https://www.irishexaminer.com/IrishExaminer.comWed, 25 Feb 2026 01:26:06 +0000Examiner GroupIreland's premier breaking news website providing up to the minute news and sports reports. With e-mail news releases following breaking stories throughout the day.https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41793245.htmlJoin the Irish Examiner for livestream coverage of Munster senior cup schools rugby semis and finals2026-02-24T21:06:00+00:002026-02-24T21:06:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Subscribers can access all the do-or-die cup action.Subscribers can access all the do-or-die cup action.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41799407.htmlSix Nations half-term report: France are flying, England’s steep decline, Ireland rediscover their mojo2026-02-24T14:22:00+00:002026-02-24T14:22:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Les Bleus have variety and gifted youngsters but, by contrast, Steve Borthwick’s men are predictable and flawed.Les Bleus have variety and gifted youngsters but, by contrast, Steve Borthwick’s men are predictable and flawed.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41798816.htmlBen Healy to join Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle, Munster sign Irish-qualified New Zealand scrum-half2026-02-24T13:05:00+00:002026-02-24T13:05:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/O'Gara is an admirer of Healy's prodigious boot and with La Rochelle he will vie with up and comer, Diego Jurd and one of either Antoine Hastoy or Ihaia West for the ten jerseyO'Gara is an admirer of Healy's prodigious boot and with La Rochelle he will vie with up and comer, Diego Jurd and one of either Antoine Hastoy or Ihaia West for the ten jerseyExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41799299.htmlEddie Jones blames Steve Borthwick’s ‘looking ahead’ comments for England slump2026-02-24T12:33:00+00:002026-02-24T12:33:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Successive emphatic defeats to Scotland and Ireland have undone the progress made during a 12-Test winning run.Successive emphatic defeats to Scotland and Ireland have undone the progress made during a 12-Test winning run.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41798891.htmlMunchin's drawing on history and heritage to end long wait for final return2026-02-24T07:00:00+00:002026-02-24T07:00:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/'All the kids are aware of the legacy that comes from Axel Foley and from Keith Wood and from Keith Earls''All the kids are aware of the legacy that comes from Axel Foley and from Keith Wood and from Keith Earls'Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41798984.htmlGarry Ringrose explains how players 'got out of their own way' after shaky Six Nations start2026-02-24T05:05:00+00:002026-02-24T05:05:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/In the celebratory aftermath of Ireland’s record 42-21 win, outside centre Garry Ringrose explained what getting out of his own way actually meant to himIn the celebratory aftermath of Ireland’s record 42-21 win, outside centre Garry Ringrose explained what getting out of his own way actually meant to himExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41799026.html'They have the Cork confidence': Wycherley hails Edogbos joining Munster family tradition2026-02-23T20:36:00+00:002026-02-23T20:36:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/“There's not too many people who can say that they've played with a brother, especially in such a unique club, their home club as well," said Munster's Fineen Wycherley“There's not too many people who can say that they've played with a brother, especially in such a unique club, their home club as well," said Munster's Fineen WycherleyExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41798699.htmlFall of England: how yesterday’s crowing rooster can rapidly become tomorrow’s feather duster2026-02-23T12:47:00+00:002026-02-23T12:47:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/After successive defeats to Scotland and Ireland, Steve Borthwick’s project is inevitably under scrutinyAfter successive defeats to Scotland and Ireland, Steve Borthwick’s project is inevitably under scrutinyExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41798156.html'Here's an interesting stat for you' - Andy Farrell highlights Jamison Gibson-Park’s importance to Ireland2026-02-23T10:00:00+00:002026-02-23T10:00:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/His quick tap penalty from close range as Ireland swept into the English 22 caught the home defence napping and lit the touch paper.His quick tap penalty from close range as Ireland swept into the English 22 caught the home defence napping and lit the touch paper.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41794472.htmlIreland and Munster legend Donal Lenihan answers your questions 2026-02-23T08:34:00+00:002026-02-23T08:34:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Donal will take your questions in a special Q&A on WednesdayDonal will take your questions in a special Q&A on WednesdayExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41798318.htmlThree Six Nations takeaways: Could Ireland win the title?2026-02-23T07:54:00+00:002026-02-23T07:54:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/France are still on course for a Grand Slam following Sunday's 33-8 victory against Italy in Lille.France are still on course for a Grand Slam following Sunday's 33-8 victory against Italy in Lille.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport-columnists-rugby/arid-41798237.htmlDonal Lenihan: A great day to be Irish at Twickenham as Farrell takes the right path2026-02-23T06:52:00+00:002026-02-23T06:52:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Despite some patchy performances of late, the Irish players knew they weren’t alone. There’s always something special in the air when we go to London.Despite some patchy performances of late, the Irish players knew they weren’t alone. There’s always something special in the air when we go to London.