Ulster v Munster: Team News, Kick-Off Time, and Live Coverage on TG4

The stage is set for a thrilling interprovincial derby as Ulster host Munster at Kingspan Stadium this Friday evening. This highly anticipated BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) clash will kick off at 7:35pm, with live coverage available on TG4 and Premier Sports.

Both teams come into the game with points to prove, making this encounter a must-watch for rugby fans. Ulster will look to bounce back from their recent defeat in the Investec Champions Cup, while Munster are eager to gain momentum following a tough loss to Castres in France.

Ulster Team News

Ulster fans will be delighted to see the return of star scrum-half John Cooney, who has recovered from a hamstring injury to start. Meanwhile, there is excitement surrounding Academy fly-half Jack Murphy, who could make his senior debut from the bench.

Ulster’s pack sees a change in the front row, with Andrew Warwick stepping in at loosehead prop alongside Rob Herring and Tom O’Toole. The second-row partnership of Alan O’Connor (captain) and Kieran Treadwell remains unchanged.

In the back row, Ulster have made two adjustments, bringing in flankers James McNabney (blindside) and Marcus Rea (openside), while David McCann retains the No.8 jersey.

The backline boasts continuity in the centres, with Stuart McCloskey and Jude Postlethwaite forming a strong midfield pairing. Out wide, Zac Ward earns his first URC start on the left wing after making his debut last weekend. Werner Kok, who scored his first try at Kingspan last week, takes the right wing, and Michael Lowry continues at full-back.

Munster Team News

Munster have made six changes to their starting XV from last week’s defeat in Castres. Shane Daly and Paddy Patterson are notable inclusions in the backline, while the forward pack sees the return of John Ryan, Tom Ahern, and captain Jack O’Donoghue.

The Munster back three features Mike Haley, Calvin Nash, and Shane Daly, with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continuing their partnership in the centres. Half-backs Paddy Patterson and Jack Crowley will be pivotal in orchestrating play.

Up front, John Ryan starts at loosehead prop, alongside Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer. The second-row pairing of Tom Ahern and Fineen Wycherley will aim to disrupt Ulster’s lineout, while the back row of Jack O’Donoghue, John Hodnett, and Gavin Coombes adds power and experience.

Key Match Facts
• Kick-Off Time: 7:35pm
• Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Belfast
• Live Coverage: TG4 & Premier Sports

Both sides have injury concerns, with Munster missing Peter O’Mahony (calf) and Diarmuid Barron (shoulder). Additionally, Tadhg Beirne is unavailable due to IRFU player management guidelines.

Tickets and Viewing Options

Limited tickets are still available for this unmissable derby at ulster.rugby/buytickets. For those who can’t make it to the stadium, tune in to TG4 or Premier Sports for live coverage.

What’s at Stake?

With both teams looking to climb the URC standings, this game carries significant importance. Ulster will rely on home advantage and the return of key players like Cooney, while Munster’s blend of youth and experience will test their resilience.

Don’t miss a moment of this classic interprovincial battle. Set your reminders for 7:35pm this Friday and enjoy live coverage on TG4!

#URC #UlsterRugby #MunsterRugby #TG4 #InterproDerby

Kerry Native John Wall Acquires Controlling Stake in Kerry FC with €1.5 Million Investment

Kerry Football Club is set to enter an exciting new chapter as US-based businessman and Tralee native John Wall has acquired a controlling stake in the club. According to The Business Post, Wall’s investment of €1.5 million marks a major milestone in Kerry FC’s development.

Wall, the Chief Financial Officer of Nasdaq-listed software company Cadence Design Systems, was appointed to the club’s board following the substantial financial injection earlier this month.

Major Investment Secures Wall’s Stake in Kerry FC

Filings with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) reveal that 20,000 ordinary shares in Kerry FC were allotted to Wall’s Californian investment vehicle at a price of €75 each. This acquisition, which took place in early December, cements Wall’s position as a significant stakeholder in the club.

A Bright Future for Kerry FC

With Wall’s investment, Kerry FC is poised for growth as it prepares for an exciting 2025 season. This financial boost is expected to strengthen the club’s position both on and off the pitch, offering fans hope for future success.

As Kerry FC enters this transformative phase, all eyes will be on Tralee to see how this investment shapes the club’s journey in Irish football.

GAA Retains GAAGO Rights for 2025: Plans to Buy Out RTÉ’s Stake

The broadcasting landscape for the All-Ireland Championships will remain unchanged in 2025, with the GAA confirming its commitment to streaming games via GAAGO. First reported by the Irish Examiner, this decision ensures that key matches, including the Munster Senior Hurling Championship and All-Ireland football quarter-finals, will continue to be exclusively available on the platform.

GAA Proposes Buyout of RTÉ’s Stake

In a significant development, the GAA is also reportedly planning to buy out RTÉ’s 50% stake in GAAGO. The association had previously advertised a two-year media rights package for games currently hosted on the platform. Despite interest from TG4, the Irish-language broadcaster’s bid was unsuccessful.

When contacted, Croke Park declined to comment on the potential buyout of RTÉ’s share. A spokesperson instead confirmed:

“The GAA has decided to retain the two packages for domestic use. We set up an advisory committee and working group to see how best we can utilise those rights.”

Fans Criticise GAAGO Paywall

The decision to keep certain high-profile matches behind a paywall has sparked criticism from fans and public figures alike. Matches such as the 2023 Clare v Limerick Munster Hurling Championship clash and the Cork v Limerick game earlier this year were exclusively streamed on GAAGO, prompting widespread frustration.

These games were pivotal in determining championship outcomes and showcased some of the most thrilling moments of the season. Galway’s shock victory over reigning All-Ireland football champions Dublin in the quarter-finals, also aired solely on GAAGO, further fuelled discontent.

The controversy reached national prominence, with Taoiseach Simon Harris voicing his concerns. He called for greater accessibility, urging the GAA to prioritise its grassroots ethos:

“The GAA is an amazing organisation, rooted in its grassroots. Many fans were unable to watch pivotal games like Cork v Limerick or Galway v Dublin because they were behind a paywall. There has to be a better way.”

GAAGO: A Platform Evolving

GAAGO was originally created to serve Irish expatriates, providing them with a way to watch GAA games abroad. However, its role expanded significantly after the expiration of the GAA’s broadcasting deal with Sky Sports in 2022. Since then, several high-profile championship games have been streamed exclusively on the platform, sparking ongoing debates about accessibility and public service broadcasting.

As the GAA retains its rights package for GAAGO in 2025, questions remain about the platform\’s long-term strategy and its potential impact on fan access to key matches.

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Interview – Leinster’s Jacques Nienaber Thrives in a Unique and Historic Season

Leinster Rugby’s head coach Jacques Nienaber, a World Cup winner with South Africa, has described the current campaign as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the Irish provincial giants. With record-breaking crowds, new challenges, and flawless performances on the pitch, this season has already become one for the history books.

A Season of Transition and Opportunity

The redevelopment of Leinster’s traditional home at the RDS has pushed the team to adopt Dublin’s iconic Aviva Stadium as their temporary base. Far from a setback, the move has provided an incredible platform for the team and its supporters.

Leinster’s three matches at the Aviva so far this season have drawn impressive crowds of 18,397 (Dragons RFC), 20,945 (Emirates Lions), and 34,184 (Clermont Auvergne), averaging 24,509 fans per game. Additionally, their clash with Munster at Croke Park in October smashed records, attracting 80,468 spectators — the highest-ever attendance for a BKT United Rugby Championship match.

Nienaber is embracing the unique circumstances.

“This is a season like no other,” he said. “Some of our players may never have had the chance to play at Croke Park against Munster or regularly compete at the Aviva. These are sacred grounds, and it’s an incredible privilege for all of us.”

