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2025/26 Irish Rugby Transfers – Full List of Ins and Outs Across All Four Provinces

2025/26 Irish Rugby Transfers – Full List of Ins and Outs Across All Four Provinces

Author: Joe Naughton
Published: May 2025

Introduction: Changing of the Guard in Irish Rugby

The 2025/26 season is ushering in a major transitional period for Irish provincial rugby. Between high-profile retirements, international signings, and academy reshuffles, the four provinces — Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Connacht — have collectively experienced 43 player departures and welcomed just 10 new arrivals.

This shift highlights a focus on leaner squads, internal player development, and the end of an era for several Irish legends. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats, followed by the full list of confirmed transfers.

Transfer Stats at a Glance:

  • Total players in: 10
  • Total players out: 43
  • Mid-season exits: 10
  • Retirements: 7
  • International signings: 4
  • Fly-halves lost: 4 (Byrne, Burns, Hanrahan, Morgan)
  • Most departures: Ulster (17)
  • Fewest departures: Connacht (7)

Notable New Signings:

  • Rieko Ioane – Leinster
  • Angus Bell – Ulster
  • Juarno Augustus – Ulster
  • Sam Gilbert – Connacht

Notable Retirements:

  • Cian Healy – Leinster
  • Peter O’Mahony – Munster
  • Dave Kilcoyne – Munster
  • Stephen Archer – Munster
  • Andy Warwick – Ulster
  • Marty Moore – Ulster
  • Reuben Crothers – Ulster

Munster Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

  • JJ Hanrahan – Fly-half, 32 (from Connacht)
  • Dan Kelly – Centre, 24 (from Leicester, ENG)
  • Conor Ryan – Lock, 21 (from UCC)
  • Andrew Smith – Winger 24 (from Connacht)

Players Out:

  • Stephen Archer – Prop, 37 – Retired
  • Dave Kilcoyne – Prop, 36 – Retired
  • Peter O’Mahony – Back row, 35 – Retired
  • Jack Daly – Back row, 26
  • Cian Hurley – Back row, 25
  • Conor Murray – Scrum-half, 36
  • Billy Burns – Fly-half, 31
  • Liam Coombes – Winger, 28
  • Patrick Campbell – Fullback, 22
  • Dian Bleuler – Prop, 25 (returned to Sharks, RSA)
  • Eoghan Clarke – Hooker, 27 (to Saracens)
  • Scott Buckley – Hooker, 25 (loan to Ealing Trailfinders)
  • Bryan Fitzgerald – Centre, 26

Leinster Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

  • Rieko Ioane – Centre, 28 (from Blues, NZL)

Players Out:

  • Cian Healy – Prop, 37 – Retired
  • Ross Byrne – Fly-half, 30 (to Gloucester)
  • Jordie Barrett – Centre, 28 (returned to Hurricanes)
  • Rob Russell – Winger, 26
  • Liam Turner – Winger, 25
  • Rory McGuire – Prop, 22 (to Ulster)
  • Ben Brownlee – Centre, 22
  • Aitzol King – Winger, 23
  • Michael Milne – Prop, 25 (loan to Munster)
  • Lee Barron – Hooker, 24 (to Munster)

Ulster Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

  • Sam Crean – Prop, 25 (from Saracens)
  • Angus Bell – Prop, 24 (from Waratahs)
  • Juarno Augustus – Back row, 27 (from Northampton)
  • Rory McGuire – Prop, 22 (from Leinster)

Players Out:

  • Andy Warwick – Prop, 34
  • Corrie Barrett – Prop, 27
  • Alan O’Connor – Lock, 32
  • Kieran Treadwell – Lock, 29 (to Harlequins)
  • Matty Rea – Back row, 31
  • Reuben Crothers – Back row, 23 – Retired
  • John Cooney – Scrum-half, 35 (to Brive)
  • Michael McDonald – Scrum-half, 26
  • Aidan Morgan – Fly-half, 24
  • Jack Boal – Prop, 22
  • Cameron Doak – Prop, 18
  • Zac Solomon – Hooker, 21
  • Ben McFarlane – Winger, 20
  • Rory Telfer – Fullback, 21
  • Marty Moore – Prop, 34 – Retired
  • Tadgh McElroy – Hooker, 28 (to Sale)
  • Aaron Sexton – Winger, 24