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41798168.html'I knew we could get a big result': Joe McCarthy savours Twickenham triumph2026-02-23T01:00:00+00:002026-02-23T01:00:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/The 24-year-old roared back into form as Ireland registered a record 42-21 win over England on Saturday.The 24-year-old roared back into form as Ireland registered a record 42-21 win over England on Saturday.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41798147.html'We believe in the players': Andy Farrell and Ireland silence the doubters with England demolition2026-02-23T01:00:00+00:002026-02-23T01:00:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/As the head coach reflected on this record win, the highest margin of victory by any visiting championship rival, he would have been forgiven for saying “I told you so”.As the head coach reflected on this record win, the highest margin of victory by any visiting championship rival, he would have been forgiven for saying “I told you so”.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41798453.htmlEngland to conduct ‘uncomfortable’ review of Six Nations humbling at hands of Ireland2026-02-22T21:45:00+00:002026-02-22T21:45:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/George Ford insists ‘We want to get to root of the problems’ after a second-straight loss destroyed championship hopes at Twickenham George Ford insists ‘We want to get to root of the problems’ after a second-straight loss destroyed championship hopes at Twickenham Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41798336.htmlFive-try France start fast and power past Italy to keep Grand Slam on track2026-02-22T18:18:00+00:002026-02-22T18:18:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/France burst into a 19-0 lead at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy with tries from Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Emmanuel Meafou and Thomas RamosFrance burst into a 19-0 lead at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy with tries from Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Emmanuel Meafou and Thomas RamosExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41798096.htmlSix Nations Podcast: Ireland destroy England at Twickenham2026-02-22T16:12:00+00:002026-02-22T16:12:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Brendan O’Brien and Simon Lewis talk through Ireland's historic victory at TwickenhamBrendan O’Brien and Simon Lewis talk through Ireland's historic victory at TwickenhamExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41798210.html'Feeble, fragile, feckless, fumbling' — English media reaction to Ireland's Twickenham rout2026-02-22T14:54:00+00:002026-02-22T14:54:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/While there was plenty of praise for Andy Farrell and his men, much of Fleet Street's ink was spilled on Steve Borthwick's misfiring menWhile there was plenty of praise for Andy Farrell and his men, much of Fleet Street's ink was spilled on Steve Borthwick's misfiring menExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797916.htmlAnalysis: Borthwick's plans in shreds as Pollock and Co bend the knee to green machine2026-02-21T21:38:00+00:002026-02-21T21:38:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/A whole haberdasher’s worth of experience, led by the peerless Gibson-Park, tormented their younger and more hopeful hostsA whole haberdasher’s worth of experience, led by the peerless Gibson-Park, tormented their younger and more hopeful hostsExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797931.htmlScotland claw their way back to break Welsh hearts in Cardiff2026-02-21T18:56:00+00:002026-02-21T18:56:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Gregor Townsend's men survive one hell of a scare to keep their Triple Crown hopes alive with three-point victoryGregor Townsend's men survive one hell of a scare to keep their Triple Crown hopes alive with three-point victoryExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797919.htmlSteve Borthwick: 'It was bitterly disappointing and huge credit to Ireland'2026-02-21T18:31:00+00:002026-02-21T18:31:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/England followed up their emphatic defeat by Scotland in Edinburgh with another dismal performance against Ireland.England followed up their emphatic defeat by Scotland in Edinburgh with another dismal performance against Ireland.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797907.htmlAndy Farrell: The respect the lads showed for one another, the jersey and the Irish people was immense2026-02-21T18:08:00+00:002026-02-21T18:08:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Ireland captain Caelan Doris said his side’s comprehensive victory had set a new benchmark as they enter the second half of the championship.Ireland captain Caelan Doris said his side’s comprehensive victory had set a new benchmark as they enter the second half of the championship.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797862.htmlEngland-Ireland ratings: Gibson-Park produces a masterly display in demolition job2026-02-21T16:42:00+00:002026-02-21T16:42:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Overall it was a stunning team performance by Ireland against a poor England side.Overall it was a stunning team performance by Ireland against a poor England side.