Some franchises are building steady momentum, while others are consistently demonstrating resilience.

Across the league, contenders are emerging, redefining the balance of power as teams fight for postseason control.

For bettors and fans alike, recognizing which organizations translate potential into playoff strength is key to predicting outcomes and maximizing insight throughout the season.

Buffalo Bills: A Blueprint for Postseason Sustainability

The Buffalo Bills remain a consistent force in the AFC, demonstrating a level of stability that keeps them in the NFL playoffs conversation every year.

Their identity centers on balanced football, solid defense, disciplined execution, and relentless pace. This balance allows them to control tempo and win close games, key traits of a legitimate postseason contender.

For bettors, the Bills are often a reliable team to track at FanDuel Sportsbook, where odds movement reflects their week-to-week steadiness. Their approach to maintaining composure under pressure translates into consistent performances against both top-tier and rebuilding teams.

What sets Buffalo apart is adaptability. They transition seamlessly between game plans, proving capable of grinding out defensive battles or engaging in high-scoring matchups.

This versatility will keep them relevant deep into December and strengthen their playoff profile.

In a conference known for parity, Buffalo’s poise underlines why they remain an accurate postseason benchmark.

Philadelphia Eagles: A Franchise Built on Power and Precision

In the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles continue to stand out as one of the league’s most complete teams. Their structure emphasizes control in the trenches and efficiency on both sides of the ball, a combination that defines sustained success in the NFL playoffs.

Every game showcases their ability to dictate rhythm, capitalize on field position, and exploit weaknesses with precision.

The Eagles’ methodical style converts regular-season dominance into postseason promise. Their defensive resilience complements an offense that values possession and minimizes risk, allowing them to neutralize high-scoring opponents.

For analysts and bettors, this balance signals long-term viability. Philadelphia’s capacity to stay composed in hostile environments often separates it from teams that fade late in the season.

As the 2025 campaign advances, the Eagles exemplify how structural consistency outlasts volatility. Their formula, built on preparation, efficiency, and execution, keeps them positioned among the NFC’s best, ready to capitalize when playoff opportunities emerge.

Indianapolis Colts: Rising Through Smart Rebuilding

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2025 season as one of the most intriguing turnaround stories in the league.

After years of strategic rebuilding, they now present the poise and balance of a legitimate NFL playoff contender. The front office’s long-term commitment to sustainable roster depth is paying off, allowing the Colts to compete across all phases of the game.

What defines Indianapolis is balance. Their offense emphasizes timing and composure, while their defense thrives on discipline and containment. They rarely beat themselves, a critical trait that keeps them competitive in close games.

In a conference filled with explosive teams, the Colts succeed through calculated control and situational awareness.

For bettors tracking performance metrics, Indianapolis represents a team that consistently meets expectations against the spread. They may not dominate headlines, but their steady evolution makes them a team built for meaningful games in December and January.

The Colts are no longer rebuilding; they are quietly redefining what it means to be a contender. Bettors track their odds for very good reason; this is a team on the move.

Los Angeles Rams: Efficiency and Adaptation in the NFC Race

The Los Angeles Rams continue to demonstrate that efficient management and tactical flexibility are key to achieving postseason success.

Despite the constant evolution of their roster, the Rams maintain a competitive edge that keeps them within reach of the NFL playoffs year after year. Their strength lies in calculated execution and a system that adapts to shifting matchups with minimal disruption.

In the modern NFC landscape, this adaptability is invaluable. The Rams focus on field control, precision drives, and situational football, turning small advantages into consistent victories.

For those following betting trends, the Rams frequently outperform expectations, thanks to their ability to maintain high-efficiency football against unpredictable opponents.

The Rams’ confidence in tight games underscores their identity as a playoff-ready franchise. Even in challenging stretches, they demonstrate discipline and composure, refusing to deviate from proven strategies.

This approach keeps them in the postseason mix and reinforces their reputation as one of the most strategically consistent teams in football.

Denver Broncos: Reclaiming Ground Through Discipline and Identity

The Denver Broncos enter the 2025 season with renewed direction and purpose. After seasons of transition, they now project the confidence and control of a team poised to contend for the NFL playoffs. Their resurgence stems from discipline, identity, and an unwavering commitment to balanced football.