Connacht Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

  • Sam Gilbert – Winger, 26 (from Highlanders)

Players Out:

  • Conor Oliver – Back row, 29
  • JJ Hanrahan – Fly-half, 32 (to Munster)
  • Piers O’Conor – Centre, 29 (to Edinburgh)
  • Santiago Cordero – Winger, 31
  • Adam McBurney – Hooker, 28 (to Dinamo Bucharest)
  • John Porch – Winger, 31 (to Vannes)
  • Andrew Smith – Winger, 24 (loan to Munster)

Conclusion

With some of Ireland’s most iconic players hanging up their boots, and key internationals either joining or leaving, the 2025/26 season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Ulster lead the clearout, while Munster and Leinster lose long-time leaders. Will academy graduates step up, or will recruitment spike again in 2026?

Stay tuned to SportsNewsIreland.com for further updates, pre-season previews, and exclusive player interviews.

NFL Announces 2025 International Games Ticket Sale Dates for Europe

NFL Announces 2025 International Games Ticket Sale Dates for Europe

The National Football League (NFL) has revealed ticket release dates for the 2025 NFL International Games in Europe. Fans in Dublin, London, Berlin and Madrid will soon have the chance to purchase tickets to witness live NFL action on European soil. General admission tickets for these NFL 2025 European fixtures will go on sale between May and July. These highly anticipated matchups feature elite teams including the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos, and more.

2025 NFL Europe Schedule & Ticket Release Dates

Date Matchup Location Tickets On Sale
September 28 Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland June 17
October 5 Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, U.K. May 29
October 12 Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, U.K. May 29
October 19 Los Angeles Rams vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Wembley Stadium, London, U.K. May 30
November 9 Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany June 5
November 16 Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain July 8

Where to Buy NFL 2025 International Tickets

Fans must create or log into an NFL ticket account before purchasing tickets. General admission tickets will be available via the NFL’s official website.

Stay Updated on NFL 2025 Ticket Releases

Bonus Game in São Paulo, Brazil

The 2025 International Series kicks off in São Paulo</strong on September 5 with the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers at Corinthians Arena. For more details and ticket access, visit nfl.com/saopaulo.

Final Thoughts on Connacht’s 2024/25 Season – and Looking Ahead

Final Thoughts on Connacht’s 2024/25 Season – and Looking Ahead

There’s a lot changing at Connacht — and not all of it is on the pitch. The brand-new, world-class stand at the Sportsground is a genuine game-changer, a sign that the province is thinking bigger and building for the long term. There’s also a fresh coaching ticket incoming, a new General Manager of Performance behind the scenes, and a wave of exciting young talent rising through the ranks.

On the field, though, 2024/25 was a tough watch at times.

Losing all six interpros — including a gut-wrenching home defeat to Ulster — was hard to swallow, and the season never quite found consistency. Realistically, our only win over a full-strength side came in the Challenge Cup last 16 against Cardiff. The league form was patchy at best, and we struggled to put points on the board against stronger sides.

Connacht averaged 23 points per game, placing around 11th in the URC for scoring. Defensively, we leaked an average of 25 — likely the third worst in the competition. That combination left us on the wrong side of too many scorelines.

Worryingly, the Sportsground was no fortress. Just four home wins from nine (against Sharks, Cardiff, Benetton and Dragons), while the only away victories came against Zebre and Scarlets. Six wins from 18 in the URC doesn’t meet the standard this squad should be aiming for.

But not everything was bleak.

