From football and rugby to GAA Rounders, athletics, golf, tennis and Aussie Rules, there is a packed week of live sport ahead across Irish television and streaming platforms.

SportsNewsIreland has pulled together the key live events from Tuesday through Sunday, including European football, international rugby, the GAA Rounders All-Ireland Finals and more than 100 live club GAA matches available across Clubber, StreamSport and other streaming services.

Tuesday

• 6:00pm — South Africa v New Zealand — Sky Sports Action
• 8:00pm — LASK v Celtic — Premier Sports
• 8:00pm — Glint v GNK Dynamo — Virgin Media Two
• 8:00pm — Valencia v Real Betis — Premier Sports 2

Wednesday

• 8:00pm — Real Madrid v Real Sociedad — Premier Sports
• 8:00pm — Lyon v Fenerbahçe — RTÉ2
• 8:00pm — Viking v NEC — Virgin Media Two

Thursday

• 5:00pm — Champions League Draw — Virgin Media Two
• 7:00pm — Diamond League Athletics — Virgin Media Two

Friday

• 10:40am — Bulldogs v Collingwood — Aussie Rules Playoffs — TNT Sports
• 8:00pm — Drogheda v Dundalk — Virgin Media Two

Saturday

• 10:40am — Melbourne v Carlton — Aussie Rules Playoffs — TNT Sports
• 12:30pm — Liverpool v Nottingham Forest — TNT Sports 1
• 1:00pm — Sandown Racing — Virgin Media One
• 3:00pm — Bournemouth v Everton — Premier Sports
• 4:10pm — South Africa v New Zealand
• 4:30pm — Leinster v Munster — Women’s Interpros Rugby — TG4 YouTube
• 5:00pm — Texas v North Carolina — TG4
• 8:00pm — Argentina v Australia — Sky Sports+

Sunday

• 11:00am — St Kieran’s v St Senan’s — Junior All-Ireland Final, GAA Rounders — TG4 YouTube
• 11:00am — US Open Tennis — Sky Sports
• 1:00pm — Galway City Rapparees v Elphin — Intermediate All-Ireland Final, GAA Rounders — TG4 YouTube
• 1:00pm — Chelsea v Brighton — Sky Sports
• 2:00pm — Irish Women’s Open Golf — RTÉ2
• 3:30pm — Breaffy v Limekiln — Senior All-Ireland Final, GAA Rounders — TG4 YouTube
• 4:30pm — Manchester United v Ipswich — Sky Sports
• 7:00pm — PGA Tour Golf — Sky Sports

A Huge Week of Live Sport

Whether your sport is football, rugby, GAA, GAA Rounders, tennis, golf, athletics, horse racing or Aussie Rules, there is plenty to watch across the week.

Keep up with SportsNewsIreland for the latest sports news, previews, analysis, results and coverage from Ireland and around the world.

The post Live Sport This Week: TV & Streaming Guide appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Live Sport on TV This Weekend: Athletics, Swimming, Rugby, Hockey, Golf, GAA and More

It is another packed weekend of live sport on Irish television, with European Athletics, European Swimming, international rugby, hockey, golf, Formula E and a huge programme of club GAA all available from Friday 14 August to Sunday 16 August.

RTÉ2 carries extensive coverage of the European Athletics and Swimming Championships, while TG4 has women’s rugby and Waterford hurling, Sky Sports has golf and international rugby, and Virgin Media Two has Formula E from London.

There is also a massive weekend of club GAA action, with more than 100 matches available across Clubber and StreamSport.

Friday 14 August – Live Sport on TV

Saturday 15 August – Live Sport on TV

Sunday 16 August – Live Sport on TV

Irish Athletes in Action at the European Athletics Championships

There is a major Irish presence across the final three days of the European Athletics Championships, with Kate O’Connor continuing her heptathlon campaign, Sarah Healy and Sophie O’Sullivan involved in the 1500m, and a number of Irish relay teams also in action.

