Caolán Scully
@caolanscully.bsky.social
Freelance sports journalist | Have contributed for RTÉ Sport, Balls.ie & All Things Rugby | Specialise in rugby and golf | podcast host
https://linktr.ee/caolansrugby
https://linktr.ee/caolansrugby
Munster will be playing Challenge Cup knockouts rugby for just the second time after a pitiful loss at home to Castres
caolanscullymedia.substack.com/p/castres-sh...
caolanscullymedia.substack.com/p/castres-sh...
Castres Shock Munster in Thomond Epic
Munster 29 - 31 Castres Olympique (HT: 12 - 17)
caolanscullymedia.substack.com
January 17, 2026 at 7:38 PM
Munster will be playing Challenge Cup knockouts rugby for just the second time after a pitiful loss at home to Castres
caolanscullymedia.substack.com/p/castres-sh...
caolanscullymedia.substack.com/p/castres-sh...
New ✍️ EPCR R4 Previews ☘️
On today’s substack, I preview four French-Irish club affairs with knockout rugby on the line.
On today’s substack, I preview four French-Irish club affairs with knockout rugby on the line.
French Delicacies Can Inflict January Blues
Precursor for February has buyer beware tendancies
open.substack.com
January 17, 2026 at 10:53 AM
New ✍️ EPCR R4 Previews ☘️
On today’s substack, I preview four French-Irish club affairs with knockout rugby on the line.
On today’s substack, I preview four French-Irish club affairs with knockout rugby on the line.
New ✍️ Eye on France with @huwgriffinrugby.bsky.social
The teams are in, but how well do you know the squads? Ahead of 4 Irish-French matchups, Huw has all the latest on Castres, Bayonne, Stade and Montauban.
Enjoy! 🏉
The teams are in, but how well do you know the squads? Ahead of 4 Irish-French matchups, Huw has all the latest on Castres, Bayonne, Stade and Montauban.
Enjoy! 🏉
Eye on France, #2
A follw-up guest article by Huw Griffin (HGRugby) on EPCR Champions Cup & Challenge Cup Round 4
open.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 12:31 PM
New ✍️ Eye on France with @huwgriffinrugby.bsky.social
The teams are in, but how well do you know the squads? Ahead of 4 Irish-French matchups, Huw has all the latest on Castres, Bayonne, Stade and Montauban.
Enjoy! 🏉
The teams are in, but how well do you know the squads? Ahead of 4 Irish-French matchups, Huw has all the latest on Castres, Bayonne, Stade and Montauban.
Enjoy! 🏉
Reposted by Caolán Scully
Here is this week's Jouez: The French Rugby Dispatch
Is Toulouse's season about to collapse?
#ChampionsCup
open.substack.com/pub/illtudda...
Is Toulouse's season about to collapse?
#ChampionsCup
open.substack.com/pub/illtudda...
Toulouse teetering on the edge
Les Rouge et Noir are stumbling in the Champions Cup, why?
open.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:38 PM
Here is this week's Jouez: The French Rugby Dispatch
Is Toulouse's season about to collapse?
#ChampionsCup
open.substack.com/pub/illtudda...
Is Toulouse's season about to collapse?
#ChampionsCup
open.substack.com/pub/illtudda...
A fun extened squad for the Ireland men's u20s friendly with Italy on Saturday
©️ Sam Bishti captains the side from THP
🦾 Josh Neill and Alex Lautsou get a chance to stake a claim on the flanks
🔟 Christopher Barrett and Tom Wood retained at half-back
©️ Sam Bishti captains the side from THP
🦾 Josh Neill and Alex Lautsou get a chance to stake a claim on the flanks
🔟 Christopher Barrett and Tom Wood retained at half-back
January 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
A fun extened squad for the Ireland men's u20s friendly with Italy on Saturday
©️ Sam Bishti captains the side from THP
🦾 Josh Neill and Alex Lautsou get a chance to stake a claim on the flanks
🔟 Christopher Barrett and Tom Wood retained at half-back
©️ Sam Bishti captains the side from THP
🦾 Josh Neill and Alex Lautsou get a chance to stake a claim on the flanks
🔟 Christopher Barrett and Tom Wood retained at half-back
Savea in Ireland… cool
NZ players demanding a change in coach… also cool… until you remember what happened last time they did
NZ players demanding a change in coach… also cool… until you remember what happened last time they did
January 14, 2026 at 9:48 AM
Savea in Ireland… cool
NZ players demanding a change in coach… also cool… until you remember what happened last time they did
NZ players demanding a change in coach… also cool… until you remember what happened last time they did
NEW 🎙️ Cromwell, Chants and Castres
On a day where we say goodbye to JK, we return to discuss a novel pairing of Munster and Castres Olympique...
