Rugby News +

www.rte.ie

Lancaster voices maul concerns after scoring surge

Stuart Lancaster insists maul defence is Connacht's number one priority after the opening three games of the season, but is hoping to see a balance between how attacking and defending teams are refereed.

www.the42.ie

The Champions Cup is back! How will the Irish provinces fare?

Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella join Gavan Casey to discuss the state of the competition, as well as the prospects for Leinster, Munster, and Connacht.

www.youtube.com

Beaten in the air 🫡

www.youtube.com

Sam Prendergast Shines as Leinster Celebrate RDS Return | Cardiff Reaction

🔵 **LEINSTER 29–5 CARDIFF | URC ROUND 3 REACTION** Leinster are back at the RDS, back in the win column and celebrating a bonus-point victory over Cardiff — but was the performance quite as convincing as the scoreboard suggests? Jeff Pagano is joined by **Neil “Keego” Keegan and Hugo Gordon** to review Leinster's 29–5 win in their first competitive match at the revamped RDS. With more than 20,000 supporters in attendance, the atmosphere was a huge part of the occasion. And on the pitch, Leinster's returning internationals made an immediate impact. **Sam Prendergast** was particularly impressive, controlling the game and showing the benefits of another summer's development. Hugo Keenan scored the first try of the new era, while Jimmy O'Brien and Joe McCarthy were among those catching the eye. But there were also questions. After a superb opening 20 minutes, Leinster struggled to maintain their intensity. Cardiff improved after the interval, with Tane Basham particularly influential, and there were moments when the visitors threatened to make things uncomfortable. We discuss: - The atmosphere and experience of returning to the revamped RDS. - Sam Prendergast's commanding performance at out-half. - The impact of Leinster's returning international players. - Why the opening 20 minutes were so encouraging. - Concerns about Leinster easing off after establishing a lead. - Cardiff's second-half improvement and Leinster's defensive response. - Whether this performance is enough preparation for the Champions Cup trip to Clermont. **Five league points, a 29–5 victory and a memorable homecoming.** Plenty to celebrate — but still plenty to work on. What did you make of Leinster's performance? And how impressed were you with Sam Prendergast? Let us know in the comments! Find all our podcasts, articles and rugby content: https://linktr.ee/harpinonrugby 🏉 **Harpin' On Rugby** — independent Leinster and Irish rugby discussion, analysis and opinion. #LeinsterRugby #CardiffRugby #URC

www.the42.ie

First ever Lions women's game to take place in Cardiff against France

Principality Stadium clash comes a week before tour of New Zealand in the autumn of 2027.

www.rte.ie

Lions women to commence tour in Cardiff clash with France

The British & Irish women's squad will kickstart their 2027 tour schedule on home soil, facing France in Cardiff on Friday 27 August.

www.youtube.com

The unstoppable Onisi Ratave 😤

www.youtube.com

The Bledisloe result no-one wanted? | 8/9 Rugby with Tony Johnson

The Bledisloe Cup remains in New Zealand for another year, after another Wallabies opportunity lost extended the Eden Park streak for the All Blacks. Leading NZ commentator Tony Johnson joined Brett McKay on 8/9 Rugby to dive into result that has deflated the tyres on both sides of the contest. Certainly, we saw the All Blacks response to the lost Greatest Rivalry series. They were simply hungrier, and more determined to heed the valuable lessons learned. And sadly, the Wallabies weren’t able to convert the confidence and momentum gained from beating South Africa into meaningful performance on the field. And now they’ve got to sharpen up for the return leg in Sydney this Saturday. #89Rugby #Wallabies #AllBlacks #NZLvAUS Timestamps: 00:00 - introduction & welcome Tony Johnson 01:50 - should the Bledisloe Cup format change? 04:12 - the feeling in NZ & the Eden Park wave 07:08 - the 50-19 scoreline built on momentum 14:00 - Wallabies frustration & the big test for Les Kiss 17:10 - tricky wind conditions at Eden Park 20:45 - key turning points & Andrew Brace's very good refereeing 23:08 - how the All Blacks reset after the Springboks series 26:11 - addressing coaching criticism & high-ball fixes 29:31 - what needs to improve for Sydney? 35:37 - Wallabies backline adjustments & key players 37:20 - can the All Blacks back it up? 43:30 - join the conversation at 8/9 Rugby on Substack Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby’ on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio)

harpinonrugby.blog

544 : Cardiff, Coaches & Contenders

🏉 LEIvCAR review 🏉 URC Round 3 wrap 🏉 Big boots to (Dr) Phil? 🏉 CC contenders 🏉 Format fatigue GUESTS NEIL “KEEGO” KEEGAN www.keegolaughs.com Apologies Up Front on Apple Podcasts HUGO GORDON

www.the42.ie

Munster eager to honour Axel on another night at the Páirc

Racing 92 are the visitors to Cork this Saturday in the Champions Cup.