Perfect Start to the Campaign

Leinster’s performances on the pitch have been equally remarkable. They are undefeated in nine matches across all competitions and sit atop the BKT URC table with a seven-point lead heading into their Round 8 showdown against an in-form Connacht Rugby this Saturday.

Nienaber acknowledges the challenge posed by Connacht but is confident in his team’s preparation.

“They’ve had two fantastic wins in Europe, and they’ll be full of confidence. It’s going to be a tough game, and we’re preparing for a real grind. We never take games like these for granted.”

A Defence Coach’s Perspective on Success

Known for his defensive acumen, Nienaber stresses the importance of consistent preparation and respect for every opponent, regardless of the occasion.

“Our preparation for Connacht won’t differ from how we approached Clermont, Bristol, or the Champions Cup final against Toulouse last season. Respect for the opposition and meticulous preparation are non-negotiables.”

Leinster’s success has made them the team to beat, but Nienaber cautions against complacency.

“In professional sport, you are always the hare being chased. Teams will catch up if you don’t evolve your leadership, playing style, and creativity. Winning isn’t guaranteed, and it’s vital to cherish every victory.”

Fans Driving the Momentum

The Aviva Stadium is set to host another massive crowd this weekend for the interprovincial derby against Connacht. Leinster’s supporters have played a vital role in this extraordinary season, and their enthusiasm continues to fuel the team’s momentum.

“The fans’ passion is unmatched,” Nienaber said. “This weekend could see an even bigger crowd than we had for Clermont, which speaks volumes about how much this derby means to everyone.”

Looking Ahead to Even Greater Heights

As Leinster strives for continued success on two fronts — the BKT URC and the Champions Cup — Nienaber’s focus remains on preparation, evolution, and savouring every moment.

“Victories should never be taken for granted. There will come a time when wins are harder to come by, and we’ll wish we had celebrated them more. For now, we’re fully committed to making the most of this special season.”

Conclusion: Leinster’s Unstoppable Journey

Leinster Rugby is navigating uncharted waters this season, from record attendances to unbeaten form. Under Jacques Nienaber’s leadership, the team is thriving in an environment full of challenges and opportunities. As they prepare for yet another electrifying clash, Leinster’s players, coaches, and fans are united in their pursuit of excellence, making this a truly unforgettable chapter in their storied history.

What Can Irish Sports Fans Expect To See in the Opening Months of 2025

The festive period is always chocked full of sporting spectacles, and this year is certainly no exception.

But while all eyes may be on the Alexander Palace and Riyadh’s latest foray into the circle, there is plenty more than that just around the corner. The opening weeks and months of 2025 have plenty to offer sports fans both at home and overseas, so let’s take a look at what’s in store.

Cheltenham Festival

The Cheltenham Festival is without question one of the highlights of the sporting calendar. Taking place in early March, there is plenty to look forward to across the Irish Sea. On day one, it’s the Champion Hurdle that takes centre stage, and Constitution Hill will be looking to reclaim his crown.

In 2024, the former’s reigning champion was unable to defend his crown, having to be withdrawn in the days leading up to the race due to a lung infection. In 2025, he is expected to be back, and he will be gunning for the newly minted king State Man. Looking at today’s racing odds for the showpiece festival, it’s clear that the two horses are already on everyone’s mind, with Constitution Hill being made a 7/2 second favourite and State Man narrowly behind at 9/2.

But if either of them hopes to reign supreme, they will have to find a way to navigate their way passed the 7/4 frontrunner Lossiemouth. Last year’s racing results from the festival saw the French horse reign supreme in the Mares Hurdle and now, she has her eyes set on the top prize. Whether she gets the job done remains to be seen.

