Joe Naughton
@rugbynews.bsky.social
Chat most about Irish Rugby, Connacht supporter.
Volunteer with Galway Bay Rugby, Galway Rounders.
Write on GAA, Racing & Rugby.
Build websites & help many charities.
Volunteer with Galway Bay Rugby, Galway Rounders.
Write on GAA, Racing & Rugby.
Build websites & help many charities.
Big changes from Stuart Lancaster - Astonishingly only four of the starting team from final game of last season.
September 26, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Big changes from Stuart Lancaster - Astonishingly only four of the starting team from final game of last season.
My best guess at week one handicaps for the URC. Obviously I could be miles off. Comments welcome.
Stormers v Leinster / +8.5
Ulster v Dragons / -9.5
Glasgow v Sharks / -8.5
Bulls v Ospreys / -8.5
Zebre v Edinburgh / +7.5
Scarlets v Munster/ +4.5
Cardiff v Lions / -4.5
Connacht v Benetton / -6.5
Stormers v Leinster / +8.5
Ulster v Dragons / -9.5
Glasgow v Sharks / -8.5
Bulls v Ospreys / -8.5
Zebre v Edinburgh / +7.5
Scarlets v Munster/ +4.5
Cardiff v Lions / -4.5
Connacht v Benetton / -6.5
September 20, 2025 at 8:41 PM
My best guess at week one handicaps for the URC. Obviously I could be miles off. Comments welcome.
Stormers v Leinster / +8.5
Ulster v Dragons / -9.5
Glasgow v Sharks / -8.5
Bulls v Ospreys / -8.5
Zebre v Edinburgh / +7.5
Scarlets v Munster/ +4.5
Cardiff v Lions / -4.5
Connacht v Benetton / -6.5
Stormers v Leinster / +8.5
Ulster v Dragons / -9.5
Glasgow v Sharks / -8.5
Bulls v Ospreys / -8.5
Zebre v Edinburgh / +7.5
Scarlets v Munster/ +4.5
Cardiff v Lions / -4.5
Connacht v Benetton / -6.5
Without using a search engine - last time Ireland had eight starters in the Lions team was 2013 - can you name the 8 Irish players?
June 26, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Without using a search engine - last time Ireland had eight starters in the Lions team was 2013 - can you name the 8 Irish players?
List of players leaving Leinster
Ross Byrne - Gloucester
Rory Maguire - Unknown
Ben Brownlee - Munster?
Aitzol Arenzana-King - Unknown
Rob Russell - Ulster? Connacht?
Liam Turner - Unknown
Michael Milne - Munster
Lee Barron - Munster
Jordie Barrett -
Cian Healy - Retired
Ross Byrne - Gloucester
Rory Maguire - Unknown
Ben Brownlee - Munster?
Aitzol Arenzana-King - Unknown
Rob Russell - Ulster? Connacht?
Liam Turner - Unknown
Michael Milne - Munster
Lee Barron - Munster
Jordie Barrett -
Cian Healy - Retired
May 7, 2025 at 8:22 AM
List of players leaving Leinster
Ross Byrne - Gloucester
Rory Maguire - Unknown
Ben Brownlee - Munster?
Aitzol Arenzana-King - Unknown
Rob Russell - Ulster? Connacht?
Liam Turner - Unknown
Michael Milne - Munster
Lee Barron - Munster
Jordie Barrett -
Cian Healy - Retired
Ross Byrne - Gloucester
Rory Maguire - Unknown
Ben Brownlee - Munster?
Aitzol Arenzana-King - Unknown
Rob Russell - Ulster? Connacht?
