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List of Connacht, Munster, Ulster and Leinster players picked for Emerging Ireland Tour

It should be a great experience for the players who are selected. I’m surprised they picked 3/4 starters from Connacht, but the criteria for selection seem open to interpretation.

🟢 **Connacht**:
– Jack Aungier (Lansdowne FC)
– Jordan Duggan (Naas RFC)
– Sean Jansen
– Darragh Murray (Buccaneers RFC)
– Shayne Bolton
– Matthew Devine (Corinthians RFC)
– Hugh Gavin (Galwegians RFC)

🔵 **Leinster**:
– Jack Boyle (UCD RFC)
– James Culhane (UCD RFC)
– Gus McCarthy (UCD RFC)
– Conor O’Tighearnaigh (UCD RFC)
– Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley RFC)
– Alex Soroka (Clontarf FC)
– Hugh Cooney (Clontarf FC)
– Cormac Foley (Lansdowne FC)
– Tommy O’Brien (UCD RFC)
– Andrew Osborne (Naas RFC)
– Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne FC)
– Rob Russell (Dublin University FC)

đź”´ **Munster**:
– Sean Edogbo (UCC RFC)
– Ronan Foxe (Garryowen FC)
– Alex Kendellen (UCC RFC) (C)
– Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemian RFC)
– Danny Sheahan (Cork Constitution FC)
– Ethan Coughlan (Shannon RFC)
– Sean O’Brien (Clontarf FC)
– Ben O’Connor (UCC RFC)

âš« **Ulster**:
– Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch RFC)
– Harry Sheridan (Dublin University FC)
– Scott Wilson (Queen’s University Belfast RFC)
– Jack Murphy (Clontarf FC)
– Jude Postlethwaite (Banbridge RFC)
– Zac Ward (Ballynahinch RFC/Ireland Sevens)

**Emerging Ireland Tour Fixtures**:
📅 2 Oct: 🇮🇪 vs 🇦🇷 (4pm local/3pm Irish)
📅 6 Oct: 🇮🇪 vs 🇦🇺 (1pm local/12pm Irish)
📅 9 Oct: 🇮🇪 vs 🇿🇦 (7pm local/6pm Irish)

Ulster Rugby Squad Update Ahead of BKT United Rugby Championship Opener

Ulster Rugby Squad Update Ahead of BKT United Rugby Championship Opener

As Ulster Rugby prepares for their BKT United Rugby Championship Round 1 clash against Glasgow Warriors this Saturday, the Medical Performance team has provided a key squad update.

Players Unavailable Due to Injury:

Several players are sidelined and unavailable for selection due to injuries:

  • John Cooney (hamstring)
  • James Hume (knee)
  • Jake Flannery (finger)
  • Tom Stewart (ankle)
  • Rob Herring (calf)
  • Robert Baloucoune (hamstring)

Captain Iain Henderson Returns

In a boost for Ulster Rugby, captain Iain Henderson has recovered from recent surgery and is fit for selection.

Injuries from Pre-Season Friendly

Following injuries sustained during the pre-season friendly against Exeter Chiefs:

  • Aaron Sexton (hamstring)
  • Reuben Crothers (knee)
  • Zac Ward (groin)

Their fitness will be closely monitored during training this week to determine their availability for the opening game.

Stay tuned for further updates as Ulster Rugby finalizes their squad for the much-anticipated season opener against Glasgow Warriors!

URC Betting Odds: Predicted Finishing Positions

URC Betting Odds: Predicted Finishing Positions

As the United Rugby Championship (URC) season begins, betting odds provide insight into the likely finishers. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders and dark horses based on current odds.

Leinster Dominates

Leinster (4/7) is the clear favorite, heavily backed to secure a top-two finish and remain championship contenders.

Bulls and Munster as Main Challengers

Bulls (5/1) and Munster (5/1) are the main challengers. Munster looks to improve on last season, while the Bulls have consistently proven themselves as a top team.

Stormers and Glasgow in the Mix

Stormers (10/1) and Glasgow (14/1) are in the mix for a potential upset. Glasgow, last season’s finalists, may feel underrated by these odds.