GET IN THEREEE!!!!! 🤩🔴 #LIVMCI pic.twitter.com/NEhKA1wIhb

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 1, 2024

Liverpool’s Quest for the Quadruple

Despite the resurgence of the League of Ireland in recent years, English clubs Liverpool and Manchester United remain the Emerald Isle’s most supported. While the latter of that duo is looking toward a prosperous new future under Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim, the former have their sights set on a quadruple for the third time in recent years.

Back in 2022, the Reds won both the FA Cup and the League Cup, but they missed out on the Premier League on the final day of the season, as well as losing the UEFA Champions League final to Real Madrid. Last season, their hopes made it toward the latter part of the season, but their momentum faltered following their FA Cup quarter-final exit against Manchester United.

Now, however, new manager Arne Slot has got the Merseysiders playing football that former boss Jurgen Klopp could have only dreamed of. And with the Dutch boss’ tactics being less physically demanding than that of his predecessor, there’s real hope that The Reds’ unprecedented quadruple hunt could go all the way. They are already through to the latter stages of the League Cup, while they sit at the top of both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Can they now go on and make history? Both their Irish supporters and those who head to Anfield on a weekly basis will certainly be hoping that they can.

Video – Christian Kist Hits Historic Nine-Darter but Falls to Madars Razma at Ally Pally

Christian Kist Hits Historic Nine-Darter but Falls to Madars Razma at Ally Pally

Christian Kist etched his name into darts history with a spectacular nine-dart finish at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship on Wednesday, but his heroic moment wasn’t enough to secure victory as he succumbed to Madars Razma at Alexandra Palace.

Kist’s perfect leg secured him a £60,000 prize as part of Paddy Power’s £180,000 BIGGER 180 campaign. The prize was shared equally between Kist, the charity partner Prostate Cancer UK, and a lucky fan, Kris from Sutton, South London. Despite this incredible achievement, the Dutchman bowed out of the tournament in the first round after Razma stormed back to win the next three sets.

Kist Reflects on His Moment of Glory

“The nine-darter was an amazing moment, hitting the double 12 felt incredible,” Kist said. “It was a lovely moment for everyone, and I hope Kris enjoys the money. Maybe I’ll treat myself to a vacation next month. But losing the game is disappointing—it’s tough to go out in the first round.”

Latvia’s Razma demonstrated resilience, overturning his early deficit to seal a 3-1 victory. He now advances to face Dirk van Duijvenbode in the next round.

Aspinall Overcomes Early Nerves

Later in the evening, 12th seed Nathan Aspinall began his campaign with a gritty 3-1 victory over Leonard Gates. Aspinall, who endured a tough first-round exit to Ricky Evans last year, showed composure to win the final two sets against the determined American.

“I’m relieved to come through that; it was a very tough game,” said Aspinall. “I’ve been under scrutiny recently due to poor performances, but I’m here to prove myself and go deep in this tournament. It wasn’t my best game, but a win is a win. Now I can enjoy Christmas and come back stronger.”

Aspinall awaits the winner of Andre Gilding, Martin Lukeman, or Nitin Kumar in round three.

Evans Triumphs in Thrilling Decider

Ricky Evans secured his place in round two with a dramatic five-set win over Australia’s Gordon Mathers. Evans survived a spirited comeback from Mathers, eventually sealing the match with a clinical 109 checkout in the deciding set. Evans will now face sixth seed Dave Chisnall on Monday, December 23.

“I’ll need to play better to beat Dave, but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to,” Evans admitted. “He’s one of my favourite players, but on stage, it’s every man for himself.”

Opening Drama Sets the Tone

The day’s opening tie saw the Philippines’ Paolo Nebrida edge past Wales’ Jim Williams in a thrilling sudden-death leg, securing his first Ally Pally victory. Nebrida advances to meet Ross Smith in the next round.

Action Continues on Thursday

The Paddy Power World Darts Championship resumes on Thursday with a packed schedule featuring six first-round matches and two second-round ties. Gabriel Clemens headlines the afternoon session against Robert Owen, while Michael Smith takes on Kevin Doets in the evening.