Friday 14 August

Morning Session

• 10:35 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – 100m Hurdles
• 11:05 – Men’s 4x400m Relay – Round One
• 11:25 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – High Jump
• 11:35 – Women’s 4x400m Relay – Round One
• 12:05 – Andrew Coscoran – Men’s 1500m – Round One
• 12:05 – Cathal Doyle – Men’s 1500m – Round One

Evening Session

• 19:35 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – Shot Put
• 19:45 – Niamh Allen – Women’s 10,000m Final
• 19:45 – Fiona Everard – Women’s 10,000m Final
• 20:55 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – 200m
• 21:25 – Sean Aigboboh – Men’s 200m Final*
• 21:25 – Marcus Lawlor – Men’s 200m Final*

Saturday 15 August

Morning Session

• 07:30 – David Kenny – Half Marathon Race Walk Final
• 07:30 – Oisin Lane – Half Marathon Race Walk Final
• 10:25 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – Long Jump
• 11:55 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – Javelin Throw
• 12:15 – Sarah Healy – Women’s 1500m Round One
• 12:15 – Sophie O’Sullivan – Women’s 1500m Round One
• 12:15 – Jodie McCann – Women’s 1500m Round One
• 21:33 – Women’s 4x100m Relay – Round One
• 21:33 – Men’s 4x100m Relay – Round One

Evening Session

• 19:45 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – 800m
• 20:10 – Sophie Becker – Women’s 400m Final*
• 20:25 – Jack O’Leary – Men’s 10,000m Final
• 21:07 – Andrew Coscoran – Men’s 1500m Final*
• 21:07 – Cathal Doyle – Men’s 1500m Final*
• 21:33 – Men’s 4x100m Relay Final*
• 21:48 – Women’s 4x100m Relay Final*

Sunday 16 August

Morning Session

• 07:30 – Fionnuala McCormack – Women’s Marathon Final
• 08:10 – Paul O’Donnell – Men’s Marathon Final
• 08:10 – Ryan Creech – Men’s Marathon Final
• 08:10 – David McGlynn – Men’s Marathon Final

Evening Session

• 21:13 – Sarah Healy – Women’s 1500m Final*
• 21:13 – Sophie O’Sullivan – Women’s 1500m Final*
• 21:13 – Jodie McCann – Women’s 1500m Final*
• 21:33 – Women’s 4x400m Relay Final*
• 21:48 – Men’s 4x400m Relay Final*

*Subject to qualification.

Huge Weekend of Club GAA

For GAA supporters, there is also an enormous programme of club championship action available online throughout the weekend.

More than 100 club GAA matches are set to be streamed across Clubber and StreamSport, covering football, hurling and camogie championships around the country.

Clubber Picks

• Friday, 8:00pm: Pádraig Pearses v Boyle – Roscommon SFC Round 2
• Saturday, 3:30pm: Tullaroan v Ballyhale Shamrocks – Kilkenny SHC Round 3
• Saturday, 6:00pm: Naomh Moling v Bagenalstown Gaels – Carlow SHC Round 5
• Saturday, 7:00pm: Drom & Inch v Knockavilla Kickhams – Tipperary Camogie SCC Round 1
• Sunday, 3:30pm: Dingle v Dr Crokes – Kerry SFC Round 2
• Sunday, 3:30pm: Clonakilty v Castlehaven – Cork PSFC Round 2
• Sunday, 3:45pm: De La Salle v Mount Sion – Waterford SHC Quarter-Final

With more than 100 games available across the two streaming services, it is one of the busiest weekends of the year for club GAA coverage.

What to Watch This Weekend

If you are looking for the standout events, the European Athletics Championships should provide plenty of Irish interest, while Ireland’s Hockey World Cup games against Australia and Spain give supporters another chance to follow the national team live on RTÉ2.

The Saturday rugby programme is also worth watching, with Australia v Japan early in the morning, Munster v Ulster and Leinster v Connacht in the afternoon, followed by Bulls v New Zealand on Sky Sports Mix.

Meanwhile, the huge programme of club GAA means there should be something live for supporters in almost every county across Ireland.

