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Adam Griggs steps down from Ireland Women’s Rugby

The IRFU confirm Adam Griggs will step down from his position as Ireland Women’s Head Coach following November’s Autumn Tests

Adam Griggs will vacate the Head Coach position when his current contract expires next month. His appointment that began in November 2017 will now come to an end. He will remain in charge for Ireland’s back-to-back Test matches against USA and Japan.

The IRFU has now announced the choice to appoint Greg McWilliams to fill in.

McWilliams brings a wealth of experience to the position. He will commence his role on 1st December to begin preparations with the squad for the 2022 Six Nations.

The 43-year-old was previously part of the Ireland Women’s coaching team. He served as an assistant coach for the 2010 and 2014 Rugby World Cups, as well as the 2013 Six Nations-winning campaign.

During his time in America, McWilliams was the Director of Rugby at Yale University and USA Eagles in 2017. McWilliams’ most recent role was Head Coach of Major League Rugby outfit Rugby United New York.

 

Commenting on today’s announcement, IRFU Director of Women’s and Sevens Rugby, Anthony Eddy, said:

“I would like to thank Adam for his commitment and dedication to the position.”

“Although there was disappointment with the outcome of the World Cup qualification, the squad has developed under his direction, and players have been identified and developed to a stage where now the incoming coach, Greg McWilliams, has a good squad to work with for the future.”

 

Griggs will move into the position of IRFU Provincial Talent Coach for Leinster, focusing on Talent ID and Player Development across both the Men’s and Women’s games.

He said: “It has been an enjoyable and challenging period. It was bitterly disappointing to exit the World Cup qualification as we did, however, I believe the group can take pride in their personal growth and development as rugby players.

“Personally, I will take plenty of learning from this experience which I look forward to implementing in the future. I would like to thank the players and support staff for their unwavering commitment to the green jersey and I look forward to watching a talented group grow into world-class players under Greg’s tutelage.”

Ahead of commencing his role with the IRFU, McWilliams commented: “It’s such an exciting time for women’s sport globally. There is a terrific energy building and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that journey, continuing on from the great work paved by Adam and his staff. I’m most looking forward to meeting the staff at the IRFU High-Performance Centre, the players, and their families.

 

The IRFU will announce the squad for the Autumn Tests against USA and Japan early next week

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Irish international and provincial rugby news, click here.

New dates for the SSE Airtricity First Division play-offs fixtures

New dates for the SSE Airtricity First Division play-offs have been announced.

The first leg of the play-offs will now take place on Wednesday, November 3 whilst the second leg will take place later that week on Sunday, November 7.

The First Division play-off final is provisionally set for Friday, November 19 and the promotion/relegation play-off final is provisionally set for Friday, November 26.

SSE Airtricity First Division – Play-offs

Wednesday, November 3

5th Place vs 2nd Place 1st Leg
4th Place vs 3rd Place 1st Leg

Sunday November 7

2nd Place vs 5th Place 2nd Leg
3rd Place vs 4th Place 2nd Leg

Republic of Ireland v Sweden – Preview, Team News, Where To Watch

The Republic of Ireland Women’s national football team begin their qualification campaign for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup when they host Sweden at Tallaght Stadium on Thursday night.

The match will be played in front of a sold-out crowd that has been capped by Covid restrictions.

The winner of UEFA Group A will earn automatic qualification to the next Women’s World Cup while the team that finishes in second will enter into the play-offs if they are one of the three best runner-ups among all nine UEFA groups.

Ireland ended a seven-game losing streak in their most recent outing, beating Australia 3-2 in front of fans in Tallaght and will hope for a repeat of fortunes on Thursday evening.

Four of the six teams they faced in that dismal run currently occupy a place in the top 20 of FIFA’s World rankings.

Vera Pauw’s side will play their first game in the group stages of the FIFA World Cup qualification campaign and are the only side yet to play a game.

The Republic of Ireland were meant to have played Georgia in their opening Group A game last month but that was rescheduled until June 2022.

Sweden, on the other hand, sit first in the group with two wins from two against Georgia and Slovakia and are yet to concede.

