Irish Rugby

Image source, Inpho

Ireland scrum-half Craig Casey looks set to miss the Six Nations after Munster confirmed he will miss "approximately four months" following knee surgery.

Casey was forced off with the injury in Munster's Investec Champions Cup defeat by Castres earlier this month.

The 25-year-old has won 18 Ireland caps since making his debut in 2021 and featured in three of their four autumn Tests last month.

Ireland begin their Six Nations title defence on 1 February against England. The holders, who will be led by interim head coach Simon Easterby in Andy Farrell's Lions-enforced absence, also face Scotland and Wales away and host France before a final-weekend trip to Italy on 15 March.

In further bad news for Munster, Thaakir Abrahams and Jean Kleyn are also set to miss around four months after undergoing shoulder and thigh surgeries respectively.

Munster are also without Alex Nankivell and Dave Kilcoyne for their United Rugby Championship interpro against Leinster on Friday.

Nankivell injured his hamstring whilst Kilcoyne picked up a thigh injury in Munster's 22-19 victory against Ulster last weekend.

Both will go for scans to determine the extent of the injuries and are unavailable for the Thomond Park game against Leinster.

Dian Bleuler is completing his return to play protocols and Munster said that "his availability will be determined later in the week".

Diarmuid Barron, Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray are all returning from injuries and are in contention to feature for interim head coach Ian Costello.

Image source, Getty Images

Stuart McCloskey is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a "significant hamstring injury" in Ulster's United Rugby Championship loss to Munster.

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy said the Ireland international will miss "quite a large number of weeks".

McCloskey will hope to regain fitness in time for the start of Ireland's Six Nations title defence at home to England on 1 February.

Ulster wing Zac Ward is a doubt for Saturday's interpro against Connacht after picking up an ankle knock in the Munster game.

While Stewart Moore remains out, there was some good news for Murphy as the province's long injury list appears to be easing.

Ben Carson, Ethan McIlroy, Jake Flannery and Nathan Doak, as well as Irish internationals Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney and Iain Henderson have all resumed team training following their recent injuries.

Murphy's side have lost their past five games and have just three wins from their 10 fixtures this season.

They sit 11th in the URC table ahead of the Connacht game in Galway as they seek a first win since October.

Image source, Inpho

Connacht will play at Mayo GAA's McHale Park for the first time in the professional era when they take on derby rivals Munster in March.

The historic occasion in Castlebar will see the teams compete in an interprovincial United Rugby Championship encounter on Saturday, 29 March.

"All the players were absolutely delighted when told the news - the opportunity to play in front of a massive home crowd, in the heart of the province, is something to really look forward to," said Connacht club captain Cian Prendergast.

"Our supporters are amongst the best there are, and we know the passion that the people of Mayo, and Connacht more widely, show every time they support their teams, whatever the code or colour of the jersey."

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins is also looking forward to seeing his team play at McHale Park.

"We're all incredibly excited by today's news - we are proud to represent the whole province of Connacht, and we look forward to sharing this great occasion with our existing supporters and getting out to meet many more new supporters from all across the province."

Image source, Inpho

Ireland and Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw has signed a two-year contract extension with the IRFU until the 2027-28 season.

The 31-year-old is one of five players alongside Conor Murray, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson and Peter O'Mahony to have won five Six Nations titles with Ireland.

Henshaw has won 77 Test caps in green since making his debut against USA in 2013, scoring 10 tries in that time.

He started all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions on their 2021 tour to South Africa and has played 95 times for Leinster, scoring 100 points.

"It is a great boost to secure my long-term future with the IRFU and I am delighted to get this deal concluded ahead of a busy period - it is a huge privilege to play rugby in Ireland because we are so well looked after, from coaching, facilities, sports science and player management perspectives," said Henshaw.

"It's also an incredibly competitive place to play rugby, and, even though we have enjoyed some success in recent years, there is great hunger within Irish Rugby to continue driving forward. I believe that my best days are to come and I am excited to continue my journey here in Ireland."

IRFU performance director David Humphreys praised Henshaw's contribution to Ireland stretching over a decade.

"Since breaking into the senior international squad 11 years ago, Robbie has been a consistent presence in one of the most competition areas of the Irish backline. Robbie is a consummate professional and a popular figure who continues to set the bar high.

"His performances during the recent Autumn Nations Series suggest that there is even more to come and I am delighted that he will continue his playing career here in Ireland and with Leinster."