The Broncos’ greatest strength lies in their ability to dictate pace and control possession. They thrive on sustained drives and efficient execution, forcing opponents into reactive positions. This controlled approach keeps Denver competitive in every game and mirrors the traits of established playoff teams.

From a bettor’s perspective, the Broncos have become a reliable under-the-radar selection, capable of covering spreads and exceeding projections through consistency rather than volatility.

Their focus on field control and situational awareness continues to elevate their standing within a crowded AFC. Denver may not rely on flash or unpredictability, but its steady evolution ensures it remains a genuine threat in the postseason.

A Season Defined by Balance and Belief

The 2025 NFL playoff picture revolves around teams that combine structure, adaptability, and composure.

The Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles anchor the conversation with proven systems, while the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, and Denver Broncos embody the league’s shifting balance of power.

Each demonstrates that sustained performance, not sudden bursts, defines genuine contenders.

For bettors, analysts, and fans, recognizing these trends provides insight into how the season unfolds. The path to the postseason favors teams that manage details, stay disciplined, and execute consistently under pressure.

In a year where power is more evenly distributed than ever, those traits determine who rises, who endures, and who truly belongs among the league’s elite.

*Content reflects information available as of 2025/11/03; subject to change.

The post NFL Power Shift: Which Teams Are Real Playoff Contenders in 2025? appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The four-race sweep

The day began with the Manifesto Novices’ Chase, in which Mullins’ entry, Impaire Et Passe, crossed the finish line first. This opening success was quickly followed by a win in the Juvenile Hurdle, secured by Murcia. Mullins continued his winning streak in the Bowl Chase, with Gaelic Warrior taking the victory. The sequence concluded with Lossiemouth claiming the Aintree Hurdle, completing a remarkable four-race sweep to start the festival. These consecutive wins on the first day of the festival were a rare achievement in National Hunt racing and drew widespread attention from racing fans and the betting community alike.

The performance not only marked a historic opening day but also contributed significantly to Mullins’ overall season tally. The points and prize money accumulated over the festival helped secure his position at the top of the standings, ultimately contributing to his success in winning the British Trainers’ Championship for 2025. This demonstrated the ability of Mullins’ stable to maintain high-level performance across multiple races and categories, from novice chases to hurdle events.

Impact on the season

For those who bet on horse racing, the opening day results offered valuable insight into trainer form, horse readiness, and race positioning. Observing a single trainer dominate multiple races in succession emphasises the importance of monitoring entries and identifying key performers at major festival meetings. Mullins’ success in the first four races highlighted the role that preparation and strategic placement of horses play in achieving consecutive victories in high-level events.

Looking ahead

Looking forward to the next Grand National Festival in April, replicating this exact sequence of wins would be highly unlikely. Variations in race entries, increased competition from other leading trainers, and the inherent unpredictability of racing conditions make it difficult to achieve an identical outcome. While Mullins remains one of the most successful trainers in National Hunt racing, even top stables face challenges in matching such concentrated dominance.

Nevertheless, Mullins’ opening-day performance provides a benchmark for excellence at the festival. Bettors who focus on wagering on festival favourites are likely to continue monitoring his entries closely, particularly in key races where his horses have consistently performed at a high level. The sweep of the first four races also reinforces the broader trend of strong performances from established stables at major meetings, which can influence betting markets and punter strategies.

In addition to the historical significance, the day illustrated the broader dynamics of festival racing. Winning consecutive races requires not only high-quality horses but also optimal race placement, conditioning, and timing. Mullins’ preparation ensured that his horses were positioned to maximise their performance, which ultimately translated into a dominant start to the festival.

—

The 2025 Grand National Festival opening day is now recorded as a standout moment in National Hunt racing. Mullins’ achievements provide a reference point for both trainers and bettors, demonstrating the potential for strategic planning and consistency to produce extraordinary results.

For those who bet on horse racing, the lessons from day one extendbeyond simple wins and losses, offering insight into the factors that contribute to repeatable success in major festival settings.

While repeating four consecutive wins on the first day remains improbable, Mullins’ 2025 performance will be remembered as a remarkable example of skill, preparation, and timing in National Hunt racing.