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797847.htmlRampant Ireland run up historic Twickenham haul to destroy diabolical England 2026-02-21T16:17:00+00:002026-02-21T16:17:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Inspired McCloskey and imperious Gibson-Park lead a five-try demolition job as Andy Farrell's side triumph 42-21 and pile pressure on Steve BorthwickInspired McCloskey and imperious Gibson-Park lead a five-try demolition job as Andy Farrell's side triumph 42-21 and pile pressure on Steve BorthwickExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797793.htmlAs it happened: England v Ireland, Six Nations2026-02-21T13:00:00+00:002026-02-21T13:00:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Ireland produced an extraordinary bonus-point performance to beat England in TwickenhamIreland produced an extraordinary bonus-point performance to beat England in TwickenhamExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797163.htmlRobert Baloucoune making most of unexpected Ireland chance 2026-02-21T06:48:00+00:002026-02-21T06:48:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Opportunity finally came knocking again when he appeared in the Six Nations for the very first time and capped his 80 minutes with a superb finish for a try that just about gave Ireland the room to squeeze past Italy.Opportunity finally came knocking again when he appeared in the Six Nations for the very first time and capped his 80 minutes with a superb finish for a try that just about gave Ireland the room to squeeze past Italy.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797436.htmlIreland must cut out Pollock's time and space, insists Doris2026-02-21T01:05:00+00:002026-02-21T01:05:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Pollock is perhaps the epitome of an England side with a reputation for chirping at every opportunity, as Doris noted during his captain’s run press conference at Twickenham on Friday.Pollock is perhaps the epitome of an England side with a reputation for chirping at every opportunity, as Doris noted during his captain’s run press conference at Twickenham on Friday.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797709.htmlRamping up emotion at the break powered Ireland U20s to victory over England2026-02-20T22:45:00+00:002026-02-20T22:45:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/The Ireland management team challenged their side at half-time, telling them any thing less than a win against England would be a failureThe Ireland management team challenged their side at half-time, telling them any thing less than a win against England would be a failureExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797667.htmlIreland U20s deliver timely boost with Six Nations win against England2026-02-20T22:20:00+00:002026-02-20T22:20:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/After a tense opening period, Andrew Browne’s young guns unleashed their power and precision to make it back-to-back wins in the championship.After a tense opening period, Andrew Browne’s young guns unleashed their power and precision to make it back-to-back wins in the championship.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797394.html'No passengers': Doris eager for Ireland to apply Paris lessons against England2026-02-20T15:19:00+00:002026-02-20T15:19:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Ireland captain Caelan Doris said his side were "waiting for things to happen, waiting for someone else to do something" in the Six Nations defeat to France. They aim to ensure that does not happen against England on SaturdayIreland captain Caelan Doris said his side were "waiting for things to happen, waiting for someone else to do something" in the Six Nations defeat to France. They aim to ensure that does not happen against England on SaturdayExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797361.html'Everything can seem insignificant the year after the Lions': the not-so-simple task of managing a rugby schedule2026-02-20T15:08:00+00:002026-02-20T15:08:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/This Saturday will mark the first time the Championship has been contested three weekends in-a-row.This Saturday will mark the first time the Championship has been contested three weekends in-a-row.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41797211.htmlMunster sign Springbok hooker van der Merwe2026-02-20T13:02:00+00:002026-02-20T13:02:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/The 29-year-old will join Clayton McMillan's squad next summer on a two-year deal.The 29-year-old will join Clayton McMillan's squad next summer on a two-year deal.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport-columnists-rugby/arid-41797019.htmlRonan O'Gara: Suddenly, Jack Crowley is Ireland’s north star again2026-02-20T12:28:00+00:002026-02-20T12:28:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Ireland management step in to protect Sam Prendergast as Jack Crowley eyes long-term control of the number 10 jerseyIreland management step in to protect Sam Prendergast as Jack Crowley eyes long-term control of the number 10 jerseyExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41796890.htmlExperimentation on hold for Farrell as Ireland attempt to gather more Six Nations momentum2026-02-20T01:05:00+00:002026-02-20T01:05:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/A trip to Twickenham to face England is no mission for the faint-hearted, nor a player lacking in experience, and that was reflected in the head coach’s matchday squad unveiled before departure from Dublin on Thursday lunchtimeA trip to Twickenham to face England is no mission for the faint-hearted, nor a player lacking in experience, and that was reflected in the head coach’s matchday squad unveiled before departure from Dublin on Thursday lunchtimeExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/arid-41796551.html'The size of this yoke' - London calling for Furlong again at special Twickenham2026-02-20T01:00:00+00:002026-02-20T01:00:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/The Leinster man will start his 83rd appearance for Ireland against England on Saturday. The Leinster man will start his 83rd appearance for Ireland against England on Saturday. Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/