The tournament, aired live on Sky Sports in the UK and various international broadcasters, is shaping up to be another thrilling edition of the iconic event.

2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship Results – Wednesday, December 18

First Round

•Paolo Nebrida 3-2 Jim Williams

•Madars Razma 3-1 Christian Kist (Kist hits nine-dart finish)

•Ricky Evans 3-2 Gordon Mathers

Second Round

•Nathan Aspinall 3-1 Leonard Gates

Upcoming Matches – Thursday, December 19

Afternoon Session (12:30 GMT)

•Chris Landman v Lok Yin Lee (R1)

•Callan Rydz v Romeo Grbavac (R1)

•Martin Lukeman v Nitin Kumar (R1)

•Gabriel Clemens v Robert Owen (R2)

Evening Session (19:00 GMT)

•Nick Kenny v Stowe Buntz (R1)

•Mensur Suljovic v Matt Campbell (R1)

•Scott Williams v Niko Springer (R1)

•Michael Smith v Kevin Doets (R2)

For live scores, stats, and updates, visit the official PDC website or tune in to Sky Sports and other global broadcasters.

Champions and Challenge Cup Attendance Review: Mixed Signals from Fans Across Europe and Beyond

As the Champions and Challenge Cups progress, a striking statistic has emerged: only 57% of seats across all matches were filled. With official attendance figures coming from EPCR reports and stadium capacities outlined in the tournament guide, the disparity in fan turnout offers both insights and concerns. Which teams managed to draw fans in droves, and where did supporters stay home?

England: Uneven Support Across Clubs

English clubs showed significant variation in attendance figures. The highlight was Bath, which filled 97% of its stadium, and Exeter, which came close at 92%. These performances stand out as examples of strong local support, fueled perhaps by their historic rugby traditions and recent successes.

Leicester Tigers managed a respectable 66%, hosting 17,186 fans—a testament to the club’s enduring popularity. Meanwhile, Northampton (84%) and Saracens (87%) also performed above average, showing loyal fan bases willing to turn up in solid numbers.

However, it wasn’t all positive. Sale Sharks drew just over half of their stadium’s capacity at 6,072 fans (51%), and Gloucester’s 60% turnout leaves room for improvement. Newcastle Falcons had the worst showing in England, with a mere 2,801 attendees filling just 27% of their ground.

France: A Tale of Two Tiers

French rugby delivered the most packed stands, with Toulouse and La Rochelle achieving 100% capacity. Bordeaux Bègles (95%) and Vannes (100%) also demonstrated remarkable attendance, cementing France’s reputation as a rugby-obsessed nation.

Clermont and Toulon maintained strong showings at 76% and 82%, respectively, while Lyon’s 79% was solid. In contrast, Stade Français saw just 58% of seats filled, a surprising figure for a Paris-based club with significant history. Racing 92 fared even worse, drawing just 5,497 fans to their home-away-from-home venue (45%), showcasing the risks of taking games to less traditional grounds.

Lower-tier French teams like Pau (58%) and Perpignan (56%) highlighted the challenges of consistent fan engagement, while Bayonne’s 72% offered a glimmer of hope in the Challenge Cup.

URC: Mixed Results from Ireland to South Africa

Irish teams led the way in attendance within the URC. Leinster hosted the largest crowd with 34,184 fans filling 66% of their capacity. Munster followed closely with 17,241 fans (66%), and Ulster came in at 64%. Glasgow (94%) and Benetton (93%) also recorded impressive figures, showing strong local support despite their smaller venues.

The South African contingent struggled. The Bulls managed only 13,549 fans (26%), while the Sharks attracted a meager 10,452 (23%). Lions were bottom of the pack with just 2,042 attendees (3%), an alarming statistic that raises questions about the viability of South African teams in European competitions.

