How In-Play Betting Is Changing the Way Irish Fans Watch the Premier League

It’s not just about kick-off, half-time tea and full-time celebrations anymore. For the Irish Premier League supporters, the match-day experience has turned into a real-time thrill ride that depends not just on scores and cards but on odds that shift with each passing moment.

Welcome to the high-tension world of in-play wagering, in which a late substitute or surprise corner kick can immediately alter the perspective—and the action.

From Pub Talk to Phone Tap

Recently, Irish football supporters gathered around pub screens, disagreeing on scoring forecasts and pre-game odds and signing their wagers in person or on their app. Those bets were typically sealed—win or lose—for 90 minutes.

And, with in-play betting, the lines blur between watching and gaming.

Whether supporting a last-minute resurgence or tipping the next scorer, punters are free from pre-game inclinations depending on what transpires on the field. The onset of any match is also the start of a new level of interactivity and online sports betting Irelandsites have made placing in-play bets as simple as tapping on a phone a few times.

Irish Fans Love a Swing

And that’s why in-play bets are on fire. Premier League games are a thrill ride, filled with momentum swings, penalty turnarounds, shock red cards and edge-of-your-seat stoppage-time winning goals. This exquisite unpredictability has Irish punters glued to the screen—and for gamblers, it’s a dream. Each turn of the match is a chance to cash in.

Recent market reports indicate that more Irish punters are turning to in-play bets rather than traditional pre-match bets. What draws the crowd? It’s multi-layered. It’s all about informed, more intelligent decision-making for some, having observed the first 15 to 20 minutes of a contest. Understanding how a team’s going for it and any changes in formation or injury impacts allows for improved judgment. Others enjoy the sting of excitement—odds fluctuating by the minute, momentum flipping on its head and the thrill of acting on the mayhem that begets calculated risk.

It was once a passive watch, but now, it’s an active, reactive experience. It’s not luck of the draw, it’s reading the game. In-play betting is, for many, a mini-game skill, grafted on top of the principal event. Fans apply the same enthusiasm and analysis to their bets in discussions of midfield dominance, defensive channels or pressurising strategies. They are not merely observing form, flow and momentum—instead, interpreting it in real time, usually with startling correctness.

A Tactical Game Within the Game

In-play wagering is no longer solely an exercise in instinct. It has created a new level of tactical involvement by fans. Bookmakers study possession figures, examine heat maps and scrutinise xg (expected goals) during a game to make informed on-the-spot decisions.

Want a bet on the next team that scores? You are not merely watching—you are computing.

This style of engagement has created societies of informed bettors who exchange real-time advice on social media, messaging groups and online discussion boards. Your knowledge of team depth and injury record may be as valuable as your allegiance to a badge.

Second Screens and Split Attention

With this new shift, there is a prominent trend—fans watch football with one eye on the playing field and another on their cell phone screens.

The “second screen” is now natural. Betting apps, stat dashboards and real-time commentary updates are constantly running with the game’s transmission. It is little wonder that Premier League fans in Ireland continually flick between Sky Sports and their go-to betting app during intense game moments.

The outcome? A more intense, but also distracted, experience. The emotional peaks and troughs are enhanced when real money is on the line with a last-minute corner or an extra-time scoring chance.

The Good, The Risky and The Regulated

Whereas in-play bets are revolutionising how fans interact with football, they also carry their warnings. Decision-making can be done too quickly, resulting in higher risk bets and reckless spending unless handled responsibly.

That’s why Irish gambling authorities and responsible gaming efforts still urge punters to remain in charge—to stay within their means, step back and place bets for entertainment purposes, not for the pursuit of cash.

Ireland’s bookmakers are now clearer in their communications about shifts in odds and promote tools that enable users to stop playing or exclude themselves when necessary. This is a welcome initiative for an industry that moves with the pace of the games.

