Irish Rugby

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On this week's Ireland Rugby Social, Gavin and Conor are joined by Ulster's Rob Herring.

The 35-year-old has represented Ireland 43 times and last played in green in 2024 against South Africa.

Born in Cape Town, Herring speaks about his move from South Africa to Ireland and he settled in Belfast after moving to Ulster in 2012.

In a wide-ranging podcast, the trio discuss Herring's career with Ireland, his first impressions of Andy Farrell and how much confidence he has for this season with Ulster.

Listen to the Ireland Rugby Social with Rob Herring on BBC Sounds right now.

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Ireland's fixtures for the inaugural Nations Championship in 2026 have been confirmed.

Andy Farrell's side will travel to face Australia, Japan and New Zealand in July before hosting Argentina, Fiji and South Africa in November.

Venues are yet to be confirmed.

The biennial 12-team event comprises six rounds of matches across the summer and autumn Test windows before a 'finals weekend' on 27-29 November at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.

After each team has played the other six from the opposing hemisphere once, they are ranked within their own hemisphere.

The finals weekend in London will start with the sixth-placed northern hemisphere side taking on their southern hemisphere equivalent, and culminate in the two group winners taking each other on for the title.

The results on the finals weekend will also contribute to a north v south overall score and title.

Ireland's fixtures

4 July

Australia v Ireland

11 July

Japan v Ireland

18 July

New Zealand v Ireland

6-8 November

Ireland v Argentina

13-15 November

Ireland v Fiji

21 November

Ireland v South Africa

Finals weekend

27 November

Sixth-place North v Sixth-place South

Third-place North v Third-place South

28 November

Fifth-place North v Fifth-place South

Second-place North v Second-place South

29 November

Fourth-place North v Fourth-place South

First-place North v First-place South

All you need to know about the Nations Championship

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South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth admits Saturday's Test against Ireland (17:40 GMT) "stood out" when this year's fixture schedule was released, but insisted the world champions are not out for revenge.

Ireland have won four of the past five matches between the sides, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup pool encounter and last year's hugely dramatic Test in Durban.

But Etzebeth, 34, says the Durban game - which followed South Africa's 27-20 win in Pretoria - is not at the forefront of the Springboks' minds.

"I'm not one for going back in time and watching past games for motivation," he said.

"Playing Ireland here in Dublin is a very different challenge to that series in South Africa. That was a year and a half ago. A lot can happen in rugby in a week, and that game was a long time ago."

Two-time World Cup winner Etzebeth added: "Ireland are a great team; they have been in the top three of the world rankings for several years.

"They are a top-quality side. I am looking forward to this fixture after a long wait because when we looked at the calendar at the beginning of the year, this fixture stood out."

South Africa arrive in Dublin in excellent form. Having retained the Rugby Championship, Rassie Erasmus' side trounced Japan 61-7 at Wembley before overcoming France and Italy.

The wins in Paris and Turin were particularly notable because of first-half red cards for South Africa, with Lood de Jager dismissed for a shoulder-to-head tackle on Les Bleus full-back Thomas Ramos and Franco Mostert sent off for a similar offence against the Azzurri.

While De Jager was handed a four-game suspension, Etzebeth says the Springboks will not change their style.

"I don't think it will affect our game too much. We must keep being aware of level change," said the Sharks forward, who is set to earn his 140th cap at Aviva Stadium this weekend.

"You feel that if you level change, you should be safe and get the benefit of the doubt. For me personally, I will keep playing the game I play, and I think the other locks will do the same."

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Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw believes their final autumn nations series fixture against world champions South Africa will be a "proper test" in terms of assessing where the squad is at.

Ireland suffered a dispiriting loss to New Zealand before a below-par victory over Japan, but bounced back in ruthless fashion last weekend with a record 46-19 victory over Australia, with Henshaw scoring one of their six tries.

Having won the Rugby Championship, South Africa are three from three in their November matches in the northern hemisphere.