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Rhodes, founder and administrator of the Aidan O’Brien Fan Site, is THE foremost statistician and expert on the success of Aidan O’Brien’s phenomenal training career to date.

This detailed unofficial biography, allows readers dive into the extraordinary career of O’Brien, one of horse racing’s most legendary trainers, in this unparalleled, 115,000-word publication. The book looks at the man behind Ballydoyle Stables, whose record-breaking achievements have reshaped the world of flat racing and beyond.

From the Wexford-born O’Brien’s humble beginnings to his global dominance, this must-read publication for racing fans and general sports fans alike, traces O’Brien’s rise to becoming a statistical titan in the sport.

The book contains details of the Ballydoyle handler’s unrivalled list of accomplishments, including world records, classic victories, and an astonishing tally of Group 1 wins across the world.

Key Highlights of the book include:

Achievements & Rankings: A comprehensive breakdown of Aidan O’Brien’s world records, classic victories in detail, Group Race totals, and historical rankings against the sport’s greatest trainers.

The Star Horses: In-depth chapters on his greatest equine athletes, featuring Group 1 Winners and multiple Classic winners, including the iconic Hawk Wing (the highest-rated Ballydoyle horse ever), Johannesburg, and Auguste Rodin. Supported by Timeform ratings, strike rates, and top-earning statistics.

Global Impact & Festivals: Experience the thrill of racing festivals through O’Brien’s lens, from Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Irish Champions Festival, and the Breeders’ Cup.

Legacy & Collaborations: Delve into the storied history of Ballydoyle, the influential threads of Coolmore, the legendary stallion Galileo. Readers are guided through the evolution of Ballydoyle, the powerhouse he helped shape into a symbol of perfection, and the enduring alliance with jockey Ryan Moore that defined an era.

Focus on the Future: Complete with a special focus on the 2025 season (juvenile stars, race summaries, top earners) and an exciting look ahead to 2026 with potential Ballydoyle juveniles and horses to watch.

Historical Statistics

Complete with year-by-year breakdowns, historical statistics, and a nod to O’Brien’s National Hunt roots, this book is a treasure trove for racing enthusiasts and statisticians alike.

Aidan O’Brien: A Statistical Phenomenon is more than a biography – it is a celebration of a trainer whose legacy spans generations, breeding dynasties, and continents, cementing his place as a transformative figure in horse racing history.

Popular since launch

Incredibly in the first 24 hours since its launch, the book reached number 2 in Amazon’s Hot New Releases [Horse Racing] and number 10 in Horse Racing Books [Worldwide].

Aidan O’Brien: A Statistical Phenomenon is available for purchase HERE

The post Aidan O’Brien: A Statistical Phenomenon by Paul Rhodes appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Irish Point-to-Point Fixtures 2026 – Full Spring 2025–26 Schedule (Dates & Venues)

Updated for the 2025–26 Irish Point-to-Point (P2P) season. Below is the complete spring fixture list covering December 2025 through May 2026. Use this month-by-month guide to plan entries, schooling runs, travel and raceday visits at iconic P2P venues including Dromahane, Ballindenisk, Tyrella, Punchestown, Curraghmore, Lisronagh, Necarne and more.

December 2025

• Tue 30 — Duhallow (F) Kanturk – Dromahane

January 2026

• Sun 4 — United Hunt (F) Lisgoold – Ballindenisk
• Sun 4 — Shillelagh & District (F) – Tinahely
• Sun 11 — Muskerry (F) – Aghabullogue
• Sun 11 — Clonmel (H) – Turtulla
• Sun 18 — Killeagh (H) – Carrigarostig
• Sun 18 — Ballingore (H) – Ballycrystal
• Sat 24 — East Down (F) – Tyrella
• Sun 25 — Stonehall (H) – Cragmore
• Sun 25 — Lismore (H) – Dungarvan