Future of Live Betting in Ireland

The in-play market for the Premier League has a promising future. With continuing advances in streaming technology and slicker app interfaces, Irish punters can look forward to a faster, more personalised in-play betting experience.

Expect everything from instant cash-outs, AI-based bet recommendations and deeper stat integration to become the norm. The union of sport and technology is becoming ever stronger and Ireland is smack in the middle.

One thing’s for sure—whether it’s a wet Wednesday evening in the pub or a Super Sunday showdown in your front room, Premier League fans in Ireland are no longer merely watching the game. They’re playing it their way—bet by bet, moment by moment.

Diamond Carl wins Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris at Auteuil

Diamond Carl wins 2025 Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Diamond Carl (11/1) was a surprise winner of the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris at Auteuil on Sunday.

Trained by Francois Nicolle, the seven-year-old ran out a six-length winner, as last year’s victor Gran Diose could only manage fifth place.

Run over three miles five furlongs and 181 yards, the 10-runner contest took place on heavy ground at Auteuil.

Louisa Carberry’s Gran Diose started the race as a short 13/8 favourite and was prominent for much of the early stages of the contest.

Entering the home stretch at the Parisian track, many seemed to have chances.

It was the Clement Lefebvre-ridden son of Diamond Boy, Diamond Carl, who found most, running out an impressive winner, having finished third on most recent start in the Grade 2 Prix Inge Chase.

English jockey James Reveley, who won Saturday’s Racing TV Grand Course de Haies D’Auteuil Hurdle on El Clavel at the same venue, was second today aboard Kolokico (8/1).

The five-year-old gelding had eight and a half length to spare over Gaetan Masure on last season’s runner-up, Grandeur Nature (12/1), with another six lengths back to Toscana Du Berlais (40/1) in fourth.

The disappointing race favourite, Grand Diose, couldn’t manage to go back-to-back in France’s most prestigious jumps race, crossing the line another 10 lengths back in fifth place.

Hewick seventh as El Clavel wins French Champion Hurdle

El Clavel and James Reveley hold off last year's winner, Losange Blue, in the 2025 Racing TV Grande Course de Haies D'Auteuil. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

El Clavel beat reigning champion Losange Bleu in the French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil today, with Hewick finishing a disappointing seventh.

The Racing TV Grand Course de Haies D’Auteuil Hurdle run over 3 miles 1 furlong and 77 yards was the highlight of day one of a two-day meeting in the French Capital.

It may have been seen as a rematch between last year’s winner, Losange Bleu (4/7 favourite), and runner-up Hewick (5/1), but the 8/1 shot El Clavel was the hero of the race.

Ridden by English jockey James Reveley, he had a length and a quarter in hand of Losange Bleu, with Johnny Charron in the saddle.

The 80/1 longshot Imbatable Du Seuil was third, eight lengths behind the runner-up.

Unfortunately for the Shark Hanlon team, Hewick, who raced in rear for most of the race, under Gavin Sheehan, and who looked very outpaced at times during the race, could finish no better than seventh of the eight runners.

Following today’s race, Shark Hanlon Racing tweeted the following on X:

“Hewick is perfectly fine after his run in the French Champion Hurdle. The Grand National took a bit out of him, he’ll now go on a break and we’ll plan on from there.”

Hewick in good form back at @almracing’s stables following the French Champion Hurdle #TeamHewick pic.twitter.com/Vp91gdUlBO

— Shark Hanlon Racing (@jhanlonracing) May 17, 2025

Vikings v Steelers in Croke Park on Sunday, 28 September

NFL International Games 2025 — Credit: NFL.

Ireland will host a regular season NFL game in September.

The National Football League this week announced Dublin as one of the venue for its 2025 International Games schedule.

Along with Dublin, London, Berlin and Madrid are other European cities chosen.

On Sunday, 28 September, the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park, in the country’s first-ever regular season NFL game.

3 games in London

The Vikings will then travel to London to play the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 5 October. This game will also be the 40th regular season game to be played in London.