The Springboks will look to claim a tour clean sweep in Dublin after victories over Japan at Wembley, France and Italy.

Ireland famously stunned South Africa in the group stages of the 2023 World Cup, and the sides drew a summer series in 2024.

And Henshaw hopes the Irish can back up their display against the Wallabies with another big performance at Aviva Stadium on Saturday (17:40 GMT).

"I think they're the talk of world rugby at the moment in terms of the strength in depth they have, the individual talent," he said.

"They're grinding out results... teams looks like they have them and then they find a way to get back.

"It's a proper test for us to see where we're at. We have gone toe-to-toe with them, from summer last year it was one win each in that series, so I suppose they'll be looking at that as well.

"It's massively exciting because they're such a proud nation as well and, you know, when we play against them here in Dublin, it's always a thriller."

The 32-year-old believes there is still more to come from Ireland as they look to end 2025 on a high.

"I think [against Australia] we conceded quite easily in the first half in that second 20 minutes when they got a roll on," Henshaw added.

"So, with what's coming, it's more of that up-front physicality and big men running down our channels.

"I think we just need to meet them on the gainline and front up and that's a thing we'd have to look at, our physicality in around fringes and stopping the momentum of teams."

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Ireland pair Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier are both available for Saturday's Test against world champions South Africa, but Stuart McCloskey has been ruled out of the match through injury.

Centre Ringrose and back-row Van der Flier have both recovered from hamstring strains in time to be available for selection for the Aviva Stadium meeting with the Springboks after missing the 46-19 win over Australia.

McCloskey misses out with a recurrence of a groin injury which saw him have to retire hurt after 27 minutes of the weekend victory over the Wallabies, Bundee Aki being introduced as his replacement in midfield.

The Ulster centre was initially forced to sit out the 41-10 win over Japan after sustaining the groin problem during the loss to New Zealand on 1 November which began Ireland's autumn campaign.

Meanwhile, Leinster prop Thomas Clarkson has cleared all head injury assessment (HIA) protocols and is set to train fully this week ahead of the Dublin encounter with the world's number-one ranked side.

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It has not been the most comfortable of starts to the autumn internationals for both Ireland and Australia.

Andy Farrell's side opened the month with defeat to the All Blacks in Chicago followed by last week's unconvincing win over Japan in Dublin.

For the Wallabies, their European tour has seen defeats to England and Italy leaving the tourists in a run of bad form with just one win in their last six games.

Ireland have named Mack Hansen a full-back and recalled Sam Prendergast at fly-half for Saturday's match as Farrell makes nine changes from the side that beat Japan 41-10 last week.

Hansen, who was not expected to feature at all this month after picking up an injury on duty for Connacht, finds himself starting in the 15 jersey for the first time for Ireland with Hugo Keenan and Jamie Osbourne on the sidelines.

For 22-year-old Prendergast, it is a first start since Ireland's Six Nations defeat to France in March, having been been locked in a battle for the jersey with Jack Crowley over the last 12 months.

Stuart McCloskey returns from injury while Paddy McCarthy earns his first Test start following his debut against New Zealand and a try-scoring cameo against Japan.

James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong and Jack Conan are the others recalled to the starting team.

For Australia, Schmidt has opted to give James O'Connor his first northern hemisphere Test appearance in four years as he starts at fly-half.

He'll partner Jake Gordan in the half-backs with Len Ikitau (centre) and Max Jorgensen (full-back) returning to the starting side with Ulster-bound Angus Bell joining Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.

Full teams

Ireland: M Hansen, T O'Brien, R Henshaw, S McCloskey, J Lowe; S Prendergast, J Gibson-Park; P McCarthy, D Sheehan, T Furlong ; J Ryan, T Beirne; R Baird, C Doris (capt), J Conan.

Replacements: R Kelleher, A Porter, T Clarkson, C Prendergast, N Timoney, C Casey, J Crowley, B Aki.

