Player of the Six Nations Championship Race Hinges on Ireland vs France Clash
As the 2025 Six Nations reaches its defining moment, the Player of the Championship race is intensifying ahead of this Saturday’s Ireland vs France showdown in Dublin. With Ireland potentially one win away from a Grand Slam, an Irish player could emerge as the frontrunner for individual honours, while France’s key stars will be determined to spoil the party.
Dupont Still Leads the Betting, But Irish Stars Are Closing In
Despite missing the opening rounds due to his Sevens commitments, Antoine Dupont (4/9) remains the bookmakers’ favourite. The France scrum-half is a generational talent, and his return has given Les Bleus a major boost. If France win in Dublin, he will likely cement his claim to the award.
However, should Ireland claim the Grand Slam, it will be hard to overlook one of their key players for the honour.
Sam Prendergast’s Rise to Contention
Here's a video showcasing why Sam Prendergast is such an exciting Rugby Prospect!
Sam Prendergast (6/1) has quickly established himself as Ireland’s first-choice fly-half, overtaking Jack Crowley in the pecking order. The young Leinster playmaker has shown impressive game management and attacking creativity, though his tackling remains a slight weakness.
If he delivers a commanding performance against France and Ireland go on to win the Grand Slam, Prendergast could be the natural choice for Player of the Championship. The award has traditionally favoured players from the title-winning team, making his final two performances crucial.
Gibson-Park and Conan Also in the Running
Jamison Gibson-Park (7/2) has been instrumental in Ireland’s attacking tempo, his quick decision-making and sharp passing proving vital. A strong performance against Antoine Dupont could see him emerge as a major contender.
Meanwhile, Jack Conan (12/1) has been a rock in the Ireland pack. If he dominates the breakdown and carries strongly against France, his odds could shorten rapidly.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey: France’s Best Bet?
Outside of Dupont, Louis Bielle-Biarrey (7/2) has been one of France’s standout players. His pace and finishing ability have been crucial in keeping France’s title hopes alive. If he plays a starring role in Dublin, he could emerge as a dark horse for the award.
Grand Slam Could Decide It All
History suggests that if Ireland complete the Grand Slam, the Player of the Championship is likely to come from their squad. In 2018, Jacob Stockdale won the award after scoring a record-breaking seven tries in Ireland’s unbeaten campaign.
If Prendergast guides Ireland past France and then seals the Grand Slam against Italy, he could be impossible to ignore. But if France win on Saturday, Dupont’s grip on the award will only strengthen.
This weekend’s Ireland vs France clash isn’t just a title decider—it could determine the Six Nations Player of the Championship too.
Brighterdaysahead confirmed for Champion Hurdle as Constitution Hill clash looms
Brighterdaysahead confirmed for Champion Hurdle as Constitution Hill clash looms
Brighterdaysahead has been cut to 7/4 second favourite for next week’s Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, with the unbeaten Constitution Hill remaining the 8/11 market leader.
BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD will run in the Champion Hurdle at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.pic.twitter.com/6Dai9e7QBC
— Road To Cheltenham (@RoadCheltenham) March 3, 2025
Gordon Elliott’s star mare had been under consideration for the Mares’ Hurdle, a race preferred by owner Michael O’Leary, but connections have now confirmed she will take on the best in the Champion Hurdle instead.
A stunning winner of the Grade One Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas, the six-year-old will now attempt to hand Elliott his first success in the prestigious contest.
“I can confirm that Brighterdaysahead will be going for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham,” Elliott said this morning.
“After discussing it with Michael and Eddie (O’Leary), we decided this was the right call. It’s a huge test, but she’s in flying form, and her preparation has gone perfectly.
“We’ve never won a Champion Hurdle, so it’s exciting to have a runner with a real chance in one of the sport’s great races.”
With Constitution Hill the red-hot favourite, a blockbuster showdown now awaits in the opening-day showpiece.
Jim McGuinness Critical of League Final Scheduling Despite Donegal’s Strong Position
Ulster Champions Near Final Berth but Face Tough Decisions
Donegal moved to the brink of a Division 1 Football League final with a 1-22 to 1-19 victory over Derry, making it four wins from five outings. However, manager Jim McGuinness is adamant that his team will prioritise what’s best for them rather than blindly chasing silverware.
“We will not be thinking about the league final, we’ll be thinking about what’s right for us – and if that means going into the league final, that will be a consideration when we make those decisions,” McGuinness stated.
“But it won’t be us going, ‘We want to be there and we need to be there.’”
With the Ulster Championship opener against Derry scheduled just a week after a potential league final, McGuinness believes the tight scheduling is harming the competition.