SportsNewsIreland will have the latest sports news, fixtures, results and live television information throughout the weekend.

The post Live Sport on TV This Weekend: Athletics, Swimming, Rugby, Hockey, Golf, GAA and More appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Andy Farrell’s side will play Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies at a sold-out Allianz Stadium, Sydney. with live coverage on Virgin Media Ireland.

Dan Sheehan will captain the Ireland rugby team for their inaugural Nations Championship fixture.

Hugo Keenan will start at fullback for Ireland, with Rob Baloucoune and Jamie Osborne on the wings.

Andy Farrell has chosen Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey to start in midfield, with Sam Prendergast partnering Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs.

Alongside Sheehan in the front row will be Tom O’Toole and Tadhg Furlong.

Joe McCarthy and James Ryan are in the second row.

The back row is made up of Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan.

The forwards on the bench are Rónan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman, Thomas Clarkson, Tadhg Beirne and Nick Timoney.

Farrell’s backline options are Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley and Bundee Aki.

Ireland Team

15. Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster), 14. Rob Baloucoune (Enniskillen/Ulster), 13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster), 12 Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster), 11. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster), 10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster), 9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster).

1. Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(captain), 3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster), 4. Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster), 5. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster), 6. Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht), 7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster), 8. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster).

Ireland Replacements

16. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster), 17. Jeremy Loughman (Garryowen/Munster), 18. Thomas Clarkson (Blackrock College/Leinster), 19. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster), 20. Nick Timoney (Queen’s University/Ulster), 21. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster), 22. Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster), 23. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht).

Ireland Facts

Ireland arrive in Sydney having won four of their last five matches, with victories over Scotland, Wales, England and Italy in the 2026 Six Nations.

Ireland have won all five of their most recent head-to-head meetings with Australia, including three victories in Dublin and two on Australian soil.

Stuart McCloskey was Ireland’s standout performer in their most recent match, earning a match rating of 9.1 with 17 carries, 7 defenders beaten and 2 try assists.

Ireland won 100% of their lineouts in the last meeting with Australia in November 2025, while the Wallabies managed just 68% of their own lineout ball in the same fixture.

The post Australia v Ireland, Saturday at 11.10am – Live on Virgin Media appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Live Sport This Weekend: GAA, FIFA World Cup, Rugby, Royal Ascot, US Open golf and Queen’s Club

Sports fans are in for another packed weekend of live action, with GAA Championship fixtures, FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, rugby finals and semi-finals, Royal Ascot, US Open  and Queen’s Club tennis all available across TV and streaming platforms.

The weekend schedule includes major All-Ireland SFC and SHC fixtures, Tailteann Cup action, FIFA World Cup games live on RTÉ2, the Gallagher Premiership Rugby final, French Top 14 semi-finals, Royal Ascot on Virgin Media One and the Queen’s Club men’s singles final.

Friday 19 June

• 19:25 – Kildare v Tyrone, All-Ireland Minor Football Semi-Final – TG4
• 19:30 – Leinster v Bulls – URC Final
• 20:00 – USA v Australia, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 20:05 – Toulouse v Racing 92, Top 14 Semi-Final – Premier Sports 2
• 23:00 – Scotland v Morocco, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 01:30 – Brazil v Haiti, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 04:00 – Turkey v Paraguay, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2

Saturday 20 June

• 09:45 – Adult Handball Semi-Finals – Spórt TG4 YouTube
• 12:50 – Donegal v Mayo, Munster SFC Round 3 – TG4
• 12:55 – Tyrone v Meath, Leinster SFC Round 3 – Spórt TG4 YouTube
• 14:00 – Barbarians v South Africa, Rugby Test Match – Premier Sports 2
• 14:45 – Armagh v Waterford, Ulster SFC Round 3 – TG4
• 14:55 – Tipperary v Kildare, Leinster SFC Round 3 – Spórt TG4 YouTube
• 15:00 – Down v Fermanagh, Tailteann Cup – RTÉ2
• 15:00 – Northampton v Exeter Chiefs, Gallagher Premiership Final – ITV4 / TNT Sports 1
• 15:45 – Cork v Derry, All-Ireland Minor Football Semi-Final – TG4 Player
• 16:00 – Kerry v Armagh, All-Ireland SFC – GAA+
• 17:00 – Offaly v Wicklow, Tailteann Cup – RTÉ News
• 17:00 – South Africa v AUNZ Invitational XV, Rugby Test Match – Premier Sports 2
• 18:00 – Netherlands v Sweden, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 18:15 – Mayo v Meath, All-Ireland SFC – GAA+
• 19:00 – Clare v Dublin, All-Ireland SHC – RTÉ1 / GAA+
• 19:25 – Kildare v Tyrone, All-Ireland Minor Football Semi-Final – TG4
• 20:05 – Montpellier v Stade Français, Top 14 Semi-Final – Premier Sports 1
• 21:00 – Germany v Ivory Coast, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 01:00 – Ecuador v Curaçao, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 05:00 – Tunisia v Japan, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2

Sunday 21 June

• 13:15 – Dublin v Donegal, All-Ireland SFC – RTÉ1
• 13:20 – Queen’s Club Men’s Singles Final – BBC One Northern Ireland HD
• 15:30 – Cork v Offaly, All-Ireland SHC – RTÉ1 / GAA+
• 16:00 – Monaghan v Westmeath, All-Ireland SFC – GAA+
• 17:00 – Spain v Saudi Arabia, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• All day – US Open Golf
• 20:00 – Belgium v Iran, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 23:00 – Uruguay v Cape Verde, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 02:00 – New Zealand v Egypt, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2

Royal Ascot Live on Virgin Media One

Royal Ascot continues from Wednesday to Saturday, with live coverage each day from 1:30pm to 6:30pm on Virgin Media One.

FIFA World Cup 2026 on RTÉ2

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues throughout the weekend, with all listed matches live on RTÉ2. Key fixtures include USA v Australia, Scotland v Morocco, Brazil v Haiti, Netherlands v Sweden, Germany v Ivory Coast, Spain v Saudi Arabia and Belgium v Iran.

Weekend Highlights

• Dublin v Donegal in the All-Ireland SFC
• Clare v Dublin and Cork v Offaly in the All-Ireland SHC
• Northampton v Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership Final
• Toulouse v Racing 92 and Montpellier v Stade Français in the Top 14 semi-finals
• Queen’s Club Men’s Singles Final
• Royal Ascot live on Virgin Media One
• FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live on RTÉ2

SportsNewsIreland.com will continue to provide live sport listings, fixtures, previews, TV information and match coverage throughout the weekend.

The post Live Sport This Weekend: GAA, World Cup, Rugby, Royal Ascot and Tennis appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Live Sport This Weekend: FIFA World Cup, GAA Championship, Rugby Play-Offs and Formula 1 Headline Packed Schedule

Sports fans have a packed weekend ahead with the FIFA World Cup, All-Ireland Football Championship, Ladies Football Championship, Premiership Rugby semi-finals, Top 14 play-offs and Formula 1 all live on television.

The action begins on Thursday evening with Mexico taking on South Africa in the FIFA World Cup before building towards a huge weekend featuring Tyrone v Mayo, Kildare v Kerry, Brazil v Morocco, Northampton v Leicester, Bath v Exeter and the Spanish Grand Prix.