The New York Jets will take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday, 12 October, also at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The third and final game in London will feature the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Los Angeles Rams at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 19 October. This will be the 14th London game for the Jaguars.

Games in Berlin and Madrid

For the first time in Berlin, the Indianapolis Colts will host the Atlanta Falcons at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday, 9 November. The 2025 Berlin game is part of the NFL’s commitment to playing regular season games across Germany. The NFL previously played games in Munich and Frankfurt.

The 2025 international games will culminate in Madrid on Sunday, 16 November with the Miami Dolphins taking on the Washington Commanders at the Bernabéu Stadium. This will be the first-ever regular season game in Spain.

NFL in Brazil in Week 1

The Los Angeles Chargers will kick off the 2025 International Games Week 1 of the regular season on 5 September in São Paulo, Brazil, at Corinthians Arena. They will take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

2025 NFL Season to start on 4 September

This week, the NFL announced its 18-week, 272-game regular-season schedule for 2025.

The new season kicks off on Thursday, 4 September, in Philadelphia, and concludes with 16 division games in Week 18 – two on Saturday, 3 January, and 14 on Sunday, 4 January.

The 2025 NFL schedule will feature each team playing 17 regular-season games and three preseason games for the fifth consecutive year.

The 17th game will feature teams from opposing conferences that finished in the same standing within their respective divisions the previous season. The AFC will be the home conference for the 17th game in 2025.

Week One

The NFL’s 106th season begins with the league’s annual primetime kick-off game, as the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday, 4 September.

On Friday, 5 September, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers will meet at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil, the second-ever regular-season NFL game to be played in South America. It will mark the first NFL game to be streamed live and for free in its entirety exclusively on YouTube.

Week 1 continues on Sunday, 7 September, with three divisional games in the early window, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Atlanta Falcons, the Cincinnati Bengals visit the Cleveland Browns and the Washington Commanders host the New York Giants.

Six of the eight teams participating in the late window won at least 10 games last season.

Netflix to stream two games on Christmas Day

For the second consecutive season, Netflix will stream two NFL games on Christmas Day in Week 17, as the Dallas Cowboys visit the Washington Commanders and the Minnesota Vikings host the Detroit Lions. Additionally, Netflix will stream at least one holiday game in 2026.

The regular season will conclude with Week 18 on Saturday, 3 January, and Sunday, 4 January. For the 16th consecutive year, all 16 games scheduled for the final week of the season are division contests, enhancing the potential for more games with playoff ramifications.

The NFL’s 32 teams will each play 17 games over 18 weeks. Byes will begin in Week 5 and end in Week 14.

Fifteen games will be Super Bowl rematches and 12 games are rematches from the 2024 playoffs, including Super Bowl LIX (Philadelphia at Kansas City in Week 2), both Championship Games (Kansas City at Buffalo in Week 9; Philadelphia and Washington in Weeks 16 and 18) and each of the four Divisional playoff games (Baltimore at Buffalo in Week 1; Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia in Week 3; Detroit at Washington in Week 10; Houston at Kansas City in Week 14).

Ian Garry’s UFC Rise and His Future Potential

Ian Machado Garry has quickly become one of the most intriguing fighters in the UFC welterweight division.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, and inspired by the rise of Conor McGregor, Garry began boxing at the age of ten before earning a black belt in judo. His early exposure to combat sports helped form a versatile base that translated seamlessly into mixed martial arts.

In just a few years, Garry transitioned from the European regional scene to the global spotlight, compiling an impressive win streak and drawing attention for both his technique and charisma. As the landscape of the welterweight division continues to evolve, Garry’s rise represents more than just a fighter climbing the ranks—it signals the arrival of a new generation.

The Building Blocks of His Success

Garry’s foundation in boxing and judo has defined much of his approach inside the octagon. Unlike many young prospects who rely on raw power, he has emphasized technical precision and timing. His footwork, striking angles, and patience in the pocket suggest a maturity beyond his years.