Ulster and Sharks Hoping for a Run

Ulster (16/1) and Sharks (20/1) still have a shot at a deep playoff run, but they’ll need a stellar season to break into the top two.

Outside Contenders

Further down, Edinburgh (30/1) and Connacht (50/1) have slim chances of contesting for the title, though mid-table finishes are more realistic.

Long Shots

At longer odds, Benetton Treviso (70/1), Ospreys (125/1), and Lions (125/1) are not expected to be in contention for top spots, while teams like Cardiff (200/1), Scarlets (175/1), Zebre (500/1), and Dragons (500/1) are likely to be near the bottom of the table.

Likely Finishing Positions (Based on Betting Odds)

  1. Leinster (4/7)
  2. Bulls (5/1)
  3. Munster (5/1)
  4. Stormers (10/1)
  5. Glasgow (14/1)
  6. Ulster (16/1)
  7. Sharks (20/1)
  8. Edinburgh (30/1)
  9. Connacht (50/1)
  10. Benetton Treviso (70/1)
  11. Ospreys (125/1)
  12. Lions (125/1)
  13. Scarlets (175/1)
  14. Cardiff (200/1)
  15. Dragons (500/1)
  16. Zebre (500/1)

Munster Coach Graham Rowntree Eyes One Step Further in BKT URC

Munster Coach Graham Rowntree Eyes One Step Further in BKT URC

Rowntree’s Goal for the Upcoming Season

When asked what Munster Rugby coach Graham Rowntree aims to achieve in this season’s BKT URC, his response was direct:

“I would like to go a week further than last season, that would be a good start.”

Last season, Munster’s title defense ended in the semi-finals with a disappointing 17-10 loss to eventual champions, Glasgow Warriors. Despite being favorites, with ten consecutive wins and home advantage at Thomond Park, Munster couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities.

Reflecting on the Semi-Final Loss

“It was hugely disappointing,” Rowntree admits. “In big games, in big moments, you’ve got to take your opportunities, and we didn’t. We missed chances in crucial areas of the game, and in knockout rugby, that’s costly.”

Despite the defeat, Rowntree was quick to praise Glasgow:

“Crikey, they were a handful everywhere across the field. Tenacious all night around the breakdown. They’re a tough team to play, as their performance in the final showed.”

Learning from Setbacks

Rowntree remains optimistic, saying, “We dealt with the defeat quickly. After ten straight wins, we lost one game by seven points. Anything can happen on the night. We took lessons from it and will keep driving forward.”

He believes Munster is on the right track but admits there’s room for improvement:

“There’s not a lot wrong with what we’ve achieved. We just need to be better in certain moments.”

Pre-Season Challenges: Munster’s Bumpy Ride

Pre-season hasn’t been smooth sailing for Munster, with a 24-21 loss to Bath and a 33-19 defeat at home to Gloucester.

“We could have, should have won against Bath, and Gloucester gave us a real punch on the nose,” Rowntree commented.

However, Rowntree views these losses positively: “After sulking for three days, I’m glad it happened. It’s given us a kick up the backside. We’ve got work to do, but it keeps us grounded.”

Looking Ahead: Munster’s URC Kick-Off

Munster begins their BKT URC campaign against Connacht Rugby this Saturday in Limerick. It will be a key game for new signings, including Diarmuid Kilgallen and Tom Farrell from Connacht, as well as Billy Burns from Ulster, following Joey Carbery’s departure to Bordeaux.

Summing up the season’s challenge, Rowntree said:

“We’re still advancing. We’re not as good as we can be consistently, but we’re getting there. It’s my job to keep pushing for better. I’d like to go a week further than last season. As a boring former English prop would say, we’ll take it week by week.”

JJ Hanrahan only Connacht player on injury list

Connacht Rugby Squad Update Ahead of BKT Season

The Connacht Rugby management team has issued a positive squad update ahead of the 2024/25 BKT United Rugby Championship season. Out-half **JJ Hanrahan** (knee) is the only player ruled out for Saturday’s interprovincial clash with **Munster Rugby**, as he recovers from ACL surgery. Hanrahan is on track to return in early 2025.