The World number two national team will hope to earn their place at the upcoming World Cup and improve upon their third-place finish in 2019 and continue the form that earned them a silver medal at Tokyo 2020.

Ireland have never played at a World Cup and sit 33rd in the world, eight places behind Finland who are also in their group.

Captain Caroline Seger scored a brace in the Blue and Yellow’s last match, a 4-0 win over Georgia, and leads the way on the scoring charts in the group.

Three other goalscorers have found the net for the Swedes in the competition so far and Peter Gerhardsson’s team will be sure to give the Irish defence a headache.

“The target for us is to qualify,” Vera Pauw noted. “We fully understand how difficult our group is with four tough opponents in Sweden, Finland, Slovakia and Georgia.

“But we must believe in ourselves, work as hard as we can, and show the world that we are ready for this.

“Sweden are a fantastic team. They finished as runners-up in the Tokyo Olympics and are ranked second in the world.

“We know all about their quality but it is up to us – as a team collectively – to embrace this challenge. We hope that playing in front of our fantastic fans will also help us.

“I’ve said it so many times and every time I feel it in my bones: the Irish fans are really special!

“There is no doubt that they help to drive the team on during difficult periods and inspire them to keep working hard.

“It definitely had an impact in our win over Australia and I hope to experience the same again in front of a sold-out crowd.”

Teams

Republic of Ireland: Brosnan; Finn, Fahey, L. Quinn, McCarthy, O’Gorman; L.J. Quinn, O’Sullivan, Connolly, McCabe; Payne.

Subs: Walsh, Scott, Caldwell, Kiernan, Barrett, Maloney, Farrelly, Grant, Noonan, Clancy, McLaughlin, Badana.

Sweden: Lindahl; Glas, Ilestedt, Eriksson, Andersson; Bennison, Rolfo, Angeldal; Jakobsen, Blackstenius, Hurtig.

Subs: Kullberg, Fischer, Janogy, Rytting Kaneryd, Falk, Blomqvist, Olme, Curmark, Anvegard, Musovic, Schough, Rubensson.

Where To Watch

The game will kick-off at 7 pm and will be available to watch live on RTÉ 2, with coverage starting at 6:30 pm.

Ireland v France – Preview, Team News, Where To Watch

The Ireland Women’s national hockey team will take part in the European qualifiers for the 2022 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup.

The eight-team competition will be played in a knock-out format with only one side earning a place at next summer’s World Cup which will be played at venues in Spain and the Netherlands.

The qualification tournament is being held in Pisa, Italy and Ireland will face France in the first match of their campaign at 10:30 am.

Ireland are the highest-ranked side in the tournament, sitting at number 12 in the world, with Italy being the closest side to them in the rankings also vying for the final European spot in 17th – France are ranked 27th in the world.

A win in this fixture will earn Sean Dancer’s side the right to face either Russia or Belarus in the semi-final.

The Irish side are hoping to improve upon their fortunes after disappointing in their first-ever Olympic campaign at Tokyo 2020 earlier this year.

Dancer’s team failed to get out of the group stage, winning only once in their first match against South Africa and losing an important game to India, whom they beat in the 2018 World Cup.

The girls in green will be aiming to return to the World Cup stage after finishing second in London four years ago as the second-lowest seed in the competition.

France, on the other hand, are looking to bridge a 41-year gap and make their fourth-ever appearance in the competition.

Gael Foulard’s team won the EuroHockey Championship III in 2019 and followed it up with a silver medal in EuroHockey Championship II earlier this year has put Les Bleues within a chance of doing so.

Teams

Ireland: McFerran (GK), M. Carey, Upton, Mullan (C), Tice, Carroll, McLoughlin, Watkins, Hawkshaw, O’Flanagan, N. Carey.

Subs: Murphy (GK), Getty, Malseed, Torrans, Duke, Curran, McAuley.

France: Petriaux (GK), Ponthieu (C), Brachet, Simon, Lesgourgues, van Bolhuis, Verzura, Lardeur, Garot, Gaspari, Schubert.

Subs: Ehrmann (GK), Lahlah, Lhopital, Verrier, van der Zanden, Arnaud, Roque.