The Welsh regions painted a similarly bleak picture, with Scarlets at 41%, Cardiff at 42%, and Dragons at 47%. Connacht, meanwhile, had the lowest turnout of any Irish side, with just 2,672 fans (33%) attending their Challenge Cup fixture.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The overarching takeaway is clear: attendance figures are a mixed bag, and several clubs face challenges in filling their stadiums. For some, resizing venues to better align with demand could enhance the matchday atmosphere and reduce costs. Alternatively, better marketing strategies, targeted promotions, and fan engagement could bridge the gap in less-supported regions.

Key Observations:

1.English Consistency but Room to Grow: Traditional rugby powerhouses in England continue to draw strong support, but teams like Newcastle and Sale highlight the difficulty of engaging fans in smaller markets.

2.French Dominance: France continues to lead in attendance, but disparities exist between top-tier clubs and their lower-tier counterparts.

3.URC Challenges: Ireland delivers solid attendance figures, but South Africa and Wales must address fan disengagement urgently.

The 57% overall attendance rate reveals a clear message: while European rugby’s premier competitions remain prestigious, a unified strategy to boost fan engagement across clubs and countries is essential. For clubs with consistently low figures, it might be time to rethink their approach—or their stadium size.

As the tournament progresses, the EPCR will likely keep a keen eye on these trends, hoping to turn empty seats into sold-out crowds in the future.

Irish Broadcast Partners Eyed by DAZN After Landmark FIFA Deal

Fresh off their $1 billion deal with FIFA to broadcast the 2025 Club World Cup, DAZN is reportedly eyeing two broadcasters from Ireland for sub-licensed coverage rights.

The record-breaking agreement reflects a broader change in sports, as FIFA moves toward streaming services over broadcast TV, but RTÉ and Virgin Media could benefit from the deal.

Source: Unsplash

Sports Streaming Continues to Grow

Over the past few years, we have seen several high-profile deals linking big streaming services and sports organisations. So, when FIFA failed to agree terms with its usual broadcasters, sports streamer DAZN must have seemed like the obvious choice.

In six short years, DAZN has become one of the biggest sports streamers in the space, available in 200 countries globally. Like many streamers, their success comes amidst a broader trend of entertainment moving toward online distribution. As well as online video streaming, other markets like iGaming have become prominent in the British media space through the large growth of their online offerings. For example, users can now watch TV or play bingo using almost any device that connects to the internet, including mobiles and smart TVs. As more industries continue to expand their online offerings, viewers should expect to see more sports deals favouring online distribution.

While DAZN’s new deal is one of the biggest in football, its $1 billion price tag is dwarfed by other partnerships in the space. For example, 2024 started with a $5 billion partnership between Netflix and the world’s biggest pro wrestling company, WWE. Many of these deals have been supercharged by a competitive streaming industry where live sports are a treasure trove of high-viewership, repeating content.

DAZN’s Sub-Licensing Plan Explained

To understand DAZN’s sub-licensing plans, you’ll first need to know the terms of their FIFA agreement. The landmark deal explains that DAZN will pay €15 million (£12.4m) for every game of the tournament – 63 games in total. For context, the average Premier League match would cost around €5 million (£4.13m) in a similar agreement.

⚽ DAZN x FIFA Club World Cup ⚽

We are thrilled to announce that #DAZN will be the exclusive global broadcaster of the @FIFAcom Club World Cup 2025™. Football fans around the world will be able to stream every match live on #DAZN for free!
Coverage will kick off on Thursday,… pic.twitter.com/ON5CrsGY81

— DAZN Sport (@DAZN_Sport) December 4, 2024

It’s not just a huge investment – there’s a lot of apprehension surrounding the expansion of the Club World Cup, which won’t include some of the big draws like Manchester United or Liverpool in 2025.

So, with that in mind, it makes sense that DAZN wants to shore up its investment with a sub-licensing deal. They are seeking out free-to-air broadcasters willing to buy broadcast rights, though there’s no indication of how much it would cost. If DAZN wants to break even on their investment, those packages could cost as much as €5 million (£4.13m) – a high asking price for a relatively new FIFA tournament, especially when FIFA World Cup packages are sold for just as much.

