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Cian Tracey
@ciantracey.bsky.social
880 followers 26 following 160 posts
Rugby writer with the Irish Independent. Email: ctracey@independent.ie
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ciantracey.bsky.social
Ronan O’Gara described Sam Prendergast as ‘the master of control.’

Had a look back at Prendergast’s performance against Scotland to see what exactly ROG meant:

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The Breakdown: How 21-year-old Sam Prendergast is already becoming the ‘master of control’ for Ireland
Sixty-seven seconds into Sunday’s game at Murrayfield, Scotland hooker Dave Cherry left his shoulder on Sam Prendergast.
m.independent.ie
February 11, 2025 at 9:02 AM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Simon Easterby: There is an opportunity to create history – but we've got to prepare in the right way for Wales

Reaction from Ireland’s bonus point win at Murrayfield:

m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Simon Easterby: There is an opportunity to create history – but we've got to prepare in the right way for Wales
Interim head coach Simon Easterby insists Ireland will not get carried away following a pivotal Six Nations weekend that ended with his side’s destiny in their own hands.
m.independent.ie
February 9, 2025 at 7:18 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Ireland secure bonus-point victory against Scotland to keep Grand Slam dream alive

Report from Murrayfield:

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Ireland secure bonus-point victory against Scotland to keep Grand Slam dream alive
Ireland have inflicted some serious pain over Scotland recently, and this latest chapter of an increasingly one-sided rivalry resulted in another dark day for the hapless Scots.
m.independent.ie
February 9, 2025 at 5:26 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
A piece on Johnny Sexton the coach and what exactly his evolving role with Ireland entails.

Fascinated to see what comes next.

m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Working with Ireland squad makes Johnny Sexton seem destined to kick on as a coach
It didn’t take long for the doubts to creep in. Shortly after he arrived home to Dublin following Ireland’s latest World Cup quarter-final defeat in Paris, Johnny Sexton began to face up to the realit...
m.independent.ie
February 9, 2025 at 9:19 AM
ciantracey.bsky.social
James Lowe interview: ‘You’ve got to learn hard and fast, it’s sink or swim, especially in professional rugby’

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James Lowe interview: ‘You’ve got to learn hard and fast, it’s sink or swim, especially in professional rugby’
There is an infectious effervescence to James Lowe — which is great as part of your team, but a complete nightmare when he’s against you.
m.independent.ie
February 9, 2025 at 9:09 AM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Caelan Doris backs ‘class’ Calvin Nash to fill Mack Hansen void for Ireland’s clash with Scotland

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Caelan Doris backs ‘class’ Calvin Nash to fill Mack Hansen void for Ireland’s clash with Scotland
Ireland captain Caelan Doris has backed Calvin Nash to seize his opportunity after the Munster winger was drafted into the starting team for tomorrow’s Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield
m.independent.ie
February 8, 2025 at 4:08 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
BREAKING | Mack Hansen misses out on Six Nations clash with Scotland as Calvin Nash comes into team

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Mack Hansen misses out on Six Nations clash with Scotland in major blow for Ireland
Ireland have been dealt a late blow ahead of tomorrow’s Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield, as Mack Hansen is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
m.independent.ie
February 8, 2025 at 2:40 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Hopefully there are no delays en route to Murrayfield 😜
February 8, 2025 at 12:12 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Thomas Clarkson has quietly been one of the big success stories for Ireland over the last few games.

Here’s a piece on his journey from Wicklow RFC, Blackrock College, Trinity, Leinster and a memorable Ireland-20s Grand Slam winning campaign.

www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
‘He is incredibly grounded and just really humble’ – Rising Ireland prop star Thomas Clarkson ready to take next step
If there is a rugby equivalent of a ‘cold, rainy night in Stoke’, then Colwyn Bay on a bleak Friday night is tough to top.
www.independent.ie
February 8, 2025 at 9:10 AM
ciantracey.bsky.social
How Ireland’s pack plan to ‘dismantle’ Scotland in Murrayfield ‘war’

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Cian Tracey: How Ireland’s pack plan to ‘dismantle’ Scotland in Murrayfield ‘war’
There has already been plenty written and said about the obvious threat that Finn Russell and the Scotland back-line pose this week, but, in reality, Sunday’s Six Nations clash at Murrayfield will be ...
m.independent.ie
February 6, 2025 at 9:37 AM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Here’s a piece on Ireland’s selection issues this week.

What changes would you make for Scotland on Sunday?

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Stick or twist for Simon Easterby? The big Ireland selection issues for Murrayfield clash with Scotland
When the Ireland squad reconvened this week, they will have done so with a pep in their step, safe in the knowledge there’s plenty of scope for improvement following last weekend’s bonus-point win ove...
m.independent.ie
February 4, 2025 at 6:35 PM
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Breakdown: How Ireland’s bench press clinched priceless bonus-point win

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Cian Tracey’s Breakdown: How Ireland’s bench press clinched priceless bonus-point win
Simon Easterby hit the nail on the head in his post-match press conference on Saturday night when he pointed to the strong foundation that had been laid by Ireland’s starting team before the bench cam...
m.independent.ie
February 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
'The change at 10 was pretty significant’ – England boss Steve Borthwick hails Jack Crowley's impact

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'The change at 10 was pretty significant’ – England boss Steve Borthwick hails Jack Crowley's impact
Steve Borthwick believes Ireland’s experience was the deciding factor of their opening Six Nations win at the Aviva Stadium, as the England head coach singled out Jack Crowley for having a major impac...
m.independent.ie
February 1, 2025 at 8:14 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Ireland clear first hurdle in Six Nations title defence as second-half blitz sees off England

Report from an enthralling game at the Aviva Stadium:

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Ireland clear first hurdle in Six Nations title defence as second-half blitz sees off England
Ireland’s Six Nations title defence is up and running and with it, their shot at history has been significantly enhanced.
m.independent.ie
February 1, 2025 at 7:21 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Saturday is a big opportunity for Ryan Baird to stake his Ireland claim.

