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Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots Full Betting Preview

 

 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots

Full Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots meet in a clash between two 1-1 teams still figuring out their identities in 2025.

Aaron Rodgers’ first game as a Steeler was a success as he guided them to a win over the Jets, but the reality check came quickly. Pittsburgh were beaten 31-17 at home by Seattle in Week 2, conceding 31 points and looking shaky on defence. T.J. Watt has been relatively quiet so far, and the Steelers’ once-dominant defence has now given up 30+ points in consecutive games for the first time since 1989.

New England took the opposite route to their 1-1 record, starting with a disappointing 20-13 home loss to the Raiders before exploding for a 33-27 road win over Miami. Rookie QB Drake Maye continues to show promise, but the Patriots’ defence has been a mixed bag — they’ve been stout against the run but vulnerable to big plays through the air, and will be without key cornerback Christian Gonzalez this week due to a hamstring injury.

Key Trends

  • Patriots have won just 2 of their last 11 home games.
  • Steelers have won 1 of their last 7 overall.
  • Pittsburgh are 3-5 ATS (against the spread) in their last 8 games as favourites.
  • The under has hit in 5 of the Steelers’ last 6 games.
  • Pittsburgh’s offence has been held to 17 points or fewer in 6 of their last 7 games.

Matchup Breakdown

This game feels like a coin flip. Rodgers should benefit from the absence of Gonzalez in the Patriots’ secondary, and the Steelers have enough offensive weapons to trouble a New England defence that has struggled with missed tackles. However, Pittsburgh’s running game has been non-existent, averaging just 62.5 rushing yards per game, which heaps pressure on Rodgers to make plays.

On the other side, Maye faces a Steelers pass rush that still ranks among the league’s best in pressure rate, even if the sack numbers aren’t there yet. If Pittsburgh can contain Rhamondre Stevenson and force Maye into third-and-long situations, they could limit the Patriots’ scoring opportunities.

Betting Verdict

Neither side can be trusted to cover the spread with confidence, but trends point towards a low-scoring battle. Both teams have been inconsistent offensively, and Pittsburgh’s habit of hitting the under is hard to ignore. Expect Rodgers to do just enough to edge a narrow win.

Best Bet: Under 44.5 Points – 10/11 (Coral, Ladbrokes)
Predicted Score: Steelers 24 – Patriots 20

Latest Odds

Market Odds
Match Winner Steelers 4/5, Patriots Evens
Handicap Steelers -1.5 (10/11), Patriots +1.5 (10/11)
Total Points Under 44.5 (10/11), Over 44.5 (10/11)

 

End of an Era for Portumna as Senior Status Slips Away

End of an Era for Portumna as Senior Status Slips Away

Portumna’s incredible 33-year stay at the top table of Galway hurling has come to an end.
A 0-24 to 2-14 defeat to Ballinderreen at Kenny Park seals their relegation to the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship for 2026.

It is a landmark moment for one of Galway’s most storied clubs. Portumna have been ever-present
in the senior ranks since winning the Intermediate county title in 1992. Over the following two decades, they became one of the most dominant club sides in Ireland, capturing
six Galway SHC titles (2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013) and an
extraordinary four All-Ireland Club SHC crowns (2006, 2008, 2009, 2014).

Central to that golden era were the legendary Canning brothers – Ollie, Joe, Tony, and Ivan – who became synonymous with Portumna’s rise to national prominence. Joe Canning, widely regarded as one of the greatest hurlers of all time,
was the talisman during their peak years, producing some of the most memorable club final performances ever seen
in Croke Park.

But today’s result represents a changing of the guard. While Portumna have continued to field competitive teams in
recent years, they have struggled to replicate the dominance of their late-2000s heyday. Ballinderreen’s sharp
shooting in Athenry proved too much despite Portumna’s goals keeping them in the contest until the closing stages.

For a generation of hurling fans, Portumna’s fall is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can turn at club level.

Their drop to Premier Intermediate brings the curtain down on one of the most successful chapters in Galway club hurling history – but also offers the chance for a rebuild and potential resurgence.

Shane Sweetnam & James Kann Cruz win $117,000 CSI5* Qualifier in USA

Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz win the $117,000 CSI5* Grand Prix Qualifier at Traverse City Horse Show. Photo © Megan Giese Media / TCHS.

Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz won the $117,000 CSI5* Qualifier on Friday for the 2025 American Gold Cup at Traverse City Show in the US.