Where To Watch

The match will be available to watch live on EuroHockeyTV.

AR and VR Are Changing the Gambling Industry

When online gambling first became available, players had access to the most simple games. The titles did not have enhanced features or even the best graphics. Over the years, the changes in technology have allowed software developers to create amazing casino games that are now enjoyed worldwide today. Now, with great graphics, animations, sounds, and added features, casino games provide players with a realistic experience. 

The industry is always changing, and new technology is coming into play regularly. There are two technologies that have quickly evolved, and both of these are changing the gambling market. Virtual reality and artificial intelligence are the biggest changes within the online market. These will allow operators to offer a better experience for players and will also allow for software developers to create the best games ever to become available.

Here, we will examine how each of these technologies is being used and how they will change the future of online gambling. There are already some operating casinos and developers that are making use of virtual reality to offer players the most rewarding and thrilling gambling experience. While the technology is still new and has not been implemented at many sites, you can learn all about how VR and AR are being used and how they will eventually have an impact on your gambling experience when you access an online casino.

What Are AR and VR?

As a gambler who plays online, you will want to understand how AR and VR work and how they are different. They are both very similar technologies that will alter how we interact with an environment and how we perceive that environment. However, they differ in regards to the hardware that is required. The hardware is used to change our environmental surroundings.

With AR or Augmented reality, you will have a better experience since your current physical environment is changed by the use of superimposed layers of virtual objects. In short, AR has the ability to add audio, people, and items to your surroundings. These are all added to your current location. In many cases, you will not require specialized hardware to enjoy AR. When used in an online casino setting, your smartphone will be all that is needed. Augmented reality software is also easier to develop since the company will not have to create any backgrounds or environments.

With VR or virtual reality, you will experience an environment that is completely simulated. It is used to allow players to become immersed in a virtual world and provide a unique experience. VR will require players to use a special headset as well as speakers. Unfortunately, the requirement for hardware will limit who can enjoy VR online gambling since these things can be costly. 

For the best experience, users will require a good headset to present the virtual world through lenses. Since not everyone can afford the added hardware, VR casinos may not be the best option for all players. AR casinos, however, do not have these requirements and are easier for software companies to create and manage.

How AR and VR Are Revolutionizing the Online Gambling Industry

Both of these technologies are at the forefront of changing how we play casino games online. By providing more excitement and realism, you will find that casinos adopting AR and VR technology will become the top-rated sites due to the ability to offer a virtual experience. These two technology fields are still in their infancy, so it is impossible to tell you exactly how they will be used in online casino venues. 

The use of these technologies has a single purpose. That is to greatly improve the user’s experience by creating a virtual atmosphere that replicates what you would enjoy at a land casino. Players will be able to feel like they are walking the floors of a land-based casino and will even be able to interact with others. With these added technologies, the world of online gambling will be changed forever. 

Instead of simply accessing your standard games and playing on a mobile device or PC, you will engage in a virtual experience with other players from all over the world. You can even look around to see the sights at a casino and stroll down the aisles of slots before picking a game. AR and VR will truly change the world of iGaming.

If you are a fan of online casino games and are already enjoying the activities offered at leading sites, you will want to learn more about these amazing technologies that will soon change the way you play. In the future, you will be able to play online slots while having the feeling of sitting right at the machine and being able to interact with other players in a virtual setting.

Not only will your slot experience be different, but this will apply to all games that are accessed at a VR or AR casino. You will find that live dealer games currently offered will not even compare to the realism that will be featured at these new types of casino sites. If you want to learn more about what you can expect from AR and VR technology, we have all the details right here!

All About Augmented Reality Casinos

As we have already described, augmented reality technology will take your current environment and add to it using virtual overlays. When it comes to online casinos, this exciting technology could offer a host of new features by combining the elements of virtual reality add-ons and live gaming. If you have ever played live dealer games at your favorite casino and thought these were realistic, they do not even come close to what would be offered at an AR casino site. 

The overall experience with augmented reality is greatly enhanced. While you may be used to sitting at a table or on the couch and playing casino games, you will not experience a virtual environment that will bring the live dealers right into your home! In addition to the enhanced overall experience, you will benefit from a better sound experience. AR casinos offer 360-degree sound, and when you turn your head to either side, you will be able to hear what is going on next to you, just like at a real casino. 

The AR technology has not yet been perfected for use in online casinos, but there are some sites that are starting to implement this technology. There are some hurdles that first have to be tackled before you will see AR on all casino sites. However, it is just a matter of time before this technology becomes mastered and is featured at gaming sites to offer you the most realistic experience since online gambling has been introduced.

Hurdles to Tackle with AR

Augmented reality is already being used by many software developers. However, there are still many things that need to be addressed before the technology is fully adopted in the gambling industry. The major issue is hardware. Players will have to make an investment to purchase headsets and other devices to take full advantage of the AR experience. These devices are available, but they are also still being developed. With existing models, you will not find mainstream features, and there could be some glitches when using headsets. It may be a few more years before the hardware is 100% effective, so if you look forward to AR gambling online, you will have to wait a bit longer.

Not only are there hurdles in regards to the hardware needed by players, but there are challenges to be addressed with software as well. Casino operators, as well as game developers, will have to develop new platforms that support augmented reality play. It can be difficult for operators to find the time and resources to develop new players that will embrace this new technology, so the market will be slow to offer AR casinos. 

Since there are still things that need to be ironed out, there is no definite time frame for AR casinos to launch. Some sites have started using bits of the technology to offer a better experience, but if you are waiting for a complete AR gambling session, it can be a few more years before we see these sites widely available.

Pros and Cons of AR Online Casinos

Augmented reality is quickly becoming a top technology used in gambling. One of the first games to incorporate AR was Pokemon GO,  launched back in 216. The amazing popularity of the game led software developers to implement AR in other types of games, including those you will find at online casinos. With a combination of a real and digital world, you can enjoy a unique and immersive experience and feel like you are right at your preferred land casino, all without leaving the comforts of home!

Let’s take a close look at the benefits and drawbacks of playing at an AR casino. After reviewing these, you will be able to determine if this form of gambling will best suit your needs.

Pros of AR Cons of AR
Enhanced gaming experience Games can be expensive to develop, leading to a shortage of titles
Ease of use with Android and iOS apps Confidentiality is a concern
Social interactions with dealers and players Increased chance of gambling addiction
Enhanced technology 

AR Casino Options

The overall goal when using Augmented Reality at an online casino is to combine your online experience with the real world. You will find this technology being used at casinos that have experienced developers that are providing games. At this point in time, there are no online casinos that have completely integrated AR. The cost to develop required software is expensive, and players will also have to incur costs to purchase hardware.

Even though AR casinos are not up and running, they are definitely something to expect in the next few years. Online developers and operators are always looking for new and exciting ways to improve your gambling experience. By combining a life-like experience with your current physical settings, you will find this form of gambling to deliver a unique and immersive experience, one that will surely be the future of gaming.

State of VR Casinos Today

Virtual reality has become a key concept for gamers, and this technology is also changing how players engage in casino gambling online or on a mobile device. VR is always evolving, and it is transforming the gambling industry each and every day. Many casinos are working to make the switch to VR so they can offer members the best possible experience and an enjoyable way to engage in real money play. 

As things are now, players can play an array of games at VR casinos, including slots, table games, and card games. With table games, the dealer is represented by a digital avatar, and so are all other players at the table. You can choose your own avatar and be able to chat with others as you enjoy the game. You will also have the ability to move around in a VR casino, just like if you were at your favorite land casino. When you move, all of the scenery will change, and you will be able to view games and players on the casino floor. 

The Future of VR Casinos

While there are already some great options to enjoy VR gambling, the future holds much more. With the technology always improving and being enhanced, the VR experience will become something that players could have only dreamt of a few years ago. Here, we take a look at the possibilities of VR casinos in the near future. While it is impossible to predict exactly what these new and improved sites will offer, we can provide you with a general idea of the features and experiences you will enjoy.

  • More Activities Can be Enjoyed – Casinos want to make sure you are always entertained and have a satisfying experience. This is one of the main forces behind a VR casino. The VR environment will allow you to enjoy more of the action at a casino, and some sites that are already using the technology offer bars and social areas. As things advance, there will be even more things to enjoy when you visit an online gambling site.
  • More Realistic and Immersive Games – As things continue to develop, you will find that VR casinos will be almost indistinguishable from land casinos. Immersive games will be offered when you can view the entire table, conduct bets using gestures and voice commands, and even high-five another player at the table when they enjoy a huge win! 
  • VR and Cryptocurrency Use – This is one of the easiest predictions we are able to make. Since many sites are already starting to make use of VR technology, new forms of money are also being created. Many players are already using cryptocurrencies to gamble online, and with VR casinos, you can expect some sites to be strictly crypto casinos where you can conduct secure payments with Bitcoin or other cryptos. It will be a purely digital experience.
  • VR will Merge with AI – Artificial intelligence is used in many ways all over the world every day. While it is not something we see yet in many online casinos, you can expect Virtual Reality sites to merge with AI in the future. This means that the casino will most likely be run by artificial intelligence, meaning no humans will be needed. Customer support services, banking, casino security, and other aspects will all be controlled by AI.
  • Customizable Experience – When VR casinos start to become popular, you will be able to customize your experience. Just like you can do with many of today’s video games, VR casinos will allow you to personalize an avatar or even the casino environment. By being able to make things personal, players will have a more satisfying experience.

How You Can Play at a VR Casino

Playing at a VR casino will deliver the most realistic and exciting experience online. While not every site is using this technology, you can find some great licensed and regulated casinos that have implemented VR technology and offer games that you can watch and play in real-time. To enjoy the thrills of these games and have the best online gambling session, there are some things you will have to do. 

To get started playing at any VR casino, just follow these steps. You will then be able to enjoy the realism offered and play all of your favorite games!

  • Purchase and set up a VR headset. 
  • Register for an account with a trusted VR online casino. Be sure to read reviews of sites to make sure you are choosing one that is trusted and has a positive reputation for VR gambling.
  • Make your deposit at the casino and start playing the most exciting VR games online!

Pros and Cons of VR Casinos

At casinos that use virtual reality technology, you will enjoy an intriguing and engaging experience with the most stimulating visual effects and sounds. With the ability to enjoy a setting where other players are interacting and playing casino games in real-time, this new technology will surely be the future of iGaming. Before you make any decision to purchase hardware and sign up at an operating VR casino, take some time to review these pros and cons. You want to make sure that this form of gambling is the best choice for your needs as well as for your budget.

Pros of VR Gambling Cons of VR Gambling
Provides a life-like experience You may have to wager more than with standard online casino games
You have the ability to chat with others Players tend to become ignorant of their surroundings
An increasing number of VR games Added cost to purchase headsets
A unique experience that is completely different from standard online gambling Sites not widely available
Constant upgrades and enhanced technology

VR Casinos Today

There are already some great VR casinos operating and offering the chance to engage in the most realistic form of play. SlotsMillion was the first VR casino to launch, and this became available in 2015. At this site, you can play top games and will feel like you are sitting right in front of your favorite slot games. All interactions are in real-time, similar to when playing live dealer casino games.

Microgaming is one company to watch for if you want to engage in VR gambling. This software developer jumped on board and started to create amazing 3D games that could be played on a PC or mobile device. While there may not be many VR casinos operating at this time, you can expect many to enter the industry in the coming years. This technology is quickly changing how players engage in real money wagering online, and as more sites adopt the technology, you will find many available options to enjoy the most realistic forms of gambling.

Conclusion

How will AR and VR alter the way we engage in online gambling? Both of these technologies will enhance the overall experience by offering real-time play and interactions with other players along with dealers. While this may sound similar to live dealer games, the experience will be quite different. VR casinos will have the ability to transport players into a virtual casino world where they can walk the casino floor, move in different directions, engage with others, and more. With AR casinos, computer-generated objects will be projected using a headset to augment your real-world environment. 

VR and AR casinos will be the future of gambling and as technology continues to evolve, we can expect sites to start using these technologies in the near future to provide players with the most immersive and realistic gambling experience ever available online. For those who love the thrills of gambling and already play online, these new types of casinos will be a game-changer!