February 2026

• Sun 1 — Co. Clare (H) – Bellharbour
• Sun 1 — United Hunt (F) Carrigtwohill – Ballyvodock
• Sun 1 — Wexford (F) – Ballinaboola
• Sat 7 — North Down (F) – Kirkistown
• Sun 8 — Kildare (F) – Punchestown
• Sun 8 — Scarteen (F) – Comea
• Sun 8 — West Waterford (F) – Tallow
• Sat 14 — Ward Union (S) – Oldtown
• Sun 15 — Avondhu (F) – Knockanard
• Sun 15 — North Tipperary (F) – Nenagh
• Sat 21 — Laois (F) – Ballygogue House
• Sun 22 — Bray (H) – Tinahely
• Sun 22 — Duhallow (F) – Kildorrery
• Sun 22 — Tipperary (F) – Lisronagh
• Sat 28 — Tynan & Armagh (F) – Farmacaffley

March 2026

• Sun 1 — Carbery (F) – Bandon
• Sun 1 — Carlow Farmers (F) – Borris House
• Sun 1 — Limerick (H) – Ballycahane
• Sat 7 — East Down (F) – Tyrella
• Sun 8 — Killinick (H) – Lingstown
• Sun 8 — North Galway (F) – Belclare
• Sun 8 — West Waterford (F) Lismore – Castlelands
• Sat 14 — Iveagh (F) – Loughbrickland
• Sun 15 — Kilworth & Araglen (H) – Knockanohill
• Sun 15 — Longford (H) – Daramona House
• Sun 15 — North Kilkenny (F) – Ballyragget
• Sat 21 — North Down (F) – Kirkistown
• Sun 22 — Island Hunt (F) – Ballycrystal
• Sun 22 — Streamstown (H) – Durrow
• Sun 22 — United Hunt (F) – Ballynoe
• Sat 28 — Route (H) – Portrush
• Sun 29 — Ballymacad (F) – Oldcastle
• Sun 29 — Bree (F) – Monksgrange
• Sun 29 — Duhallow (F) Liscarroll – Liscarroll

April 2026

• Wed 1 — Killeagh (H) Inch – Ballyknock
• Sat 4 — East Antrim (H) – Loughanmore
• Sun 5 — Co. Clare (H) – Quakerstown
• Sun 5 — Waterford (F) – Curraghmore
• Mon 6 — East Antrim (H) – Loughanmore
• Sat 11 — Newry (H) – Taylorstown
• Sun 12 — Co. Limerick (F) – Rathcannon
• Sun 12 — Duhallow (F) – Dromahane
• Sun 12 — Louth (F) – Tattersalls
• Sun 19 — Doneraile (H) – Dromahane
• Sun 19 — Kilkenny (F) – Tullaherin
• Sun 19 — Westmeath (F) – Castletown-Geoghegan
• Sat 25 — Stonehall (H) – Ballysteen
• Sun 26 — Killeady (H) – Dromahane
• Sun 26 — Meath (F) & Tara (H) – Fairyhouse
• Sun 26 — Tipperary (F) – Lisronagh

May 2026

• Sat 1 — Mid Antrim (H) – Toomebridge
• Sun 3 — East Galway (F) – Stowlin
• Sun 3 — Muskerry (F) – Ballindenisk
• Mon 4 — Muskerry (F) – Dawstown
• Fri 8 — Fermanagh (H) – Necarne
• Sat 9 — Fermanagh (H) – Necarne
• Sun 10 — United Hunt (F) – Bartlemy
• Sun 17 — Galway Blazers (F) – Loughrea
• Sun 17 — United Hunt (F) – Ballindenisk
• Sat 23 — Ormond (F) – Ballingarry
• Sun 24 — Carbery (F) Clonakilty – Inchydoney
• Sun 24 — Ormond (F) – Ballingarry

Point-to-Point FAQs

What is Irish Point-to-Point racing?

Point-to-Point (P2P) is Ireland’s grassroots National Hunt racing. It’s run by hunt committees on designated country courses and is a proven schooling ground for future stars of the track.

Where can I find updated times and entries?

Final race times, entries and declarations are typically confirmed in the week of each meeting by the organising hunt. Always check the host hunt’s latest notice before travelling.

Can I bring the family?

Yes. P2P fixtures are family-friendly outdoor events with parking on site in most locations. Card facilities may be limited in rural venues, so bring cash as a backup.

