Irish Rugby

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Erin King was named women’s breakthrough player of the year at the World Rugby awards in Monaco.

The flanker was part of the Irish sevens team at the Paris Olympics in August, only making her 15s debut a month later against Australia in Belfast.

She went on to star at the WXV1 competition in Vancouver, most notably when Scott Bemand's side beat the world champion Black Ferns.

"I feel amazing," she said.

"It's all happened so quick. I only got my first 15s cap a couple of months ago so everything has been moving so quick.

"To even be nominated when I got the email a few weeks ago, I was in awe of that, and then to be named and win the award, I can't quite believe it. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it, for sure."

King will continue to switch between sevens and 15s but is planning to play in both the Six Nations and World Cup next year.

Her international team-mate Aoife Wafer was named on the team of the year, while men's captain Caelan Doris was beaten to the player of the year award by South Africa's Pieter-Steph du Toit.

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Ireland captain Caelan Doris believes the side's 52-17 win over Fiji was their best performance of the autumn so far.

Andy Farrell's side were beaten 23-13 by the All Blacks to start the month before a tense three-point win over Argentina in response.

The head coach made seven changes for the visit of Fiji with his alterations paying off in an eight-try victory.

"I think it's our best [performance] of the three," said the skipper.

"Felt pretty dominant out there. We had a good start to the game, similar to last week and the message at half-time was to have a ruthless start to the second half and to kick on.

"Our attack hasn't quite fired in the second half over the last couple of weeks, but it was good [on Saturday], we got a few tries off the back of it."

Although Ireland were always in control of the game, injuries ensured they ended the contest with several players playing out of position, including number eight Doris taking a turn at centre.

"I enjoyed it out there," he said of the switch.

"There was a bit of wherever the ball's going, I'll go to the other side. But it was enjoyable."

Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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Fiji head coach Mick Byrne felt Ireland got preferential decisions during his side's 52-17 defeat at the Aviva Stadium.

The hosts' starting 10 Sam Prendergast was sent to the sin bin by referee Hollie Davidson after his shoulder made contact with the head of Fiji back-row Kitione Salawa.

The incident was reviewed in the TMO bunker by Andrew McMenemy, but the decision was taken not to upgrade the yellow to a red.

"I think he was wearing a green jersey so it stayed yellow," said Byrne.

In contrast, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell described Prendergast's yellow card as "harsh enough".

"Ah, I get why it is but for me he turned his back and it's harsh enough," he said.

"I don't know, I'll have to have a look at it again but that's the game, isn't it?"

With Fiji having been penalised 17 times to Ireland's eight across the game, Byrne felt the 50-50s went against his side.

"They're probably on us, they're definitely on us," he added.

"Sometimes with our enthusiasm to get the job done, especially early on, we came in from the side of the ruck a couple of times to try and put pressure on.

"At the end of the day, it's on us, we need to get better and it's not on the referee.

"That last try [by Ronan Kelleher], if you have another look at it, the green jersey holding on to the white jersey, nothing happens at TMO - I'm sure if it was the other way around, we might not have got that try allowed."

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI Journalist at the Aviva Stadium

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Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed that wing Jacob Stockdale injured his hamstring in Saturday's 52-17 win over Fiji.

Stockdale was forced off in the 49th minute after pulling up following a tackle.

The 28-year-old was making his first Ireland appearance in 15 months after an impressive run of form for Ulster.

The injury will be a worry for Ulster, who begin their European Champions Cup campaign away to Toulouse on 8 December.

"He pulled up sharply with his hamstring," Farrell said on Stockdale, who was seen at full-time with a bag of ice on his right hamstring.

"We'll have to see how that is, but he pulled up quite sharp, so I was gutted for him."

Farrell also said that full-back Jamie Osborne sustained an abductor injury in the first half of the win at the Aviva Stadium.

"He couldn't carry on so that doesn't look right at the minute," added Farrell.

Ireland take on Australia in their final autumn international at the Aviva Stadium on 30 November.

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Caelan Doris says Ireland expect to return to a disciplined unit in Saturday's game against Fiji after an autumn series which witnessed regular concessions of penalties and two yellow cards against Argentina last weekend.

New Zealand's fly-half Damian McKenzie punished Ireland's indiscipline by kicking six penalties as the All Blacks earned a deserved 23-13 win in Dublin two weeks ago.

McKenzie's successful kicks were from the 13 penalties Ireland conceded and the penalty-count against the Irish was exactly the same a week ago as they had to battle hard to hold on for a 22-19 victory even though the Pumas finished with only 14 men.

Ireland forwards Finlay Bealham and Joe McCarthy were both yellow carded in last week's game.

There have been noises from Fiji that they feel Ireland are vulnerable this weekend, external but Doris says "there is belief in our camp" that the difficulties of the last two games will be fixed.

"The discipline has obviously been talked about a lot," said the Ireland skipper on Friday.

"It’s an area that has been very good for us historically. We’re looking forward to getting back on track again tomorrow."

Asked about Ireland's two starting debutants, Leinster hooker Gus McCarthy and Ulster back row Cormac Izuchukwu, Doris described the duo as "calm and confident players and people".

"They’ve come in pretty seamlessly. You look at Gus in particular who is only 21 and he’s had a pretty steep rise from captaining Blackrock in the Leinster Schools Cup a couple of years ago, to 20s, Leinster, Emerging Ireland," added Doris.

"Izzy [Izuchukwu] as well has showed his class. He’s gone on a bit of longer journey through the [Ireland] Sevens and what not. I feel they are definitely both ready and I’m looking forward to see how they go tomorrow."

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Ireland coach Andy Farrell has rejected suggestions that Johnny Sexton's consultancy role with the squad is putting pressure on those battling to establish themselves as his successor at fly-half.

Sexton's 14-year international career ended after last year's World Cup and Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley and newcomer Sam Prendergast are all attempting to claim the number 10 jersey.

The 118-times capped Sexton's consultancy role during the current autumn series involves kicking work and mentoring players.

Farrell indicated that he is keen for Sexton's input to continue in the upcoming Six Nations when Simon Easterby will be in charge of the Ireland side as the head coach prepares for next summer's British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

"That couldn't be further from the truth," insisted Farrell, when asked whether Sexton's presence could be an inhibiting presence for Ireland's fly-half trio after announcing the squad for Saturday's game against Fiji.

"These guys love sharing their thoughts and more important, Johnny sharing his thoughts on them and all that he’s trying to do.

"And they know that 100% that he’s there to help them and they appreciate that."

Sexton is not involved with Ireland on match days but Farrell added that "he could be down the line".

"At the minute, it’s when he can fit it in around his schedule as well. The consultancy part is now working really well.

"[It's] just for this campaign but we’ll keep on talking. All the signs are good."

Prendergast, 21, will make his full debut on Saturday after replacing Crowley for the final 20 minutes of last week's narrow win over Argentina.

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Ireland centre Bundee Aki admitted his performance against New Zealand "just wasn't good enough" after he was dropped from the matchday squad to face Argentina last week.

Robbie Henshaw for Aki was the only change made to the starting side for the 22-19 win over the Pumas, but the Connacht man is restored to the number 12 jersey for Saturday's hosting of Fiji at the Aviva Stadium.

"I think we have high standards for each other, we have high standards as a group and we know for a fact - well, I know for a fact, speaking from my own experience from the New Zealand game - it just wasn't good enough," he said.

Aki, a World Rugby player of the year nominee in 2023, added that he took the news from Farrell "on the chin" and noted that competition at his position is fierce among the Ireland squad.

"It's a healthy, honest relationship with Faz.

"You take it on the chin and you've just got to be better and take the opportunity of the week to nullify your mistakes and to be a better person and to be a better rugby player.

Garry Ringrose and Henshaw started last weekend, while Jamie Osborne has impressed across his four caps to date and Stuart McCloskey is yet to feature this autumn.

"The two boys who played last weekend were unbelievable," Aki added.

"You've still got the likes of big Stu, the likes of Jamie Osborne, lads are coming through and the lads put up a big challenge last week and it's up to myself to be able to put my best foot forward and to step up another notch.

"It's always good to have that competition with us."

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Fiji's line-up to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday shows three changes from their thrilling win over Wales in Cardiff a fortnight ago.

Head coach Mick Byrne had made wholesale changes for last week's win over Spain but has restored his frontline players for their visit to Aviva Stadium.

Ponipate Loganimasi replaces star winger Semi Radradra, who is suspended after being sent off against Wales.

Luke Tagi replaces Sam Tawake at tighthead prop Mesake Vocevoce is preferred to Isoa Nasilasila in the second row.

Fiji have never beaten Ireland and their last trip to Dublin ended in a 35-17 defeat.

Fiji: V Karawalevu; J Wainiqolo, W Nayacalevu (co-capt), J Tuisova, P Loganimasi; C Muntz, F Lomani; E Mawi, T Ikanivere (co-capt), L Tagi; M Vocevoce, T Mayanavanua; R Derenalagi, K Salawa, E Canakaivata.

Replacements: S Matavesi, H Hetet, S Tawake, S Turagacoke, A Tuisue, P Matawalu, V Botitu, S Maqal.

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Ireland's Jamie Osborne says the side must be wary of opponents who "can create something out of nothing" when they take on Fiji at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Ireland have never lost to Fiji but the tourists claimed the scalp of Wales in Cardiff two weeks ago.

"They're a very good side," said Osborne.

"They've a couple of gamebreakers in their team, players that can create something out of nothing.

"They can be hard to prepare for because you don't want to give them anything, any loose ball."

Osborne won his third and fourth caps against New Zealand and Argentina this autumn having debuted on the tour of South Africa last summer.