The Challenge Cup run was a real highlight. Five wins and a thrilling, high-scoring battle with Racing at home showed what this team is capable of. It wasn’t just the results — it was the way Connacht played in that competition: ambitious, energised, and entertaining.

There were also individual standouts. Ben Murphy was a revelation. Sean Jansen and Paul Boyle brought consistent power. Peter Dooley anchored the scrum. Shayne Bolton keeps going from strength to strength, while Finn Tracey made a strong impression. And then there’s SHL — a real leader, and arguably the standout player of the season. Coming back from injury inside five weeks was a testament to his character.

Looking ahead, recruitment has been low-key — with only Sam Gilbert arriving so far — and finances remain tight. That’s likely why Rob Seib, originally set for a backs coach role, is now the favourite to take the head coach position too. There were whispers of interest from Dan McFarland and Stuart Lancaster, but nothing materialised. If Seib does step up, a top-class defence coach beside him will be vital.

The bones of a strong season are there. With a new stand, new structures, new energy — and a core of talented, committed players — there’s reason to believe. A top-eight URC finish and a Challenge Cup semi-final run are realistic targets if things click.

There’s work to do, but the future isn’t bleak — it’s just waiting to be built. Roll on 2025/26.

Belmont Stakes 2025: Key Storylines and Horses to Watch

The 2025 Belmont Stakes promises a captivating spectacle, drawing crowds eager to witness history in the making. Whether it’s the rise of a potential Triple Crown champion or the breakout of a new international sensation, anticipation runs high. Top contenders like Journalism are ready to leave their mark, while underdogs lie in wait for a chance to surprise. The race’s grueling course tests each horse’s stamina, adding tension to every stride. Spectators can look forward to a thrilling showcase of skill, endurance, and heart as this legendary event unfolds.

Key Takeaways

● Contender Journalism, bred from champion bloodlines like Curlin, is a top favorite for the 2025 Belmont Stakes,
● Sandman returns as a strong contender, building on past performances in the Triple Crown series,
● 2024 Preakness winner, Seize the Grey is a key competitor with strong Belmont odds for 2025,
● Luxor Cafe and Admire Daytona lead the international competition, highlighting Japan’s increasing influence in thoroughbred racing,
● Strategic race tactics will focus on handling Belmont’s unique track characteristics, favoring late moves over raw speed.

Historic Significance and Legacy

Belmont Park, steeped in history and tradition, is the iconic home of the Belmont Stakes—the oldest and most storied race in the Triple Crown series. Located in Elmont, New York, this expansive 430-acre facility, affectionately known as “The Championship Track,” has been the proving ground for nearly every major American champion since it opened.

The Belmont Stakes dates back to 1867, making it the earliest of the three Triple Crown races. Originally held in the Bronx, it found its permanent home at Belmont Park in 1905. Renowned for its fair yet demanding layout, the track is a true test of stamina for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. Its signature 1½-mile distance has earned the Belmont Stakes the nickname “The Test of the Champion”—a title that underscores the prestige and difficulty of a win that echoes across the annals of racing history.

Triple Crown Drama and Predictions

As the spotlight moves from the storied legacy of the Belmont Stakes to the unfolding drama of the 2025 Triple Crown season, anticipation continues to rise. Fans can expect heart-pounding action as elite contenders—most notably the impressive Journalism—pursue one of racing’s most elusive honors.

Claiming the Triple Crown requires more than talent; it demands victories in all three grueling races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. The pressure is immense, but seasoned trainers like Michael McCarthy bring carefully crafted strategies and deep experience to the challenge.

Many of this year’s competitors boast pedigrees tied to legendary champions like Curlin, setting the stage for a season filled with potential greatness—and unforgettable moments.

Platforms like FanDuel amplify the excitement of race day by giving new customers the opportunity to place their first bet with confidence. For fans, it’s all part of the thrill—making bold predictions and placing wagers as they try to anticipate the next moment of racing glory.