The rest of Connacht’s **43 Pro players**, along with integrated Academy talent, are in full training at **Dexcom Stadium** after a series of pre-season friendlies against **Sale Sharks**, **Glasgow Warriors**, and **Bristol Bears**.

Following the Munster game, Connacht will face the **Sharks** on Saturday, 28th September, in their first home fixture of the season. Limited tickets are available at **connachtrugby.ie**.

For rugby fans, stay tuned for the latest updates from Connacht Rugby as they kick off their #URC campaign.

Betting On The Premier League: Bet Types

Undoubtedly one of the most popular entertainment sports in the world, the English Premier League has attracted scores of supporters all over the world! But it’s not just a spectator sport.

No, the premier league also allows its supporters to get a piece of all the action by placing bets. If you have experience in the betting world, the chances are that you’ll be pretty familiar with how betting works in the premier league. If not, then this article will get you up to speed.

What is the English Premier League?

Nowadays, the English Premier League would probably fall within the top 10 sporting conversations people have without a doubt. But it wasn’t always so popular. In the 20th century, English soccer was actually on the decline until the 1990s.

In 1988, the Football League was founded in England, which was considered the best league England ever had. However, not every team thought so. Some felt that they weren’t awarded the agreements they needed. This led the to forming the English Premier Leagure in 1992. 22 of the top soccer teams from the original league broke away to compete in the EPL, giving the league all it needed to sign for its own license and become a fully established soccer league in England.

Understanding the English Premier League games 

Before you place a wager, you need to understand the fundamentals of the EPL. Currently, 20 teams compete in the league on a round-robin system that ensures every team has a game against one another. Generally, teams will get to play one or two games against each opponent away and at their own stadium, allowing both teams to have the benefit of a home-court advantage.

In the season, teams win by accumulating points throughout the season, with the champion being the team with the most points after the final. If a team wins, they’ll receive 3 points; if they draw, they’ll get one point, and they’ll get no points if they lose. The goal of each game is for each team to get the ball past their opponent’s goals on the opposite side to them. Each goal counts as one point, and the team that wins. If there’s a tie, the team would have to go to play-offs where they’d either have extra time or go into penalty shootouts.

Bet types in the Premier League

If you’re an eager punter and football fan, even if you’re relatively new, it only makes sense to start betting on football games in the EPL, right? Now that we know how the EPL works, we can move on to how you can get more involved in the betting side of things. One of the key factors you need to consider is what type of bet you’re placing.

Different types of bets in the EPL

Here are the different types of bets you can make in the EPL:

  • 1X2 bet – a bet where you’ll predict that the home team or the away team will win or if the match will result in a draw
  • Double chance – a bet with a greater chance of winning compared to the 1X2 bet because it covers a win or draw for the home team, the away team, or both. However, if there’s a draw in the third wager, you lose
  • Draw no bet – for this type of bet, you can wager on whether the home team or the away team will win, and should the result be a draw, it is considered a “no bet”, and your stakes will be returned in full
  • Handicap – this type of wager occurs when one team is clearly stronger than the other in order to make betting more exciting. Each team will be assigned a handicap, with the stronger team starting behind in goals. In order to win this bet, the stronger team needs to have a higher score than their handicap, and if betting on the weaker team, they need to win the match or lose by less than their handicap
  • Over/Under – for this bet, the sportsbook sets an overvalue and an undervalue, and punters will wager on whether they think the score will be above the sportsbook setting or below it
  • Both teams to score – this bet’s name speaks for itself because you will bet on both teams making it onto the scoreboard
  • Parlay bet – this type of bet allows punters to place wagers on different outcomes of the match to increase their chances of winning. So, you’re able to place two or more selections on the same match

Who are the strongest teams in the EPL?

The EPL might have 20 teams, but they aren’t all equal in strength. Generally, there are a few teams that

Not all teams are created equal in the EPL, and some squads regularly dominate the scoreboard. In the last decade, what is more commonly known as “The Big Six” has emerged. These are the six teams that most regularly produce the best results and are considered the most successful in the league overall. These are the teams you should keep an eye on when you’re reading soccer betting odds.