Aboard his 2024 Olympic Games mount, Sweetnam topped a 10-horse jump-off set by course designer and fellow Irishman Alan Wade, clocking a winning time of 33.71 seconds..

The US-based Cork-born rider said of his partner, James Kann Cruz,

“We are having a great career together and ‘Gizmo’ is fresh right now, so I wanted to give this class today some respect for $117,000 and try to win it.”

Of his 12-year-old Irish-bred gelding (Kannan x Cruising) owned in partnership with the Gizmo Group, Sweetnam added:

“He’s very sensitive. But if you do the right things, you get a reward for it, so it’s worth it. He feels great and jumped fantastic today, so hopefully we’ll have some luck on Sunday.”

Sweetnam won the American Gold Cup at Traverse City Horse Shows in both 2022 and 2024.

Cian McPhillips Primed for Podium? Bookies Slash Odds Ahead of 800m World Final

“Cian McPhillips Primed for Podium? Bookies Slash Odds Ahead of 800m World Final”

Irish athletics fans have every reason to dream big heading into the men’s 800m final as Cian McPhillips finds himself firmly in medal contention. Bookmakers have dramatically shortened his price, making him 11/10 to win a medal and 6/1 to take gold in what could be a career-defining race.

Latest Odds – Men’s 800m

Athlete To Win a Medal Gold Medal Odds
Emmanuel Wanyonyi (KEN) 1/6 5/4
Marco Arop (CAN) 8/15 4/1
Mohamed Attaoui (ESP) 8/13 4/1
Cian McPhillips (IRL) 11/10 6/1
Djamel Sedjati (ALG) 13/8 10/1
Max Burgin (GBR) 5/2 13/1
Tshepiso Masalela (BOT) 6/1 45/1
Navasky Anderson (JAM) 35/1 175/1

“I’m Ready to Give It Everything” – McPhillips

Speaking after his semi-final, McPhillips said he felt in the shape of his life: “I knew I had the legs to finish strong – I just needed to stay patient and trust my kick. This is the moment you train for. I’m ready to give it everything.”

With the crowd expected to be electric, McPhillips will need to produce another perfectly judged race to stay with the devastating finishing speed of Wanyonyi and the front-running strength of Arop and Attaoui.

The Race to Watch

The men’s 800m final has all the ingredients for a classic. Wanyonyi is a hot favourite, but Marco Arop and Mohamed Attaoui are proven championship performers. If McPhillips times his late surge, he could snatch a historic medal for Ireland and announce himself as one of the sport’s elite half-milers.

The final goes off later today – and all eyes will be on whether Cian McPhillips can deliver one of the great moments in Irish athletics history.

Prediction

  • Gold: Emmanuel Wanyonyi (KEN)
  • Silver: Marco Arop (CAN)
  • Bronze: Cian McPhillips (IRE)

Win or lose, McPhillips has already made a huge statement on the global stage. A medal here could transform Irish middle-distance running for the next decade.

Kate O’Connor on Verge of History – Irish Star Set to Deliver First-Ever Global Medal in Heptathlon

Kate O’Connor on Verge of History – Irish Star Set to Deliver First-Ever Global Medal in Heptathlon

Ireland is just two events away from celebrating an athletics milestone. Kate O’Connor, sitting fourth overall after five of seven gruelling events in the women’s heptathlon, has put herself in prime position to win Ireland’s first ever global outdoor medal in the combined events – and possibly even snatch silver.

After a stellar second day that included a strong long jump (6.22m), O’Connor has accumulated 4,824 points, leaving her right in the mix with just the javelin (11:00) and 800m (13:11) remaining.

Medal Momentum Building

Anna Hall (USA) continues to lead with 5,041 points, and looks set for gold barring disaster. Taliyah Brooks (USA) is second on 4,930 points, with Great Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson (4,874) just ahead of O’Connor.

But history suggests this is where the Irishwoman comes into her own. O’Connor has a personal best of 55.17m in the javelin – comfortably ahead of many of her rivals – which could vault her into a medal position before the final 800m.

With her recent 800m clocking of 2:10.46 at the World University Games, she could seal the deal and climb as high as second overall if she maintains her form.

Thiam Out – Door Wide Open

Two-time Olympic champion Nafissatou Thiam’s withdrawal earlier in the competition has blown the medal race wide open. With Thiam gone, the path is clear for a new name on the podium – and O’Connor is the one taking full advantage.