“Diminishing the Competition”
The Donegal boss argued that while Division 1 teams battle to retain their status, many are not fully invested in reaching the final due to its proximity to the championship.
“No, you shouldn’t [be looking to avoid a final],” he said. “I do feel that everyone in Division 1 wants to be in Division 1 and they’re fighting tooth and nail to stay there.
“But I also do believe that maybe 50% of the cohort don’t really want to be in the league final – and I think that does diminish the competition.”
McGuinness recalled past league finals as major occasions, referencing Donegal’s clash with Dublin in 1993, which drew a capacity 55,000 crowd at Croke Park.
“I remember being part of that, it was a brilliant experience, running out in front of a full house in Croke Park for a league final,” he said. “I think it’s disingenuous in many respects to create a format that doesn’t allow people to go after it properly.”
Managers Forced Into Tough Calls
McGuinness acknowledged that his stance could invite criticism if Donegal opt to manage workloads rather than go full tilt for the league title.
“Depending on the decisions we make, it’ll probably come back to me, and the fact that we’re ‘disrespecting the competition’, that we’re putting things into disrepute. But the reality is that myself and every other manager, you have to do the best for your players.”
Travel and fixture congestion are also factors, with McGuinness highlighting how key players like Michael Murphy need careful workload management.
“Michael played today because he didn’t travel last week, it was a home game for him,” he revealed. “All of these things factor in when you’re going on the bounce, on the bounce, on the bounce.”
McGuinness believes the GAA needs to find a solution that allows teams to compete fully in both the league and championship without excessive fixture congestion.
“In the new structure, if they do it correctly, there could be two weeks between every game, and hopefully the GAA will be working towards that,” he said.
“Managers shouldn’t be put in a position where they’re playing games – and families going to the games shouldn’t be put in that position as well. This is all a conversation now.
“All I can say is, from our point of view, we will do what’s right for our players.”
Joe Highsmith Charges to Victory at Cognizant Classic
Joe Highsmith Charges to Victory at Cognizant Classic with Record-Breaking Finish
Historic Win Secures Masters Invitation
24 year old Joe Highsmith, made the cut on the number at the Cognizant Classic, then shot back to back 64s to take home the trophy, a 2 year PGA Tour exemption, an invite to The Masters and more than doubled his career earnings in the process. Awesome! 🙌pic.twitter.com/dt7tE47n0y
Joe Highsmith delivered a stunning final round at the Cognizant Classic, carding a 7-under 64 to overturn a four-shot deficit and claim his maiden PGA Tour victory in dramatic fashion.
His 64-64 weekend set a tournament record for the lowest closing 36-hole score since the event moved to PGA National in 2007. The two-shot win not only cements his breakthrough on the PGA Tour but also earns him a coveted place at the Masters, along with entry into the remaining five signature events of the season.
Highsmith’s triumph was all the more remarkable given the pressure he faced just to make the cut. A crucial par putt on Friday kept him in the tournament, and he never looked back.
Knapp’s Collapse Opens the Door
Overnight leader Jake Knapp, who made history with an opening-round 59, saw his hopes of a wire-to-wire victory unravel on the back nine.
Leading by one on the 11th, Knapp found the water, took two shots to escape, and walked away with a devastating triple bogey. The setback saw him tumble down the leaderboard, eventually settling for a tie for sixth.
Junior Bridgeman (64) and J.J. Spaun (68) finished as joint runners-up, while Ireland’s Shane Lowry closed with a 67 to secure a tie for 11th.
Lydia Ko Dominates in Singapore for 23rd LPGA Title
Fast Start Seals HSBC Women’s World Championship
Lydia Ko showcased her class with a flawless final round to capture her first HSBC Women’s World Championship title in Singapore.
The New Zealander, playing in the tournament for the 11th time, began the day with a one-shot lead and wasted no time in extending it, reeling off three consecutive birdies from the sixth hole to take control.
A composed 3-under 69 saw her finish four shots clear of Jeeno Thitikul (70) and Ayaka Furue (68), marking her 23rd career LPGA victory.
Hull’s Challenge Fades
Charley Hull, who started just one shot behind Ko, saw her chances slip away with a disappointing 74, finishing in a tie for fourth alongside Im Jin Hee, who posted the best round of the day with a 67, and Gaby Lopez (70).
Ko’s victory adds to an already glittering career that includes an Olympic gold medal and LPGA Hall of Fame status, reaffirming her place among the game’s elite.