Image source, Inpho

Ulster's Werner Kok believes the side's struggles this season are an opportunity to show their character.

The province have lost their past five games and have just three wins from their 10 fixtures this season.

Sat 11th in the United Rugby Championship table after Friday's loss to Munster, they face Connacht in Galway on Saturday seeking a first win since October.

"It is tough," said Kok, who joined the side from the Sharks in the summer.

"I've been in this situation before, you can't really worry about what's on the outside and what other people say. It becomes more internal now and it actually brings out the character in the team.

"It is easy to see good character and good fight if it's going well, and it really brings out the boys' fight and character when it's not going that well. It's going to test us now."

Ulster have already beaten Connacht this season, coming out on top 32-27 when the teams met in Belfast, but Kok says they will need to be more clinical in attack this week than they were against Munster if they are to win in Galway.

"I haven't been there yet but I've heard it's pretty tough," he added.

"It's another Irish derby, so we'll sit down and see where we can improve but there are a lot of positives and whenever we get into the 22, we just have to get more points and we just have to take the game to them."

Image source, Inpho

Wolhounds (14) 33

Tries: Larn, Djougang, Higgins, Burke, Flood Con: O'Brien 4

Clovers (7) 7

Tries: Penalty try

Holders Wolfhounds defeated Irish rivals Clovers with a bonus-point 33-7 win in their opening Celtic Challenge Cup match at Energia Park.

The Wolfhounds got the first try of the game after four minutes when Stacey Flood made a break and fed Amy Larn, which allowed the wing to touch down. Dannah O'Brien added the conversion.

The Clovers responded and had the ball held up over the line, but the moment of the match came when Ireland prop Linda Djougang picked the ball up in her own half, held off Enya Breen and broke clear for a super score. O'Brien again converted.

The Clovers responded well and got on the board when a maul was brought down right on the line, and a penalty try was awarded and Erin King was sent to the sin bin.

Eve Higgins extended the Wolfhounds' lead three minutes after the restart after spotting a gap and O'Brien made it three from three from the tee.

Replacement hooker Kelly Burke rounded off a rolling maul with 13 minutes remaining to secure the bonus-point try, and Ireland international O'Brien kept her perfect kicking record.

Flood, who competed for Ireland in Rugby Sevens at the Olympics, crashed over with eight minutes to play to secure a commanding win.

The sides face off again at UCD on Saturday, 28 December.

Wolfhounds: Stacey Flood; Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Aoife Dalton, Eve Higgins, Amy Larn; Dannah O'Brien, Katie Whelan; Niamh O'Dowd, Maebh Clenaghan, Linda Djougang; Alma Atagamen, Poppy Garvey, Molly Boyne, Claire Boles (capt), Erin King.

Replacements: Kelly Burke, Tricia Doyle, Caoimhe Molloy, Cliodhna Ni Chonchobhair, Ciara Short, Erin McConnell, Megan Burns, Katie Corrigan.

Clovers: Meabh Deely, Hannah Clarke, Ellen Boylan, Enya Breen (capt), Chisom Ugwueru; Nicole Fowley, Emily Lane; Siobhan McCarthy, Beth Buttimer, Sophie Barrett; Jane Neill, Ruth Campbell; Jemima Adams Verling, Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird,. Ivana Kiripati

Replacements: Saoirse Crowe, Grainne Burke, Sadhbh McGrath, Faith Oviawe, Edel McMahon, Grainne Moran, Caitriona Finn, Amee Leigh Costigan.

Image source, Inpho

Munster's interim head coach Ian Costello hailed the performance of centre Tom Farrell after his side beat Ulster 22-19 in Kingspan Stadium.

The summer signing from Connacht scored a hat-trick, including the winning try in the game's final minute, to help the southern province past Ulster who had prop Tom O'Toole sent off in the 31st minute.

"I can't stress enough how good Tom has been for us this season, he's played so many minutes," said Costello, whose side jumped from 11th to fifth in the United Rugby Championship [URC] table with the win.

"We were joking that he's played his quota from last season and we're not even halfway through yet.

"He's been brilliant on and off the pitch, but tonight was definitely his best on-pitch performance."

The 31-year-old has played all but 13 minutes of Munster's season so far, although will be asked to go again against Leinster on 27 December after his centre partner Alex Nankivell was injured in the incident that brought O'Toole's dismissal.

"He would have been looking for a rest soon, but Alex is going to get the next rest," added Costello.