What It Would Mean

No Irish athlete has ever stood on a World Championships heptathlon podium. O’Connor, who has already broken the Irish record for total points at this stage, is competing in what could become a career-defining day.

A medal here would not just cement her status as Ireland’s greatest ever combined events athlete but could inspire a new generation of young multis athletes across the country.

Predicted Podium

  • Gold: Anna Hall (USA)
  • Silver: Kate O’Connor (IRE)
  • Bronze: Katarina Johnson-Thompson (GBR)

Ireland will be watching closely as the final two events play out. With just hours to go, Kate O’Connor looks ready to make history.

Kate O’Connor Heptathlon Preview: Full Schedule (Irish Times) & Medal Chances

Kate O’Connor Heptathlon Preview: Full Schedule (Irish Times) & Medal Chances

The women’s heptathlon promises to be one of the highlights of the championships, and Irish fans have a real reason to watch closely as Kate O’Connor looks to make history. The 23-year-old from Dundalk is aiming to become the first Irish woman to win a global medal in the event.

American Anna Hall is the clear favourite for gold at 4/7, followed by defending champion Nafissatou Thiam (9/4) and Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson (11/2). Those three are odds-on for medals, but the battle for bronze could be decided by just a handful of points.

“The one thing about winning medals for these events now is that it does increase the pressure, the expectation levels from people watching on,” O’Connor, who begins her heptathlon challenge on Friday morning.

O’Connor’s 6,487-point haul at the World University Games in Germany is the fifth best of 2025, although Olympic champion Nafi Thiam from Belgium and Great Britain’s world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson have yet to record a score this season.

“I’ve got an idea in my head if things go really, really well, what could happen but I just want to turn up and just enjoy the competition.

“If I could, I would love to string together seven performances that I’m really proud of.”

Kate O’Connor’s Full Schedule (Irish Times)

  • Day 7 – Friday, 19 September
    Kate O’Connor – Heptathlon Events

    • 🏃 100m Hurdles (Heat 1): 13:44PB – 1059pts
    • 🏆 High Jump (Group A): 10:20 (18:20)
    • 💪 Shot Put (Group B): 12:30 (20:30)
    • 🏃‍♀️ 200m (Heat 1): 13:38 (21:38)
  • Day 8 – Saturday, 20 September
    03:30 – Long Jump | 11:00 – Javelin | 13:11 – 800m (final event)

Medal Chances

O’Connor is priced at 9/2 to claim a medal and 50/1 for gold. Her strongest events are the javelin and long jump, where she can claw back points on the leaders. If she stays competitive in the hurdles, high jump and 200m, she could head into the 800m with a real shot at bronze.

Her main rivals for the podium outside the “big three” include Annik Kalin (5/2) of Sweden and Finland’s Saga Vanninen (7/2). Sofie Dokter (NED) and Taliyah Brooks (USA) are also strong competitors.

Prediction

Gold: Likely to be a duel between Hall and Thiam, with Johnson-Thompson a live threat if she produces her best.
Bronze: Wide open – and Kate O’Connor is right in the mix. Expect a thrilling finish with the possibility of an Irish medal on the line in the final 800m.

NFL – Week 2 Review

Four teams – Arizona, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and San Francisco – have begun the season 2-0 after missing the postseason last year, making it the second consecutive season that at least four teams started 2-0 the season after missing the postseason.

The Indianapolis Colts, who scored on each of their seven offensive possessions in Week 1 and their first three offensive possessions in Week 2. They become the first team in NFL history to score on each of their first 10 offensive possessions of the season.

Cowboys overcome 10-point deficit v Giants

The Dallas Cowboys overcame a 10-point deficit and defeated the New York Giants, 40-37, in overtime in Week 2. There were six lead changes in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey converted the third-longest field goal in NFL history, from  64-yard, to tie the game with no time remaining in the fourth quarter. He then scored a 46-yard field goal to win with no time remaining in overtime.

Lions 52-21 winners over the Bears

Detroit quarterback Jared Goff passed for 334 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions. Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery each rushed for a touchdown in the Lions’ 52-21 win over Chicago.

Four TD passes for Baltimore’s Jackson

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, in his 96th career start, had four touchdown passes with no interceptions in the Ravens’ 41-17 win over Cleveland.