FIFA World Cup (RTÉ2)

• Thursday 11 June – Mexico v South Africa (20:00)
• Friday 12 June – South Korea v Czechia (03:00)
• Friday 12 June – Canada v Bosnia (20:00)
• Saturday 13 June – USA v Paraguay (02:00)
• Saturday 13 June – Qatar v Switzerland (20:00)
• Saturday 13 June – Brazil v Morocco (23:00)
• Sunday 14 June – Haiti v Scotland (02:00)
• Sunday 14 June – Australia v Türkiye (05:00)
• Sunday 14 June – Germany v Curaçao (18:00)
• Sunday 14 June – Netherlands v Japan (21:00)
• Monday 15 June – Ivory Coast v Ecuador (00:00)
• Monday 15 June – Sweden v Tunisia (03:00)
• Monday 15 June – Spain v Cape Verde (17:00)
• Monday 15 June – Belgium v Egypt (20:00)
• Monday 15 June – Saudi Arabia v Uruguay (23:00)

GAA Live This Weekend

Saturday 13 June

• Kildare v Kerry (Ladies Football) – 2:50pm – TG4
• Monaghan v Roscommon – 4:30pm – GAA+
• Galway v Limerick (All-Ireland Minor Hurling Semi-Final) – 4:40pm – TG4
• Derry v Meath – 7:00pm – GAA+
• Waterford v Cork (Ladies Football) – 7:15pm – TG4

Sunday 14 June

• Louth v Armagh – 1:00pm – RTÉ2
• Galway v Westmeath – 2:00pm – GAA+
• Cavan v Dublin – 2:00pm
• Tyrone v Mayo – 3:30pm – RTÉ2

Rugby Play-Offs

Premiership Rugby Semi-Finals

• Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers – Friday 12 June, 7:45pm – TNT Sports
• Bath v Exeter Chiefs – Saturday 13 June, 3:00pm – TNT Sports

Top 14 Play-Offs

• Pau v Racing 92 – Saturday 13 June, 8:05pm – Premier Sports
• Provence Rugby v Perpignan – Sunday 14 June, 5:00pm – Premier Sports
• Stade Français v La Rochelle – Sunday 14 June, 8:05pm – Premier Sports

Formula 1

• Spanish Grand Prix – Sunday 14 June, 2:00pm
• Venue: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
• Live on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event

Featured Events

• Brazil v Morocco
• Germany v Curaçao
• Netherlands v Japan
• Tyrone v Mayo
• Kildare v Kerry
• Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers
• Bath v Exeter Chiefs
• Spanish Grand Prix

Whether you’re following the FIFA World Cup, the race for Sam Maguire, elite rugby play-offs or Formula 1, there is wall-to-wall live sport available throughout the weekend.

The post Live Sport This Weekend: FIFA World Cup, GAA, Rugby and Formula 1 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

An outstanding run of form has seen the province reel off ten consecutive wins in all competitions, and they now have the opportunity to make it 11 straight when they host Edinburgh at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, before attention turns to the Guinness Six Nations break.

The defence of their BKT URC title did not begin smoothly. Leinster managed just one win from their opening four league fixtures, struggling for momentum while a long list of frontline players was unavailable. Since then, however, Cullen’s side have surged back into contention, winning six URC matches on the bounce to climb to third in the table, while also completing a perfect four-from-four record in the Investec Champions Cup pool stage.

Reflecting on that turnaround, Cullen was quick to credit the resilience shown within the camp.

“I have to applaud our players and staff because they’ve worked incredibly hard over the last couple of months,” he said. “The group was getting a bit of flak at the start of the season, especially with the number of players missing, and we just took it on the chin.

“It’s a real credit to the characteristics these guys show every day.”

Leinster’s latest success came last weekend in Galway, where they claimed a 34–23 bonus-point win over Connacht in front of a record 12,461 crowd at the Dexcom Stadium, on a night that also marked the opening of the new Clan Stand.

“We knew it was going to be a huge occasion because it’s been in the calendar for a long time,” Cullen said. “We were heading into a hostile environment against a team that was going to be hugely motivated, so we expected a tough challenge.

“Connacht started the game a million miles an hour. They flew into everything on both sides of the ball, exactly as we thought they would. Credit to them, it was tit-for-tat throughout.

“It’s always satisfying to come away from a place like that with a bonus-point win.”

Focus now shifts to Saturday’s URC meeting with Edinburgh, who arrive in Dublin sitting 12th in the table after a home defeat to the Vodacom Bulls last time out.