  • Arsenal
  • Chelsea
  • Liverpool
  • Manchester City
  • Manchester United
  • Tottenham Hotspur

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve finished the EPL betting crash course, are you ready to make your first bet? These are just the very basics, but we highly recommend staying up to date on the latest tips on the Premier League to increase your chances of winning!

Munster Squad Update – Jean Kleyn fit for Connacht game

Munster Squad Update Ahead of BKT URC Opener Against Connacht

As Munster Rugby prepares for their highly anticipated BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) season opener against Connacht at Thomond Park this Saturday, September 16th, the squad is training intensively at the High-Performance Centre (HPC). The match kicks off at 5:30 pm, and tickets are still available for purchase.

Injury Updates: Key Players Return to Training

In a major boost for the team, Jean Kleyn (eye) and Ethan Coughlan (leg) have returned to full training. Kleyn, who missed the majority of last season, is back in action, while Coughlan has recovered from a recent leg injury sustained against Bath. Their return is crucial as Munster looks to start the URC season on a strong note.

Liam Coombes and Jack Daly are also nearing a full return to training, pending the completion of return-to-play protocols. Both players suffered head injuries during a pre-season match against Gloucester earlier this month and are progressing well.

Further Injury News

Veteran prop Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder) is increasing his training load as he aims to rejoin full team training soon. Meanwhile, Diarmuid Kilgallen will enter a rehabilitation period to recover from a leg injury, and several other players continue to work their way back from long-term injuries.

Players Currently Rehabbing:

  • Brian Gleeson (shoulder)
  • Cian Hurley (knee)
  • Tom Ahern (ankle)
  • Rory Scannell (ankle)
  • Paddy Patterson (knee)
  • Edwin Edogbo (achilles)
  • Roman Salanoa (knee)

With several players on the verge of returning, Munster will be looking to kick off the season with a strong, competitive squad. Don’t miss the action—tickets for Saturday’s game are available now!

#MunsterRugby #URC #ReturnToPlay

Munster vs Connacht: Key Stats, Records, and Results from the Last Decade Ahead of the URC Clash

Munster vs Connacht: Key Stats, Records, and Results from the Last Decade Ahead of the URC Clash

As Munster and Connacht prepare for another intense showdown in the United Rugby Championship (URC), it’s worth reflecting on how these Irish provincial rivals have fared against each other over the last decade. From Munster’s consistent home dominance to Connacht’s rare but notable victories, these clashes have provided thrilling rugby, with plenty of tight encounters and some standout performances. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats, records, and a comprehensive list of results between Munster and Connacht over the last 10 years.

Key Stats and Records (Last 10 Years)

  • Munster’s Biggest Win: Munster’s largest victory over Connacht came on 06/05/17, with a commanding 50-14 win.
  • Connacht’s Biggest Win: Connacht’s most dominant performance came on 16/04/16, with a 35-14 victory, a 21-point margin.
  • Narrowest Win for Connacht: Connacht’s narrowest victory occurred on 01/01/22, winning a tense game 10-8.
  • Longest Winning Streak (Munster): Munster enjoyed a four-game winning streak over Connacht from 05/01/19 to 30/08/20.
  • Back-to-Back Home Wins for Connacht: Connacht claimed consecutive home wins over Munster in 2022 with scores of 20-11 and 10-8.
  • Munster’s Home Dominance (Exception in 2021): While Munster has been dominant at home, Connacht broke this streak on 14/05/21, securing a 24-20 victory at Thomond Park.
  • Connacht’s Rare Double in 2021: Connacht won two games against Munster in 2021, with victories on 14/05/21 (24-20) and 16/10/21 (20-18).
  • Highest Combined Score: The match on 28/03/15 saw the highest combined score, with Munster winning 42-20 (62 total points).
  • Tight Encounters: Five matches in the last 10 years were decided by 4 points or fewer, showcasing the intense rivalry.
  • Connacht’s Improved Competitiveness: Connacht has won 8 out of 22 encounters since 2014, reflecting their growing ability to compete with Munster.