Fascinated to see how the clash of back-row styles match up.

m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Cian Tracey: Clash of styles awaits as Ryan Baird looks to make his mark for Ireland
Steve Borthwick wasted no time in beginning the mind games last weekend when the England head coach not so subtly urged Ben O’Keeffe, the referee for tomorrow’s Six Nations game, to ensure Ireland’s a...
m.independent.ie
January 30, 2025 at 7:45 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Simon Easterby reveals Joe McCarthy’s absence for Six Nations opener is due to ‘nasty blow’ to the head

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Simon Easterby reveals Joe McCarthy’s absence for Six Nations opener down to ‘nasty blow’ to the head
Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby has revealed that Joe McCarthy suffered a “nasty blow” to the head in training yesterday, which has ruled the Leinster lock out of Saturday’s Six Nations open...
m.independent.ie
January 30, 2025 at 3:18 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Had a look at the form of each one of the 37 players in Ireland’s Six Nations squad.

Lots playing well for their provinces, which bodes well for the next few weeks.

m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Who’s hot and who’s not in Irish rugby – A player-by-player form guide for Simon Easterby’s Six Nations squad
With one major enforced change at the helm, consistency of selection has been the name of the game for Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby.
m.independent.ie
January 30, 2025 at 8:37 AM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Sam Prendergast is set to start Ireland’s Six Nations opener against England on Saturday.

Ryan Baird is also in line to start.

More here:

m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Sam Prendergast to get nod at out-half for England opener with Joe McCarthy in line for surprise bench role
Sam Prendergast is set to make his Six Nations debut from the start in Ireland’s opener against England at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (4.45), as interim head coach Simon Easterby considers shaking ...
m.independent.ie
January 29, 2025 at 7:33 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Dan Sheehan joined the Ireland squad in Portugal yesterday.

He has declared himself ready to face England on Saturday if called upon - expect him to be involved after Saturday’s successful comeback.

m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
‘I was sick of watching everyone else play and wanted that nervous feeling of getting back on the pitch’ – Dan Sheehan
Dan Sheehan started the day pacing around his apartment, not knowing where to look as the nervous energy that had been building all week reached boiling point.
m.independent.ie
January 27, 2025 at 8:51 AM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Thankfully a positive update on Luke McGrath after that awful looking injury tonight.

m.independent.ie/sport/united...
‘He’s in the dressing room fine’ – Leo Cullen allays injury fears over Luke McGrath after Leinster win
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has allayed fears over Luke McGrath after the scrum-half was stretchered off in a neck brace just before half-time in his side’s 36-12 bonus point win over the Stormers ...
m.independent.ie
January 25, 2025 at 9:37 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Leinster blow Stormers away for their 14/14 win this season.

Dan Sheehan and James Lowe were excellent on their return from injury – both will surely feature for Ireland in next weekend's Six Nations opener against England.

Report from the Aviva:

m.independent.ie/sport/united...
Leinster blow Stormers away as Dan Sheehan scores two tries during comeback
For Leinster, the objective here was two-fold: One, maintain their unbeaten season by racking up their 14th consecutive win, and two, ensure that Dan Sheehan and James Lowe came through it unscathed.
m.independent.ie
January 25, 2025 at 7:16 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Siya Kolisi made it back from an ACL injury after 119 days.

Dan Sheehan will make his return from an ACL injury after 203 days tomorrow evening.

Here’s a piece on the latest remarkable recovery from such a serious injury.

m.independent.ie/sport/united...
How Springbok Siya Kolisi inspired Dan Sheehan to make a miraculous ACL recovery
Eleven minutes after he tore the ACL in his left knee, Dan Sheehan tackled Siya Kolisi, who, as it turned out, would soon point the way in terms of his miraculous recovery from a similarly serious inj...
m.independent.ie
January 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Billy Dardis had a great sevens career but it ended on a sour note.

Had a really honest chat about the fallout from his Paris Olympics snub, not getting another shot at 15s, being bullied in school, and why he wants to help the next generation.

www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
‘Although I was bitter, I did well to hold it together’ – Ex-sevens captain Billy Dardis rues Olympics snub
There is a certain irony to how Billy Dardis’ career ended where he had spent much of his playing days – in the shadows, far away from the glitz and the glamour of rugby’s bright lights.
www.independent.ie
January 22, 2025 at 7:02 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Controversial 20-minute red card among new law trials to feature in the Six Nations

Thoughts? In favour/not in favour?

www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Controversial 20-minute red card among new law trials to feature in the Six Nations
Tournament organisers have confirmed that 20-minute red cards will feature in this year’s men’s, women’s and Under-20s Six Nations.
www.independent.ie
January 22, 2025 at 6:13 PM
ciantracey.bsky.social
Calvin Nash delivered a timely reminder of his quality against Northampton as he looks to force his way back into the Ireland team

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Cian Tracey: Calvin Nash delivers a timely reminder of his quality as he looks to force his way into Ireland team
Calvin Nash spent the month of November in Ireland camp without playing a single minute of any of the four Autumn Nations Series games.
m.independent.ie
January 21, 2025 at 9:02 AM