Irish Rugby

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Full-back Hugo Keenan will miss Ireland's November schedule after having hip surgery following the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.

Keenan, 29, scored the winning try in the second Test that clinched a series victory for Andy Farrell's men over the Wallabies this summer.

The Leinster player had, however, travelled with a pre-existing hip issue and will now miss his side's start to the United Rugby Championship (URC) season, as well as Ireland's November Tests against New Zealand, Japan, Australia and South Africa.

Keenan's injury is not the only absence Leinster will be dealing with in the early part of the season.

Lock Joe McCarthy is also a doubt for Ireland's autumn fixtures because of the foot problem he sustained on that summer tour down under.

Number eight Caelan Doris, who missed the Lions series with a shoulder injury suffered against Northampton Saints in May's Champions Cup semi-final, is expected to return before Christmas.

The remainder of Leinster's Lions contingent returned to training last week.

Leo Cullen's side start their URC title defence against the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday, 26 September.

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Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber has signed a contract extension to remain at the province until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

The 52-year-old joined Leinster in 2023 after guiding South Africa to back-to-back World Cup wins.

He joins attack coach Tyler Bleyendaal and scrum specialist Robin McBryde - a former Wales hooker and forwards coach - in signing new deals to remain with the URC champions.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen told the club's website: "I think we can all appreciate the work that Robin, Jacques and Tyler have done but also the mark that they have left and are leaving on Leinster in their time here.

"They have all brought tonnes of relevant experience and a different perspective to how we do things, and I think that's hugely important for the development of our group, that we hear other voices and other ways of operating.

"It's not just around the senior team as well, you see it with our academy players and the work that they do visiting the clubs and the schools and giving freely of their time. I'm delighted to have them all on board again."

Nienaber's previous contract tied him to Leinster only until 2026.

Leinster also confirmed their former out-half Emmet Farrell has been appointed to a new role of provincial kicking coach but will remain as kicking coach for the senior side.

Brian Colclough has taken over Farrell's former position as lead performance analyst for Cullen's side.

Leinster begin the defence of their URC title away to the Stormers on 26 September.

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Ireland back row Fiona Tuite says her side "have another gear" to reach in their Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France in Exeter on Sunday.

Scott Bemand's side are playing their first knockout game in this competition since 2014 against a France side who beat them in this year's Women's Six Nations in Belfast.

Tuite believes Ireland have been building steadily through the pool stage for this game and they are ready to produce a big performance.

"I have no doubt we have another gear in us from a physical, speed and tactical point of view to really chase this game on Sunday," she said.

"We have a next level and a new height to come for us as a squad."

The 28-year-old missed Ireland's 40-0 defeat against New Zealand in their final Pool C game with a knock but says she is fit and ready to go on Sunday having been named to start at Sandy Park.

"Body is feeling really good, I trained with the squad on Thursday, and I've been working really hard with the medics and physios to get fit and I'm raring to go now on Sunday," she added.

"I picked up a knock against Spain and it was just too quick a turnaround for the game against New Zealand, I was gutted to miss that one."

The Ulster player believes that the defeat against the Black Ferns will stand Ireland in good stead ahead of their meeting with France, who are also regarded as one of the world's best sides.

"The girls effectively went through war last weekend; we took so many positives once we pushed the emotion of the loss aside and I think it has teed us up really nicely," Tuite explained.

"We have played one of the best teams in the world, we are going to play another of the best teams in the world, so from a physical and tactical point of view, it will give us a real sharpness.

"This is knockout rugby, but we don't change, we focus on ourselves and our process. We know it is do or die, so we're buzzing."

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Former Ireland and British and Irish Lions scrum-half Conor Murray has confirmed his retirement from rugby after opting against a move abroad.

Murray, 36, ended his Test career alongside Peter O'Mahony and Cian Healy at the conclusion of this year's Six Nations.

While initially indicating that he would "pursue a playing opportunity abroad", five-time Six Nations winner Murray has decided to hang up his boots.

"I had left it open-ended," he told The 42, external.