Noteworthy Past Performances

When it comes to the Belmont Stakes, its history is a captivating chronicle that continues to engage both seasoned racing fans and newcomers.

Since its inaugural run in 1867, the race has evolved in distance—from early editions ranging between 1⅛ and 1⅝ miles to the current 1½ miles that became standard at 1926 at Belmont Park.

Among the most iconic moments in the storied history of the track is Secretariat’s breathtaking 31-length victory in 1973, a record-setting performance that remains unmatched. The event has also showcased exceptional trainer and jockey achievements, including Todd Pletcher’s multiple wins and Julie Krone’s barrier-breaking ride in 1993, which made her the only female jockey to win a Triple Crown race.

With each year, recent milestones like Arcangelo’s 2023 victory under trainer Jena Antonucci, the Belmont Stakes ensure that the race continues to live up to its nickname—“The Test of the Champion.”

Upcoming Contenders and Favorites

Who’ll capture your attention at the Belmont Stakes in 2025?

● Sandman returns as a fan favorite, bolstered by an impressive performance in the Arkansas Derby.
● Journalism enters with strong momentum, riding a hot four-race winning streak that positions him as a top contender.
● Seize the Grey is fresh off a Preakness Stakes victory and remains a strong presence in Belmont betting conversations.
● Luxor Cafe, a Japanese longshot from the Kentucky Derby, brings international intrigue and reflects Japan’s rising impact on global thoroughbred racing.
● Admire Daytona stands out as another international contender, ready to deliver a competitive performance.

Race Day Conditions and Strategy

Despite the unpredictability of the Saratoga surface, thorough preparation and strategic planning are the keys to success for the Belmont Stakes in 2025.

Bettors will need to factor in the track’s unique characteristics, particularly its tighter turns and historical biases, which also play a significant role in shaping Belmont odds.

Consider these strategies:

1. Acclimation: Northern-based horses might perform better as cooler evenings could impact southern contenders,
2. Tactics: Opt for stalking strategies over raw speed, exploiting the track’s configuration which favors late moves,
3. Preparation: Monitor weather closely and adjust wagers if rain softens surfaces unexpectedly.

Ultimately, adapting quickly to Saratoga’s conditions guarantees a competitive edge.

Economic Impact and Community Involvement

Successfully maneuvering Saratoga’s unique racing conditions isn’t the only feat the Belmont Stakes achieves in 2025.

The Belmont Stakes generates an estimated $50 million boost to the local economy, contributing to New York State’s broader $3 billion horse racing industry. Its impact extends well beyond the racetrack, drawing fans from across the country, fueling tourism, increasing hotel revenue, and spotlighting local businesses through widespread media coverage.

Cultural events, such as Belmont on Broadway, add to the region’s vibrancy, enriching the community’s social fabric. Local partnerships further enhance the event’s influence, while sponsorships, media rights, and ticket sales significantly strengthen its revenue streams.

The event supports job creation, encourages infrastructure investments, and generates substantial tax revenue. Overall, the Belmont Stakes plays a vital role in driving growth, engaging communities, and uplifting Saratoga and the surrounding region.

Final Stretch: What It All Means for 2025

As the 2025 Belmont Stakes approaches, anticipation is more than justified. With top-tier talent like Journalism, Sandman, and Seize the Grey ready to test their mettle, this year’s event is a convergence of legacy, strategy, and international prestige. But beyond the track, Belmont continues to influence culture and economy—energizing Saratoga, spotlighting global contenders, and uniting communities through shared tradition.

Whether you’re wagering on a dark horse or simply soaking in the spectacle, remember: every Belmont Stakes is more than a race—it’s a defining chapter in the story of Thoroughbred greatness. And 2025 might just be one of its most unforgettable years yet.