Enjoy! 🔴 open.spotify.com/episode/4OgG...
On a day where we say goodbye to JK, we return to discuss a novel pairing of Munster and Castres Olympique...
Enjoy! 🔴 open.spotify.com/episode/4OgG...
January 13, 2026 at 6:55 PM
NEW 🎙️ Cromwell, Chants and Castres
On a day where we say goodbye to JK, we return to discuss a novel pairing of Munster and Castres Olympique...
Enjoy! 🔴 open.spotify.com/episode/4OgG...
On a day where we say goodbye to JK, we return to discuss a novel pairing of Munster and Castres Olympique...
Enjoy! 🔴 open.spotify.com/episode/4OgG...
New ✍️ The Irish Eye ☘️
Three games, one win and a total of five points of margins.
CINEMA!
Three games, one win and a total of five points of margins.
CINEMA!
The Irish Eye: EPCR Round 3 Review
I knew it! All it took was some rambunctious travelling fans and nailbiting matches, but the tepid pulse of European Cup rugby has been found. Long ma... | All Things Rugby
www.allthingsrugby.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:59 AM
New ✍️ The Irish Eye ☘️
Three games, one win and a total of five points of margins.
CINEMA!
Three games, one win and a total of five points of margins.
CINEMA!
New ✍️ Ireland 6N Squad Prediction ☘️
Ireland’s injury list is now a king size sheet, so will Andy Farrell stick with what he knows, or chose to evolve and move on?
You can guess which approach I'd be taking...
Enjoy! ⬇️
Ireland’s injury list is now a king size sheet, so will Andy Farrell stick with what he knows, or chose to evolve and move on?
You can guess which approach I'd be taking...
Enjoy! ⬇️
Picking an Evolved Ireland Squad for 2026 Six Nations
Predicting an Andy Farrell squad is a battle between head and heart
open.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:27 AM
New ✍️ Ireland 6N Squad Prediction ☘️
Ireland’s injury list is now a king size sheet, so will Andy Farrell stick with what he knows, or chose to evolve and move on?
You can guess which approach I'd be taking...
Enjoy! ⬇️
Ireland’s injury list is now a king size sheet, so will Andy Farrell stick with what he knows, or chose to evolve and move on?
You can guess which approach I'd be taking...
Enjoy! ⬇️
Reposted by Caolán Scully
Fully updated 25/26 CC calculator. Save your own copy & fill it in to your heart's content.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
docs.google.com
January 11, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Fully updated 25/26 CC calculator. Save your own copy & fill it in to your heart's content.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
New ✍️ Toulon v Munster Preview 🔴
With over 3,000 loyal supporters descending upon the French town today, Munster must learn to embrace the pressure if they want to secure a coveted home Ro16 game.
With over 3,000 loyal supporters descending upon the French town today, Munster must learn to embrace the pressure if they want to secure a coveted home Ro16 game.
McMillan's Munster Seeking Another Mayol Miracle
The visitors will need another masterclass to replicate 2024 victory in sunny French town
caolanscullymedia.substack.com
January 11, 2026 at 8:13 AM
New ✍️ Toulon v Munster Preview 🔴
With over 3,000 loyal supporters descending upon the French town today, Munster must learn to embrace the pressure if they want to secure a coveted home Ro16 game.
With over 3,000 loyal supporters descending upon the French town today, Munster must learn to embrace the pressure if they want to secure a coveted home Ro16 game.