Australia: M Jorgensen; F Daugunu; JA Suaalii, L Ikitau; H Potter; J O'Connor, J Gordon; A Bell, M Faessler, A Alaalatoa; J Williams, T Hooper; R Valetini, F McReight, H Wilson (capt)

Replacements: B Pollard, T Robertson, Z Nonggorr, N Frost, C Tizzano, R Lonergan, T Edmed, A Kellaway.

Coverage details

The match kicks off at 20:10 GMT.

There will be live radio coverage from 20:00 GMT on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds with live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

We'll have further reaction and analysis from former Ireland star Conor Murray on the Ireland Rugby Social podcast after the match too (available on BBC Sounds).

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Prop Scott Wilson and centre Jude Postlethwaite have signed new contracts with United Rugby Championship side Ulster.

Postlethwaite, 23, has agreed a new deal until 2029, while Wilson has signed on until 2028.

Both players featured on the Emerging Ireland tour of South Africa in 2024 and in an Ireland XV game against Spain in November.

Postlethwaite, who scored six tries in 18 appearances for Ulster last season, said he was "very pleased" to sign a new deal.

"I'm really enjoying playing in this team and feel we are starting to show signs of a really exciting team going forward.

"It's something that I'm excited to be a part of and there is strong competition in the squad, which will only make me a better player."

Wilson, who made his senior debut against Munster in 2023 and played 19 times last season, said it was a "huge honour" to represent his home province.

"Ulster is a special club with incredible supporters, and I'm excited to keep developing my game under the coaching team," said the 23-year-old.

"I want to continue pushing for selection, challenge myself to improve in every area, and contribute as much as I can to the team's success."

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy, who coached both players of Ireland's Under-20 Six Nations Grand Slam winners in 2022, said he was "excited" to see their development.

"Jude is an exciting young centre with a plenty of potential and room for growth. His ability to play both 12 & 13 showcases his versatility," Murphy said.

"He is a very strong, athletic ball carrier with a good offloading game, making him one to keep an eye on going forward.

"Scottie is a dynamic young prop and with time and application, can develop into a top-class tighthead prop. He has great ball carrying skills and the ability to do things other props struggle to do."

Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI Senior Journalist

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Quilter Nations Series: Ireland v Australia

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Date: Saturday, 15 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT

Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Sports Extra 2, Radio Ulster, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app; text commentary on the BBC Sport website

Bundee Aki says he is determined to reach "another level" with Ireland after admitting his form is not where he wants it to be.

While the Connacht centre started two British and Irish Lions Tests against Australia in the summer, Ireland boss Andy Farrell picked Stuart McCloskey at inside centre for the defeat by New Zealand in Chicago a fortnight ago.

Named as a replacement for Saturday's Test against Australia, Aki is keen to recapture the form that saw him nominated for World Rugby player of the year in 2023.

"Probably not at the point where I want it to be. That's what it is, you just have to adapt and go with it," said the 35-year-old.

"We have such healthy competition in the Irish group with Robbie [Henshaw], Garry [Ringrose], Stu and now Tom Farrell. All quality players. It's a matter of how much you can improve your game and take it to another level and that's what I need to do."

He added: "There's healthy competition, guys who have been playing well for their provinces and putting their hand up.

"You saw Stu play very well in the New Zealand game and then Robbie and Tom play in the Japan game, the guys are putting their hands up. Once you get your chance, you've got to take it with both hands."

Aki will be 37 by the time the 2027 Rugby World Cup rolls around, but he is not concerned about age.

"I think coaches understand how players are, that's why our strength and condition coaches and nutritionists are there," added the Auckland-born back.

"We just have to turn up. We know we have to do all the recovery we can, making sure you look after your body physically and mentally, so that all plays a part.

"I don't think age plays a really big part of it, you just have to make sure you're ready to go when called upon."