"My body felt really good and in a good place. But it was more for a life experience for my wife Joanna and our little boy Alfie, who's 10 months now, and just if we wanted to go somewhere nice and experience a nice place to live, for them as much as me wanting to play on."

Murray added that he received a "couple of offers" to extend his career.

"There was one in Japan but dragging them [his family] there, putting them in an apartment in Tokyo or something like that just didn't appeal to where we're at at the minute," he added.

"So long story short, nothing of appeal came up and I'm very happy to hang up the boots properly and move into the next chapter."

During his 125-cap Ireland career, Murray won five Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams.

He also made eight Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions across the 2013, 2017 and 2021 tours.

Having made his debut in 2010, Murray played 206 times for Munster, winning two United Rugby Championship titles.

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Iain Henderson will captain Ulster in Friday's pre-season friendly at home to Edinburgh, but there's no place for new signing Juarno Augustus.

Back row Augustus signed for Ulster from Northampton Saints, who he helped reach the Champions Cup final last year.

The 27-year-old was also called into South Africa's provisional squad for the Rugby Championship.

"He is certainly a big character and he is integrating into the training. He looks like he is going to carry hard for us," Willie Faloon said.

"He was really good last year for Northampton and that helps the other ball carriers that we have to take a little bit of heat off them."

Ireland second row Henderson is joined by Matthew Dalton in the second row, while the back row consists of Cormac Izuchukwu, Sean Reffell and David McCann.

Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy form the half back partnership, and James Hume and Jude Postlehwaite are paired at centre.

The back three consists of Zac Ward, Werner Kok and Jake Flannery.

Richie Murphy's side start their United Rugby Championship campaign at home to Dragons on 26 September.

Ulster: Jake Flannery; Werner Kok; James Hume, Jude Postlehwaite; Zac Ward; Jack Murphy, Nathan Doak; Callum Reid, John Andrew, Tom O'Toole; Iain Henderson (capt), Matthew Dalton; Cormac Izuchukwu, Sean Reffell, David McCann.

Replacements: James McCormick, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Nick Timoney, Conor McKee, Jonny Scott, Ben Carson, Marcus Rea, Ethan Graham, Lukas Kenny, Wilhelm De Klerk.

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Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final: Ireland v France

Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter Date: Sunday, 14 September Kick-off: 13:00 BST

Coverage: Watch on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 12:15, listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Radio Ulster and Foyle from 12:30

Ireland back row Aoife Wafer is set to make her return from a knee injury in Sunday's Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France.

Wafer is yet to feature in the tournament after having knee surgery during the summer and was not risked for last weekend's heavy Pool C defeat by holders New Zealand.

The 22-year-old - who will join Harlequins from Leinster after the World Cup - has emerged as an Irish rugby star over the past couple of years and was named this year's Women's Six Nations player of the tournament.

Ireland kicking coach Gareth Steenson confirmed on Wednesday that Wafer had been training with the squad and would be available for selection.

"Aoife has been back in training with the squad, got some good training sessions under her belt. She's been looking really good," said Steenson.

"It's been a long road for her but all being well she's available for selection this week. We're very pleased with where she's at."

The Ireland coach added that co-captain Edel McMahon, Stacey Flood, Ellena Perry and Fiona Tuite were expected to return to training on Thursday with a view to being available for this weekend's last-eight tie.

Full-back Flood and McMahon were forced off during the New Zealand loss, while prop Perry was ruled out on the day of the Black Ferns game.

Back row Tuite missed the 40-0 defeat after picking up a knock in the win over Spain.

Steenson said that the coaching team were assessing their options for the encounter with the French in Exeter and the squad had moved on quickly from their comprehensive reverse on Sunday.

"We've got options right across the board so we'll have a look at where we are at.

"We are disappointed with how it played out at the weekend. The couple of tries at the end maybe flattered the scoreline a little bit but for our girls they've put it to bed fairly quickly. They have to, because it's knockout rugby this week.

"From our point of view they've taken things on board very quickly. We've started to put the plan together for what we need to do this week and the girls are buying into it."

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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."

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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 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."