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
Pinned
A Green Giant No More After Night to Forget For Ireland
Six Nations Round 1, In-Depth Review
open.substack.com
NEW ✍️ Ireland v France Debrief ☘️
"There are never any positives from a 22 point loss"
A 1,300 long-read on why and how Ireland lost + the current trajectory of Andy Farrell's men.
Read here:
"There are never any positives from a 22 point loss"
A 1,300 long-read on why and how Ireland lost + the current trajectory of Andy Farrell's men.
Read here:
Italy are in red hot form coming to Dublin on Saturday, but their record in Ireland leaves a lot to be desired
Their only road win was in 1997, and the last one score game was back in 2008 (Ire 16-11 Ita)
The clubs are also 1/19 in Ireland in the URC era (Zebre beat Ulster in January 2025)
Their only road win was in 1997, and the last one score game was back in 2008 (Ire 16-11 Ita)
The clubs are also 1/19 in Ireland in the URC era (Zebre beat Ulster in January 2025)
February 9, 2026 at 8:37 PM
Italy are in red hot form coming to Dublin on Saturday, but their record in Ireland leaves a lot to be desired
Their only road win was in 1997, and the last one score game was back in 2008 (Ire 16-11 Ita)
The clubs are also 1/19 in Ireland in the URC era (Zebre beat Ulster in January 2025)
Their only road win was in 1997, and the last one score game was back in 2008 (Ire 16-11 Ita)
The clubs are also 1/19 in Ireland in the URC era (Zebre beat Ulster in January 2025)
NEW ✍️ Ireland v France Debrief ☘️
"There are never any positives from a 22 point loss"
A 1,300 long-read on why and how Ireland lost + the current trajectory of Andy Farrell's men.
Read here:
"There are never any positives from a 22 point loss"
A 1,300 long-read on why and how Ireland lost + the current trajectory of Andy Farrell's men.
Read here:
A Green Giant No More After Night to Forget For Ireland
Six Nations Round 1, In-Depth Review
open.substack.com
February 8, 2026 at 2:24 PM
NEW ✍️ Ireland v France Debrief ☘️
"There are never any positives from a 22 point loss"
A 1,300 long-read on why and how Ireland lost + the current trajectory of Andy Farrell's men.
Read here:
"There are never any positives from a 22 point loss"
A 1,300 long-read on why and how Ireland lost + the current trajectory of Andy Farrell's men.
Read here:
My Predicted Ireland 23 vs Italy ☘️
🧹 Sweeping changes with 15/23 changed up
3⃣ debutants in Edogbo, Doak and Postlethwaite
©️ Dan Sheehan captains from hooker
🔙 Returns for Lowe and Baloucoune
Thoughts? 💭
🧹 Sweeping changes with 15/23 changed up
3⃣ debutants in Edogbo, Doak and Postlethwaite
©️ Dan Sheehan captains from hooker
🔙 Returns for Lowe and Baloucoune
Thoughts? 💭
February 8, 2026 at 11:16 AM
My Predicted Ireland 23 vs Italy ☘️
🧹 Sweeping changes with 15/23 changed up
3⃣ debutants in Edogbo, Doak and Postlethwaite
©️ Dan Sheehan captains from hooker
🔙 Returns for Lowe and Baloucoune
Thoughts? 💭
🧹 Sweeping changes with 15/23 changed up
3⃣ debutants in Edogbo, Doak and Postlethwaite
©️ Dan Sheehan captains from hooker
🔙 Returns for Lowe and Baloucoune
Thoughts? 💭
If you have 10 minutes to spare, I highly recommend reading this
The Irish slide has been inevitable because ultimately, no team keeps winning
But the reason why Ireland look *this way* right now, is well laid out
The Irish slide has been inevitable because ultimately, no team keeps winning
But the reason why Ireland look *this way* right now, is well laid out
A long read on how Ireland got to this point, why we look like malfunctioning robots and why the new rugby looks so far out of our natural game.
www.patreon.com/posts/150197...
www.patreon.com/posts/150197...