Liam Turner - Unknown
Michael Milne - Munster
Lee Barron - Munster
Jordie Barrett -
Cian Healy - Retired
Saturday
HSBC Rugby 7s, TNT Sports 3, 9am
London v Roscommon, GAA+, 2:30pm
Hull FC v Hull KR, BBC1, 2:30pm
Leinster v Harlequins, RTE2, 3pm
Aintree Grand National, Virgin 1, 4pm
Dubai World Cup, Virgin 2, 5pm
La Rochelle v Munster, Premier 1, 5:30
Connacht v Cardiff, Premier 2, 8pm
HSBC Rugby 7s, TNT Sports 3, 9am
London v Roscommon, GAA+, 2:30pm
Hull FC v Hull KR, BBC1, 2:30pm
Leinster v Harlequins, RTE2, 3pm
Aintree Grand National, Virgin 1, 4pm
Dubai World Cup, Virgin 2, 5pm
La Rochelle v Munster, Premier 1, 5:30
Connacht v Cardiff, Premier 2, 8pm
April 1, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Saturday
HSBC Rugby 7s, TNT Sports 3, 9am
London v Roscommon, GAA+, 2:30pm
Hull FC v Hull KR, BBC1, 2:30pm
Leinster v Harlequins, RTE2, 3pm
Aintree Grand National, Virgin 1, 4pm
Dubai World Cup, Virgin 2, 5pm
La Rochelle v Munster, Premier 1, 5:30
Connacht v Cardiff, Premier 2, 8pm
HSBC Rugby 7s, TNT Sports 3, 9am
London v Roscommon, GAA+, 2:30pm
Hull FC v Hull KR, BBC1, 2:30pm
Leinster v Harlequins, RTE2, 3pm
Aintree Grand National, Virgin 1, 4pm
Dubai World Cup, Virgin 2, 5pm
La Rochelle v Munster, Premier 1, 5:30
Connacht v Cardiff, Premier 2, 8pm
There’ll be changes to both squads for Connacht v Munster this Saturday!
Connacht are boosted by the return of
• Cian Prendergast
• Mack Hansen
• Bundee Aki
• Finlay Bealham
Connacht are boosted by the return of
• Cian Prendergast
• Mack Hansen
• Bundee Aki
• Finlay Bealham
March 25, 2025 at 2:23 PM
There’ll be changes to both squads for Connacht v Munster this Saturday!
Connacht are boosted by the return of
• Cian Prendergast
• Mack Hansen
• Bundee Aki
• Finlay Bealham
Connacht are boosted by the return of
• Cian Prendergast
• Mack Hansen
• Bundee Aki
• Finlay Bealham
Jack Crowley at a Crossroads: Will He Stay with Munster or Follow Sexton’s Path Abroad? www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_... via @sportireland.bsky.social
Jack Crowley at a Crossroads: Will He Stay with Munster?
Jack Crowley at a Crossroads: Will He Stay with Munster or Follow Sexton’s Path Abroad? Reviews SportsNewsIreland
www.sportsnewsireland.com
March 25, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Jack Crowley at a Crossroads: Will He Stay with Munster or Follow Sexton’s Path Abroad? www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_... via @sportireland.bsky.social
With 5 games to go, here’s how I reckon the URC finishes (100% scientific guesswork):
1.Leinster
2.Glasgow
3.Bulls
4.Sharks
5.Stormers (57–58)
6.Munster (53–54)
7.Edinburgh (51–52)
8.Lions (50–51)
9.Ospreys (47–48)
10.Connacht (46–47)
1.Leinster
2.Glasgow
3.Bulls
4.Sharks
5.Stormers (57–58)
6.Munster (53–54)
7.Edinburgh (51–52)
8.Lions (50–51)
9.Ospreys (47–48)
10.Connacht (46–47)
March 24, 2025 at 8:46 AM
With 5 games to go, here’s how I reckon the URC finishes (100% scientific guesswork):
1.Leinster
2.Glasgow
3.Bulls
4.Sharks
5.Stormers (57–58)
6.Munster (53–54)
7.Edinburgh (51–52)
8.Lions (50–51)
9.Ospreys (47–48)
10.Connacht (46–47)
1.Leinster
2.Glasgow
3.Bulls
4.Sharks
5.Stormers (57–58)
6.Munster (53–54)
7.Edinburgh (51–52)
8.Lions (50–51)
9.Ospreys (47–48)
10.Connacht (46–47)
Great to see so many future Irish internationals in action for Connacht this evening — Cathal Forde, Hugh Gavin, Finn Tracey, Shane Bolton, Matthew Devine, and Darragh Murray should all be travelling with Ireland for the summer tests against Georgia and Portugal! 🇮🇪☘️🏉
March 22, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Great to see so many future Irish internationals in action for Connacht this evening — Cathal Forde, Hugh Gavin, Finn Tracey, Shane Bolton, Matthew Devine, and Darragh Murray should all be travelling with Ireland for the summer tests against Georgia and Portugal! 🇮🇪☘️🏉
No doubt Connacht fans will be glued to Munster v Glasgow on Friday – Andrew Smith gets his first start, lining out with Tom Farrell and Sean O’Brien. Throw in JJ and Diarmuid Killgannon, and at this rate Munster are close to a full set of ex-Connacht backs.
March 20, 2025 at 12:41 PM
No doubt Connacht fans will be glued to Munster v Glasgow on Friday – Andrew Smith gets his first start, lining out with Tom Farrell and Sean O’Brien. Throw in JJ and Diarmuid Killgannon, and at this rate Munster are close to a full set of ex-Connacht backs.
This Week in Rugby
1.The Women’s Six Nations kicks off next week — fingers crossed we actually show up. With a World Cup looming in England this August, even a half-decent showing could bring thousands of new fans on board.
1.The Women’s Six Nations kicks off next week — fingers crossed we actually show up. With a World Cup looming in England this August, even a half-decent showing could bring thousands of new fans on board.
March 17, 2025 at 10:13 AM
This Week in Rugby
1.The Women’s Six Nations kicks off next week — fingers crossed we actually show up. With a World Cup looming in England this August, even a half-decent showing could bring thousands of new fans on board.
1.The Women’s Six Nations kicks off next week — fingers crossed we actually show up. With a World Cup looming in England this August, even a half-decent showing could bring thousands of new fans on board.
Friday
St Pats v Bohs, 7:30pm, Virgin 2
U20 Italy v Ireland, 8pm, RTE2
Sat
Italy v Ireland, 2:15pm, RTE2
Wales v England - 4:45pm, Virgin 1
Kerry v Armagh, 5:30pm, RTE2
Galway v Dublin, 7:30pm, TG4
France v Scotland, 8pm, RTE2
Sun
Derry v Mayo, 1:30pm, TG4
Donegal v Tyrone, 3:30pm, TG4
St Pats v Bohs, 7:30pm, Virgin 2
U20 Italy v Ireland, 8pm, RTE2
Sat
Italy v Ireland, 2:15pm, RTE2
Wales v England - 4:45pm, Virgin 1
Kerry v Armagh, 5:30pm, RTE2
Galway v Dublin, 7:30pm, TG4
France v Scotland, 8pm, RTE2
Sun
Derry v Mayo, 1:30pm, TG4
Donegal v Tyrone, 3:30pm, TG4
March 10, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Friday
St Pats v Bohs, 7:30pm, Virgin 2
U20 Italy v Ireland, 8pm, RTE2
Sat
Italy v Ireland, 2:15pm, RTE2
Wales v England - 4:45pm, Virgin 1
Kerry v Armagh, 5:30pm, RTE2
Galway v Dublin, 7:30pm, TG4
France v Scotland, 8pm, RTE2
Sun
Derry v Mayo, 1:30pm, TG4
Donegal v Tyrone, 3:30pm, TG4
St Pats v Bohs, 7:30pm, Virgin 2
U20 Italy v Ireland, 8pm, RTE2
Sat
Italy v Ireland, 2:15pm, RTE2
Wales v England - 4:45pm, Virgin 1
Kerry v Armagh, 5:30pm, RTE2
Galway v Dublin, 7:30pm, TG4
France v Scotland, 8pm, RTE2
Sun
Derry v Mayo, 1:30pm, TG4
Donegal v Tyrone, 3:30pm, TG4
Irish Rugby Transfers: 2025/26 Signings for Munster, Leinster, Ulster & Connacht (Updated Weekly) www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/irish-... via @sportireland.bsky.social
Irish Rugby Transfers: 2025/26 Signings for Munster, Leinster, Ulster & Connacht
Irish Rugby Transfers: 2025/26 Signings for Munster, Leinster, Ulster & Connacht (Updated Weekly) Fixture Previews Reviews SportsNewsIreland
www.sportsnewsireland.com
March 5, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Irish Rugby Transfers: 2025/26 Signings for Munster, Leinster, Ulster & Connacht (Updated Weekly) www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/irish-... via @sportireland.bsky.social
Predicted Starting Teams – Ireland v France – Six Nations www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/predic... via @sportireland.bsky.social
Predicted Starting Teams - Ireland v France - Six Nations
Predicted Starting Teams - Ireland v France - Six Nations Score Updates Fixture Previews Reviews SportsNewsIreland