Jackson has 11 career games with at least four touchdown passes and no interceptions, surpassing Patrick Mahomes (10 games) and Aaron Rodgers (10) for the most such games by a quarterback in his first 100 career starts in NFL history.

WR Chase stars in Bengals Win

Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase had 14 receptions for 165 yards and one touchdown in the Bengals’ 31-27 win against Jacksonville.

Chase is the fourth player in NFL history with at least 14 receptions in three career games, and has six career games with at least 10 receptions, 150 receiving yards and a touchdown reception.

49ers Win at New Orleans

San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey had six receptions, 107 scrimmage yards (55 rushing, 52 receiving) and a touchdown reception in the 49ers’ 26-21 win at New Orleans.

McCaffrey became the third player in NFL history with at least 50 rushing touchdowns and 30 touchdown receptions.

Rams 33-19 Winners at Tennessee

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams had six receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown and wide receiver Puka Nacua, in his 30th career game, had eight receptions for 91 yards and a 45-yard rushing touchdown in the team’s 33-19 win at Tennessee.

Nacua has 202 career receptions and became the second player in NFL history with at least 200 receptions in his first 30 games.

Rodgers records 508th TD Pass

Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers recorded his 508th career regular-season touchdown pass, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre (508 touchdown passes) for the fourth-most in NFL history. Only Tom Brady (649 touchdown passes), Drew Brees (571) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (539) have more.

Eagles Edge Super Bowl LIX Rematch

Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts recorded a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown in the Eagles’ 20-17 win at Kansas City in a rematch of Super Bowl LIX. Hurts has 45 career games with a rushing touchdown, including the playoffs, for the third-most such games by a quarterback in NFL history.

Connacht Rugby 2025/26 Season Preview: Lancaster Aiming for Top Eight

Connacht Rugby 2025/26 Season Preview: Lancaster Aiming for Top Eight

If Connacht supporters are searching for reasons to believe after last season’s annus horribilis – six wins, 13th place, and a Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat at home to 14-man Racing 92 – they don’t have to look far.

Lancaster Takes Charge

Stuart Lancaster’s arrival offers a fresh start. The former England boss rebuilt a broken culture before the 2015 World Cup debacle and then spent six hugely influential years at Leinster, transforming them into a URC powerhouse. His Racing 92 stint was brief and forgettable, but Connacht fans will hope that, with a stronger support network in Galway, Lancaster can finally deliver as a head coach.

Squad Changes & New Blood

The squad has seen modest change. Sam Gilbert is the sole professional signing and likely won’t feature until December. Academy promotions for Sean Naughton, Harry West and last year’s standout Finn Tracey freshen up the ranks. The departures of Conor Oliver (Ealing Trailfinders), JJ Hanrahan (Munster), Piers O’Conor (Edinburgh) and Santiago Cordero leave gaps, but Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen remain the key men if fit.

Coaching Ticket & Facilities

Lancaster will work alongside Rob Seib, who will look to sharpen Connacht’s attack this season, as well as province stalwarts John Muldoon and Cully Tucker. This mix of international experience and local knowledge could be vital in making Lancaster’s system stick.

The €40 million redevelopment of Dexcom Stadium has transformed Connacht’s environment. Lancaster has called the new indoor centre “as good as I’ve ever seen,” while the final piece – the North Stand – is due to open in January for the URC clash with Leinster.

Turning the Sportsground into a Fortress

Connacht’s last home URC win came back on March 1st against a depleted Benetton. To reach the URC top eight this season, they’ll need at least ten victories and a strong home record. Lancaster has promised a visible increase in intensity and accuracy in the first five rounds.

Predicted Starting XV vs Benetton

  • 1. Peter Dooley
  • 2. Dylan Tierney-Martin or Dave Heffernan
  • 3. Jack Aungier
  • 4. Darragh Murray
  • 5. Joe Joyce
  • 6. Cian Prendergast (C)
  • 7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
  • 8. Sean Jansen
  • 9. Ben Murphy
  • 10. Josh Ioane
  • 11. Shayne Bolton
  • 12. Hugh Gavin
  • 13. Cathal Forde
  • 14. Finn Tracey
  • 15. Seán Naughton or Shane Jennings

This youthful selection pairs Gavin and Forde in midfield and gives Tracey an early shot on the wing. Ioane’s control at 10 and Jansen’s ball-carrying will be crucial to Connacht’s fortunes.