February 8, 2026 at 10:22 AM
If you have 10 minutes to spare, I highly recommend reading this
The Irish slide has been inevitable because ultimately, no team keeps winning
But the reason why Ireland look *this way* right now, is well laid out
The Irish slide has been inevitable because ultimately, no team keeps winning
But the reason why Ireland look *this way* right now, is well laid out
It was another worrying night for Ireland as the XV squad were trampled by an impressive English outfit.
That said, despite Ireland’s cohesion void, some players stood up, and here’s who impressed most:
That said, despite Ireland’s cohesion void, some players stood up, and here’s who impressed most:
5 Players Who Stood Out As Ireland XV Suffer Heavy Defeat To England A | Balls.ie
Less than 24 hours after Ireland's disasterous Six Nations opener, the Ireland XV representative team took to the field in Thomond Park to take on a strong Engl...
www.balls.ie
February 7, 2026 at 10:59 AM
It was another worrying night for Ireland as the XV squad were trampled by an impressive English outfit.
That said, despite Ireland’s cohesion void, some players stood up, and here’s who impressed most:
That said, despite Ireland’s cohesion void, some players stood up, and here’s who impressed most:
I cannot believe my Twitter rugby feed is more sane than the BlueSky rugby feed this morning
Funny that
Funny that
February 7, 2026 at 9:31 AM
I cannot believe my Twitter rugby feed is more sane than the BlueSky rugby feed this morning
Funny that
Funny that
Resharing now as it may have gotten lost during the pandemonium of last night
Usually as time goes on, my frustration wavers. But this morning, I don’t know what to think
As bad I remember since 2013 or 2008; both resulted in serious changes
Usually as time goes on, my frustration wavers. But this morning, I don’t know what to think
As bad I remember since 2013 or 2008; both resulted in serious changes
Sobering. Harrowing. Pitiful. A night for the superlatives in Paris
Full player ratings::
Full player ratings::
Ireland Player Ratings As First Half Horror Show Results In Humbling France Defeat | Balls.ie
We have all the Ireland player ratings as a first half horror show from Ireland resulted in a humbling defeat at the hands of France.
www.balls.ie
February 6, 2026 at 9:24 AM
Resharing now as it may have gotten lost during the pandemonium of last night
Usually as time goes on, my frustration wavers. But this morning, I don’t know what to think
As bad I remember since 2013 or 2008; both resulted in serious changes
Usually as time goes on, my frustration wavers. But this morning, I don’t know what to think
As bad I remember since 2013 or 2008; both resulted in serious changes
Sobering. Harrowing. Pitiful. A night for the superlatives in Paris
Full player ratings::
Full player ratings::
Ireland Player Ratings As First Half Horror Show Results In Humbling France Defeat | Balls.ie
We have all the Ireland player ratings as a first half horror show from Ireland resulted in a humbling defeat at the hands of France.
www.balls.ie
February 5, 2026 at 10:29 PM
Sobering. Harrowing. Pitiful. A night for the superlatives in Paris
Full player ratings::
Full player ratings::
It's like watching mid 2000s matches in Paris
That's not a good thing
That's not a good thing
February 5, 2026 at 8:47 PM
It's like watching mid 2000s matches in Paris
That's not a good thing
That's not a good thing
Ireland look so headless now
Rattled even
Rattled even
February 5, 2026 at 8:34 PM
Ireland look so headless now
Rattled even
Rattled even
France are the best team in Europe on kick transition
Cannot cough up cheap possession like that
Cannot cough up cheap possession like that
February 5, 2026 at 8:24 PM
France are the best team in Europe on kick transition
Cannot cough up cheap possession like that
Cannot cough up cheap possession like that
Some nice touches from Ireland but kicking game and chase already crucial
When French backfield are split, pin them. But gotta be careful on contestables
When French backfield are split, pin them. But gotta be careful on contestables
February 5, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Some nice touches from Ireland but kicking game and chase already crucial
When French backfield are split, pin them. But gotta be careful on contestables
When French backfield are split, pin them. But gotta be careful on contestables
Karl Dickson is the man in the middle tonight in Paris
A good omen perhaps, as Ireland have won 5 out of 6 tests he has officiated for them, including the 2024 triumph in Marseille
A good omen perhaps, as Ireland have won 5 out of 6 tests he has officiated for them, including the 2024 triumph in Marseille
February 5, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Karl Dickson is the man in the middle tonight in Paris
A good omen perhaps, as Ireland have won 5 out of 6 tests he has officiated for them, including the 2024 triumph in Marseille
A good omen perhaps, as Ireland have won 5 out of 6 tests he has officiated for them, including the 2024 triumph in Marseille
Josh Neill has taken an alternate path to Irish green and with a highlight reel that is sure to excite.