Andy Farrell called his contribution from the bench "immense" against the Pumas as Ireland held on for a 22-19 win but the 23-year-old knows the side as a whole are still searching for their best form.

"I think as a team we wanted to be a bit better and think we can perform better than we showed," he said of the defeat to the All Blacks and narrow victory over Argentina.

"Argentina was a step up from New Zealand in terms of how we attacked the game at the start, probably a bit inaccurate and ill-disciplined in the second half.

"It was definitely an improvement and we're hoping to improve again next week."

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Ireland internationals Iain Henderson and Rob Herring have signed contract extensions with Ulster.

Henderson's new deal means the Ulster captain will move off his central Irish Rugby Football Union [IRFU] contract at the end of the season and on to a provincial deal until 2027.

Herring's new deal will keep the hooker at the Belfast-based club until 2026.

Henderson, who has won 82 Ireland caps, said he feels "energised" about continuing to lead Ulster, who are in their first full season under head coach Richie Murphy.

"We are building a team with a new core of players coming through the ranks and I believe there is the talent and experience to drive us forward," said five-time Six Nations winner Henderson.

"As a proud Ulsterman, I love playing for the club and I'm excited for us going forward."

Second row Henderson, 32, has won 150 Ulster caps after making his debut in 2012.

In addition to his success with Ireland, he is a two-time British and Irish Lions tourist, having been selected for the 2017 and 2021 squads.

Herring, the province's most-capped player, said he was "delighted" to agree a new deal with Ulster as "Belfast feels like home to me".

"It's always an honour to wear the jersey and I'm enjoying my role as one of the experienced players in an exciting young squad," said the 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam winner.

"I look forward to competing on the pitch but also helping the next generation come through.

"There's a lot of excitement around the squad at the moment and hopefully plenty more special days ahead."

Earlier this week, Ulster centre Stewart Moore signed a contract extension until 2027.

Ulster return to action on 29 November when they host Leinster in the United Rugby Championship, their first game in a month because of the autumn internationals.

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Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has signed a two-year contract extension with the Irish province.

The new deal will keep the 46-year-old with Leinster until 2027.

Former Ireland lock Cullen has won four United Rugby Championship titles and one Champions Cup in his nine years in charge in Dublin.

"I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to continue in my role as head coach of Leinster Rugby," Cullen said after signing his contract extension.

"We are lucky to have a fantastic group of players and staff here at Leinster who I enjoy going to work with every day."

While Cullen, who won 32 caps for Ireland, has tasted European success with Leinster - winning the Champions Cup in 2018 - the Irish province has lost the last three finals.

"Yes, we have come up short in the last three years and while we are very conscious of that fact, my remit and that of the club in making a head coach appointment, is to also look beyond that," said Leinster CEO Shane Nolan.

"We are consistently competing in finals year after year, we continue to develop exciting homegrown talent from our pathways, and when we do look externally for coaching or player recruitment, we continue to attract the highest calibre of talent to our club who are excited to work with Leo."

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Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong is expected to see his first action of the autumn series against Fiji at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

The tight-head suffered a hamstring issue in training before Ireland's game against the All Blacks and was absent for both that defeat and the win against Argentina.

He took part in training on Tuesday, however, with Ireland scrum coach John Fogarty describing the 32-year-old as "bullish".

"[Furlong is] full of energy," he said.

"He got through the session [Tuesday] and he will be assessed as we go along.

"I’d say [he is] bullish, he’s eager to get back and excited to be in and around the team again. It’s lonely when you’re outside of that so he’s excited to be in and around the team, and we are excited as well."

Ulster prop Tom O'Toole is also expected to be available on Saturday having missed out against Argentina, although Ryan Baird is injured.

While changes are expected for what is Ireland's third game of four this month, Fogarty said they will be respecting the threat of opponents who have beaten Wales and Spain, but lost to Scotland, this November.

"I think it’s important that we are doing right by everyone in our side, continuing to look for a performance," he added.

"Fiji have improved. We played them two years ago and they’ve certainly improved. You see that through the Wales game, they didn’t quite have the full side out in that Scotland match, but they’re a dangerous side.

"So, it’s important that we are focusing on developing a good performance. Andy [Farrell] and ourselves will select accordingly."

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Ulster centre Stewart Moore has signed a contract extension with the province that will keep him at Kingspan Stadium until the summer of 2027.

The 25-year-old debuted under previous head coach Dan McFarland in December 2019 and has now made 71 appearances for the side.

Moore has proven a versatile member of the Ulster panel having featured at both centre positions, full-back and on the wing.

“I’m delighted to sign for the next couple of years," he said.

"We have a great group of lads that are working hard to progress over the years ahead.

"For me, I want to keep pushing, work on my game and hopefully nail down my place in the team."

Ulster, who are seventh in the United Rugby Championship [URC], are next in action at home to Leinster on 29 November.