Targets for 2025/26

A top-eight finish and a home Challenge Cup semi-final would represent a strong first year for Lancaster. Anything less would feel like underachievement given the investment in facilities and the talent at his disposal.

With a balanced coaching ticket, new energy from academy graduates, and a statement stadium redevelopment, Connacht have the tools to make 2025/26 a turning point – if they can marry training intensity with matchday consistency.

List of Live GAA Matches on Clubber This Weekend

📺 This Week’s Fixtures on Clubber TV

There’s a feast of action lined up this week across the Clubber TV network, with top-class club fixtures from Roscommon, Laois, Waterford, Wexford, Cork, Offaly, and Kerry all being streamed live. From fierce rivalries to local bragging rights, here’s what’s coming up!

< Here’s a full list of this week’s fixtures from the image, grouped by county: ⸻ Kildare (Football) • Leixlip v Milltown – Fri, 19th Sept – 7:45pm • Castledermot v St. Laurence’s – Fri, 19th Sept – 8:00pm • Rathcoffey v Cappagh – Sat, 20th Sept – 3:00pm • Grangenolvin v Athgarvan – Sat, 20th Sept – 3:30pm • Athy v Caragh – Sat, 20th Sept – 5:15pm • Clane v Nás – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:00pm • Celbridge v Moorefield – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:15pm • Sarsfields v Johnstownbridge – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm • Sallins v Suncroft – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:45pm • Rathangan v Two Mile House – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:30pm • Allenwood v Confey – Sun, 21st Sept – 5:00pm ⸻ Tipperary (Hurling) • Cashel KC v St. Mary’s Clonmel – Sat, 20th Sept – 1:30pm • JK Brackens v Toomevara – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Ballina v Thurles Sarsfields – Sat, 20th Sept – 5:00pm • Shannon Rovers v Arravale Rovers – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:30pm • Templederry Kenyons v Burgess – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:00pm • Clonakenny v Moyne Templetuohy – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:30pm • Éire Óg Annacarty v Moneygall – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:00pm • Clonoulty Rossmore v Éire Óg – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm • Killenaule v Kilruane MacDon. – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm ⸻ Cork (Hurling) • Midleton v Glen Rovers – Fri, 19th Sept – 7:30pm • Cloyne v Valley Rovers – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Bride Rovers v Inniscarra – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Blarney v Na Piarsaigh – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm • Sarsfields v Charleville – Sat, 20th Sept – 7:30pm • Ballincollig v Carrigaline – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm • Erin’s Own v Newtownshandrum – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm • St. Finbarr’s v Imokilly – Sun, 21st Sept – 6:00pm ⸻ Offaly (Hurling) • Carrig Riverstown v Clara – Sat, 20th Sept – 1:00pm • Birr v Shamrocks – Sat, 20th Sept – 2:30pm • Kilcormac-K/Kill v Ballinamere – Sat, 20th Sept – 3:30pm • St. Rynagh’s v Drumcullen – Sun, 21st Sept – 12:30pm • Lusmagh v Kilcormac-Killoughey – Sun, 21st Sept – 12:30pm • Seir Kiernan v Kinnitty – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:30pm • Coolderry v Shinrone – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm ⸻ Waterford (Football) • Gaultier v Kilrossanty – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm ⸻ Louth (Football) • Ardee St. Mary’s v Geraldines – Thu, 18th Sept – 8:00pm ⸻ Monaghan (Hurling) • Castleblayney v Truagh – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:45pm ⸻ Kerry (Football) • St. Brendan’s Board v St. Kieran’s – Thu, 18th Sept – 7:00pm • South Kerry v West Kerry – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Tarbert v Beale – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm • St. Brendan’s Board v Mid Kerry – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm • St. Kieran’s v East Kerry – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm ⸻ Wexford (Football) • Gusserane O’R v Crossabeg-B. – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:15pm • Kilenerin v Sarsfields – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm ⸻ Laois (Hurling) • Mountrath/Clonad v Rathdowney Errill – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm • Ballyfin v Camross – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm • St. Fintan’s Mountrath v Trumera – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:00pm • Clonad v Slieve Bloom – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm • Camross v Borris/Kilcotton – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm • Rosenallis v Ballinakill – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:45pm ⸻ Kilkenny (Hurling) • Young Irelands v St. Lachtain’s – Sat, 20th Sept – 2:00pm • Dunnamaggin v Tullogher Rosb. – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Conahy Shamrocks v Kilmacow – Sun, 21st Sept – 12:00pm • James Stephens v Blacks & Whites – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm • Danesfort v Mooncoin – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:00pm ⸻ Roscommon (Football) • St. Dominic’s v Western Gaels – Fri, 19th Sept – 7:15pm • Roscommon Gaels v St. Brigid’s – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Strokestown v Creggs – Sat, 20th Sept – 4:00pm • Tulsk Lord Edwards v Fuerty – Sat, 20th Sept – 6:00pm • Boyle v Padraig Pearses – Sun, 21st Sept – 1:00pm • Clann na nGael v Elphin – Sun, 21st Sept – 2:00pm • Éire Óg v St. Brigid’s – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:30pm • St. Michael’s v Kilmore – Sun, 21st Sept – 3:45pm • Michael Glavey’s v St. Faithleach’s – Sun, 21st Sept – 4:30pm ⸻ Wheelchair Hurling & Camogie • Munster, Leinster, Ulster, Connacht – 17 games, 10 mins per game – Sat, 20th Sept – 10:00am to 2:00pm ⸻