DAZN are reportedly sending out invitations to broadcasters, with Ireland’s RTÉ and Virgin Media on the list. Depending on how much the asking price is, broadcasters in smaller economies could be locked out of the deal. FIFA have stipulated that sub-licensing agreements should target larger audiences, hence why DAZN is soliciting free-to-air broadcasters and even streaming the Club World Cup outside their traditional subscription model.

As the tournament fast approaches, only time will tell if DAZN can define sub-licensing agreements with the world’s broadcasters.

Irish Provincial Derbies: Ulster v Munster and Leinster v Connacht Preview

As the BKT United Rugby Championship heats up, two mouthwatering Irish provincial derbies are set to take place this weekend. Ulster host Munster on Friday, while Leinster welcome Connacht to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. Here’s a detailed preview of both games, including key stats, injury news, and predictions.

Ulster v Munster Preview

Date & Time: Friday, 7:35 PM | Channel: TG4

Ulster Rugby are looking to bounce back after two consecutive losses in the BKT URC. Despite their recent struggles, Ulster haven’t lost three home games in succession at Kingspan Stadium since 2009.

Munster, on the other hand, snapped a three-game losing streak with a victory over the Lions. However, their away form has been dismal this season, with five losses in five games. Their last away victory against an Irish province came in the 2023 semi-final, where they edged out Leinster 16-15.

Key Stats:

•The last six meetings between Ulster and Munster have been evenly split (3-3).

•Munster have won two of their last four visits to Kingspan Stadium.

•Both teams face significant injury issues, making team announcements critical.

Prediction:

The handicap is Ulster -2, highlighting how tight this game is expected to be. Munster -11 at 5/1 could be worth a gamble but is far from a sure thing.

Leinster v Connacht Preview

Date & Time: Saturday, 5:30 PM | Channel: RTE2

Leinster remain the team to beat this season, having won all nine games in all competitions. Their dominance at the Aviva Stadium is notable, with eight straight wins since their narrow 27-26 loss to La Rochelle in the 2023 EPCR Champions Cup final. Leinster’s last defeat to an Irish province came against Ulster in May (23-21).

Connacht arrive in Dublin with mixed form. While they have lost just once in their last four fixtures (a 28-14 defeat to the Bulls), their away record remains a concern. Connacht have managed just one road win in the URC since April, beating the Scarlets 24-23 in Round 3.

Key Stats:

•Leinster have won the last 10 meetings against Connacht, who last defeated them at the RDS in January 2021.

•Connacht haven’t beaten Leinster at the Aviva Stadium since 1985.

•Leinster are missing 10 players through injury, while Connacht have just four sidelined.

What to Watch:

If Connacht can bring back key players like Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, Finlay Bealham, and Josh Ioane, they could challenge Leinster. However, if Leinster field a full-strength team, the game could be out of reach by halftime.

Prediction:

Leinster are -16 on the handicap, but this could be a tough ask if their key players are rested. Connacht at 7/1 might be worth a small punt for those seeking value.

Conclusion

Both derbies promise high stakes, with Ulster and Munster battling for consistency while Leinster look to maintain their unbeaten run against a resilient Connacht side. Injury lists and team selections will play a major role, so all eyes will be on the starting lineups ahead of these must-watch clashes.

The best poker hands at televised poker tournaments

For drama, skill and celebrity status, the World Series of Poker is the world’s most prestigious poker tournament.

Sport always throws up plenty of drama but when there is that much money on the line, nothing compares to the WSOP. It has taken place annually in Las Vegas since 1970 with its pinnacle the famous No-Limit Texas Hold’em Main Event.

The star factors:

• Prestige

Winning a WSOP bracelet is one of the highest achievements in the poker world.