"His hamstring isn't great after that clearout, so Tom will go another week and we'll give him a few days off after Christmas then."

Munster hooker Niall Scannell described Farrell's form as "unbelievable" since his switch to Thomond Park.

"Every time he touched the ball he was just a go-forward machine, but he's a hugely popular addition to the squad," he said.

"He's been unbelievable and I think you can see [that] when he gets on the front foot, with his skill set and particularly his handling game, he's just feeding fellas around him."

Image source, Getty Images

Ireland's Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen and Finlay Bealham have returned to the Connacht line-up for Saturday's United Rugby Championship trip to Leinster (17:30 GMT).

The international trio were rested for Connacht's Challenge Cup games after their exertions during Ireland's Autumn Nations Series.

They will face a much-changed Leinster team with only All Blacks star Jordie Barrett and Jimmy O'Brien retained from last week's Investec Champions Cup win over Clermont.

Barrett, making his first URC appearance, switches from full-back to inside centre while O'Brien moves from the wing to full-back.

With Sam Prendergast rested, Ross Byrne is recalled at fly-half while two-time World Cup winning Springbok second row RG Snyman makes his first start since October.

URC table-toppers Leinster have won all seven games this season while Connacht are eighth after three victories and four defeats, including a 33-12 reverse to Leo Cullen's side in October.

Leinster: J O'Brien; A Arenzana-King, C Tector, J Barrett, A Osborne; R Byrne, L McGrath; J Boyle, G McCarthy, R Slimani; D Mangan, RG Snyman; A Soroka, S Penny, J Conan (capt).

Replacements: L Barron, M Milne, C Healy, B Deeny, R Baird, J Gibson-Park, H Byrne, M Deegan.

Connacht: P O'Conor; M Hansen, C Forde, B Aki, S Jennings; J Ioane, B Murphy; D Buckley, D Heffernan, F Bealham; J Murphy, D Murray; C Prendergast (capt) S Hurley-Langton, P Boyle.

Replacements: D Tierney-Martin, J Duggan, J Aungier, O Dowling, S Jansen, C Blade, S Cordero, C Oliver.

Image source, Getty Images

Utility back Michael Lowry has become the latest player to commit his future to Ulster, signing a three-year extension that will keep him at the club until 2028.

The 26-year-old has made over 100 appearances for the province since his debut in 2018.

His outstanding form during the 2020-21 season earned him a place at full-back in the Pro14 dream team before marking his sole Ireland cap with two tries in the 2022 Six Nations win over Italy.

Lowry said he was "delighted" to extend his deal with Ulster.

"I am excited for the future of this group and looking forward to seeing where we can get to both as a team and individually," he added.

Ulster general manager Bryn Cunningham praised Lowry's "exemplary" attitude and professionalism.

"His versatility is also a huge strength, whether playing on the wing or at full-back, and his competitiveness on the pitch belies his physical stature," added Cunningham.

"With young backs coming through, Michael is the perfect role model for others to follow."

Lowry follows Ben Carson in extending his Ulster deal while on Thursday Ireland Sevens star Zac Ward signed a three-year contract after impressing during his trial period.

Image source, Inpho

World Rugby breakthrough player of the year Erin King has been named in a strong Wolfhounds team for Sunday's Celtic Challenge opener against the Clovers in Dublin (16:00 GMT).

King, who won the World Rugby award in November after her two-try star turn in Ireland's memorable WXV1 win over New Zealand, is named at number eight for the holders.

The 21-year-old returns to the 15s game after playing for Ireland in the World Rugby Sevens rounds in Dubai and Cape Town earlier this month.

Ulster's Claire Boles, who captains the Wolfhounds, and Molly Boyne complete the backrow, while Irish internationals Dannah O'Brien, Eve Higgins, Aoife Dalton and Stacey Flood are also included.

Rugby Writers of Ireland player of the year Aoife Wafer, however, is not included in the Wolfhounds squad.

The Clovers also boast a healthy contingent of international experience, spearheaded by captain Enya Breen, with Edel McMahon and Amee Leigh Costigan available from the bench.

After Sunday's opener at Energia Park, the competition's two Irish sides will meet again at UCD on 28 December.

The expanded format of this year's competition will see teams play 10 fixtures - five at home and five away.

Watch Wolfhounds v Clovers live on BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport website

Wolfhounds: Stacey Flood; Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Aoife Dalton, Eve Higgins, Amy Larn; Dannah O'Brien, Katie Whelan; Niamh O'Dowd, Maebh Clenaghan, Linda Djougang; Alma Atagamen, Poppy Garvey, Molly Boyne, Claire Boles (capt), Erin King.