Ireland and Australia Rugby Rivalry: A Modern Test of Grit On and Off the Field

Despite not being popular worldwide, there are countries that choose rugby as one of their major sport, embracing its competitive spirit and camaraderie. Countries like Ireland and Australia have both been captivated by rugby, a fundamentally team sport.

Considering that winning a rugby game requires the full dedication of a team, emotions run high as players give their all on the field. These emotions get heightened, especially when teams clash with each other, which sometimes leads to intense rivalries that fuel each team’s competitive spirit.

Such rivalry is evident between Ireland and Australia since 1927. This rivalry, noted in history, has brought out unforgettable moments and fierce competition, showcasing grit between both teams. Below, let us explore this rivalry and how each team’s grit is tested on and off the field.

Rivalry Overview between Ireland and Australia

Different forms of football have existed for centuries. However, these forms of football are not the same as the one globally known today. In the early centuries, localized versions of football were found favourable among elite schools in European countries. By the late 19th century, a form of football, which is rugby, became one of the most significant sports in promoting British imperial manliness. From there, rugby rapidly spread from its elitist origins to British colonies and to Scotland and Ireland, especially among the middle and working-class men.

Since then, rugby clubs have been created among countries, and for some, the sport has assumed new levels of innovation. The origins of the rugby rivalry between Ireland and Australia can be traced back to their first match in 1927, which Australia won. Since then, the game embarked on a road towards a certain level of professionalism and commercialism, leading to the full professionalization of the sport in 1995. While Australia has been known to be a dominant force in the rugby union, as evidenced by their winning the 1991 Rugby World Cup, Ireland has also steadily carved its own name in the following years.

In those years, technology was not yet that advanced, so watching them in sports stadiums was the form of entertainment for most Aussies and Irish people. As television and mobile devices were invented and gained popularity, the excitement of rugby enthusiasts can now be brought to wherever they may be.

This technological advancement broadened the horizons for entertainment. It allowed them to discover other venues to support their favorite rugby teams, such as no-deposit and minimum deposit casino platforms, where they place bets for their favorite team or play other games offered while waiting for the match to begin. This integration of technology enhanced their game day experience while increasing the thrill of watching the game as they get to place bets with real money without making a huge financial commitment.

Memorable Test of Grit On and Off the Field

The matches between Ireland and Australia have always been a showcase of their courage and determination.

One memorable match between Ireland and Australia was the quarter-final match during the 1991 World Cup. In this match, both teams performed the most exciting sports performance, specifically Ireland, having nearly pulled off what would have been the greatest upsets. However, Australia still beat Ireland and went on to advance to the semi-finals and then to the finals to claim their first World Cup.

Another memorable match between the two teams is the recent 2016 match in Aviva Stadium, where Ireland won against Australia by 27-24. In this match, there was a fair degree of pressure on the Irish team, as it would determine whether Ireland truly achieved a successful autumn. However, the win was expected as Ireland already took a 17-0 lead.

This win by Ireland was also marked as historic, as it was also the first time Ireland achieved back-to-back wins against Australia since the 1979 Tour.

Off the field, both teams are involved in certain off-field initiatives that reflect their commitment to community engagement. From charity events to initiatives promoting rugby and healthy living, both Irish and Aussie teams recognize their influence beyond the sport.

Final Thoughts on the Rivalry

The rivalry between Ireland and Australia shows a rich history and a shared respect between the two teams.

As both teams continue to evolve and navigate the dynamic landscape of rugby, they remain committed to upholding the values important to the sport: teamwork, excellence, and mutual respect. While both teams are aiming to outdo each other, they also recognize the significance of fostering strong relationships both on and off the field. This commitment to sportsmanship makes their respective fans proud and creates an atmosphere of camaraderie that enriches the experience for everyone involved.

As fans look ahead, one thing is certain: the rivalry between the Irish and Aussie teams remains, but it will be a healthy rivalry fueled by admiration and a shared love for the game.

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.”

Vikings v Steelers in Croke Park on Sunday, 28 September

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).

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