 

Richie O’Neill joins Shefflin in Galway as coach and selector

Former Kilkenny hurler Richie O’Neill will join Henry Shefflin in Galway as a coach and selector of the county’s senior hurlers.

Shefflin was confirmed as the new manager of the side by Galway GAA on Wednesday evening.

The duo have joined the inter-county side on a three-year term with a review expected at the end of the second year.

The rest of the new Galway backroom will be finalised in the coming weeks following the appointments of Shefflin and O’Neill.

“Managing the Galway Senior Hurlers presents a unique opportunity, and we relish the exciting challenge ahead as we begin the journey,” Shefflin said in the statement released by Galway GAA.

“We look forward to working with the players, the county board, and the wider Galway GAA community over the coming years.”

King Henry won 10 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship titles during his playing career with the Cats and complemented that with 13 Leinster triumphs, six National Hurling League titles and 11 All-Stars.

Shefflin also won three All-Ireland titles with the club in a 20-year playing career that saw him pick up another six Kilkenny titles and four more provincial crowns.

He also won two Fitzgibbon Cups in his five years with the Waterford IT hurling team.

Richie O’Neill played alongside Shefflin during Kilkenny’s golden era and was part of his backroom at Ballyhale Shamrocks, where the pair led the side to Kilkenny, Leinster and All-Ireland glory in the space of two years.

The club went 17 games undefeated in a period that saw them reach the pinnacle of club hurling twice.

O’Neill also has been involved with the Kilkenny intermediate side in the past while Shefflin has most recently been in charge of Thomastown.

“The appointment of Henry Shefflin to lead our flagship team underpins both our immediate ambition for Galway hurling as well as a commitment to building a sustainable pathway for our young hurlers.

“This will be followed by the appointment of our U20 and Minor Management teams, as well as the Head of our newly constituted Adult Development Squad for 2022.”

Simon Zebo returns in green for Ireland Autumn internationals

Andy Farrell has named a 38-man Ireland squad for the upcoming Autumn internationals against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina.

The three matches will be played in November at the Aviva Stadium and Munster winger Simon Zebo will be among those in the squad for them.

Johnny Sexton who has been capped 99 times for his country will lead the squad during this international window.

Six of Ireland’s players who toured with the British and Irish Lions during the summer – Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson and Conor Murray are included as is Ronan Kelleher who joined the squad in South Africa.

Six of the players who won their first caps during the Vodafone Summer Series in July have been included in the squad – Robert Baloucoune, Harry Byrne, Gavin Coombes, James Hume, Tom O’Toole and Nick Timoney.

There are two uncapped players named Leinster duo Dan Sheehan and Ciaran Frawley, who have impressed under former Ireland international Leo Cullen.

Robbie Henshaw will continue his rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the Ireland medical team.

Thomas Ahern (Munster) and Jamie Osborne (Leinster) will train with the squad as development players during this window.

Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell, commented: “It has been a short lead into this international window but that is the challenge, to get back up to speed quickly and build on the performances from the Six Nations and the Summer Tests.

“This is the start of an exciting period for the group as we begin to build towards the Rugby World Cup in France.”

“In September we got together and mapped out what was coming up in this window, the exciting fixtures that lay ahead in the next 12 months and beyond that the opportunities to improve as a group over the next five windows we will have together.

“In a few weeks’ time, we will face an exciting and well-coached Japan team who showed in July what a dangerous team they are.

“New Zealand dominated the Rugby Championship losing just one game while Argentina are battle-hardened from playing the southern hemisphere’s Big 3 week in week out over the past two months.

“It would be fantastic to play in front of a full-house at the Aviva Stadium.  We had small crowds back in for the games in July and even that made a huge difference to the team and the atmosphere in the stadium.”

Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series fixtures at the Aviva Stadium will be televised on RTE (ROI) and Channel 4 (NI).