Replacements: Kelly Burke, Tricia Doyle, Caoimhe Molloy, Cliodhna Ni Chonchobhair, Ciara Short, Erin McConnell, Megan Burns, Katie Corrigan.

Clovers: Meabh Deely, Hannah Clarke, Ellen Boylan, Enya Breen (capt), Chisom Ugwueru; Nicole Fowley, Emily Lane; Siobhan McCarthy, Beth Buttimer, Sophie Barrett; Jane Neill, Ruth Campbell; Jemima Adams Verling, Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird,. Ivana Kiripati

Replacements: Saoirse Crowe, Grainne Burke, Sadhbh McGrath, Faith Oviawe, Edel McMahon, Grainne Moran, Caitriona Finn, Amee Leigh Costigan.

Image source, Getty Images

Zac Ward has signed a three-year contract with UIster which will keep the winger at the club until 2028.

The 26-year-old joined Ulster on a trial after impressing for the Ireland Sevens side at the Paris Olympics in the summer.

Ward, whose father Andy won a European Cup with UIster in 1999, made his debut for the province in last week's Champions Cup defeat by Bordeaux.

"After the summer Olympics in Paris, I was ready for a change after some amazing experiences with the Ireland Sevens programme," said Ward, who has retained his starting spot for Friday's United Rugby Championship game with Munster.

"I always dreamed of playing for my home province as a boy, as I watched my dad play in an Ulster jersey growing up."

Ward, whose younger brother Bryn is part of Ulster's academy, added: "I'm also mates with a few of the guys who were already in the side and the others were fantastic in welcoming me into the set-up.

"With the help of the coaches, players and staff here, I want to kick on and hopefully make plenty of good memories playing for Ulster."

Ulster general manager Bryn Cunningham said: "We identified Zac as somebody who could be a good addition to the Senior squad, and we have been impressed with how he has settled into the group.

"Watching his performances in the Sevens game, we felt that he showcased a number of transferable skills for the XVs game, with his strengths in ball-carrying, his speed, aerial skills, and try-scoring ability all strong attributes for playing in the backfield.

"It's also a great example of someone who hasn't come through the traditional route into the senior men's side, so credit to Zac and the journey he has been on."

Image source, Getty Images & Inpho

Fit-again John Cooney has returned for Ulster's United Rugby Championship game against Munster on Friday (19:35 GMT), while academy fly-half Jack Murphy could make his debut off the bench.

Ireland Under-20 international Murphy, the son of head coach Richie Murphy, joined the Ulster academy from Leinster earlier this year.

The 20-year-old started all five of Ireland's games in this year's Under-20 Six Nations.

Scrum-half Cooney, who missed Ulster's Investec Champions Cup losses to Toulouse and Bordeaux, is recalled to partner Aidan Morgan in the half-backs.

There are four changes in the forwards. Andrew Warwick replaces Eric O'Sullivan at loosehead prop, Alan O'Connor deputises for injured captain Iain Henderson in the second row while James McNabney and Marcus Rea are recalled to the back row.

Zac Ward is retained on the left wing after making his debut in last week's defeat by Bordeaux.

As well as Henderson, Ulster are without Cormac Izuchukwu, Nathan Doak, Ben Carson, Stewart Moore and Jacob Stockdale.

Munster make six changes to the side that lost to Castres in Europe last weekend with Shane Daly, Paddy Patterson, John Ryan, Tom Ahern, Jack O'Donoghue and Gavin Coombes all recalled.

Ireland forwards Peter O'Mahony and Tadhg Beirne are not involved for Munster who, like Ulster, have three wins and four defeats in this season's URC.

Ulster: Michael Lowry; Werner Kok, Jude Postlethwaite, Stuart McCloskey, Zac Ward; Aidan Morgan, John Cooney; Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Tom O'Toole; Alan O'Connor (capt), Kieran Treadwell; James McNabney, Marcus Rea, David McCann.

Replacements: John Andrew, Eric O'Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Matty Rea, Dave Shanahan, Jack Murphy, Rory Telfer.

Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Paddy Patterson; John Ryan, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Tom Ahern, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O'Donoghue (capt), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Dave Kilcoyne, Oli Jager, Evan O'Connell, Alex Kendellen, Ethan Coughlan, Rory Scannell, Brian Gleeson.