Early in his career, these skills carried him to success in Cage Warriors (a European-based mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion), where he captured the welterweight title in 2021 with a composed performance against Jack Grant. His ability to control range and maintain composure during pressure-filled moments was noted by fans and analysts alike.

When he made his UFC debut at UFC 268, he faced Jordan Williams—a tough striker known for aggressive starts. Garry responded with a first-round knockout, landing a clean counter right hand as the round closed. It was a statement performance, not just because of the finish, but because it showcased Garry’s discipline and understanding of tempo control. Since then, he has continued to refine this approach, emphasizing high fight IQ and adaptability rather than aggression for its own sake.

A Career Marked by Calculated Growth

What sets Garry apart from many of his peers is the strategic pacing of his UFC climb. He has taken on progressively tougher opponents, balancing visibility with risk. Wins over Darian Weeks, Gabriel Green, and Daniel Rodriguez highlighted different facets of his game—distance control, defensive movement, and cardio preparedness. Each bout appeared to be selected not only for rankings but for developmental value. That intentional build has allowed Garry to maintain his form while learning lessons from each contest.

For fans and analysts, this steady rise also provides a consistent framework for evaluating performance trends. Whether tracking finishing ability or decision victories, those studying Garry’s fight history often find measurable indicators of his form heading into a bout. This makes him a compelling subject for those betting on UFC odds, as his stylistic evolution and opponent selection offer real data points that go beyond hype.

However, the road has not been without setbacks. At UFC 310, Garry faced Shavkat Rakhmonov, a surging contender with a suffocating grappling base and unorthodox striking. Over five rounds, Garry suffered his first professional loss by unanimous decision. While disappointing, the bout offered a crucial test of resilience. Rather than retreat, Garry returned with a unanimous decision win over Carlos Prates in April 2025, showing improved fight control and a renewed focus on fundamentals. That bounce-back victory reaffirmed that Garry is not only capable of learning but of adjusting quickly.

Mentality, Media, and Marketability

Fighting ability alone doesn’t always propel a UFC career—mentality and presence matter just as much. Garry has embraced both. Confident and outspoken, he navigates interviews with clarity, often positioning himself as a future champion with a vision beyond short-term wins. His adoption of ‘Machado’ in his name as a tribute to his Brazilian wife underscores a global mindset that extends beyond marketing. He has also welcomes media attention, aligning himself with the UFC’s promotional goals while remaining grounded in his identity.

Despite criticism from some fighters who see his confidence as premature, Garry continues to engage in the narrative side of the sport. Whether fans view him as a future champion or a provocateur, Garry ensures that his name stays in the conversation, which is essential in a division brimming with talent.

Current Role and Future Plans

Following his latest victory, Garry was named the official backup for the UFC 315 welterweight title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. Although Muhammad made light of the role, the UFC’s decision to elevate Garry to that position suggests they see long-term potential in his brand. His involvement in headline conversations—even without stepping into the cage—has kept him in the mix across rankings discussions, fan forums, and the latest UFC newscycles.

In response to the backup controversy, Garry outlined an ambitious three-fight plan: a title fight, a potential super-fight with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, and a rematch against Rakhmonov. This sequence isn’t just aspirational—it reflects his understanding of how narrative arcs and rivalries sell fights.

Yet ambition alone won’t be enough. Garry still needs more definitive wins against ranked contenders to solidify his case for stardom. Opponents who bring high-level wrestling, forward pressure, or elite conditioning could present new challenges. The ability to stay focused, train across disciplines, and evolve tactically will be key to his future. If he can round out his grappling defense and avoid lapses in mid-round execution, he may very well be in line for a title shot within the next twelve months.

Why His Rise Matters

The UFC welterweight division is filled with dynamic strikers, devastating wrestlers, and established names. Ian Garry’s presence brings a fresh narrative to the mix: a young, undefeated fighter with charisma, international appeal, and a modern approach to both fighting and branding. His rise matters not only because of his skill set, but because he represents a new kind of prospect—media savvy, coachable, and deeply aware of how each fight builds a career arc.