Ireland Squad for Autumn Internationals

Backs (18)
Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 31 caps
Robert Baloucoune (Ulster/Enniskillen) 1 cap
Harry Byrne (Leinster/Lansdowne) 1 cap
Joey Carbery (Munster/Clontarf) 24 caps
Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) 3 caps
Andrew Conway (Munster/Garryowen) 25 caps
Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) 93 caps
Ciaran Frawley (Leinster/UCD)*
Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 10 caps
James Hume (Ulster/Banbridge) 1 cap
Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 13 caps
Jordan Larmour (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 30 caps
James Lowe (Leinster) 6 caps
Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor) 5 caps
Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 89 caps
Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 34 caps
Johnny Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 99 caps CAPTAIN
Simon Zebo (Munster/Cork Constitution) 35 caps

Forwards (20)
Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) 5 caps
Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 16 caps
Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 22 caps
Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 20 caps
Gavin Coombes (Munster/Young Munster) 2 caps
Ultan Dillane (Connacht/Corinthians) 19 caps
Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 9 caps
Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 49 caps
Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 109 caps
Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 63 caps
Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 22 caps
Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne) 13 caps
Dave Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemians) 45 caps
Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 76 caps
Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 1 cap
Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 37 caps
James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 37 caps
Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne)*
Nick Timoney (Ulster/Banbridge) 1 cap
Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 32 caps

*denotes uncapped player

Development Players

Thomas Ahern (Munster/Shannon)
Jamie Osborne (Leinster/Naas)

Fixtures

IRELAND v Japan
Aviva Stadium , Saturday 6th November, 2021

IRELAND v New Zealand
Aviva Stadium , Saturday 13th November, 2021

IRELAND v Argentina
Aviva Stadium , Sunday 21st November, 2021

Three of flat racing’s biggest shock victories

As the flat racing season begins to wind down, now is the time for reflection. With the return of spectators to the racetrack thanks to changes in the governments coronavirus restrictions, the days of eerily silent stands and lonely podium celebrations are hopefully a thing of the past — and it seems that the quality of racing was amped up a notch as we came away from behind closed doors.

Of course, for every memorable victory, and there has been plenty this flat racing season, there is the occasional shock. Seemingly out of nowhere a horse will come along and defy all expectations, causing a shakeup in the betting odds and blowing the tips for horse racing out of the water. Seeing as though there have already been some big upsets on this year’s calendar, we thought it would be appropriate to look at three of the best shock wins in modern flat racing history.

Torquator Tasso wins Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2021)

Getting things started is perhaps the biggest upset Longchamp has seen in its long, prestigious history. Entering as an 80/1 outsider, it was Torquator Tasso who stole the show in the city of love, with many inside the stadium left to scratch their head and wonder what they had really just witnessed. For a race like the Arc, with so much heritage and prestige, things like this weren’t supposed to happen.

Named after the famous Italian poet, ironically no superlatives would do this performance justice as the Germans took over the French capital, with none of the Parisians expecting anything of Rene Piechulek on his first run at the Arc, but on the right day with the right conditions, anything is possible.

Billesdon Brook wins the 1000 Guineas (2018)

The 1000 Guineas is always an exciting time of year in the flat racing season. The weather is starting to get better, there is usually a bank holiday on the horizon and racegoers know that unpredictability is in the air — all the ingredients for a massive shock which Billesdon Brook made sure to deliver on. Coming in at 66/1, trainer Richard Hannon picked up a second victory in the race as his three-year-old motored through to victory by one-and-three-quarter lengths.

“That was a surprise but there was nothing fluky about it, she travelled lovely,” Hannon said.

“All of our Guineas winners have needed their first run, we got Sky Lantern beaten in her trial and Night Of Thunderbeaten in his, and they both won here.”

150/1 outsider Nando Parrado wins at Royal Ascot (2020)

As mentioned before, the majority of the races in 2020 were ran behind closed doors, and it is all the more disappointing when rare moments like this happen. The meeting’s highest ever priced winner, Nando Parrado, winning at 150/1. Unbelievable. The Clive Cox-trained horse made history in Berkshire, breaking records that stretched back as far as the 1970s to cement in their legacy in one of the most infamous Ascot weekends.

For as good as the performance was, the Coventry based trainer insisted it wasn’t just good luck on their side: “I think we shouldn’t treat it as a fluke because we had a positive plan for him anyway, which is very much alive after that performance.”