Assistant coach Robin McBryde believes Leinster must ensure their recent work is capped off properly before the break.

“After a difficult start, we’ve just kept building week by week through what’s been a long block,” he said. “It’s been good, but now we’ve got to finish the job.

“Everyone is looking forward to the break after Saturday, so it’s one final push. There’s a different feel around the place this week with a lot of internationals away with their countries, which is always an honour.

“It brings a different energy and buzz, and everyone’s excited for the weekend.”

McBryde is expecting a response from the Scottish side following last weekend’s setback.

“They’ll be hurting after that result and keen to finish their own block on a high,” he added. “It’s always better going into a break with a win because the result stays with you.

“They’re a cohesive group, so it’ll be tough enough. We just need to improve on certain aspects from last Saturday and really re-knuckle down.”

The post Leinster Aim for 11 on the Spin Before Six Nations Pause appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

At this point, it’s becoming a quiz question rather than a team update.

Ireland’s Six Nations build-up has been shredded by injuries, with absentees piling up across every line of the squad. This isn’t one problem area — it’s everywhere. Backfield, midfield, front row, engine room. Pick a position and Ireland are light.

Start with the back three, where the list alone tells the story. Hugo Keenan is out. Mack Hansen is out. Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien, Shayne Bolton and Jordan Larmour are also unavailable. That’s Ireland’s most dependable organiser at full-back, their most creative winger, and almost all of the versatility Farrell relies on when games break open. Experience, aerial security and counter-attacking threat — gone.

The midfield situation is just as damaging. Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw are both sidelined. Together, they’ve been the heartbeat of Ireland’s defence and the launchpad for so much of the attack. Remove both, and Ireland aren’t just replacing players — they’re replacing an entire system built around power, trust and defensive reads.

Up front, concerns deepen. At loosehead prop, Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle are all missing. Porter’s absence is enormous. He sets the tone physically, plays big minutes and anchors the scrum. Against France, losing that security is no small thing.

In the back five of the pack, Ryan Baird and Tom Ahern are also out. That’s athleticism, lineout flexibility and dynamic carrying stripped from the engine room — exactly the attributes needed to live with France’s power game.

Even the betting markets have lost faith. Just last week, Ireland were +5 for this fixture. By Monday, that had drifted to +9. Now it has stretched to +13. An eight-point swing in a matter of days doesn’t happen on sentiment. It reflects mounting injuries, disrupted preparation and a growing belief that Ireland will struggle to live with France’s physicality and depth in Paris.

And even now, the list may not be finished. Tadhg Furlong, Robert Baloucoune and Jamie Osborne remain doubts. Any one of those missing would be a blow. More than one, and the margin for error shrinks further.

This isn’t about panic — but it is about reality. Ireland are missing players in every critical area of the pitch. Depth will be tested, combinations will be rushed, and young players will be asked to learn fast in one of the harshest environments in world rugby.

Paris doesn’t wait. France won’t ease off. And when the absentees list is this long, the Six Nations stops being about momentum and starts being about survival.

Ireland Six Nations Absentees & Doubts

Back Three

• Hugo Keenan
• Mack Hansen
• Calvin Nash
• Jimmy O’Brien
• Shayne Bolton
• Jordan Larmour

Midfield

• Bundee Aki
• Robbie Henshaw

Loosehead Prop

• Andrew Porter
• Paddy McCarthy
• Jack Boyle

Back Five of the Pack

• Ryan Baird
• Tom Ahern

Major Doubts

• Tadhg Furlong
• Robert Baloucoune
• Jamie Osborne

The post So Many Missing: Can You Even Name Ireland’s Six Nations Absentees? appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Bundee Aki has not travelled with the Ireland men’s senior squad to Portugal as the IRFU continues an internal investigation into a disciplinary issue involving the Connacht centre.

The IRFU confirmed on Wednesday that Aki’s omission is for disciplinary reasons, following a misconduct complaint raised after Connacht’s recent URC fixture at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. The complaint relates to alleged interactions with match officials, which are currently being examined under the United Rugby Championship’s disciplinary regulations.

