Irish Rugby

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Bryn Cunningham will leave his position as Ulster Rugby's General Manager after 11 years in the post.

A statement released by the Irish province on Monday explained that the former full-back would be departing his position "to take on a new challenge".

Cunningham's role included recruiting and retaining players and contract negotiations.

He will remain in position for the "foreseeable future" while Ulster begin the process of recruiting his successor.

The 47-year-old joined Ulster Rugby straight from school aged 19 and went on to represent the province for many years, firstly in a playing capacity, before moving into senior management.

The statement lauded Cunningham's contribution over almost three decades as "immense".

"We are deeply grateful to Bryn for his loyalty, leadership, and dedication over so many years," it read.

"Few people have given as much of themselves to Ulster Rugby, and his influence will be felt long after his departure.

"We thank him sincerely for everything he has done for the club and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career."

Cunningham, along with his brother Jan, was a member of the Ulster squad which won the European Cup in 1999.

He explained that it had been "an incredibly hard decision to make" but felt that this season is "the right time for me to look towards a new challenge".

"I've spent the last period putting in place a robust 3–5-year strategy, that has the full support of both Ulster and Irish Rugby.

"As it starts to take shape with many of the structures, people, and processes now in place for the season ahead, I'm confident that we have the right staff in the Senior Professional and Pathway teams to drive those key objectives forward that should bring stability and sustainability to Ulster Rugby in the years ahead.

"The emergence of some serious talent in the current squad and the likes of new overseas signings, Juarno Augustus and Angus Bell, should lead to a highly competitive team for any opposition this season."

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Women's Rugby World Cup - Pool C: Ireland v New Zealand

Venue: Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium Date: Sunday, 7 September Kick-off: 14:45 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 14:30, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 14:30 and BBC Radio Ulster and Foyle from 14:00; also live with text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Ireland's Edel McMahon feels New Zealand will "definitely" have revenge on their minds when the teams reunite in Brighton on Sunday to decide the winner of World Cup Pool C.

During last year's WXV1 in Vancouver Ireland stunned the Black Ferns late on, with a last-gasp Erin King try and Dannah O'Brien conversion securing a 29-27 win over the world champions.

Although both sides have made a raft of changes for the match, McMahon believes Ireland have gained the "respect" of their rivals.

"I'm sure they felt from the last outing they took us for granted more than they wanted to," said the co-captain.

"We can never control what the opposition is going to feel against us, but only control how we take the game and prepare.

"Leading into this World Cup, we've started to gain respect - where this Irish team is coming from, it's not unexpected teams will take us more seriously."

New Zealand's last defeat in a World Cup came back in 2014 at the hands of the Irish but there has been no stopping them since, winning the subsequent tournaments in 2017 and 2021.

A third-straight triumph and seventh overall is firmly in their sights and despite the talents of Jorja Miller and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe grabbing the attention, McMahon insists Ireland's focus is on the collective.

"It's not about isolating any players," said the experienced flanker.

"New Zealand deserve their respect but we deserve respect for how we have produced and performed over the last two years.

"That they are sending out a strong team gives us that respect and likewise, we're not taking this game lightly. We haven't spoken about individuals, but have spoken about the threats they can pose."

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Women's Rugby World Cup - Pool C: Ireland v New Zealand

Venue: Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium Date: Sunday, 7 September Kick-off: 14:45 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 14:30, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 14:30 and BBC Radio Ulster and Foyle from 14:00; also live with text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Ireland's 'Green Wave' has been the team's "16th player" throughout the World Cup, according to scrum-half Aoibheann Reilly.

In the victories against Japan and Spain in Northampton, Ireland enjoyed considerable support from fans based in England and also from many who have travelled from home to cheer on Scott Bemand's side.

On Sunday, they face defending champions New Zealand to decide the winner of Pool C at a sold-out Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium, which has a capacity of just under 32,000.

Once again, the Ireland fans are expected to turn out in force and Reilly says that backing is a "lift" for the team.

"It's like playing with 16 players when you have the crowd behind you," the 24-year-old told BBC Sport NI's Nicola McCarthy.

"It lifts you in moments when you might feel extra tired or have a lack of focus for a second. You see someone in the crowd in green and it lifts you up."

The Ballinasloe native was absent through injury when Ireland stunned the Black Ferns 29-27 in Vancouver last year.

New Zealand show 10 changes from that WXV1 game, including Portia Woodman-Wickliffe who became her nation's record try-scorer last week in the victory against Japan.

"We know it's a very different New Zealand side, as is ours," Reilly said.

"Portia is an amazing player and what she's done for the women's rugby game is insane.

"We have equally as many threats on our wing. They have big players but so do we and we know what it's like to train against world-class players.

"We know what we're made of and that we can put it up to them if we get all of our ducks in a row."

Image source, Getty Images

Women's Rugby World Cup - Pool C: Ireland v New Zealand

Venue: Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium Date: Sunday, 7 September Kick-off: 14:45 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 14:30, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 14:30 and BBC Radio Ulster and Foyle from 14:00; also live with text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Ireland's Stacey Flood says she will be ready to put her "best foot forward" if asked to move to out-half during Sunday's Pool C decider against New Zealand.