New ✍️ Leinster v La Rochelle Preview
"No matter how strong or depleted; Leinster don’t lose at home in Europe; but if they did, then shockwaves will reverberate around the continent."
Enjoy! 🏉
"No matter how strong or depleted; Leinster don’t lose at home in Europe; but if they did, then shockwaves will reverberate around the continent."
Enjoy! 🏉
Rivalry Renewed as La Rochelle Return for Revenge
Seventh heaven as modern aristocrats face off in another Dublin duel
caolanscullymedia.substack.com
January 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
New ✍️ Leinster v La Rochelle Preview
"No matter how strong or depleted; Leinster don’t lose at home in Europe; but if they did, then shockwaves will reverberate around the continent."
Enjoy! 🏉
"No matter how strong or depleted; Leinster don’t lose at home in Europe; but if they did, then shockwaves will reverberate around the continent."
Enjoy! 🏉
Reposted by Caolán Scully
This was fun to write!
The TOP 14 is fast moving and constantly evolving - things you knew a year ago are no longer true
Are La Rochelle still good? Are Toulon washed? Are Montpellier still employing criminals? Answers below 👇
The TOP 14 is fast moving and constantly evolving - things you knew a year ago are no longer true
Are La Rochelle still good? Are Toulon washed? Are Montpellier still employing criminals? Answers below 👇
New ✍️ Top14 Focus with @huwgriffinrugby.bsky.social
I’m en route to Toulon, so French rugby aficionado Huw Griffin has written a guest article, looking ahead to this weekend’s Irish-French matchups
Enjoy! 🏉
I’m en route to Toulon, so French rugby aficionado Huw Griffin has written a guest article, looking ahead to this weekend’s Irish-French matchups
Enjoy! 🏉
Eye on France, #1
A guest article by Huw Griffin (HGRugby) on EPCR Champions Cup & Challenge Cup Round 3
open.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:29 AM
This was fun to write!
The TOP 14 is fast moving and constantly evolving - things you knew a year ago are no longer true
Are La Rochelle still good? Are Toulon washed? Are Montpellier still employing criminals? Answers below 👇
The TOP 14 is fast moving and constantly evolving - things you knew a year ago are no longer true
Are La Rochelle still good? Are Toulon washed? Are Montpellier still employing criminals? Answers below 👇
New ✍️ Top14 Focus with @huwgriffinrugby.bsky.social
I’m en route to Toulon, so French rugby aficionado Huw Griffin has written a guest article, looking ahead to this weekend’s Irish-French matchups
Enjoy! 🏉
I’m en route to Toulon, so French rugby aficionado Huw Griffin has written a guest article, looking ahead to this weekend’s Irish-French matchups
Enjoy! 🏉
Eye on France, #1
A guest article by Huw Griffin (HGRugby) on EPCR Champions Cup & Challenge Cup Round 3
open.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 10:35 AM
New ✍️ Top14 Focus with @huwgriffinrugby.bsky.social
I’m en route to Toulon, so French rugby aficionado Huw Griffin has written a guest article, looking ahead to this weekend’s Irish-French matchups
Enjoy! 🏉
I’m en route to Toulon, so French rugby aficionado Huw Griffin has written a guest article, looking ahead to this weekend’s Irish-French matchups
Enjoy! 🏉
European squad changes:
🔴 Seán Edogbo for Conor Ryan
🔵 JJ Kenny for Jordan Larmour and Andrew Sparrow for Conor O’Tighearnaigh
🟢 Matthew Victory and Albert Linder for Shayne Bolton and Matthew Devine
⚪️ Ben Moxham for Stewart Moore
🔴 Seán Edogbo for Conor Ryan
🔵 JJ Kenny for Jordan Larmour and Andrew Sparrow for Conor O’Tighearnaigh
🟢 Matthew Victory and Albert Linder for Shayne Bolton and Matthew Devine
⚪️ Ben Moxham for Stewart Moore
January 8, 2026 at 10:10 AM
European squad changes:
🔴 Seán Edogbo for Conor Ryan
🔵 JJ Kenny for Jordan Larmour and Andrew Sparrow for Conor O’Tighearnaigh
🟢 Matthew Victory and Albert Linder for Shayne Bolton and Matthew Devine
⚪️ Ben Moxham for Stewart Moore
🔴 Seán Edogbo for Conor Ryan
🔵 JJ Kenny for Jordan Larmour and Andrew Sparrow for Conor O’Tighearnaigh
🟢 Matthew Victory and Albert Linder for Shayne Bolton and Matthew Devine
⚪️ Ben Moxham for Stewart Moore
Huge coup for Premier 👏
BREAKING: Premier Sports will broadcast one live fixture per round in this year's Men's Six Nations in the UK.