www.sportsnewsireland.com
March 5, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Predicted Starting Teams – Ireland v France – Six Nations www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/predic... via @sportireland.bsky.social
Shows how much more competitive the URC has become, with only four of the sixteen teams holding winning records. After tonight’s victory, Zebre are now ahead of the Stormers, Lions, Ospreys, Connacht, and Ulster.
February 28, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Shows how much more competitive the URC has become, with only four of the sixteen teams holding winning records. After tonight’s victory, Zebre are now ahead of the Stormers, Lions, Ospreys, Connacht, and Ulster.
Reposted by Joe Naughton
The Effects of New Gaelic Football Rules on the 2025 Season www.sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/the-effe... via @SportsNewsIreland
The Effects of New Gaelic Football Rules on the 2025 Season
The Effects of New Gaelic Football Rules on the 2025 Season. See kick out stats, time in play for GAA matches. Reviews SportsNewsIreland
www.sportsnewsireland.com
February 28, 2025 at 10:20 AM
The Effects of New Gaelic Football Rules on the 2025 Season www.sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/the-effe... via @SportsNewsIreland
Garry Ringrose Banned for Three Matches – Breakdown of decision www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_... via @SportsNewsIre
Garry Ringrose Banned for Three Matches - Breakdown of decision
Garry Ringrose Banned for Three Matches - Breakdown of decision Score Updates Fixture Previews Reviews SportsNewsIreland
www.sportsnewsireland.com
February 27, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Garry Ringrose Banned for Three Matches – Breakdown of decision www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_... via @SportsNewsIre
Video – Ireland Legends Cian Healy, Conor Murray & Peter O’Mahony Announce International Rugby Retirement After Six Nations www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_... via @SportsNewsIRE
Video - Cian Healy, Conor Murray & Peter O’Mahony Announce International Rugby Retirement After Six Nations
Ireland Legends Cian Healy, Conor Murray & Peter O’Mahony Announce International Rugby Retirement After Six Nations SportsNewsIreland
www.sportsnewsireland.com
February 27, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Video – Ireland Legends Cian Healy, Conor Murray & Peter O’Mahony Announce International Rugby Retirement After Six Nations www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_... via @SportsNewsIRE
Connacht Must Deliver as Coaching Changes Loom and Benetton Travel Depleted www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_... via @SportsNewsIreland
Connacht Must Deliver as Coaching Changes Loom and Benetton Travel Depleted
Connacht Must Deliver as Coaching Changes Loom and Benetton Travel Depleted Score Updates Fixture Previews Reviews SportsNewsIreland
www.sportsnewsireland.com
February 27, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Connacht Must Deliver as Coaching Changes Loom and Benetton Travel Depleted www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_... via @SportsNewsIreland
Felix Jones Returns to Springboks Coaching Staff www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_... via @SportsNewsIreland
Felix Jones Returns to Springboks Coaching Staff
Felix Jones Returns to Springboks Coaching Staff After England Exit and Munster Links. Munster announced their coach SportsNewsIreland
www.sportsnewsireland.com
February 27, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Felix Jones Returns to Springboks Coaching Staff www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_... via @SportsNewsIreland
Connacht Set to Appoint Rod Seib as Attack Coach Amid Coaching Reshuffle www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_... via @sportireland.bsky.social
Connacht Rugby Set to Appoint Rod Seib as Attack Coach
Connacht Set to Appoint Rod Seib as Attack Coach Amid Coaching Reshuffle. The Australian replaces Mark Sexton SportsNewsIreland
www.sportsnewsireland.com
February 27, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Connacht Set to Appoint Rod Seib as Attack Coach Amid Coaching Reshuffle www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_... via @sportireland.bsky.social
Anyone hear news on the next Munster coach? Lots of rumours around tonight
January 29, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Anyone hear news on the next Munster coach? Lots of rumours around tonight
European Rugby Last 16 - Dates and kickoff times.
Saturday 5th April
Leinster Rugby v Harlequins, 3pm
La Rochelle v Munster Rugby, 6:30pm
Connacht v Glasgow, 8pm
Sunday 6 April
Bordeaux v Ulster Rugby, 1:30pm
Saturday 5th April
Leinster Rugby v Harlequins, 3pm
La Rochelle v Munster Rugby, 6:30pm
Connacht v Glasgow, 8pm
Sunday 6 April
Bordeaux v Ulster Rugby, 1:30pm
January 22, 2025 at 11:26 AM
European Rugby Last 16 - Dates and kickoff times.
Saturday 5th April
Leinster Rugby v Harlequins, 3pm
La Rochelle v Munster Rugby, 6:30pm
Connacht v Glasgow, 8pm
Sunday 6 April
Bordeaux v Ulster Rugby, 1:30pm
Saturday 5th April
Leinster Rugby v Harlequins, 3pm
La Rochelle v Munster Rugby, 6:30pm
Connacht v Glasgow, 8pm
Sunday 6 April
Bordeaux v Ulster Rugby, 1:30pm
My thoughts on the Mack Hansen ban:
It’s almost laughable. Feels like the IRFU ensured he’d serve a ban that only impacts Connacht games. The usual story when it comes to Connacht. #Shitshow
It’s almost laughable. Feels like the IRFU ensured he’d serve a ban that only impacts Connacht games. The usual story when it comes to Connacht. #Shitshow
January 9, 2025 at 4:52 PM
My thoughts on the Mack Hansen ban:
It’s almost laughable. Feels like the IRFU ensured he’d serve a ban that only impacts Connacht games. The usual story when it comes to Connacht. #Shitshow
It’s almost laughable. Feels like the IRFU ensured he’d serve a ban that only impacts Connacht games. The usual story when it comes to Connacht. #Shitshow
🏉 Connacht’s Mack Hansen receives a 6-week ban (3 suspended) + €10K suspended fine. He apologised & will miss 3 games. Connacht to run media training.
📅 Games missed:
• 11 Jan v Lyon
• 17 Jan v Cardiff
• 24 Jan v Glasgow
📅 Games missed:
• 11 Jan v Lyon
• 17 Jan v Cardiff
• 24 Jan v Glasgow
January 9, 2025 at 10:24 AM
🏉 Connacht’s Mack Hansen receives a 6-week ban (3 suspended) + €10K suspended fine. He apologised & will miss 3 games. Connacht to run media training.
📅 Games missed:
• 11 Jan v Lyon
• 17 Jan v Cardiff
• 24 Jan v Glasgow
📅 Games missed:
• 11 Jan v Lyon
• 17 Jan v Cardiff
• 24 Jan v Glasgow