• Prize Money

The WSOP offers some of the largest prize pools in any poker games in the world. The Main Event often has multi-million-dollar payouts. Even winning a smaller event can yield huge financial rewards.

• Global Recognition

The WSOP attracts professional players, amateurs and celebrities. It serves as a platform for rising stars to make a name for themselves.

• Poker Culture

The WSOP has been featured in movies, documentaries and television programs. Some of the most iconic moments in poker history have taken place at the WSOP.

• Gateway to the Poker Elite

Many of today’s top poker players, like Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu and Chris Moneymaker, made their names at the WSOP.

The famous 2003 victory of Chris Moneymaker is credited with sparking the recent poker boom that popularized the game worldwide.

• Tradition and Legacy

Winning a bracelet or even participating in the event is a dream for many. It’s a cultural milestone for the game.

How games compare

The average WSOP game and the average online poker games are the same game with the same rules – but are a million miles apart in many ways.

The WSOP is a series of live tournaments with playersare seated at physical tables for an event that can last several days or even weeks. Players must manage chips carefully over many hours or days.

The pace of play is slower than online poker. It can take several hours or even days to advance through levelswith waits between hands for dealers, chip counts and decisions.

Online players don’t have the same tensions. One of the key aspects of live poker is the ability to read opponents through subtle physical or behavioural tells.

The live environment of the WSOP allowsconversations, camaraderie and trash talk. It creates a unique atmosphere that combines competition with social interaction.

Key moments

The World Series of Poker has produced some of the most iconic moments in all poker history. Here are four top highlights of the WSOP legend:

Chris Moneymaker’s 2003 WSOP Main Event Victory

The moment when an amateur poker player and accountant from Tennessee won the 2003 WSOP Main Event is probably the greatest in the game’s history.

It came after his qualifying through a $39 online satellite tournament. Moneymaker outlasted a field of 839 players to win the coveted $2.5 million first-place prize and prestigious gold bracelet.

In the final hand, Moneymaker beat the seasoned pro Sam Farha – thanks to a simple pair of twos – and he was crowned champion.

His unlikely victory showed that an ordinary player could achieve poker glory – and this revolutionised and inspired the global poker landscape.

Phil Hellmuth’s Record 16th Bracelet

Hellmuth, known as the ‘Poker Brat’, won his 16th WSOP bracelet in the 2018 $5,000 No-Limit Hold’emevent. This surpassed the previous record of 15 held by Doyle Brunson and Johnny Chan.

In the final moments, Hellmuth faced off against Adam ‘Roothlus’ Levy. Hellmuth’s ability to read the table and remain calm under pressure whatever the hand, clinched the win.

His brash emotional style made him a polarizing figure in poker – but his ability earned him a place among the legends.

Johnny Chan’s Back-to-Back Main Event Titles

Chan won back-to-back Main Event titles in 1987 and 1988 – the first player to win consecutive WSOP titles.

His 1988 victory was particularly dramatic. It happened in one of poker’s most famous hands against Erik Seidel. Both players were all-in after a fierce battle.

Chan ended up with a full house while Seidel missed a straight and a flush draw. Chan’s victory was considered one of the most memorable in WSOP history.

Antonio Esfandiari’s $18.3 Million Win

Known as ‘the Big One for One Drop’ this $1 million buy-in tournament was created in 2012 to raise money for a charity providing clean water around the world. The event attracted the globe’s wealthiest players – with a $42 million prize pool.

Antonio Esfandiari emerged victorious, taking home $18.3 million – the largest first-place prize in poker history at the time.

In the final hand, Esfandiari had held king and ten, picked up seven and nine, and then got eight on the turn, giving him an all-conquering flush.

Moments like these demonstrate why the WSOP is more than just another Vegas poker tournament. It represents the pinnacle of the poker world.

Winning the tournament represents immense prestige, prize money and global recognition. The event is simply the most important date on the world’s poker calendar.