The post Irish Point-to-Point Fixtures 2026 – Full Spring 2025–26 Schedule (Dates & Venues) appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The 50 Highest-Earning Racehorses of All Time – Romantic Warrior Tops the List

Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior has officially become the highest-earning racehorse of all time, amassing a record-breaking $28,595,253 in prize money. Trained by Danny Shum, the six-year-old gelding’s triumphs in the Hong Kong Cup, QEII Cup and Cox Plate have established him as one of the most successful modern champions in the sport.

Hong Kong Heroes Lead the Charge

Romantic Warrior tops a remarkable Hong Kong double, with Golden Sixty taking second on the global list with over $21.4 million in earnings. Both horses have captured the imagination of racing fans worldwide, flying the flag for Hong Kong’s thriving racing scene. Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble also feature further down the list, reflecting the territory’s growing international influence.

Japanese Greats Dominate the Rankings

Japan continues to demonstrate its global racing power with an extraordinary 23 entries in the top 50. Gentildonna ($19.6m), Forever Young ($19.45m), Orfevre ($19.29m) and Ushba Tesoro ($19.14m) all feature in the top six, showcasing Japan’s depth of talent and international reach.

Other Japanese icons such as Almond Eye, Equinox and Deep Impact remain household names, remembered for their grace, power and dominance across Tokyo, Kyoto and beyond. Japan’s strategic investment in breeding and racing infrastructure continues to pay global dividends.

British and Irish Champions Among the Elite

While Asia dominates the top positions, several British and Irish-trained horses proudly feature among the sport’s elite. Legendary mare Enable sits 26th with $13.8 million in prize money. Trained by John Gosden, the dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner remains one of the most beloved horses in modern racing history.

Thunder Snow (12th, $16.47m) stands out as the only horse to win the Dubai World Cup twice – a remarkable achievement that epitomises Godolphin’s global strength. Fellow British-trained star Mishriff (13th, $16.01m) also enjoyed success across continents, including victories in the Saudi Cup and Dubai Sheema Classic.

Ireland’s contribution to the list comes through Highland Reel (48th, $10.48m), a globe-trotting warrior under Aidan O’Brien. His triumphs in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, Hong Kong Vase, and Prince of Wales’s Stakes underline his place as one of Ballydoyle’s most successful international campaigners.

American Giants of the Dirt

The United States is represented by a number of high-profile dirt champions. Arrogate (9th, $17.42m) remains one of the richest and most explosive racehorses ever seen, with his Pegasus World Cup and Dubai World Cup double redefining prize money records in 2017. He’s joined by Gun Runner (14th, $15.98m) and California Chrome (23rd, $14.75m), two horses who helped revitalise American racing’s commercial appeal.

Australia’s Icons Leave Their Mark

Australia boasts several of its greatest ever champions on the list, led by Winx (7th, $19.04m), whose 33-race winning streak will likely never be equalled. Nature Strip (18th, $15.41m) also features prominently, famed for his blistering sprinting speed and victory at Royal Ascot. Other notable Australian names include Verry Elleegant (42nd) and Makbye Diva (46th), each with their own legendary careers.

A Global Hall of Fame

The 50 highest-earning racehorses of all time represent the internationalisation of the modern sport. Once dominated by Europe and America, the balance of power has now firmly shifted to Asia and Australasia, with Hong Kong and Japan setting the standard in both prize money and global appeal.

From Romantic Warrior’s dominance in Hong Kong to Equinox’s brilliance in Japan and Enable’s enduring legacy in Europe, this list showcases a generation of champions who transcended borders and captured the imagination of racing fans worldwide.

Rank	Horse	Country	Total Earnings
1	Romantic Warrior	Hong Kong	$28,595,253
2	Golden Sixty	Hong Kong	$21,462,495
3	Gentildonna	Japan	$19,691,454
7	Winx	Australia	$19,049,695
9	Arrogate	USA	$17,422,600
12	Thunder Snow	UK	$16,477,425
13	Mishriff	UK	$16,014,185
26	Enable	UK	$13,807,416
48	Highland Reel	Ireland	$10,486,679

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Willie Mullins has confirmed that State Man will miss the entire season after suffering a tendon injury on the gallops on Wednesday morning.

The shock news has caused major movement in the ante-post market for the 2026 Unibet Champion Hurdle, with Lossiemouth and The New Lion now joint-favourites at 7/2 with William Hill.