In a statement, the IRFU said it “does not tolerate any form of disrespect shown towards match officials” and reiterated that behaviour falling below the standards expected of players representing Irish rugby will not be condoned. The governing body added that the matter is being investigated internally and that no further comment will be made at this time.

Ulster centre Jude Postlethwaite, who is uncapped at senior international level, has been called into the squad as Aki’s replacement.

Separately, Aki is due to appear before an Independent Disciplinary Committee in relation to the URC complaint. The hearing will consider whether his conduct breached league rules on misconduct, with a decision expected following that process.

Beyond the immediate disciplinary issue, the situation also arrives at a significant point in Aki’s career. The Connacht centre turns 36 in April and is out of central contract with the IRFU at the end of the current season, leaving his long-term future uncertain.

While Aki has been a hugely influential figure for both Connacht and Ireland, competition in the centre has intensified and his role is no longer guaranteed. Younger options are emerging at both provincial and international level, and his minutes are being managed more carefully than in previous seasons.

That context makes Connacht’s next move particularly interesting. Retaining Aki would provide experience, leadership and continuity, but the province must also balance age profile, budget constraints and succession planning. At 36, and no longer a definite starter, any new deal is likely to reflect a more transitional role.

For now, the focus remains on the outcome of the disciplinary process and the IRFU’s internal review. Once those matters conclude, attention will turn to whether Bundee Aki’s time in Galway extends beyond this season — or whether Connacht begin to turn the page on one of the most significant players in their professional history.

The post Bundee Aki Left Out of Ireland Squad as IRFU Investigates Disciplinary Matter appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The 8.10pm Irish time kick-off, live on Virgin Media One and TNT Sports, will be the first game in a busy month of international fixtures for the Irish side.

Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland for the second time at Soldier Field, while Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is in line for his Test debut off the bench.

In the pack, Farrell has chosen Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and James Lowe in the Ireland back three.

Stuart McCloskey will partner Garry Ringrose in midfield, while Munster’s Jack Crowley will start at out-half, partnering Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs.

Andrew Porter, captain Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong constitute the front row.

James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne are in the engine room, and a back row of Ryan Baird at blindside flanker, Josh van der Flier at openside and Jack Conan at number eight completing Ireland’s starting line-up.

Strong Irish bench

Farrell has strong options on the bench with Ronan Kelleher, the uncapped McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson and the returning Caelan Doris the forward replacements.

Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast and Bundee Aki will provide the backline reinforcements.

“A privilege to be back here”

As he looked forward to Saturday’s game against the All Blacks, Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell said:

“It is a real privilege to be back here in Chicago ahead of a huge game against New Zealand. The clashes with New Zealand over the years have been fantastic occasions and we’re expecting more of the same on Saturday.

“The historic nature of this game is something we are embracing and there’s great excitement in the squad, not least for Paddy McCarthy who is set to make his international debut this weekend. Paddy has made a great start to the season and his selection is testament to his impressive form. We wish him well and will all do our utmost to make it a special weekend for him and his family.”

Ireland (v New Zealand):

(Club/Province/Caps)

15. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(8)
14. Tommy O’Brien (UCD/Leinster)(2)
13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster)(67)
12. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(21)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)(40)
10. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(26)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(43)

1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(75)
2. Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(32)(captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)(79)
4. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(72)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(61)
6. Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(29)
7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(73)
8. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(51)

Ireland Replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(39)
17. Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)*
18. Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(51)
19. Iain Henderson (Academy/Ulster)(85)
20. Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(51)
21. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(20)
22. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(9)
23. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(65).

* denotes uncapped

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The Ireland team to face Georgia this weekend has been named — and there’s a notable mix of youth, form, and provincial pride across the 23. With several players away on British & Irish Lions duty and others out through injury, this is a chance for fresh talent to shine.

