Category Archives: Team News

Mikaera Tewhata has been banned by his club Bayonne after punching Brian O’Driscoll. The aggressive act has stirred media attention around the rugby world and has left Tewhata banned by the French rugby federation until the results of an investigation are known.

The New Zealanders commented on his actions

I want to offer a heartfelt apology. I’d like to see him face to face, shake hands and make peace, I hugely regret it. It’s not in my nature. It’s the first time I’ve punched someone. It was simply an unfortunate reflex action.

Ireland v Bayonne
16th August (20:00 BST)

Ireland have put forward their strongest team to play French league side Bayonne. Only two first choice players, Shane Horgan and David Wallace will miss the match due to injuries.

So why has Eddie put out his strongest side to play a club rugby? According to E O’S,

You cannot replicate the same levels of intensity and physicality in training as you can in a match,
This will be a full-on match and will give the team the levels of contact we need.

There is no doubt that the French side will give it everything, this means there is a risk of injuries to key players, something Ireland cannot afford.

Look out for Ireland as they will be playing in blue jerseys as this game is not an International.

Ireland: G Dempsey; A Trimble, B O’Driscoll, capt, G D’Arcy, D Hickie; R O’Gara, P Stringer; M Horan, R Best, J Hayes, D O’Callaghan, P O’Connell, S Easterby, N Best, D Leamy.
Replacements: F Sheahan, B Young, M O’Kelly, A Quinlan, E Reddan, P Wallace, G Murphy.

Joint top all time Ireland try scorer Denis Hickie has announced that he will retire after this year’s Rugby World Cup. Ireland long standing speed man and winger will step down from both International and club rugby.

I have had a very enjoyable and fulfilling career as a professional rugby player. I entered the senior ranks at the dawn of the professional era and benefited from all the advances made in that time.

I have now decided that the best time to end my career is immediately after the upcoming World Cup.

Watch Denis in action with some great career moments below.

Both Ireland and Munster have made significant changes to the coming seasons kits. The two team’s have recently unveiled new jerseys which are hoped will make their players all the more unstoppable.

The Irish jersey seems to have been shrunk in the wash and had its collar cut off while Munster have simply opted to paint their jerseys on players before each match.

 

O’Connell claims the painting the shirts directly on players will put a definite stop to jersey pulling!

Kidding aside, I like the Munster’s new shirt and its lions-esq red with white stripes, but I’m not as fond of the Irish shirt, but some of the new casual wear looks good.