Rising Ireland star Niamh O’Dowd credits team-mates and coaches for notable progress
‘They let me play my game and ... I kind of put a lot of it down to them’
‘They let me play my game and ... I kind of put a lot of it down to them’
Back row scored two tries in Six Nations opener against France
‘We’re moving in the right direction,‘ says head coach Scott Bemand as handling errors and penalties prove costly
The essence of rugby is not on show in the Six Nations or the World Cup
Ireland begin their Six Nations campaign against France in Belfast on Saturday
Beibhinn Parsons nearing full fitness after breaking leg in December
Perhaps Ireland’s third place feels more anti-climactic because they also finished behind England
Ireland backs conspicuous by their absence
Two notable incidents in the final round of matches affirmed that the law is indeed an ass at times
Ireland probably underachieved this year amid patchy campaign
Scotland were unfortunate to go in 16-13 behind at the break before Les Bleus powered home to a bonus-point victory and the championship
Six changes to starting XV from losing side against France, with recalls for Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, James Lowe, Jack Crowley, James Ryan and Jack Conan
This is a key moment in preparation for next Rugby World Cup, says former Ireland scrumhalf Eoin Reddan
Antoine Dupont’s injury in Dublin prompted a nasty reaction from the French camp
Ireland contributed to their own demise on the gain line
France have found a way to evolve the South African blueprint, and the ramifications are disastrous
The lock says Ireland can’t afford any more indiscipline when they face Italy in their Six Nations finale
Six Nations team news: Scotland make two changes in the pack while Wales also change two for England clash
French outhalf was unable to count club game towards suspension
The priority for Ireland must be to address the manner of the defeat in the team selection
The Irish prop has hit back after the France coach referred him and Tadhg Beirne to the citing commissioner due to Antoine Dupont’s injury
Oscar Jégou’s fine Dublin performance brings into focus the potential impact of forwards who can play anywhere
This was a defeat from the days of old, of Ireland looking punchdrunk running into a powerful defence happy to dominate collisions
This French side will go down in history as the best team not to win a Grand Slam, certainly in the Six Nations era
The Counter Ruck Podcast
Antoine Dupont injury should draw attention to major problem at the breakdown in rugby
Even with talisman Dupont forced out by injury, Les Bleus brought a brutal end to the green party in Dublin
Only a freakish turn of events could stop France from claiming the Six Nations title
Rampant France ensure veteran prop’s final home outing for Ireland ends in disappointment
France look odds-on to take title after their stunning win in Dublin
Louie Shortall won our rugby writing competition for 12-16 year olds and attended the game on Saturday
France captain Antoine Dupont confirms he ruptured cruciate ligament
A stunning 24-point salvo in 12 minutes by France turned the game on its head
France punish Irish indiscipline and profligacy; Differing opinions over Dupont injury; No answer to French scoring spree; France’s split personalities
French bomb squad explode in Ireland’s face with Oscar Jegou’s performance in midfield the highlight
Donal Lenihan’s sombre tone summed up our collective deflation
The leggy French winger conjures up two tries to make light of the absence of his injured captain
Ireland beaten 42-27 at the Aviva Stadium
Interim head coach questions referee’s decision not to penalise France in lead-up to Paul Boudehent’s try
France have cited Tadhg Beirne and Andrew Porter for the incident that injured the French captain
Calvin Nash called into action shortly before kick-off after Lowe went down injured during the warm-up
Two yellow cards had Ireland on the back foot for most of the game
With so much on the line, proceedings at the Aviva are sure to be far from dull
Visitors take 22-12 victory at Musgrave Park
For this weekend’s Six Nations fixtures, there will be 35 replacement forwards to just 13 backs
Team news, expert analysis and everything else you need to know ahead of this weekend’s Six Nations action
Dupont plays down Thierry Henry’s visit to French camp in build-up to game against Ireland in Dublin
Ireland, including their replacement forwards, must perform at their best to prevail in what promises to be a belting Six Nations clash
Leinster stalwart and inspirational Munster pair have served Ireland with distinction over their long careers
Whoever wins this Six Nations title decider, the odds are that one of the world’s two best players will play a key role
The prop hopes to cap a landmark appearance by helping Ireland move closer to another Six Nations win
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Inquests into the nightclub fire that led to the deaths of 48 people
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices