Leinster vs Munster: how slow can you go?

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The Leinster vs Munster Pro 14 semi-final should have been a feast of rugby. It is the Irish derby and should have been a spectacle of a contest. Instead, it was a contest of who could play the slowest. Yes, the weather was atrocious. But from both sides it was an appalling battle of attrition, […] READ MORE


The Leinster XV plying their trade outside the province 

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Leinster boast an embarrassment of riches in virtually all positions at present so it is no surprise that many promising players have left the province to find valuable game time elsewhere. Enda Fahy selects an alternative Leinster XV plying their trade outside Leinster, all of whom came through the Leinster sub-academy/academy (with the exception of […] READ MORE


Full list of 2020-21 Guinness Pro14 transfers

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With the Guinness Pro14 season set to resume in August, clubs are busy completing transfers ahead of the restart and next season. Robert Rees brings you a complete list of transfers from the league.  The list will continue to be updated as every signing/departure is made, so make sure to keep checking in. Last update: […] READ MORE


South Africa’s Super Rugby break-up and the Pro16 idea

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A Super Rugby break-up could be imminent, and with the South Africans looking north at a spot in the Guinness Pro14, is this really the right option for all involved? Last Word delves into the issues surrounding the move. ‘It must be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success, nor […] READ MORE


Top 25 Champions Cup pool stage performers

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The 2019-20 Champions Cup campaign may be curtailed, but with plans to yet finish the competition off, Last Word takes a look back through the history books to bring you the top 25 teams in terms of points collected in the pool stages.  Champions Cup history – Pool points The points are taken from every […] READ MORE


Munster prop banned for anti-doping violation

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Munster prop James Cronin has been banned from rugby for one month due to an unintentional anti-doping violation. 1 month ban Randomly selected for an in-competition anti-doping test following Munster Rugby’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 2 match against Racing 92 at Thomond Park on 23 November 2019, Cronin tested positive for prednisolone and prednisone which […] READ MORE



European Champions Cup Qualification Simplified

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As we enter the final rounds of the Champions Cup the qualification excitement hots up. As per usual the qualification situation is immensely complicated. Therefore, David Challis is attempting to simplify the situation somewhat. Taking each pool one by one hopefully the picture will begin to be deciphered. However, a lot can change between now […] READ MORE


Guinness Pro14, Gallagher Premiership, French Top14 rugby attendances

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The 2018/19 season for all rugby competitions has officially come to an end. As popular as ever, with many teams and regions having solid rugby attendances over the course of domestic and European Championship fixtures. All the average Guinness Pro14,  Gallagher Premiership and French Top14 attendances from the 2018/19 season are listed here, in alphabetical order. *All […] READ MORE


Champions Cup increasingly tough for Premiership clubs – Sharples

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“The Heineken Champions Cup is becoming increasingly tough for Premiership clubs” insists Gloucester winger Charlie Sharples as he reflects on a tough campaign that sees the Castres tie end this season’s European campaign. Sharples is looking forward to the game saying it’ll be good to play without pressure as they head into a much needed break […] READ MORE