Video - Pádraic Joyce Backs Review Process but Urges Consistency
Galway Eyeing League Final on 30th March as Tyrone Battle Relegation
Galway’s position at the top of Division 1 puts them in prime contention for a league final spot, while Tyrone, currently seventh, face a fight to avoid relegation with crucial fixtures against Donegal and Dublin ahead.
🗣️Weekend Wrap up🎙️
Galway Senior football manager, Pádraic Joyce, spoke to the media and Galway GAA TV after this afternoon’s draw with Tyrone in Round 5 of the Allianz Football League in Tuam Stadium pic.twitter.com/J7ZkdLgHxi
“We know that teams who were top of the league the last two seasons didn’t go so well [in the championship], so we’ll keep an eye on that,” Joyce noted.
“We haven’t won a league in Galway since 1981. My uncle was on the last team that won it, and he keeps telling me about it.
“If we’re there, we’re there. We don’t go out to lose any game, and we’ve two huge games now – in two weeks’ time we’ve Dublin away and then Kerry at home, so they’re going to be great learning curves for us.”
Last week, McGeeney stated that the FRC had issued a ‘guideline’ rather than a strict rule on the 20-second kick-out limit. However, that ambiguity came under scrutiny during Armagh’s weekend win over Dublin, as both goalkeepers were penalised for delays.
“I do think some of the stuff is a joke,” McGeeney said. “Like 20 seconds ‘maybe’ – can somebody tell me how that is a rule? There wasn’t one of those kick-outs that he blew tonight that was over 15 seconds.”
McGeeney also criticised a ruling on passing within the goalkeeper’s square.
“I just think that people are getting carried away with themselves, and now we’re being told that when you pass the ball back into the square that it is a ‘pass’, as in one pass.
“The next thing is, you will only be allowed to do it on a Sunday when the sun is shining from the east.
“What is it that they want us to do, just not let goalkeepers touch the ball?”
Video - Pádraic Joyce Backs Review Process but Urges Consistency
Pádraic Joyce Backs Review Process but Urges Consistency
Pádraic Joyce has urged the Football Review Committee (FRC) to make its final decisions on rule changes and stick to them, as the group prepares to meet this evening to finalise any amendments ahead of the upcoming championship.
🗣️Weekend Wrap up🎙️ Galway Senior football manager, Pádraic Joyce, spoke to the media and Galway GAA TV after this afternoon’s draw with Tyrone in Round 5 of the Allianz Football League in Tuam Stadium pic.twitter.com/J7ZkdLgHxi
“That has to be it. We can’t be changing them [after that],” the Galway boss insisted after his side salvaged a dramatic home draw against Tyrone, maintaining their position at the top of Division 1.
Joyce pointed to recent tweaks—such as penalising goalkeepers for delaying kick-outs beyond 20 seconds—being poorly communicated.
“They changed the goalkeeping one and we got an email the week after it was changed, which is ridiculous. So look, again, a small breakdown in communication there,” he remarked.
Despite these frustrations, Joyce praised the FRC’s overall efforts, noting that the rule changes have brought more excitement and fluidity to the game.
“Whatever they decide to do, we’ll coach it . . . but it needs to be whatever is decided. They have two weeks now to look at it and get the information out,” he added.
“But all in all, you have to praise the FRC because people were probably doubting at the start, will this work, will it not work? But it seems to have worked a good bit and there’s a bit more excitement in the game, a bit more jeopardy – and a bit more football being played as well, which is no harm.”
Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has strongly dismissed claims made by former Ireland international Ian Harte, who accused League of Ireland clubs of hindering young players’ careers by pricing them out of moves abroad.
Harte, who runs a player agency, suggested that some LOI clubs were demanding excessive fees for young prospects, limiting their chances of securing moves to top European leagues. However, Bradley has come out swinging, insisting that the League of Ireland is not only developing talent but also ensuring clubs get fair value for their assets.
“It’s a crazy statement. I don’t know where it’s coming from,” Bradley said. “If anything, we need more funding to help clubs develop young players properly. We’ve seen so many players move on successfully – that doesn’t happen if clubs are pricing them out of moves.”
Bradley pointed to Justin Ferizaj’s recent move to Italy as an example of the LOI system working well, allowing young players to progress while clubs are still compensated fairly. He also stressed that Irish clubs operate with limited financial backing compared to their European counterparts and that selling players is often crucial to their sustainability.
This debate highlights a growing tension between agents looking to move players quickly and domestic clubs aiming to secure fair returns for the talent they develop. With increasing interest in LOI players from clubs in England and beyond, this argument is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
Connacht Schools Senior A Cup Semi-Final Preview: Can Anyone Stop Sligo Grammar’s Dominance?
