea Fifita
Replacements: Shaun Evans, Steff Thomas, Harri O’Connor, Jac Price, Carwyn Tuipulotu, Kieran Hardy, Dan Jones, Ryan Conbeer

Hollywoodbets Sharks: Aphelele Fassi, Werner Kok, Lukhanyo Am (CAPT), Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Grant Williams, Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, Emile van Heerden, Phepsi Buthelezi, Lappies Labuschagne, Vincent Tshituka
Replacements: Kerron van Vuuren, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Hanro Jacobs,Corne Rahl, Gerbrandt Grobler, Jaden Hendrikse, Boeta Chamberlain, Francois Venter

Scarlets Head Coach Dwayne Peel said: “We were obviously disappointed by the result in Edinburgh last weekend especially after leading the game on the hour mark. We spoke about showing fight and playing with a bit of freedom and there were elements of that in our game. We need to stay in that fight for 80 minutes. This week, we have prepared for the best version of the Sharks, they can put out a Springbok pack if they want and that is a massive challenge and an exciting one. Every time you play a South African side it is going to be physical and you have to step up.”

Ulster v Benetton
Kingspan Stadium, Belfast – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU, 42nd league game)
AR 1: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU) AR 2: Padraig Reidy (IRFU)
TMO: Sean Brickell (WRU)
Live on: BBC NI, RTÉ, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Ulster: Mike Lowry, Rob Baloucoune, Will Addison, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Alan O’Connor (CAPT), Dave Ewers, Reuben Crothers, David McCann
Replacements: John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, James French, Cormac Izuchukwu, Greg Jones, Dave Shanahan, Luke Marshall, Ethan McIlroy

Benetton: Jacob Umaga, Leonardo Marin, Tommaso Menoncello, Marco Zanon, Rhyno Smith, Tomas Albornoz, Andy Uren, Thomas Gallo, Giacomo Nicotera, Simione Ferrari, Scott Scrafton, Edoardo Iachizzi, Alessandro Izekor, Michele Lamaro (CAPT), Lorenzo Cannone
Replacements: Gianmarco Lucchesi, Ivan Nemer, Tiziano Pasquali, Niccolò Cannone, Riccardo Favretto, Toa Halafihi, Alessandro Garbisi, Filippo Drago

Ulster Defence Coach Jonny Bell said: “This game is hugely important. It’s such a competitive league. You can quickly jump up or jump down the table, a win this weekend would be great for us.”

Benetton Head Coach Marco Bortolami said: “In the lineup we have some returns from last week, but unfortunately Ratave has also joined the injured list. The starting XV has been chosen to cope with the qualities of Ulster, tomorrow’s opponents, while also taking into account adjustments in some roles. Ulster is a very high-performance team that works a lot with the forwards: for this reason I chose to bring six forwards and two midfielders on the bench; to be competitive on a physical level for the entire 80 minutes.”

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Zebre Parma v Glasgow Warriors
Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma – KO 13.00 IRE & UK / 14.00 ITA & SA
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 17th league game)
AR 1: Filipo Russo (FIR) AR 2: Manuel Bottino (FIR)
TMO: Colin Stanley (IRFU)
Live on: Sky Italia, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Zebre Parma: Lorenzo Pani, Jacopo Trulla, Franco Smith Jr, Enrico Lucchin, Scott Gregory, Geronimo Prisciantelli (CAPT), Thomas Dominguez, Danilo Fischetti, Marco Manfredi, Muhamed Hasa, Leonard Krumov, Dylan De Leeuw, Guido Volpi, Iacopo Bianchi, Giacomo Ferrari
Replacements: Giampietro Ribaldi, Samuele Taddei, Juan Pitinari, Matteo Canali, David Sisi, Ratko Jelic, Fetuli Paea, Taina Fox-Matamua

Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay, Kyle Steyn (CAPT), Stafford McDowall, Sione Tuipulotu, Kyle Rowe, Ross Thompson, Jamie Dobie, Allan Dell, Gregor Hiddleston, Lucio Sordoni, Sintu Manjezi, Max Williamson, Ally Miller, Thomas Gordon, Henco Venter
Replacements: Grant Stewart, Nathan McBeth, Zander Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Euan Ferrie, Gregor Brown, George Horne, Tom Jordan

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith said: “We know that we will need to perform at our best in Parma tomorrow to get the better of a dangerous Zebre side. They are a much improved squad this season and have the ability to pose a challenge to any side, especially at home. Training has been competitive all week and we look forward to the test tomorrow afternoon.”