I caught up with his former coach recently in the first player profile pieces for Balls' u-20 Six Nations coverage
I caught up with his former coach recently in the first player profile pieces for Balls' u-20 Six Nations coverage
'He Was Destined': Josh Neill's Journey From Rondebosch To The Ireland U20s | Balls.ie
Josh Neill is set to make his Ireland U20s Six Nations debut this week in Perpigninan against France. The 18-year-old has garnered much hype, deservedly so.
www.balls.ie
February 5, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Josh Neill has taken an alternate path to Irish green and with a highlight reel that is sure to excite.
I caught up with his former coach recently in the first player profile pieces for Balls' u-20 Six Nations coverage
I caught up with his former coach recently in the first player profile pieces for Balls' u-20 Six Nations coverage
A strong Irish 23 named for Perpignan, with the returning James O’Leary a welcome boost
Tom Wood in at 10, backed up by Charlie O’Shea, also of Munster.
Sami Bishti captains from prop, Christian Foley left in reserve, while Josh Neill is named on the flanks with Billy Hayes
Tom Wood in at 10, backed up by Charlie O’Shea, also of Munster.
Sami Bishti captains from prop, Christian Foley left in reserve, while Josh Neill is named on the flanks with Billy Hayes
February 5, 2026 at 12:57 PM
A strong Irish 23 named for Perpignan, with the returning James O’Leary a welcome boost
Tom Wood in at 10, backed up by Charlie O’Shea, also of Munster.
Sami Bishti captains from prop, Christian Foley left in reserve, while Josh Neill is named on the flanks with Billy Hayes
Tom Wood in at 10, backed up by Charlie O’Shea, also of Munster.
Sami Bishti captains from prop, Christian Foley left in reserve, while Josh Neill is named on the flanks with Billy Hayes
Terrific questioning of the Irish regression from the Indo’s live pod
Feel like the culture war style of discourse has dissipated ahead of the 2026 6N for proper debate
Feel like the culture war style of discourse has dissipated ahead of the 2026 6N for proper debate
Are Ireland now paying for their reliance on Leinster?
YouTube video by Indo Sport
youtube.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:58 AM
Terrific questioning of the Irish regression from the Indo’s live pod
Feel like the culture war style of discourse has dissipated ahead of the 2026 6N for proper debate
Feel like the culture war style of discourse has dissipated ahead of the 2026 6N for proper debate
It has been confirmed this morning that Virgin Media will become Ireland’s, free to air home, of the Nations Championship
The broadcaster set to offer all 42 fixtures in 2026 and 2028
The broadcaster set to offer all 42 fixtures in 2026 and 2028
February 5, 2026 at 9:44 AM
It has been confirmed this morning that Virgin Media will become Ireland’s, free to air home, of the Nations Championship
The broadcaster set to offer all 42 fixtures in 2026 and 2028
The broadcaster set to offer all 42 fixtures in 2026 and 2028
IRELAND v FRANCE: The Preview ☘️
A 1,500 word tactical breakdown on the direction of travel, and Ireland's 'Path to Victory' if they are to replicate the magic of 2000, 2014 and 2018.
Enjoy! 🏉
A 1,500 word tactical breakdown on the direction of travel, and Ireland's 'Path to Victory' if they are to replicate the magic of 2000, 2014 and 2018.
Enjoy! 🏉
Slam Search: France v Ireland Preview
Not since 2010 have Ireland felt like such rank outsiders in Paris, but, this is not an impossible task
open.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:27 PM
IRELAND v FRANCE: The Preview ☘️
A 1,500 word tactical breakdown on the direction of travel, and Ireland's 'Path to Victory' if they are to replicate the magic of 2000, 2014 and 2018.