All games will still be available FTA.
All games will still be available FTA.
January 7, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Huge coup for Premier 👏
New ✍️ Connacht's Precarious Position
"Connacht play 8 games between now and April... They need to pick up at least 6 points in Europe to give them any shot a home Round of 16 tie, and start turning over results in the URC."
Read here ⬇️
"Connacht play 8 games between now and April... They need to pick up at least 6 points in Europe to give them any shot a home Round of 16 tie, and start turning over results in the URC."
Read here ⬇️
Connacht's Season Teetering on the Edge
Uninspiring start leaves westerners as rank outsiders as calendar turns to 2026
caolanscullymedia.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:27 PM
New ✍️ Connacht's Precarious Position
"Connacht play 8 games between now and April... They need to pick up at least 6 points in Europe to give them any shot a home Round of 16 tie, and start turning over results in the URC."
Read here ⬇️
"Connacht play 8 games between now and April... They need to pick up at least 6 points in Europe to give them any shot a home Round of 16 tie, and start turning over results in the URC."
Read here ⬇️
EXCLUSIVE 🚨
Ireland tighthead Jack Aungier could be on his way to Munster!
It’s believed multiple internationals are on the market as IRFU seek to re-balance the spread of talent in 2026
Read more below 👇
Ireland tighthead Jack Aungier could be on his way to Munster!
It’s believed multiple internationals are on the market as IRFU seek to re-balance the spread of talent in 2026
Read more below 👇
Transfer Rumours: Irish Prop on the Move?
New year, new me? Well, change could be on the horizon in Ireland. This isn’t some bombshell news about Andy Farrell or Jacques Nienebar, but rather t... | All Things Rugby
www.allthingsrugby.com
January 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM
EXCLUSIVE 🚨
Ireland tighthead Jack Aungier could be on his way to Munster!
It’s believed multiple internationals are on the market as IRFU seek to re-balance the spread of talent in 2026
Read more below 👇
Ireland tighthead Jack Aungier could be on his way to Munster!
It’s believed multiple internationals are on the market as IRFU seek to re-balance the spread of talent in 2026
Read more below 👇
England duo Matthew Carley and Karl Dickson will take charge of Leinster and Munster’s Round 3 games against La Rochelle and Toulon respectively
Carley then has Munster v Castres in round 4, with Luke Pearce in Bayonne with Leinster
Carley then has Munster v Castres in round 4, with Luke Pearce in Bayonne with Leinster
January 6, 2026 at 10:26 AM
England duo Matthew Carley and Karl Dickson will take charge of Leinster and Munster’s Round 3 games against La Rochelle and Toulon respectively
Carley then has Munster v Castres in round 4, with Luke Pearce in Bayonne with Leinster
Carley then has Munster v Castres in round 4, with Luke Pearce in Bayonne with Leinster
New ✍️ Celtic Challenge Recap ☘️
"Individual performances and the return of long-term absentees will mean more to Scott Bemand than the scoreline."
Read here 👇
"Individual performances and the return of long-term absentees will mean more to Scott Bemand than the scoreline."
Read here 👇
Positives Galore From Derby Dress Rehearsal
Off broadway and under-marketed; but Saturday's all-Irish matchup was the most important game so far this season
open.substack.com
January 5, 2026 at 12:03 PM
New ✍️ Celtic Challenge Recap ☘️
"Individual performances and the return of long-term absentees will mean more to Scott Bemand than the scoreline."
Read here 👇
"Individual performances and the return of long-term absentees will mean more to Scott Bemand than the scoreline."