His path won’t be easy. Every fight from here carries more scrutiny, and the competition will only get tougher. But in a sport where longevity and growth define greatness more than overnight success, Garry is playing the long game. The tools are there. So is the mindset. The next year will reveal whether he can turn potential into something far more lasting.

Premier League Summer Transfer Window: 10 Big Moves on the Horizon

The current Premier League season is drawing to a slow conclusion with Liverpool already crowned champions and the relegation positions settled.

The race for European places is highly competitive, but for all the clubs competing in arguably the best league in the world next season, including Leeds United and Burnley who have bounced back after their respective relegations in 2023 and 2024, work on the summer transfer window will have already begun.

Teams will be looking to add further quality, raise funds, or trim down squads and a flurry of transfer activity is expected between now and the closing of the window on Monday 1st September. With every position across the pitch of vital importance, here is how each area of the pitch could be affected throughout the summer transfer window.

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Goalkeepers

The future of Andre Onana has been seriously called into question after a catalogue of errors, most recently in the 2-2 draw away at Lyon in the Europa League. Luckily, the mistakes did not cost his club as Manchester United pulled off one of the comebacks of the ages to progress in extra time at Old Trafford. United have been linked with a series of goalkeepers including James Trafford (Burnley), Joan Garcia (Espanyol), and Lucas Chevalier (Lille) as they look to fix the last line of defence, while Onana has been interesting a handful of clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Defenders

While goalkeepers can win points on their own, a quality defensive line in front of them can provide a strong foundation for any team. A lot of movement is expected in the Premier League as teams look to bolster their back lines. For Bournemouth, the south coast side could be set to lose two of their most prized assets. Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez have both been linked with moves to Liverpool, with Huijsen even attracting admirers from Real Madrid.

While the loss of the Spaniard and Hungarian would be a huge blow, Bournemouth would pocket substantial profits from the pair for their own summer transfer window war chest. Elsewhere around the country, Chelsea is expected to continue splashing the cash and have been heavily linked with a bid for former defender Marc Guéhi, who has shone as the leader of Crystal Palace in yet another solid season for the south London club.

Enzo Maresca’s will want to feature further up the Premier League table next season to have something to show for all the money spent over the last few years since the Todd Boehly-led consortium started flexing its financial muscles. And many within the corridors of Stamford Bridge believe Guéhi could be vital to this success. However, Newcastle United will also be monitoring this story closely.

Midfielders

One of the transfer sagas that dates all the way back to last summer surrounds the future of 2024 UEFA European Championship winner, Martin Zubimendi. A protracted move to Liverpool did not materialize in the summer of 2024, and it is Arsenal who have stolen a march on the Spaniard, who replaced Rodri at half time in the Euro 2024 final win against England. Arsenal’s attempts could however be thwarted by Real Madrid if Los Blancos decide to appoint Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement.

The Bayer 04 Leverkusen manager is said to be a big fan of his fellow countryman and would see him as an ideal fit to anchor the Real midfield. But while Zubimendi initially got away from Liverpool, a midfielder Arne Slot is reportedly looking to add to his championship-winning team is VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller. The former TSG Hoffenheim midfielder has impressed as a playmaker in Sebastian Hoeneß’ side and also picked up valuable Champions League experience this season with the German side.

With Liverpool remaining injury-free over the course of the season, unlike their title rivals, Arsenal and Manchester City, adding depth in quality will be Slot’s priority as the Dutchman looks to win back-to-back Premier League trophies.

Strikers

From the bottom of the pitch, we arrive at the sharp end of it and there are a host of hitmen that could be causing Premier League defences havoc next season. The form of Bryan Mbeumo this season at Brentford has not gone unnoticed and many believe the Cameroonian has reached the end of the road with Thomas Frank’s team. At the age of 25, Mbeumo still has his best years in front of him, something that has not been ignored by the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Chelsea.