Here’s how the squad breaks down by province:

Connacht – 4 Players

• 5. Darragh Murray (Buccaneers) – Uncapped
• 18. Jack Aungier (Clontarf) – Uncapped
• 20. Cian Prendergast (UCD) – 4 caps
• 21. Ben Murphy (Clontarf) – Uncapped

Munster – 5 Players

• 9. Craig Casey (Shannon) – 18 caps (Captain)
• 8. Gavin Coombes (Young Munster) – 2 caps
• 19. Tom Ahern (Shannon) – Uncapped
• 22. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution) – 24 caps
• 23. Calvin Nash (Young Munster) – 10 caps

Ulster – 5 Players

• 4. Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch) – Uncapped
• 7. Nick Timoney (Banbridge) – 3 caps
• 11. Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan) – 38 caps
• 12. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor) – 19 caps
• 16. Tom Stewart (Ballynahinch) – 2 caps

Leinster – 9 Players

• 1. Jack Boyle (UCD) – 2 caps
• 2. Gus McCarthy (UCD) – 4 caps
• 3. Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University) – 6 caps
• 6. Ryan Baird (Dublin University) – 27 caps
• 10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne) – 8 caps
• 13. Jamie Osborne (Naas) – 7 caps
• 14. Tommy O’Brien (UCD) – Uncapped
• 15. Jimmy O’Brien (Naas) – 8 caps
• 17. Michael Milne (UCD) – Uncapped

Total Breakdown

• Leinster – 9 players
• Ulster – 5 players
• Munster – 5 players
• Connacht – 4 players

Commentary

Absolutely delighted to see Darragh Murray make his first start for Ireland.

Only one Connacht player in the starting XV is a little disappointing, especially given how many front-liners are unavailable. Still, with three more Connacht men on the bench, there’s every chance they’ll get decent game time.

The bookies have Ireland as 16-point favourites, which feels like a stretch. With a squad full of new caps, any sort of win would be a bonus. What matters most is the experience this group gains at international level.

Ireland Team Named for Summer Tour Opener in Tbilisi

Paul O’Connell, interim Head Coach of the Ireland Men’s team, has named his matchday 23 to face Georgia in the opening game of the two-Test Summer Series this Saturday evening at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi (kick-off 9pm local time / 6pm Irish time).

There are two debutants in the starting XV and a further four uncapped players on the bench, as Ireland looks to build depth during this developmental tour.

Captain Casey Makes History

Craig Casey will captain Ireland for the first time, becoming the 112th Test captain in the nation’s history. The Munster scrum-half also becomes just the third 9 to lead Ireland in the professional era, following Niall Hogan (3 times) and Eoin Reddan (once).

He’ll form a half-back partnership with exciting young out-half Sam Prendergast, while the midfield pairing sees Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne link up.

Tommy O’Brien will make his international debut on the wing, joining Jimmy O’Brien and Jacob Stockdale in the back three.

Milestone in Sight for Stockdale

Jacob Stockdale is set to win his 39th cap. One more try would see him become the 21st Irish player to reach 100+ points for the national side. It would also move him into outright 6th on Ireland’s all-time try-scoring list, ahead of Girvan Dempsey and Geordan Murphy.

New Faces in the Pack

Darragh Murray (Connacht) earns his first cap in the second row alongside Cormac Izuchukwu. The front row features Jack Boyle, Gus McCarthy, and Thomas Clarkson, while the back row sees Ryan Baird, Nick Timoney, and Gavin Coombes complete the starting pack.

Four More Uncapped Players on the Bench

The replacements bench includes four potential debutants: Munster duo Michael Milne and Tom Ahern, and Connacht pair Jack Aungier and Ben Murphy.

They are joined by Tom Stewart, Cian Prendergast, and Calvin Nash — all of whom will be expected to make an impact off the bench.

Coach’s View – Paul O’Connell

“I’ve been really impressed with the application of this group in the build-up to the tour. Saturday presents a fantastic opportunity for these players to represent their country and show what they can do on the international stage.

To Craig — I’d like to congratulate him on his first game as captain. He’s taken to the role superbly and I know how much he’s looking forward to leading the team.”

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