Read here 👇
Today's Sunday column for @allthingsrugbybs.bsky.social looks at Richie's Ravenhill Revival
I ventured up to a frosty Belfast on Friday to take a look at the brewing redemption arc.
Read more 👇
I ventured up to a frosty Belfast on Friday to take a look at the brewing redemption arc.
Read more 👇
Raucous Ravenhill Fuelling Ulster’s Spiritual Revival
Richie Murphy is the architect of something magical in Belfast. After yet another statement victory on Friday, this time in festive snowy conditions,... | All Things Rugby
www.allthingsrugby.com
January 4, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Today's Sunday column for @allthingsrugbybs.bsky.social looks at Richie's Ravenhill Revival
I ventured up to a frosty Belfast on Friday to take a look at the brewing redemption arc.
Read more 👇
I ventured up to a frosty Belfast on Friday to take a look at the brewing redemption arc.
Read more 👇
Hard to know where Connacht’s season goes from here
They’ll need to beat Montpellier, in France, to improve their challenge cup seeing, and they have 3 Interpros and a Saffa tour in their final 10 URC games
But right now, they’re conceding points at a rate of knots, and look way off
They’ll need to beat Montpellier, in France, to improve their challenge cup seeing, and they have 3 Interpros and a Saffa tour in their final 10 URC games
But right now, they’re conceding points at a rate of knots, and look way off
January 3, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Hard to know where Connacht’s season goes from here
They’ll need to beat Montpellier, in France, to improve their challenge cup seeing, and they have 3 Interpros and a Saffa tour in their final 10 URC games
But right now, they’re conceding points at a rate of knots, and look way off
They’ll need to beat Montpellier, in France, to improve their challenge cup seeing, and they have 3 Interpros and a Saffa tour in their final 10 URC games
But right now, they’re conceding points at a rate of knots, and look way off
New ✍️ Leinster v Connacht Preview 🏉
“Connacht need a performance, but Leinster have the opportunity to show that the master plan is coming together nicely”
Read here 👇
“Connacht need a performance, but Leinster have the opportunity to show that the master plan is coming together nicely”
Read here 👇
Lions Aplenty as Leinster and Connacht Rotate for Dublin Derby
Stiff test awaits Lancaster's travelling army against red hot blue-men
open.substack.com
January 3, 2026 at 2:24 PM
New ✍️ Leinster v Connacht Preview 🏉
“Connacht need a performance, but Leinster have the opportunity to show that the master plan is coming together nicely”
Read here 👇
“Connacht need a performance, but Leinster have the opportunity to show that the master plan is coming together nicely”
Read here 👇
It’s never been easier to get Six Nations tickets in Wales, and never been more difficult in Ireland
Wouldn’t be surprised if that means 10k+ Irish in Cardiff next year
Wouldn’t be surprised if that means 10k+ Irish in Cardiff next year
Remember the days when you’d struggle to get your hands on Wales Six Nations tickets and you’d have to know the right people to get them?
January 3, 2026 at 2:04 PM
It’s never been easier to get Six Nations tickets in Wales, and never been more difficult in Ireland
Wouldn’t be surprised if that means 10k+ Irish in Cardiff next year
Wouldn’t be surprised if that means 10k+ Irish in Cardiff next year
You have to think the URC will go through Ulster in some way after last night
They welcome the Stormers, Leinster and Glasgow to Ravenhill in the back end of the season, which feels less and less daunting as the weeks go by
It's a crowdpleasing revival up north that's for sure
They welcome the Stormers, Leinster and Glasgow to Ravenhill in the back end of the season, which feels less and less daunting as the weeks go by
It's a crowdpleasing revival up north that's for sure
January 3, 2026 at 10:06 AM
You have to think the URC will go through Ulster in some way after last night
They welcome the Stormers, Leinster and Glasgow to Ravenhill in the back end of the season, which feels less and less daunting as the weeks go by
It's a crowdpleasing revival up north that's for sure
They welcome the Stormers, Leinster and Glasgow to Ravenhill in the back end of the season, which feels less and less daunting as the weeks go by
It's a crowdpleasing revival up north that's for sure