Full Results (Last 10 Years)

  • 11/05/24: Munster 47 – 12 Connacht
  • 01/01/24: Connacht 22 – 9 Munster
  • 26/11/22: Munster 24 – 17 Connacht
  • 07/10/22: Connacht 20 – 11 Munster
  • 01/01/22: Connacht 10 – 8 Munster
  • 16/10/21: Connacht 20 – 18 Munster
  • 14/05/21: Munster 20 – 24 Connacht
  • 05/03/21: Munster 20 – 17 Connacht
  • 09/01/21: Connacht 10 – 16 Munster
  • 30/08/20: Munster 49 – 12 Connacht
  • 21/12/19: Connacht 14 – 19 Munster
  • 27/04/19: Munster 27 – 14 Connacht
  • 05/01/19: Connacht 24 – 31 Munster
  • 06/01/18: Munster 39 – 13 Connacht
  • 27/10/17: Connacht 20 – 16 Munster
  • 06/05/17: Munster 50 – 14 Connacht
  • 31/12/16: Connacht 9 – 16 Munster
  • 16/04/16: Connacht 35 – 14 Munster
  • 28/11/15: Munster 12 – 18 Connacht
  • 28/03/15: Munster 42 – 20 Connacht
  • 01/01/15: Connacht 24 – 16 Munster
  • 19/04/14: Connacht 23 – 32 Munster

Opening Weekend of the URC: Predicted Handicaps Before Betting Markets

Opening Weekend of the URC: Predicted Handicaps Before Betting Markets

The much-anticipated United Rugby Championship (URC) is back, and with the betting markets yet to release official handicaps, here are my early predictions for the opening weekend. These handicaps provide an early insight into how the games may be priced by bookmakers.

Friday Matches

– **Cardiff (-16) vs Zebre**
– **Edinburgh (+9) vs Leinster**

Saturday Matches

– **Dragons (+4) vs Ospreys**

– **Munster (-13) vs Connacht**
– **Bennetton (-12) vs Scarlets**
– **Ulster (-3) vs Glasgow**

These predicted handicaps offer an early look at what to expect before official betting lines are set. Keep an eye on the markets as they open to see how they compare!

List of Rugby Referees and TMOs for this weeks matches

The match officials appointments of the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 1 fixtures have been confirmed and are available alongside TV listings below.

The match officials appointments of the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 1 fixtures have been confirmed and are available alongside TV listings below.

To avoid a clash with the Carling Currie Cup Final, Round 1 fixtures involving the South African teams will now be moved from this weekend and rescheduled to early 2025.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Cardiff Rugby v Zebre Parma
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 19th league game)
AR 1: Mike English (WRU) AR 2: Rhys Jones (WRU)
TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)
Live on: BBC Wales, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Edinburgh Rugby v Leinster
Hive Stadium, Edinburgh – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 46th league game)
AR 1: Jonny Perriam (SRU) AR 2: Michael Todd (SRU)
TMO: Stefano Roscini (FIR)
Live on: Premier Sports, TG4, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Dragons RFC v Ospreys
Rodney Parade, Newport – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA & SA
Referee: Ben Breakspear (WRU, 3rd league game)
AR 1: Mike English (WRU) AR 2: Ben Connor (WRU)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Munster v Connacht
Thomond Park, Limerick – KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA & SA
Referee: Chris Busby (IRFU, 43rd league game)
AR 1: Andrew Cole (IRFU) AR 2: Dan Carson (IRFU)
TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)
Live on: RTÉ, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Benetton v Scarlets
Stadio Monigo, Treviso – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Ian Kenny (SRU, 4th league game)
AR 1: Fillipo Russo (FIR) AR 2: Franco Rosella (FIR)
TMO: Dave Sutherland (SRU)
Live on: Sky Italia, S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Ulster v Glasgow Warriors
Kingspan Stadium, Belfast – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA
Referee: Adam Jones (WRU, 38th league game)
AR 1: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU) AR 2: Padraig Reidy (IRFU)
TMO: Tom Spurrier (WRU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv