Irish Rugby

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La Rochelle back Teddy Thomas has been ruled out of his side's Investec Champions Cup game against Leinster in France on 12 January after receiving a suspension for an incident in a Top 14 game.

The 31-year-old France international was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Clermont Auvergne's Theo Giral in a meeting between the sides before Christmas.

Thomas was subsequently cited and banned for four games.

As well as missing the European encounter with Leo Cullen's side, he will also sit out Top 14 matches against Toulouse and Toulon and the Champions Cup pool game away to Benetton on 18 January.

Leinster twice defeated La Rochelle in Europe last season on their way to the Champions Cup final, once in the group stage and then in the quarter-finals.

Both sides have won their opening Pool 2 matches in this year's competition, accumulating nine points apiece in the process.

Leinster are undefeated in 11 outings in all competitions this season so far thanks to nine straight wins in the United Rugby Championship and two to begin their campaign in the Champions Cup. La Rochelle sit sixth in the Top 14 table.

A statement read: "Teddy Thomas was found responsible for dangerous play and more particularly for charging or bringing down an opponent carrying the ball without attempting to grab that player. A suspension of six weeks was the entry point.

"After taking into account the aggravating circumstance (disciplinary record), the sanction was increased by one week.

"After taking into account mitigating circumstances (recognition of the facts, conduct before and during the hearing, expression of remorse), the sanction was reduced by three weeks.

"Consequently, Thomas is suspended for four weeks. As of January 2, and taking into account the schedule of Stade Rochelais matches, Thomas will be free to play from January 27."

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Clovers (12) 31

Tries: Kiripati, Buttimer 2, Neill, Clarke Con: Fowley 3

Wolfhounds (10) 10

Tries: Atagamen, Elmes Kinlan

Clovers hit back to defeat holders Wolfhounds 31-10 in their second Celtic Challenge Cup match at UCD.

After a 33-7 win for the Wolfhounds in their opener before Christmas, second row Alma Atagamen made an early breakthrough on four minutes when she crashed over from close range but Dannah O'Brien could not add the conversion.

Midway through the first half, Aoife Dalton was brought down just short of the line after a scintillating break, and the Wolfhounds recycled the ball quickly to allow Vicky Elmes Kinlan to scamper over in the corner on 17 minutes.

Clovers got a deserved try when Ivana Kiripati rounded off a maul six minutes before half-time and Nicole Fowley landed an excellent conversion.

They moved ahead for the first time when Beth Buttimer was on the end of another maul in the final play of the half as the Clovers edged into a 12-10 lead.

The maul was working wonders for Clovers and they extended their lead midway through the second half as Buttimer crossed for her second try of the game.

Clovers secured the bonus point when Jane Neill crossed again off the back of a maul with 15 minutes left to play.

Things got even better for the Clovers when Hannah Clarke raced away with an intercept score to round out a convincing victory.

Clovers: Deely; McInerney, Boylan, Breen, Clarke; Fowley, Lane; McCarthy, Buttimer, McGrath; Campbell, Neill; McMahon, Nic a Bhaird, Kiripati

Replacements: Gavin, Burke, Barrett, Oviawe, Adams, Moran, Finn, Ugwueru

Wolfhounds: Flood; Elmes Kinlan, Dalton, Higgins, Larn; O'Brien, Whelan; O'Dowd, Clenaghan, Djougang; Atagamen, Garvey; Boyne, Boles, King.

Replacements: Burke, Doyle, Molloy, Ni Chonchobhair, Kinghan, McConnell, Corrigan, Burns.

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Ireland co-captain Edel McMahon is one of three changes to the Clovers starting team for the second Celtic Challenge Challenge fixture on Saturday.

After his side won the first meeting 33-7, Wolfhounds head coach Neil Alcorn has retained the same starting side with captain Clare Boles joined by a host of Irish internationals such as Stacey Flood, Linda Djougang and World Rugby breakthrough player of the year Erin King.

Clovers head coach Denis Fogarty, meanwhile, has brought Ulster prop Sadhbh McGrath, McMahon and Munster wing Alanna McInerney into his starting XV for the game in Dublin.

Wolfhounds: Flood; Elmes Kinlan, Dalton, Higgins, Larn; O'Brien, Whelan; O'Dowd, Clenaghan, Djougang; Atagamen, Garvey; Boyne, Boles, King.

Replacements: Burke, Doyle, Molloy, Ni Chonchobhair, Kinghan, McConnell, Corrigan, Burns.

Clovers: Deely; McInerney, Boylan, Breen, Clarke; Fowley, Lane; McCarthy, Buttimer, McGrath; Campbell, Neill; McMahon, Nic a Bhaird, Kiripati

Replacements: Gavin, Burke, Barrett, Oviawe, Adams, Moran, Finn, Ugwueru

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Irish rugby fans will not be treated to an intriguing fly-half duel between Leinster's Sam Prendergast and Munster's Jack Crowley with the latter set to miss Friday's United Rugby Championship interpro at Thomond Park (19:35 GMT).

Prendergast and Crowley have been battling for the Ireland 10 jersey with each player starting two of last month's Autumn Nations Series matches.

But while Prendergast, who was preferred for Ireland's two most recent wins over Fiji and Australia, starts for Leinster, Crowley has been ruled out because of Irish Rugby Football Union [IRFU] player management guidelines with Billy Burns named to start.

Crowley's absence is a further blow for Munster interim head coach Ian Costello, who is without several players amid a mounting injury list.

Earlier this week, Thaakir Abrahams (shoulder), Craig Casey (knee) and Jean Kleyn (thigh) were ruled out for approximately four months while Alex Nankivell (hamstring) is also unavailable.

In addition, Peter O'Mahony (calf contusion), Conor Murray (elbow) and Jack O'Donoghue (shoulder) have failed to regain their fitness in time for Friday's game.

Munster make seven changes from their win over Ulster in Belfast. Tadhg Beirne returns as captain, with Rory Scannell, Billy Burns, Ethan Coughlan, Dian Bleuler, Oli Jager and Alex Kendellen also recalled.

Fit-again Jamie Osborne Ireland back returns for Leinster after missing the last three games with the groin injury he sustained on international duty last month.

His inclusion is one of 11 changes made by head coach Leo Cullen, who has recalled Ireland internationals Prendergast, Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose to his backline after last week's win over Connacht.

Ronan Kelleher, Gus McCarthy, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris are reinstated to the Leinster pack, but New Zealand international Jordie Barrett has not been included in the 23.

Springbok lock RG Snyman, who left Munster to join Leinster last summer, is also missing from Cullen's matchday squad.

Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Rory Scannell, Shane Daly; Billy Burns, Ethan Coughlan; Dian Bleuler, Niall Scannell, Oli Jager; Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne (capt); Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Kieran Ryan, John Ryan, Brian Gleeson, John Hodnett, Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler, Ben O'Connor.

Leinster: Jamie Osborne; Tommy O'Brien, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Jimmy O'Brien; Sam Prendergast, Luke McGrath; Jack Boyle, Ronan Kelleher, Rabah Slimani; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).

Replacements: Lee Barron, Andrew Porter, Cian Healy, Brian Deeny, Scott Penny, Fintan Gunne, Ross Byrne, Jordan Larmour.

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Ireland wing Jacob Stockdale has ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year deal with Ulster, keeping him at the club until 2027.

The 28-year-old had been linked with a move to France, but has committed his future to the Belfast-based club for the duration of the current World Cup cycle.

Stockdale enjoyed a strong 2023-24 season with nine tries in 16 United Rugby Championship games and has added three this term, leading to his Ireland return in last month's Autumn Nations Series win over Fiji.

The 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam winner and player of the tournament has made 127 appearances for Ulster having broken into the team in 2016.

"I'm delighted to sign for the next couple of seasons here," said Stockdale, who has 38 Ireland caps.

"I feel good about where my game is at and where this team is heading. There is a lot of excitement around the place with the young players coming up and I am enjoying my role as one of the experienced players in the team."

Stockdale has not played for Ulster since 18 October having returned from Ireland duty with what the club's head coach Richie Murphy described as a "significant" hamstring injury.

Ulster general manager Bryn Cunningham said: "Securing Jacob's future is key for us, given his importance in the team. It was no surprise to hear about interest in his signature from elsewhere, given his talent and special skillset.

"We believe we are seeing Jacob get back to the form he was showing before his long-term ankle injury a couple of years ago. He has showed great resilience and hard work to get back to that level of strength and fitness.

"A fit and confident Jacob is one of the deadliest wingers in rugby and we think the next couple of seasons will see the peak years of his career, both for Ulster and on the international stage in a green jersey."

Stockdale is the latest in a series of Ulster contract extensions in recent weeks with Ben Carson and Mike Lowry also having extended their deals. Ireland Sevens star Zac Ward also penned a three-year contract with the province after a successful trial period.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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.