“Sadly, State Man has suffered a tendon injury on the gallops here. He’ll definitely be out for the rest of the season,” Mullins told Sporting Life.

The Joe and Marie Donnelly-owned</strong hurdler was being readied for a return in the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown next Saturday. His last outing came when winning the Punchestown Champion Hurdle in May.

Glittering Career Halted

State Man, one of the most consistent two-mile hurdlers of recent times, has won 14 of his 20 starts, earning over £1.5 million in prize money.

He finished runner-up to Constitution Hill in the 2023 Champion Hurdle before gaining redemption in 2024, defeating Irish Point. Last season’s running looked his for the taking before a fall at the final flight.

A dual Cheltenham Festival winner, State Man captured the County Hurdle in 2022 before going on to dominate the top level. He landed 12 Grade 1 victories, including three Irish Champion Hurdles at Leopardstown and four consecutive Punchestown Festival wins.

Since entering open Grade 1 company in November 2022, he has consistently achieved a Racing Post Rating between 165 and 168 in 11 of 15 starts — a hallmark of his class and reliability.

Market Reaction

Bookmakers reacted swiftly to the news. The New Lion, winner of the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, shortened to 3/1 (from 7/2) with Bet365, while Lossiemouth was trimmed from 6/1 to 3/1 joint-favourite.

Mullins still holds strong claims, with Anzadam—also owned by the Donnellys—available at 7/1 with Coral and Ladbrokes after two victories since moving from France. He holds entries in the Morgiana Hurdle and betMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

Meanwhile, Lossiemouth has eased slightly to 3/1 (from 2/1) for the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, with Wodhooh now leading that market at 5/2.

Updated 2026 Unibet Champion Hurdle Odds
(Cheltenham, March 10)

The post State Man Ruled Out for the Season After Tendon Injury appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ireland U20s Squad Named to Face South Africa in Cork

The Ireland Men’s U20s, sponsored by PwC, have named a strong matchday squad for Friday night’s challenge match against South Africa U20s at Virgin Media Park in Cork (Kick-off 7.30pm).

Head Coach Andrew Browne has assembled an extended panel for a week-long training camp in Cork ahead of the new season, with several returning internationals included in the 23-man squad.

Leinster prop Sami Bishti will captain the side, with Charlie Molony, Tom Wood and Donnacha McGuire all back in green after impressing during last season’s U20 Six Nations campaign.

Former Dublin minor footballer and current Trinity College top try-scorer Noah Byrne starts at full-back, while the squad also features a blend of experience and exciting new talent from across the provinces.

Friday’s fixture offers a valuable early test for Browne and his coaching team as preparations ramp up for the 2026 U20 Six Nations, which kicks off in February. The match will allow the coaching staff to assess squad depth, combinations, and fitness levels against one of world rugby’s top age-grade sides.

Tickets are available now via
Ticketmaster.ie, and the match will be streamed live on
IrishRugby+, with coverage supported by PwC, the official sponsor of the Ireland U20s.

Ireland Men’s U20s Matchday Squad vs South Africa U20s

Friday, 7.30pm – Virgin Media Park, Cork

• 15. Noah Byrne (DUFC/Leinster)
• 14. Charlie Molony (UCD/Leinster)
• 13. Sean Walsh (Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
• 12. James O’Leary (UCC/Munster)
• 11. Daniel Ryan (Corinthians RFC/Connacht)
• 10. Tom Wood (Garryowen/Munster)
• 9. Christopher Barrett (UCC/Munster)

• 1. Max Doyle (UCD/Leinster)
• 2. Lee Fitzpatrick (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)
• 3. Sami Bishti (UCD/Leinster) (captain)
• 4. Donnacha McGuire (UCD/Leinster)
• 5. Dylan McNeice (UCD/Leinster)
• 6. Joe Finn (Garryowen/Munster)
• 7. Arthur Ashmore (Terenure College RFC/Leinster)
• 8. Diarmaid O’Connell (Corinthians RFC/Connacht)

Replacements

• 16. Rian Handley (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)
• 17. Christian Foley (Young Munster RFC/Munster)
• 18. Blake McClean (Instonians RFC/Ulster)
• 19. Sean Walsh (MU Barnhall RFC/Leinster)
• 20. Michael O’Sullivan (UCC/Munster)
• 21. Fergus Callington (Durham University/IQ Rugby)
• 22. Conor O’Shaughnessy (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)
• 23. Johnny O’Sullivan (DUFC/Leinster)

The post Ireland U20s Team Named to Face South Africa in Cork appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Betway parent company Super Group has announced a robust third-quarter performance, recording a 26% increase in revenue to $556.9 million for Q3 2025. The growth was driven by strong activity across the African, European and Canadian markets, where customer engagement and market expansion have significantly strengthened the company’s financial results.