Conor Murray Slams Munster Recruitment – Full List of Signings from CJ Stander to Alex Nankivell

Conor Murray Slams Munster Recruitment – Full List of Signings from CJ Stander to Alex Nankivell

Conor Murray has delivered a scathing assessment of Munster’s recruitment policy in recent seasons, accusing the province of being “far too conservative” with their spending and failing to replace iconic figures like Ronan O’Gara and Paul O’Connell.

“Rog was a world-class 10, with a huge personality and the pure willpower to drive his team to those legendary heights.
He had an incredible pack in front of him, driven by another world-class player in Paul O’Connell.
Did we ever replace them? Of course we didn’t.
You just won’t get away with it in Europe if you don’t pack your squad with really formidable, world-class operators.
Financially, I think we were far too conservative, we ended up skimping on the talent that’s needed to win the big one.
Or, maybe it was just a basic lack of ambition, I don’t know.”

Murray even cites the province’s shock defeat to Zebre in 2024 as a glaring example of where, in his view, Munster’s lack of squad depth and top-end recruitment left them exposed.


Munster Rugby Signings: 2010–2025

When you look back at Munster’s signings over the last 15 years, it’s a mixed bag of world-class operators, solid professionals, and some who simply never delivered.

2010/11

Johne Murphy, Sam Tuipulotu, Peter Borlase, Wian du Preez

2011/12

BJ Botha, Will Chambers

2012/13

James Downey, Sean Dougall, Casey Laulala, CJ Stander

2013/14

Andrew Conway, Gerhard van der Heever

2014/15

Eusebio Guinazu, Robin Copeland, Tyler Bleyendaal, Andrew Smith

2015/16

Francis Saili, Mario Sagario, Lucas Amorosino, Mark Chisholm, Sean Doyle

2016/17

Thomas du Toit, Jean Deysel, Rhys Marshall, Jaco Taute, Jean Kleyn, Sammy Arnold, Jean Andress

2017/18

Chris Farrell, JJ Hanrahan, James Hart, Chris Cloete, Gerbrandt Grobler, Jeremy Loughman, Ciaran Parker

2018/19

Tadhg Beirne, Mike Haley, Joey Carbery, Alby Mathewson, Arno Botha

2019/20

Jed Holloway, Nick McCarthy

2020/21

RG Snyman, Damian de Allende, Matt Gallagher, Roman Salanoa

2021/22

Jason Jenkins, Rowan Osborne, Simon Zebo, Paddy Patterson, Declan Moore

2022/23

Antoine Frisch, John Ryan, Malakai Fekitoa, Chris Moore, Oli Morris

2023/24

Alex Nankivell, Oli Jager, Sean O’Brien

2024/25

Diarmuid Kilgallen, Tom Farrell, Billy Burns, Thaakir Abrahams, Andrew Smith, Lee Barron, Michael Milne


The Verdict

Murray’s criticism will sting for Munster fans who have endured years of near misses and painful European exits. While names like CJ Stander, Tadhg Beirne, and Damian de Allende were inspired additions, the squad turnover has also featured journeymen and short-term solutions who struggled to make a lasting impact.

With the URC becoming more competitive every year and Leinster, Stormers, and Toulouse all boasting deep, star-studded squads, Murray’s words raise an uncomfortable question: have Munster been aiming high enough to reclaim their place at the top table of European rugby?