Enjoy! 🏉
A 1,500 word tactical breakdown on the direction of travel, and Ireland's 'Path to Victory' if they are to replicate the magic of 2000, 2014 and 2018.
Enjoy! 🏉
NEW ✍️ Ireland u-20 Six Nations Preview ☘️
Friend of the page Maccers guest-writes this season's preview as new head coach Andrew Browne looks to flip the narrative after a poor 2025
Enjoy! 🏉
Friend of the page Maccers guest-writes this season's preview as new head coach Andrew Browne looks to flip the narrative after a poor 2025
Enjoy! 🏉
Ireland Under-20's Six Nations Preview
Andrew Browne's new crop keen to rewrite 2025 blip
caolanscullymedia.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:36 AM
NEW ✍️ Ireland u-20 Six Nations Preview ☘️
Friend of the page Maccers guest-writes this season's preview as new head coach Andrew Browne looks to flip the narrative after a poor 2025
Enjoy! 🏉
Friend of the page Maccers guest-writes this season's preview as new head coach Andrew Browne looks to flip the narrative after a poor 2025
Enjoy! 🏉
Reposted by Caolán Scully
Happy New Year!
Ep.1 of the all new 8/9 Rugby is LIVE and out there, with the great @charliemorgan.bsky.social joining @bmcsport.bsky.social for a first look at the #SixNations for 2026
On the 8/9 YouTube + pods everywhere
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jo2...
Ep.1 of the all new 8/9 Rugby is LIVE and out there, with the great @charliemorgan.bsky.social joining @bmcsport.bsky.social for a first look at the #SixNations for 2026
On the 8/9 YouTube + pods everywhere
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jo2...
Six Nations: “Lads, it’s Spurs…” | 8/9 Rugby with Charlie Morgan
YouTube video by 8/9 Rugby
www.youtube.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:09 AM
Happy New Year!
Ep.1 of the all new 8/9 Rugby is LIVE and out there, with the great @charliemorgan.bsky.social joining @bmcsport.bsky.social for a first look at the #SixNations for 2026
On the 8/9 YouTube + pods everywhere
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jo2...
Ep.1 of the all new 8/9 Rugby is LIVE and out there, with the great @charliemorgan.bsky.social joining @bmcsport.bsky.social for a first look at the #SixNations for 2026
On the 8/9 YouTube + pods everywhere
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jo2...
Kickoff in Paris is fast approaching, and Ireland are at a crossroads enetering Saint Denis
Can they turn the ship around after a bang average 2025, or will Les Bleus flext their muscles as they did in Dublin?
Latest piece for ATR below 👇
Can they turn the ship around after a bang average 2025, or will Les Bleus flext their muscles as they did in Dublin?
Latest piece for ATR below 👇
Six Nations Team Preview: Ireland
Last November, on this very site, I wrote an obituary on this era of the Irish national team. One of my main takeaways from the Irish regression, whic... | All Things Rugby
allthingsrugby.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Kickoff in Paris is fast approaching, and Ireland are at a crossroads enetering Saint Denis
Can they turn the ship around after a bang average 2025, or will Les Bleus flext their muscles as they did in Dublin?
Latest piece for ATR below 👇
Can they turn the ship around after a bang average 2025, or will Les Bleus flext their muscles as they did in Dublin?
Latest piece for ATR below 👇
Ireland XV squad changes
In ⬆️ Billy Bohan, Jack Aungier, Fiachna Barrett, Fineen Wycherley, Harry Sheridan, Ethan Coughlan, Ciarán Frawley
Out ⬇️ Sam Illo, Oli Jager, Darragh Murray, Diarmuid Mangan, Ben Murphy, Jude Postlethwaite
In ⬆️ Billy Bohan, Jack Aungier, Fiachna Barrett, Fineen Wycherley, Harry Sheridan, Ethan Coughlan, Ciarán Frawley
Out ⬇️ Sam Illo, Oli Jager, Darragh Murray, Diarmuid Mangan, Ben Murphy, Jude Postlethwaite
February 3, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Ireland XV squad changes
In ⬆️ Billy Bohan, Jack Aungier, Fiachna Barrett, Fineen Wycherley, Harry Sheridan, Ethan Coughlan, Ciarán Frawley
Out ⬇️ Sam Illo, Oli Jager, Darragh Murray, Diarmuid Mangan, Ben Murphy, Jude Postlethwaite
In ⬆️ Billy Bohan, Jack Aungier, Fiachna Barrett, Fineen Wycherley, Harry Sheridan, Ethan Coughlan, Ciarán Frawley
Out ⬇️ Sam Illo, Oli Jager, Darragh Murray, Diarmuid Mangan, Ben Murphy, Jude Postlethwaite
How do you beat a team like France?
Well in 2025 6N they ranked:
🥇 1st in points per 22 entry
🥇 1st tries from own half
🥈 2nd in tries stemming from turnover
🥈 2nd in tries from kick return
& were 1st in lineout success, scrum completion and maul win % and metres
A cary prospect
Well in 2025 6N they ranked:
🥇 1st in points per 22 entry
🥇 1st tries from own half
🥈 2nd in tries stemming from turnover
🥈 2nd in tries from kick return
& were 1st in lineout success, scrum completion and maul win % and metres
A cary prospect
February 3, 2026 at 11:08 AM
How do you beat a team like France?
Well in 2025 6N they ranked:
🥇 1st in points per 22 entry
🥇 1st tries from own half
🥈 2nd in tries stemming from turnover
🥈 2nd in tries from kick return
& were 1st in lineout success, scrum completion and maul win % and metres
A cary prospect
Well in 2025 6N they ranked:
🥇 1st in points per 22 entry
🥇 1st tries from own half
🥈 2nd in tries stemming from turnover
🥈 2nd in tries from kick return
& were 1st in lineout success, scrum completion and maul win % and metres
A cary prospect
It’s as predicted for Ireland’s opener in Paris
No debutant Edogbo with Cian Prendergast at 6 the big call. His brother Sam is at 10, while Jacob Stockdale starts on the wing.
A 6/2 bench for the 3rd year running vs France too, but with no 2nd lock option this time around
No debutant Edogbo with Cian Prendergast at 6 the big call. His brother Sam is at 10, while Jacob Stockdale starts on the wing.
A 6/2 bench for the 3rd year running vs France too, but with no 2nd lock option this time around
February 3, 2026 at 8:00 AM
It’s as predicted for Ireland’s opener in Paris
No debutant Edogbo with Cian Prendergast at 6 the big call. His brother Sam is at 10, while Jacob Stockdale starts on the wing.
A 6/2 bench for the 3rd year running vs France too, but with no 2nd lock option this time around
No debutant Edogbo with Cian Prendergast at 6 the big call. His brother Sam is at 10, while Jacob Stockdale starts on the wing.
A 6/2 bench for the 3rd year running vs France too, but with no 2nd lock option this time around
Interesting 23 as per Murray:
Osborne, TOB, Ringrose, Stu, Stockdale, Sam, JGP; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, Joe, Beirne, Cian P, JVDF, Doris.
Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Ryan, Conan, Timoney, Casey, Crowley
Osborne, TOB, Ringrose, Stu, Stockdale, Sam, JGP; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, Joe, Beirne, Cian P, JVDF, Doris.
Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Ryan, Conan, Timoney, Casey, Crowley
Prendergast, Osborne, and Stockdale set to start as Farrell weighs up big surprise (✍️@rugby_ie) #IrelandRugby #FranceRugby #CianPrendergast
Prendergast, Osborne, and Stockdale set to start as Farrell weighs up big surprise
Cian Prendergast has been pushing hard for an Ireland start against France.
www.the42.ie
February 2, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Interesting 23 as per Murray:
Osborne, TOB, Ringrose, Stu, Stockdale, Sam, JGP; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, Joe, Beirne, Cian P, JVDF, Doris.
Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Ryan, Conan, Timoney, Casey, Crowley
Osborne, TOB, Ringrose, Stu, Stockdale, Sam, JGP; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, Joe, Beirne, Cian P, JVDF, Doris.
Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Ryan, Conan, Timoney, Casey, Crowley