Vodacom Bulls v Ospreys
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria – KO 14.00 IRE & UK / 15.00 ITA & SA
Referee: Chris Busby (IRFU, 40th league game)
AR 1: Cwengile Jadzweni (SARU) AR 2: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU)
TMO: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Live on: SuperSport, S4C, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Vodacom Bulls: Willie Le Roux, Canan Moodie, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Chris Smith, Embrose Papier, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw, Ruan Vermaak, Reinhardt Ludwig, Nizaam Carr, Elrigh Louw (CAPT), Cameron Hanekom
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Simphiwe Matanzima, Mornay Smith, Janko Swanepoel, Jannes Kirsten, Zak Burger, Jaco van der Valt, Devon Williams

Ospreys: Max Nagy, Luke Morgan, Owen Watkin, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles, Jack Walsh, Luke Davies, Gareth Thomas, Sam Parry, Rhys Henry, Adam Beard, Huw Sutton, Morgan Morse, Justin Tipuric (CAPT), Morgan Morris
Replacements: Dewi Lake, Nicky Smith, Ben Warren, James Ratti, Harri Deaves, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Owen Williams, Evardi Boshoff

Cardiff Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff – KO 15.05 IRE & UK / 16.05 ITA & SA
Referee: Frank Murphy (IRFU, 84th league game)
AR 1: Maickel English (WRU) AR 2: Elgan Williams (WRU)
TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett, Harri Millard, Mason Grady, Ben Thomas, Theo Cabango, Tinus de Beer, Gonzalo Bertranou, Rhys Carré, Liam Belcher (CAPT), Keiron Assiratti, Ben Donnell, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Ellis Jenkins, Mackenzie Martin
Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Corey Domachowski, Ciaran Parker, Rory Thornton, Thomas Young, James Botham, Ellis Bevan, Jacob Beetham

Edinburgh Rugby: Wes Goosen, Emiliano Boffelli, Matt Currie, James Lang, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben Healy, Ali Price, Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman, WP Nel, Sam Skinner, Grant Gilchrist (CAPT), Jamie Ritchie, Hamish Watson, Luke Crosbie
Replacements: Boan Venter, Dave Cherry, Javan Sebastian, Marshall Sykes, Viliame Mata, Ben Vellacott, Mark Bennett, Chris Dean

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “It’s great to welcome Boff [Emiliano Boffelli] back to the starting team. As we all know, he’s a true competitor and he’s been itching to get back fit and back into action. He returns to a really exciting and experienced back-three unit. We travel to Cardiff with plenty of momentum after that second-half performance against Scarlets. It’s now about maintaining those levels for 80 minutes. It’s imperative we start strong against a Cardiff side who are always dangerous at home.”

Emirates Lions v Munster
Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg – KO 16.00 IRE & UK / 17.00 ITA & SA
Referee: Craig Evans (WRU, 55th league game)
AR 1: AJ Jacobs (SARU) AR 2: Dylen November (SARU)
TMO: Adam Jones (WRU)
Live on: SuperSport, TG4, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Emirates Lions: Jordan Hendrikse, Richard Kriel, Erich Cronje, Marius Louw (CAPT), Edwill van der Merwe, Sanele Nohamba, Morne van den Berg, Morgan Naude, Jaco Visagie, Ruan Dreyer, Willem Alberts, Ruan Delport, JC Pretorius, Emmanuel Tshituka, Francke Horn
Replacements: PJ Botha, JP Smith, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Reinhard Nothnagel, Ruan Venter, Sibusiso Sangweni, Nico Steyn, Gianni Lombard

Munster: Simon Zebo, Calvin Nash, Antoine Frisch, Seán O’Brien, Shane Daly, Jack Crowley, Conor Murray, Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, RG Snyman, Tadhg Beirne (CAPT), Peter O’Mahony, Alex Kendellen, Jack O’Donoghue
Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Josh Wycherley, Oli Jager, Tom Ahern, Gavin Coombes, Craig Casey, Joey Carbery, Mike Haley

DHL Stormers v Leinster
DHL Stadium, Cape Town – KO 18.05 IRE & UK / 19.05 ITA & SA
Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 42nd league game)
AR 1: Marius vd Westhuizen (SARU) AR 2: Christopher Allison (SARU)
TMO: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR)
Live on: SuperSport, TG4, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

DHL Stormers: Warrick Gelant, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Dan du Plessis, Damian Willemse, Ben Loader, Manie Libbok, Herschel Jantjies, Brok Harris, Joseph Dweba, Neethling Fouche, Salmaan Moerat (CAPT), Ruben van Heerden, Marcel Theunissen, Ben-Jason Dixon, Evan Roos
Replacements : Andre-Hugo Venter, Kwenzo Blose, Frans Malherbe, Connor Evans, Willie Engelbrecht, Hacjivah Dayimani, Stefan Ungerer, Wandisile Simelane

Leinster : Henry McErlean, Liam Turner, Ben Brownlee, Charlie Ngatai, Rob Russell, Sam Prendergast, Cormac Foley, Michael Milne, John McKee, Michael Ala’alatoa, Brian Deeny, Jason Jenkins, Rhys Ruddock, Scott Penny (CAPT), Max Deegan
Replacements : Gus McCarthy, Ed Byrne, Thomas Clarkson, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Diarmuid Mangan, Fintan Gunne, Charlie Tector, Martin Moloney

DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said: “Hosting Leinster at DHL Stadium is a massive game no matter the circumstances, but with both teams looking to bounce back from defeat last week and the play-offs fast approaching we are expecting an epic duel.
Nobody has played more times for the DHL Stormers than Brok Harris. This is a remarkable achievement and we couldn’t be happier for him. He is a top rugby man in every sense.
Evan and Marcel have hit the 50 mark early in their careers and while they have a lot to be proud of, we know that there is much more to come from both of them.”