Adjusted earnings for the quarter rose by 65% to $152.1 million, reflecting improved operational efficiency and performance across key territories.

CEO Neal Menashe Welcomes Results

Chief executive Neal Menashe said the company was “incredibly pleased” with its third-quarter performance, noting that it “highlights the continued strength of our global platform and consistent execution across our core markets.”

For more betting and gaming industry updates, visit SportsNewsIRELAND.com.

The post Super Group Reports Strong Q3 Growth as Revenue Surges 26% appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

DraftKings has announced plans to launch new prediction markets in the coming months, even as the US sports betting giant reported that “customer-friendly” sports results had negatively impacted its third-quarter performance.

The operator revealed its latest financial figures last week and acknowledged that unexpectedly favourable outcomes for punters had hit revenues. Despite that, the tone from leadership was overwhelmingly positive.

“This is the most bullish I have ever felt about our future,” said chief executive Jason Robins. “Underlying growth in the business is accelerating and we are excited to launch DraftKings Predictions in the coming months, which we view as a significant incremental opportunity.”

The introduction of prediction markets will offer users a new market-style forecasting experience, positioning the company to take advantage of a rapidly evolving sector in the US gaming industry.

DraftKings Secures Major Partnership With ESPN

In addition to the new product launch, DraftKings confirmed that it will become the official sportsbook and odds provider for global sports media company ESPN starting 1 December.

The partnership is viewed as a major commercial milestone, significantly strengthening DraftKings’ reach and influence within the expanding US sports betting ecosystem.

For more betting industry news and analysis, visit SportsNewsIRELAND.com.

The post DraftKings to Launch New Prediction Markets as Company Eyes Growth appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Champion Bumper runner-up Heads Up is set to continue his promising early hurdling career when he returns to Cheltenham on Friday. John McConnell’s five-year-old finished second in the prestigious National Hunt Flat race at the same track in March, rounding off an excellent campaign.

He made a winning hurdling debut at Listowel in September and, despite a couple of green jumps, travelled powerfully to score by two lengths. Now, he steps into deeper waters as he tackles the Grade Two Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle over two miles and five furlongs — a notable rise in both distance and calibre.

McConnell Pleased With Progress

“He’s good, all being well he’s going to Cheltenham on Friday for the Grade Two,” McConnell said.

“It’s a big step up from his run at Listowel but he’s in good nick and schooling well, so we’re going there hopeful he can be competitive.

“He’s done a lot of schooling since his last run, he’s a lot sharper now with his jumping. I’d imagine his trip will be longer than two miles ultimately, so this will be a good guide to where we go with him in the future.”

Moon D’Orange Waiting on Soft Ground

McConnell also has another high-profile horse to consider: Moon D’Orange, who remains a possible runner in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury.

“We haven’t really had the ground we need for him yet, we want soft ground and we just haven’t had it,” he said.

“He’s in the Coral Gold Cup and there’s every chance we’ll go there if the ground is soft.”

Seddon Returns Safe After Fall at Aintree

Stable favourite Seddon, the versatile 12-year-old, unfortunately came down early at the Chair in the Grand Sefton at Aintree last weekend — but escaped injury.

“Unfortunately the sun was a big factor in the Sefton on Saturday,” McConnell said.
“There was a big shadow at the Chair and he took off there instead of where he should have. He had an easy fall so thankfully he’s OK, but the Chair should probably have been taken out.”

With the horse unharmed, McConnell added: “He’s absolutely fine so he’ll end up going to one of the veterans’ chases, maybe the one at Cheltenham in December.”

For more racing previews and coverage, keep an eye on SportsNewsIRELAND.com.

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