Ireland

Willemse sees red as Ireland hammer France

France lock Paul Willemse was sent off in the first half of the Six Nations opener against Ireland in Marseille, and the defending champions took full advantage to run in five tries.

RECAP: Willemse sees red as Ireland hammer France

France lock Paul Willemse was sent off in the 2024 Six Nations opener and Ireland took full advantage to score five tries against the hosts at Stade Velodrome in Marseille.

epa10879645 Ireland’s Jack Crowley in action during the Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Ireland in Saint- Denis, France, 23 September 2023. EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

Crowley ‘the kid’ steers post-Sexton Ireland

Jack Crowley has been entrusted with the challenge of replacing Irish legend Johnny Sexton as first-choice flyhalf in the Six Nations opener against France on Friday.

France recall Willemse to battle Ireland

Paul Willemse will play his first Test since last August when he starts for France in the Six Nations opener against defending champions Ireland in Marseille on Friday.

Photo: BackpagePix Ireland's Johnny Sexton (left) and head coach Andy Farrell during the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter final match at Stade de France, Saint-Denis. Picture date: Saturday October 14, 2023.

Ireland’s ‘massive’ Sexton conundrum

Ireland’s hopes of successfully defending their Six Nations title hinge on filling the “massive gap” left by Johnny Sexton, says former Irish fullback Hugo MacNeill.

Six Nations: Ireland target title defence

Ireland will start their bid for a historic back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slam when they take on France in Marseille in the tournament’s mouth-watering opening match on Friday.

Kwagga Smith takes on Braydon Ennor of the All Blacks in Auckland

Boks’ Japan-trio ready to face Ireland

The Springboks are confident that a currently-injured trio of Japan-based World Cup winners will recover in time for the July series against Ireland.

Boks to reveal Nienaber’s successor

The Springboks are set to unveil two new additions to the coaching staff this week, with a former Ireland international linked to the vacant defence coach role.

epa10879661 Ireland’s James Ryan (C) in action during the Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Ireland in Saint- Denis, France, 23 September 2023. EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

Bok test awaits ‘haunted’ Ireland

Ireland haven’t recovered from last year’s Rugby World Cup trauma, and face a tough challenge away from home against South Africa in July, writes MARK KEOHANE.