Manchester United especially are in dire need of a centre forward, with Ruben Amorim far from satisfied with the end product of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee. You can check today’s sports news and tips at MegaTipsList to find the long list of strikers United are linked with. They include Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), the aforementioned Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton Wanderers), but top of Amorim’s wish list would be Viktor Gyökeres, a striker who continues to plunder goals for fun at Amorim’s former club Sporting Lisbon.

The Swede has also interested Arsenal, who have been in desperate need of a natural number 9 for seasons. Alongside Alexander Isak and Benjamin Šeško, Gyökeres remains a key target as The Gunners look to find the final piece of the jigsaw to finally win the Premier League under Mikel Arteta.

Delacroix impresses in Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial at Leopardstown

Delacroix (1/3 favourite) won The Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial Stakes (Group 3) at Leopardstown on Sunday afternoon.

Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the Wayne Lordan-ridden son of Dubawi was a two and three-quarter length winner over the Dermot Weld-handled once-race Purview (11/1), in the hands of Chris Hayes.

Tennessee Stud, owned by the Coolmore partners just like the winner, was third for Joseph O’Brien.

Run over a mile and a quarter, the winner of The Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial last season, Los Angeles, went on to success in the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh last summer.

Roosevelt and Butterfly Wings win for Ballydoyle

The win for Delacroix was part of a treble for O’Brien and Lordan.

Roosevelt (7/1), last of 10 runners on debut at Leopardstown on 9 April, battled well under a Wayne Lordan drive to claim The Captain Dara Fitzpatrick Memorial Maiden for the Coolmore partners.

The win by the son of Frankel maintained the excellent recent form of Aidan O’Brien-trained horses. Delta (13/2), trained by Joseph O’Brien for Qatar Racing Limited, finished runner-up, a head behind the Ballydoyle-handled winner.

Butterfly Wings (2/1) was the final part of the treble, when breaking her maiden at the fourth time of asking in the It’s Family Day at Leopardstown Fillies Maiden.

Vera’s Secret takes Group 3 for Johnny Feane

Johnny Feane and Séamie Heffernan teamed up to win the Group 3 Al Shira’aa Racing ‘Mutamakina’ Stakes with Vera’s Secret (11/2).

The six-year-old daughter of Epaulette was to the fore from the stalls. She was not for catching on only the eight run of her career. She was going further away from the field as they hit the line, and had a four-length advantage in the end.

Vera’s Secret was followed home by Fiery Lucy (9/2) from the Gavin Cromwell yard, with three-quarters of another length back to the grey Bella Isabella (12/1).

Murtagh and Coen double

Zodiac Bear (5/1) and Ben Coen won the opening FITZ AGRIPLANT Maiden for trainer Johnny Murtagh. Unplaced on his only previous outing, the three-year-old son of Kodi Bear ran out a three and a quarter length winner over Dermot Weld newcomer Eshermann (5/2). The twice third-placed Monkstown (9/4 favourite) was next home, half a length behind the runner-up.

Murtagh and Coen soon brought up a Leopardstown double with the success of Chicago Critic (14/1) in the Porsche In Support Of Breast Cancer Ireland Amethyst Stakes (Listed) over a mile.

Coming from the back of the six-runner field, following the later withdrawal of race favourite Diego Velazquez when getting worked up in the stalls, Chicago Critic showed a good turn of pace on his preferred good ground, to run out a length and three-quarters winner.

Cloud Seeker (100/30 favourite) was a winner for Andy Slattery and his jockey son Andrew, when having a neck advantage over Ceallach (16/1) at the finishing line in the Leopardstown Golf And Driving Range Handicap.

The concluding race of an eight-race card went to jockey Joey Sheridan on the Ger O’Leary-trained Mister Adam (7/2).

Women’s 4 x 400m Relay Team Secure World Championships Qualification

Athletics 4 x 400m relay — The Ireland 4 x 400m relay team of Sophie Becker, Rhasidat Adeleke, Rachel McCann, and Sharlene Mawdsley secured World Championship qualification at the World Relays in Guangzhou. Image credit: Athletics Ireland Facebook Page.

The Ireland 4 x 400m relay team of Sophie Becker, Rhasidat Adeleke, Rachel McCann, and Sharlene Mawdsley secured World Championship qualification at the World Relays in Guangzhou, China, on Sunday afternoon.

The team followed in the footsteps of the mixed relay team who secured World Championship qualification on Saturday.

After narrowly missing out on automatic qualification in Saturday’s heats, the women’s 4 x 400m team bounced back emphatically this afternoon, dominating their repechage race to secure their place at Tokyo 2025 with a winning time of 3:24.69 WQ.

With a reshuffled lineup from Saturday, Sophie Becker led off from lane seven, delivering a strong opening leg before handing over to Rhasidat Adeleke, who maintained Ireland’s lead against a fast-charging Australian team.

Rachel McCann, running the third leg, held the advantage until the final exchange, where Australia briefly edged ahead. Sharlene Mawdsley once again anchored the team and timed her finish perfectly, kicking in the last 200m to seal victory with a commanding 15-metre lead at the line.

Speaking after the race, Sophie Becker said:

“I’m so relieved, I think I speak for all of us when I say that. It was a great box to tick getting the mixed qualified yesterday, and now to come out here and get the second team qualified for Tokyo is such a relief. Were all really excited to see what the summer brings now”.

Rhasidat Adeleke commented:

“We’ve solidified ourselves as one of the best relays in the world and we’re just continuing that on. We’ll get more opportunities to compete and I’m really excited to see what we can do at the World Championships now that we’re qualified”.

Connacht Rugby Sign Versatile New Zealand Back Sam Gilbert from Highlanders

Connacht Rugby have confirmed the exciting signing of New Zealand back Sam Gilbert from Super Rugby franchise the Highlanders, ahead of the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season.

The 26-year-old arrives with a proven pedigree from the southern hemisphere, having made 56 appearances in Super Rugby for the Dunedin-based Highlanders. Across those games, Gilbert racked up over 320 points and crossed for 13 tries, underlining his consistency and attacking threat.

A product of Canterbury’s provincial system, Gilbert began his senior career as an out-half before developing into a dynamic and adaptable backline player. This season, he has primarily featured at full-back for the Highlanders, taking on kicking duties and showcasing his strong boot under pressure. However, his versatility has seen him cover multiple positions including inside centre, wing, and fly-half — making him a valuable asset for any squad.

All Blacks XV and Provincial Impact

Gilbert’s impressive form earned him selection for the All Blacks XV in 2024, where he made two appearances off the bench in their tour of Japan. Though he hasn’t yet received a full All Blacks cap, his involvement at that level highlights his international potential.

Domestically, he has also been a regular presence in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC), where he represented Otago 27 times between 2020 and 2024, scoring six tries.

Gilbert Excited for the Move to Galway

Speaking about the move, Sam Gilbert said:

“I’m delighted to be joining Connacht Rugby and take on a new challenge. I’ve loved my time with the Highlanders and will always be grateful for what the club has done for me!

After speaking with Connacht I believe this is the perfect club for me moving forward in my career.

They play a brand of rugby that is entertaining and exactly how I want to play the game, and I know there’s the new HPC and stadium which looks incredibly exciting too.

I can’t wait to make the move, get settled in the province and meet my new teammates and wider staff and supporters in the months ahead.”

A Strategic Signing for Connacht

Gilbert’s signing directly addresses two key areas Connacht have been looking to strengthen — full-back and goal-kicking. With his strong tactical awareness, reliable boot, and experience at the highest level of club rugby, the New Zealander is expected to make a major impact at The Sportsground.