Selected at full-back, Flood is the most likely candidate to switch to the half-back role should starter Dannah O'Brien be unable to finish the game as neither Enya Breen nor Nicole Fowley are named among the replacements.

A former Gaelic footballer with a strong left boot, Flood has experience in the number 10 jersey. Although she hopes a change of position during Sunday's game with the Black Ferns is not required, she will be ready to go if called upon.

"Dannah is such an incredible player, you never know what her next move will be," Flood said.

"Hopefully she keeps steering the ship and it won't be needed, but if it is, we have contingency plans for everything and I can put the best foot forward. I have the girls around me, so you're not there alone and have to make all the decisions."

Flood has experience of taking on the Black Ferns as part of the Ireland sevens team and also in rugby's traditional format.

Although aware of what threats the defending champions bring, she insists Ireland must focus on getting their own game right.

"New Zealand are known for their running game and those girls are great at that," Flood added.

"It's about seeing what they are good at and how we can counter that. But it's also about focusing on the game we want to play, which I think we have done in parts in the last two games.

"They are a world-class side and contenders, so you can't put that to the side either, but the last stop is with us."

Lauren McCann
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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Ireland wing Anna McGann says "anything is possible" for her side against New Zealand but that they need to be "more clinical".

Scott Bemand's side will meet the World Cup holders in their final Pool C game on Sunday, with the winners of that game securing top spot and potentially a kinder quarter-final draw.

And while McGann is confident they can shock New Zealand, she knows Ireland will have to improve upon their display in their 43-27 win against Spain.

"Yeah definitely [Ireland can win], we didn't just come here to show up, we came here to compete, and we want to be in that grand final in London, so anything is possible," she told BBC Sport NI.

"We need to hold onto the ball and be more clinical in the contact zone. We were disappointed in ourselves at times [against Spain]. There were a lot of momentum shifts and I think we could make it easier for ourselves."

McGann scored two of Ireland's seven tries against Spain in Northampton but credited the work of the forwards in allowing her to get over the line twice.

"They were only me dropping them down over the line after the forwards did their work, but I think if you look at that and Amee-Leigh [Costigan] on the other wing as well, it shows how dangerous we can be."

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Prop Ellena Perry says Spain pushed Ireland "right to the end" in her side's 43-27 win at Franklin's Gardens.

A seven-try victory sent Ireland into the Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2014 after a tough test in Northampton.

Perry, named player of the match on her first start, told BBC Two: "They really did [test us]. We knew all week they would come out firing and fair play to them, it was a tough game.

"We knew they were going to be tough competitors all game, and they pushed us right to the end.

"We just needed to get front-foot ball and make sure we kept possession; it was difficult but pleased to get the win."

After beating Japan in their opener, Scott Bemand's side have now won both their two Pool C games to reach the knockout stage with a game to spare.

They face New Zealand next Sunday in their final pool game in Brighton, aiming to secure top spot.

And the fixture against the World Cup holders is one Perry will relish.

"Two bonus-point wins which we can't fault but plenty of learnings this weekend and we're really excited for a big game in Brighton next week," she added.

Image source, Getty Images

Women's Rugby World Cup - Pool C: Ireland v Spain

Venue: Franklin's Gardens, Northampton Date: Sunday, 31 August Kick-off: 12:00 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC Two, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sport website and app.

Ireland front row Linda Djougang says her refusal to be complacent has been a key factor in achieving the consistency which has seen her become an almost 'ever-present' and reach her 50th cap against Spain in Sunday's Rugby World Cup fixture.

The Cameroon-born prop has missed just one Ireland match since making her international debut against England in 2019.

"It feels amazing. I haven't really thought about it until this week. When I started rugby I never dreamt of this. I never imagined I would reach this milestone," said Djougang.

"Every game I just try to do my best. For me it means so much to show the other girls in the squad that they can get there too.

"For me to be that role model for them, there aren't really words, but we have a job to do against Spain to make it even more special. We've been so focused on the game and getting everything right for Sunday."

The 29-year-old says she never takes anything for granted as regards selection.

"You never want to feel comfortable. In each training session you want to put your hand up for selection. As we all know rugby is such an unpredictable game.

"I always train like I'm on the bench and I want to get on the starting team. This milestone shows me what I'm capable of and pushes me to want more.

"It's nice to be reminded of the achievement and I'll celebrate with the girls as my journey started with them and this landmark deserves to be celebrated with them."

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand paid tribute to the impact made by Djougang, and her influence on the squad before Sunday's match in Northampton.

"Linda is an incredible person, an incredible player. She can play both sides of the scrum and has such a level of resilience and robustness.

"It's an incredible feat of endurance, of getting better all the time. She's right at the centre of where we've come from, what we are now and where we're trying to go.

"Hopefully we give a performance to do this milestone proud."