When asked where he feels are Ireland are at the midpoint of the World Cup cycle, Aki said: "We're building nicely, we're learning on the go.

"There's a transition period at the moment but guys are finding their feet, finding their flow and starting to play how they want to play the game. I think we're in a great spot at the moment."

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James O'Connor will play his first Test in the northern hemisphere in four years after being recalled by Australia to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday (20:10 GMT).

The 35-year-old will start at fly-half for the Wallabies under Joe Schmidt, who faces the side he led to three Six Nations title as the predecessor to current Irish head coach Andy Farrell.

Australia have lost five of their last six matches and their two autumn Tests with England and Italy have both ended in defeat.

"We've tried to get some freshness into this squad," said Schmidt.

"There's a bit of wear and tear, to be honest, and we're just trying to mitigate some of the wear and tear and get a fresh 15 out there."

Leicester Tigers' O'Connor, who made his first Australia appearance in three years against the British and Irish Lions in July, will partner Jake Gordon at half-back after missing the Wallabies' three most recent games against Japan, England and Italy.

Len Ikitau returns to join Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at centre, while Harry Potter retains his place on the wing and will start in the back three alongside Filipo Daugunu and Max Jorgensen.

Ulster-bound prop Angus Bell is named in the front row alongside Matt Faessler and the returning Allan Alaalatoa.

Tom Hooper moves from the back row to lock, as Rob Valetini joins Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson in the pack.

"I've learned a long time ago, you can't please all the people all the time, but we've got to build some depth," added Schmidt, who will be replaced by Les Kiss next year.

"I feel like if you don't have strength in depth, you're too vulnerable. But how do you learn and how do you get better? I think the only way to do it is in the arena, and at some stage, you've got to trust everyone in your squad.

"If you've selected them, then they have to be ready for whatever is demanded of them once they put on a Test jersey."

Australia: M Jorgensen; F Daugunu; JA Suaalii, L Ikitau; H Potter; J O'Connor, J Gordon; A Bell, M Faessler, A Alaalatoa; J Williams, T Hooper; R Valetini, F McReight, H Wilson (capt)

Replacements: B Pollard, T Robertson, Z Nonggorr, N Frost, C Tizzano, R Lonergan, T Edmed, A Kellaway.

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Ireland assistant coach Andrew Goodman provided an update on the fitness of injured quartet Mack Hansen, Stuart McCloskey, Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier before Saturday's Test against Australia (20:10 GMT).

British and Irish Lion Hansen was called into the squad on Monday despite initially being considered out for the autumn series because of the foot injury he picked up in his side's United Rugby Championship loss to the Bulls last month.

Ulster's McCloskey missed the 41-10 win over Japan after picking up a groin injury in the defeat by New Zealand in Chicago.

Ringrose and Van der Flier were also absent for the Japan victory with hamstring injuries.

But Goodman confirmed all four are in contention to feature against the Wallabies after they all took part in some form of training on Tuesday.

"It's great to have Mack back amongst the squad, he's a great lad to bring the energy up and boys look forward to having him," Goodman said.

"He took full part in training today and was running around well, Stu the same and Garry [and Josh] are going through their process return to play so they took part in parts of training today.

"They're [all] pushing for the week ahead."

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Australia's Ulster-bound prop Angus Bell is not feeling any extra pressure before Saturday's Test against Ireland (20:10 GMT).

Bell, 25, will join the Irish province on a short-term deal until the end of the season following the autumn internationals.

"Playing for your country's enough pressure as it is," said the loose-head.

"The pressure that we do have is privilege, be lucky enough to be playing a Test match for your country against any team, it's an incredible privilege.

"It's massive challenge, as every Test match is, but especially against the Irish."

Bell, who has 48 Wallabies caps, added: "They're a great team, as you've seen earlier in the year when most of them were in the British and Irish Lions.

"They're great athletes, and we know how dangerous they are with ball and without."