Dragons RFC v Connacht
Rodney Parade, Newport – KO 20.00 IRE & UK / 21.00 ITA & SA
Referee: Federico Vedovelli (FIR, 8th league game)
AR 1: Ben Breakspear (WRU) AR 2: Gareth Newman (WRU)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (FIR)
Live on: S4C, RTÉ, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Dragons RFC: Jordan Williams, Rio Dyer, Steff Hughes (CAPT), Aneurin Owen, Ewan Rosser, Cai Evans, Rhodri Williams, Rhodri Jones, Elliot Dee, Chris Coleman, Ben Carter, Matthew Screech, Harri Keddie, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements : James Benjamin, Rodrigo Martinez, Luke Yendle, George Nott, Sean Lonsdale, Che Hope, Will Reed, Joe Westwood

Connacht : Tiernan O’Halloran, Shane Jennings, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, John Porch, JJ Hanrahan, Matthew Devine, Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan (CAPT), Finlay Bealham, Joe Joyce, Gavin Thornbury, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Conor Oliver, Cian Prendergast
Replacements : Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, Sam Illo, Oisín Dowling, Jarrad Butler, Caolin Blade, Cathal Forde, Paul Boyle

Dragons RFC Head Coach Dai Flanagan said: “This four-game block is very important to us, and this is the first of them. This is one of the most exciting times since I’ve been at the club, this run of games, and we need to make the most of it. Connacht target certain games and we would be a game that I imagine they will try and target for five points. It is on us to prove people wrong and perform,”

Connacht Head Coach Pete Wilkins said: “We’ve had a great training week so everyone’s fully prepared and ready to go. Rodney Parade is always a tough place for visiting teams and we’re fully aware of the importance of us getting a win in the context of the overall season.
With Denis, Gavin, Cian and Tiernan coming in, they bring added experience and leadership which is needed in these type of games. Combined with a consistent selection across the rest of the 23 I’m confident we have a squad capable of coming home with the win.”

The post URC Fixtures – Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster starting teams appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Monday
World Snooker, Eurosport & BBC2
Shels v Shamrock Rovers, Virgin 2, 7:45

Tuesday
World Snooker, Eurosport & BBC2
Arsenal v Chelsea, TNT 1, 8pm

Wednesday
World Snooker, Eurosport & BBC2
Everton v Liverpool, Sky Sports 1, 8pm

Thursday
World Snooker, Eurosport & BBC2
Brighton v Man City, TNT 1, 8pm

Friday
World Snooker, Eurosport & BBC2
Sandown Racing, Virgin 1, 1:10pm
Ulster v Treviso, RTE2 & BBC2, 7;35pm

Saturday
World Snooker, Eurosport & BBC2
Diamond League Athletics, Vir 2, 12pm
West Ham v Liverpool, TNT 1, 12:30pm
Sandown Racing, Virgin 1, 1:30pm
Bulls v Ospreys, TG4, 2pm
Antrim v Wexford, GAAGO, 3pm
Lions v Munster, TG4, 4pm
France v England, W6N, Virgin 2, 4:45
Down v Armagh, GAAGO, 5:15pm
Stormers v Leinster, TG4, 6:05pm

Sunday
World Snooker, Eurosport & BBC2
Kikdare v Louth, GAAGO, 1:45pm
Spurs v Arsenal, Sky Sports 1, 2pm
Galway v Kilkenny, RTE2, 2pm
Cork v Clare, GAAGO, 2pm
Womens AIL Rugby Final, TG4, 2pm
Dublin v Offaly, GAAGO, 4pm
Limerick v Tipperary, RTE2, 4pm
Terenure v Cork, Div 1 Final, TG4, 4pm
Notts Forrest v Man City, SS1, 4:30pm

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.

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.

Starting team news for Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster Rugby 

Lions v Leinster, 2pm Saturday
This should be a cracking game, no doubt Leinster rest 10/12 players, but they have a second team that can compete. Lions have so much talent it’s just strange they aren’t top 8. A big mistake by either side will probably decide the winner.
Lions +6 looks a little high.

Bulls v Munster, 4:05pm Saturday
The South African side have made it clear winning the URC is their main goal and they will be nearly full strength this week. Munster may be very happy with an open game and getting a four try BP as they have a horrible run in of games to secure a home quarter-final.
I’d expect Bulls to win by 15+ in a very high scoring game.

Connacht v Zebre, 7:35pm Saturday
Another Irish side who have done a lot of travelling, I’d expect to see a good few players that are fresh and looking to prove something. IMO Connacht will be far more focused this week. Nothing less than BP win will suffice and lucky for Connacht they are playing a team that haven’t won away for years. If we see a repeat of the 2018 game id imagine we might see the same consequences.
Connacht to win by 20pts +

The post Rugby betting previews – Leinster, Connacht, Ulster and Munster 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)
“`

The post Leinster Dominates Investec Player of the Year Nominations 2024 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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.

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.

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.