Liverpool VC James Milner praises ‘great day’s work’ against Atletico

Liverpool midfielder and vice-captain James Milner has praised the side for their win against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night in the UEFA Champions League.

The six-time winners came out on top in a hectic Group B battle at the Wanda Metropolitano in the Spanish capital to maintain their unbeaten start to the 2021/22 season.

It was Liverpool’s second-ever win against the Spanish champions and their first since April 2010.

Liverpool now sit five points ahead of Porto and last night’s opponents on nine points in the group table and a win against Atletico at Anfield would seal a spot in the last 16.

Milner praised his team for getting three points at Atletico’s home ground – the side had struggled against them in Spain back in March of last year.

Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, the number seven said: “Obviously it’s a tough place to come, a well-organised team, difficult to play against, passionate fans, passionate manager.

“It’s not just the football side of things, obviously it’s the atmosphere and everything that goes with it. So to come here and get three points is a great day’s work.”

Liverpool now need only two points to confirm their place in the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League for the fifth time in a row under Jurgen Klopp.

The Merseyside team have never failed to progress past the group stage under the German manager.

If they were to miss out on a spot in the Round of 16, a spot in the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League is confirmed after their win last night and Porto’s victory over AC Milan.

“Now we’re in a strong position in the group but we need to keep our foot down and keep this run of form going.

“We’ve got plenty of games coming up thick and fast, so we need to keep performing and putting in the performances.”

Galway forward Shane Walsh thinks TMO could work in GAA

Galway senior footballer Shane Walsh believes that a television match official (TMO), as seen in rugby, could be used in Gaelic sports.

The TMO is someone who watches the match action on a television screen outside of the ground and informs the referee of anything they may have missed or helps to make a tough decision easier through the use of replays from different angles.

Walsh went down in the 27th minute of the Connacht final after an off-the-ball collision with Padraig O’Hora.

The centre forward was able to continue after a painkiller injection before the second half but O’Hora went unpunished for his actions and the Galwegian’s let their five-point lead slip.

The 28-year-old believes that the introduction of a TMO could prevent refereeing mistakes such as this from occurring and stop Gaelic football’s dive into cynicism.

Speaking at the launch of the John West Féile 50th anniversary celebrations, the Two-time JJ Nestor Cup winner said: “No one was coached how to play football that way.

“When you were coached how to tackle, it’s tackling the ball, you’re staying on your feet, you’re trying to turn them to their weaker side.

“They’re the elements of defending, it’s not the kind of things you see going on in a game.

“That’s only one incident. Numerous incidents go on in games. It needs to be cut out. You have young kids seeing that, and if they see that kind of carry-on, they do the exact same thing.

“In cases like that, we need to provide supports to the referees. They’re not going to see everything that happens.

“I just believe that could definitely be something that could be looked at, the TMO side of things or something to that effect, where there’s an extra eye watching what’s going on in the game.

“That is the biggest thing, that would cut out the cynicism that’s in the game at the moment.”

In 2013, the GAA introduced HawkEye to games held at Croke Park when Kildare faced Offaly in a Leinster championship clash following a trial period.

The technology has been a success since being introduced and is currently available in three stadiums across Ireland – Croke Park, Semple Stadium and Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

HawkEye, like Walsh’s TMO suggestion, was present in other sports such as tennis previous to its introduction to the Gaelic games.

The introduction of a TMO could help the referee to focus on maintaining the fluidity of a game with the safety net of an extra eye on the game installed so that they can be informed of anything they missed.

Walsh believes that a TMO could help improve the sport further on top of Proposal B, which he supports.

“We need to adapt to it, and you need to provide supports to the referees. They’re not going to see everything that happens.

“I just believe that could definitely be something that could be looked at, the TMO side of things or something to that effect, where there’s an extra eye watching what’s going on in the game.

“If something happens in the game, they buzz the referee. If they want a camera on the side of the pitch, but it should be another referee looking after it, saying to the match referee, ‘look, I spotted an off-the-ball incident, we’re in black card territory. You can look at it if you want, but I’d be saying black card’.

“And then the ref goes and makes that call. Simple as. That way then, if that happens more, it would cut out the kind of stuff that goes on off the ball.”

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