Ireland

Six Nations: Ireland win 2018 title

Ireland's earlier four-try, 28-8 win over Scotland had left England needing a bonus-point victory in Paris to keep their title hopes alive.

It is Ireland's third title in five years under Joe Schmidt but Johnny Sexton said celebrations were "muted".

They will win the Grand Slam if they beat England next Saturday.

"It's a strange feeling to win the championship with a game to go," said Irish fly-half Sexton.

Henshaw ruled out of Six Nations

Henshaw appeared to dislocate his shoulder as he scored his second try of the comfortable win in Dublin, the Leinster back leaving the field with his injured right arm in a sling.

Coach Joe Schmidt had hoped there would be good news about the centre, but scans on Monday confirmed Henshaw would need an operation.

The 24-year-old has already had surgery to correct the problem but that means he will play no further part in the tournament.

Ireland put record score on Boks

Allister Coetzee's side came to Dublin having recovered from a 57-0 thrashing to New Zealand in Albany in September by pushing the world champions to within a point a month later but it was back to the drawing board at the Aviva Stadium.

"It's a tough day, it's not what any of us wanted. We've no excuses and we're going to have to rectify this, us and the management," South Africa captain Eben Etzebeth told a news conference.

Ireland: Fantastic experience to play in PNG

“I’d recommend it to anyone who plays rugby league around the world. If you get the chance to come and play here, take it with two hands because the people here are absolutely magnificent.”

On the game, Finn said the win was there for the taking.

“We didn’t execute particularly well with all the field possession. We had our opportunities there to win the game.

“But we got exactly what we expected. It was tough, physical. We got exactly what we knew we were coming for. In terms of the game, we were disappointed not to get the result.

Ireland in top form ahead of Kumuls clash

Great focus ahead of the game, the Ireland squad is looking forward to facing home side PNG Kumuls tomorrow (Nov 5).

This morning’s captain’s run was Ireland’s way of getting into the momentum following the week’s public outreach with National Capital District residents.

Tomorrow’s clash against the PNG LNG Kumuls will determine who ends up in the quarter finals, making it out of the pool matches and PNG hopes to be that team after they overcome this Ireland outfit.

Stylish Irish cruise past Azzurri

Having scored just 14 points at the 2013 World Cup, the Irish matched that tally inside 20 minutes and then kicked on in the second half after the Azzurri had threatened a comeback with tries either side of the interval. 

Ireland on path to growing rugby league

"To be fair, that's not a bad crowd in Ireland," says captain Liam Finn.

Finn may or may not surpass Bob Beswick – absent from this tour as his wife is expecting – as Ireland's most capped player during this World Cup tour, with the uncertainty due to the fact that he believes he has more than Beswick's 25 Irish caps already.

"Who's got more? Bob Beswick? I'm sure I've got more," says Finn, who on a number of websites is credited with 24 international caps.

Ireland announce World Cup squad

Mark Aston has kept the core squad together that have been a part of the last few European Championships and the players that qualified for the tournament last Autumn.

The evergreen Liam Finn and Scott Grix lead the side as captain and vice-captain with over 20 years of experience now playing for Ireland.

Women's Rugby World Cup: Ireland 19-17 Australia

Hosts Ireland won a nail-biting Women's Rugby World Cup Pool C opener against battling Australia in Dublin.

Larissa Muldoon's converted first-half try, against a Mahalia Murphy score, had Ireland 7-5 ahead at the interval.

Shannon Parry's touchdown edged the Wallaroos in front but replacements Ciara Griffin and Sophie Spence crossed to put Ireland on the road to victory.

The 2014 semi-finalists survived a late scare after prop Hilisha Samoa's try was converted by Ashleigh Hewson.

PNG Mozzies fall to Ireland

In the reply of the 2014 grand final, the Irish got their revenge, booting themselves to an 11 point win at McAlister Oval.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Goal Kickers: T. Goroga 2, M. King, K. Paulias Siwee

Best Players: J. Ikupu, S. Agita, W. Aisi, M. Lavai, G. Simon, J. Peni

IRELAND

Goal Kickers: P. Lucey 3, P. Brennan, D. Mcelhone, R. Cull

Best Players: D. Mcelhone, P. O''Halloran, G. Walls, S. O''Sullivan, P. Lucey, M. Finn.

Round two will see the Mozzies take on Nauru on Wednesday, August 9, at Marty Busch Recreation Reserve at 12:30pm.