The Bank of Ireland Connacht Schools Senior A Cup has reached its semi-final stage, with four schools battling for a place in the final. Defending champions Sligo Grammar School are chasing a historic fourth consecutive title, while traditional powerhouses Garbally College and Marist College look to reclaim their dominance. Meanwhile, Colaiste Einde aims to upset the odds and continue their impressive run.
Marist College vs Colaiste Einde – 12:30pm, Marist College
Marist College has been a strong force in this year’s competition, topping Pool A with an unbeaten record. Their experience in high-pressure matches was evident in their 29-14 win over St Joseph’s College, and they carried that form into their 33-19 victory over Summerhill. Historically, Marist has won three Connacht Senior A titles, but they have been runners-up in both 2023 and 2024, losing to Sligo Grammar each time. They’ll be desperate to make it back to the final and change their fortunes.
Colaiste Einde, however, cannot be underestimated. They came through a hard-fought quarter-final against Colaiste Iognaid, winning 32-17, with standout performances from Sean Walsh and Michael Mullery, who both scored twice. With momentum on their side, they will fancy their chances of causing an upset. However, they are up against a Marist side determined to end their recent heartbreak.
Garbally College vs Sligo Grammar, 1pm Garbally College
This is a heavyweight clash between two of Connacht’s most successful rugby schools. Garbally College holds the record for the most Connacht Senior A titles, with an incredible 47 championships. The Ballinasloe school has been a dominant force in the competition for decades but hasn’t lifted the trophy since 2019. They finished top of Pool B this year and showed their quality with a 48-21 win over CBS Roscommon. However, they face their toughest test yet.
Sligo Grammar School is the team to beat. They have been the dominant side in Connacht schools rugby in recent years, winning three consecutive titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Their most recent triumph saw them defeat Marist College 29-18 in the 2024 final, proving their ability to handle the big occasion. This year, they once again topped Pool C with a perfect record and demonstrated their defensive strength in a 17-0 win over Colaiste Iognaid.
Prediction
This year’s semi-finals promise intense battles. Marist College has the experience and talent to overcome Colaiste Einde, but they will need to be at their best to avoid an upset. Meanwhile, Garbally College vs Sligo Grammar is the standout tie, with the defending champions looking to continue their dominance. Garbally will push them all the way, but Sligo’s recent track record makes them slight favourites.
With Sligo Grammar chasing a fourth straight title, the pressure is on—can anyone stop them?
Connacht Must Deliver as Coaching Changes Loom and Benetton Travel Depleted
For Connacht, this weekend’s URC fixture against Benetton in Galway feels less like another round of the league and more like a defining moment in their season — a crossroads between a campaign fizzling out or finding a late surge of momentum.
The harsh reality is that Connacht’s hopes of a top-eight finish are fading fast. Their 24-19 victory over Cardiff last time out mercifully snapped a four-game losing streak, but consistency — so often their Achilles’ heel — continues to haunt them. A 3-3 home record at Dexcom Stadium is hardly the form of playoff contenders, and if Pete Wilkins’ men have any intentions of keeping their faint URC hopes alive, this weekend simply has to end in victory.
The backdrop to this game is layered in intrigue with Rod Seib suggested to be coming as attack coach to work alongside Pete Wilkins. He will needed to get some talent into the club with Santi Cordero, Piers O’Conor, Josh Ioane all likely to be gone next season and JJ Hanrahan already confirmed as going to Munster.
There’s also the Challenge Cup to consider. Connacht have secured a home run in Europe, offering not just another route to silverware but also a golden chance to raise much-needed funds for next season — a crucial element for a club always walking the financial tightrope. In that sense, keeping fans engaged and filling the new Dexcom next season becomes as important off the pitch as the results on it.
Injuries and Selection Headaches
Connacht head into this clash without key Ireland internationals Finlay Bealham, Bundee Aki, and Mack Hansen, as well as Byron Ralston, Sean Jansen, and Ben Murphy. Despite these absences, Cian Prendergast is available and captains the side from the back row.
The backline has seen significant changes, with Hugh Gavin (3rd cap) and Finn Treacy (1st cap) stepping into the starting XV. Josh Ioane starts at fly-half, forming a half-back pairing with the experienced Caolin Blade (204 caps), who will be crucial in controlling the game.
In the pack, Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, and Jack Aungier form the front row, with Darragh Murray and David O’Connor in the second row. Prendergast is joined in the back row by Shamus Hurley-Langton and Paul Boyle, giving Connacht plenty of physicality and work rate at the breakdown.
On the bench, Denis Buckley (258 caps) and Dylan Tierney-Martin provide front-row cover, while JJ Hanrahan and David Hawkshaw offer depth in the backs.
Key Factors for Connacht:
•Blade and Ioane will control the tempo – Connacht’s success hinges on their game management.
•The back three are untested at this level – Shayne Bolton and Finn Treacy will need to handle Benetton’s kicking game.
•Breakdown dominance – With Prendergast, Boyle, and Hurley-Langton, Connacht have the edge over a disrupted Benetton back row.
Despite missing some of their biggest names, this is a game Connacht are expected to win—and anything less than a dominant performance will be a disappointment.
Benetton Team News: Weakened but Still Dangerous
Benetton arrive in Galway severely depleted, with 14 players away on Italy duty, including key names like Niccolò and Lorenzo Cannone, Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Paolo Garbisi, and Simone Ferrari. This level of turnover forces Marco Bortolami to dig deep into his squad, with several changes across the pack and backline.
Despite these absences, Benetton are far from pushovers. Malakai Fekitoa anchors the midfield, while Rhyno Smith and Ignacio Mendy provide attacking threats in the back three. Tomas Albornoz remains a steady presence at fly-half, though the absence of Garbisi at scrum-half means the half-back pairing will be less familiar.
Up front, Bautista Bernasconi replaces Siua Maile at hooker, while Federico Ruzza steps in for Niccolò Cannone in the second row. Jadin Kingi and Toa Halafihi slot into the back row, replacing Manuel Zuliani and Lorenzo Cannone, respectively.
Benetton’s most significant challenge will be squad cohesion. With so many changes, their defensive structure and set-piece play may suffer, but if Albornoz, Smith, and Fekitoa can link up well, they still have the firepower to test Connacht.
The Italian side were thrashed 43-0 away to Ospreys last time they travelled, and while they will be eager to avoid a repeat, the absence of their internationals means they will start as clear underdogs in Galway.
Head coach Pete Wilkins says:
“This is the second of two games which we knew would put us back into playoff contention if we win them. We got what we needed from Cardiff, so if we can further elevate our performance and pick up another win, we’re right in the mix. Benetton are a tough, physical side who have had the better of us the last few years, so we if can front up from the start and get the crowd behind us, we’ll give ourselves every chance.”
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY SQUAD VS BENETTON 19:35, Saturday 1st March 2025 @ Dexcom Stadium
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (49)
17. Denis Buckley (258)
18. Sam Illo (28)
19. Josh Murphy (30)
20. Oisín Dowling (70)
21. Matthew Devine (11)
22. JJ Hanrahan (22)
23. David Hawkshaw (40)
Yet, even with those absences, Connacht can have few excuses here. Benetton arrive in Galway severely depleted, missing 14 players who are away with the Italian national squad. To add to the sense of transition, the club announced earlier this week that head coach Marco Bortolami will depart at the end of the season. It’s a team in flux — and Connacht must capitalise.
Bookies Back Connacht to Dominate
Though Benetton have been solid in recent URC fixtures, losing just once in their last four games, that sole defeat was a bruising 43-0 hammering away to Ospreys — a result that has shaped expectations for this weekend. Bookmakers have installed Connacht as overwhelming 1/9 favourites with a -13 handicap. In truth, given Benetton’s injury crisis and recent form, Connacht should be aiming for a far more emphatic win — a 25+ point victory wouldn’t just be expected, it’s demanded.
The historical context adds further weight. Benetton haven’t beaten an Irish province on the road since 2018, when they edged out Leinster at the RDS Arena. Their last, and only, win in Galway came back in December 2011 — a nail-biting 15-13 result. Since then, Connacht have made the Sportsground a difficult place for Italian teams to visit.
The Bottom Line
This is a test of professionalism and ruthlessness. Connacht have the odds in their favour, home support behind them, and face an understrength opponent in a state of transition. Anything less than a convincing, dominant win — the kind that reasserts belief in the squad and pleases a fanbase craving momentum — will be a disappointment.
With the Challenge Cup still offering a potential route to silverware and financial gain, and the URC playoff race all but slipping away, Connacht need to deliver a statement performance. In many ways, they simply cannot afford not to.
Key Stats:
Connacht: 3 wins, 3 losses at Dexcom Stadium this season.
Connacht: Only one loss in their last 6 games vs Italian opposition.
Benetton: 1 loss in their last 4 URC fixtures.
Benetton: Last win in Ireland was in April 2018 (vs Leinster).
Head-to-head: 2 wins each in their last 4 meetings.
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