Bell, who plays for the Waratahs in Super Rugby, said he is excited to experience something new during his stint in Belfast.

"Ulster have a really great coaching staff, some really good older men that played last week, [Stuart] McCloskey in the centre," said the Sydney-born forward, who featured in all three Tests against the Lions.

"You have got a couple forwards mixed in there too. It's to experience something new, get away from Australia briefly, hopefully to come back into the environment would be great.

"It's all about learning from there, I'm still just 25 so just learning off those people around the world."

Bell, who has been preparing for the move by watching the Kenneth Branagh-directed film Belfast, added: "It was something that I needed in my career, I thought would be beneficial.

"I know it's colder than Australia, that's for sure."

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Ireland hooker Gus McCarthy said the side are putting incredible work to ensure their line-out is where it "should be" against Australia this weekend.

Andy Farrell's forward pack have struggled out of touch during periods of Test matches against New Zealand and Japan this month. They will face the Wallabies in Dublin on Saturday (20:10 GMT) before finishing their November slate by hosting South Africa a week later.

While Ireland have had long stretches of their set-piece being a strength, the inconsistency has been a factor dating back to the last World Cup in 2023.

Like in the defeat by the All Blacks a week prior, Ireland's first line-out of the game went awry in Saturday's victory over Japan and, across the 80 minutes, they lost three of 17.

There was, however, a marked improvement as the game wore on with second-half replacement McCarthy scoring a 66th-minute try off of a maul.

"I think it's just kind of going back to basics," said the 22-year-old.

"I know a lot of things happen in a line-out, a lot of times a lot of onus is put on the hooker, but there's a lot of different moving parts.

"It's very tough on everyone in the line-out, but as a squad, we're putting in incredible work so I'm sure we should be back to where we should be next week."

Farrell's assistant with responsibility for the line-out is Paul O'Connell with McCarthy adding that the legendary Ireland lock is a far calmer presence as a coach than his playing persona may suggest.

"Paulie, he's incredibly detail-focused. What I've learned from him is just he's very, very process-driven, and he gets you to just double down on yourself," added the Leinster hooker.

"He's very calm and very composed. He'll just maybe give a few tips on where he thinks we can improve on. He's very calm, there's no screaming or shouting.

"Paulie puts such trust in us. We have such a good plan and such a good group of lads."

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Former Ireland captain Peter O'Mahony believes there are sections of the side's support who need "a bit of perspective" after this month's loss to New Zealand.

Andy Farrell's side were beaten 26-13 by the All Blacks in Chicago to start their autumn series, before putting an unconvincing first-half performance behind them to eventually overpower Japan on Saturday.

Reaction to the Soldier Field defeat, coupled with the side surrendering their Six Nations crown to France this year, has led to questions regarding the side's direction heading towards the 2027 World Cup.

Speaking on the the Ireland Rugby Social podcast with Conor Murray, O'Mahony said the discourse around the team needs to "calm down".

Ireland did not win a Test match against the All Blacks until 2016 and, in O'Mahony's first year as an international in 2012, a 3-0 series whitewash in New Zealand included a 60-0 humbling in Hamilton.

"It's kind of ironic at the moment because people are asking me about the current Irish team and what's going on," he told the podcast.

"It's funny [where] the state of mind of an Irish rugby supporter has gone from me starting my career, or say even five or six years before that, to now saying there must be something big wrong with Ireland if we've lost to the All Blacks."

When reflecting on how expectations have changed, O'Mahony believes the media narrative around the team plays into the general sentiment.

"(In 2012), we got absolutely hockeyed over there, we'd never beaten them. You break the mould in 2016 and then all of a sudden we beat them five out of 10 times. Now when we lose to them, people are going, 'oh there's a big problem with the Irish rugby team'.

"I think it should be a bit of perspective from Irish rugby fans in general, calm down a bit.

"They can be hysterical at times, you know what I mean? Part of that is the media."