Rúaidhrí O'Connor
@ruaidhrioc.bsky.social
Irish Independent Chief Rugby Correspondent
Andy Goode has refereed this game superbly
May 24, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Andy Goode has refereed this game superbly
Shades of England France here. Bordeaux leaving opportunities behind time and time again, Saints hanging in there
May 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Shades of England France here. Bordeaux leaving opportunities behind time and time again, Saints hanging in there
The Mathieu Jalibert final
A masterclass
A masterclass
May 24, 2025 at 2:34 PM
The Mathieu Jalibert final
A masterclass
A masterclass
Reposted by Rúaidhrí O'Connor
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/...
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
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/...
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/...
Fun night at the first Indo Sport live show alongside Joe Molloy, Sinead Kissane & excellent special guests Martin Johnson & Keith Wood
Thanks to everyone who came along in such great numbers
Thanks to everyone who came along in such great numbers
January 29, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Fun night at the first Indo Sport live show alongside Joe Molloy, Sinead Kissane & excellent special guests Martin Johnson & Keith Wood
Thanks to everyone who came along in such great numbers
Thanks to everyone who came along in such great numbers
Wasn't expecting to mention Mark McCabe of Maniac 2000 in a piece about the Aviva atmosphere and ticket prices, but there you go...
Without a bigger stadium or a new approach to selling tickets the IRFU is stuck in an Aviva infinity loop
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Without a bigger stadium or a new approach to selling tickets the IRFU is stuck in an Aviva infinity loop
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Rúaidhrí O'Connor: Without a bigger stadium or a new approach to selling tickets the IRFU is stuck in an Aviva infinity loop
The Six Nations is back and Ireland are at home this weekend, meaning only one thing: we’re in for another round of Aviva Stadium atmosphere discourse.
www.independent.ie
January 27, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Wasn't expecting to mention Mark McCabe of Maniac 2000 in a piece about the Aviva atmosphere and ticket prices, but there you go...
Without a bigger stadium or a new approach to selling tickets the IRFU is stuck in an Aviva infinity loop
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Without a bigger stadium or a new approach to selling tickets the IRFU is stuck in an Aviva infinity loop
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
‘I wanted the respect of the people I played with’ – Rhys Ruddock has no regrets over retirement as he hones in on coaching career
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
‘I wanted the respect of the people I played with’ – Rhys Ruddock has no regrets over retirement as he hones in on coaching career
Rhys Ruddock hasn’t really given himself much time for reflection.
www.independent.ie
January 27, 2025 at 2:56 PM
‘I wanted the respect of the people I played with’ – Rhys Ruddock has no regrets over retirement as he hones in on coaching career
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Confirmed: Huge blow as Tadhg Furlong has been ruled out of Ireland's Six Nations opener against England due to a calf injury
Connacht's Jack Aungier called up
Dan Sheehan, James Lowe and Jack Boyle have arrived in Portugal, Caolin Blade due in with Aungier tomorrow
Connacht's Jack Aungier called up
Dan Sheehan, James Lowe and Jack Boyle have arrived in Portugal, Caolin Blade due in with Aungier tomorrow
January 26, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Confirmed: Huge blow as Tadhg Furlong has been ruled out of Ireland's Six Nations opener against England due to a calf injury
Connacht's Jack Aungier called up
Dan Sheehan, James Lowe and Jack Boyle have arrived in Portugal, Caolin Blade due in with Aungier tomorrow
Connacht's Jack Aungier called up
Dan Sheehan, James Lowe and Jack Boyle have arrived in Portugal, Caolin Blade due in with Aungier tomorrow
Reposted by Rúaidhrí O'Connor
Big breaking news from Quinta do Lago: Tadhg Furlong emerges as a major doubt for Ireland's opening Six Nations game against England as he returns to Dublin
buff.ly/4ju6vYR
buff.ly/4ju6vYR
Tadhg Furlong a major doubt for Ireland’s Six Nations opener against England
Tadhg Furlong has emerged as a major doubt for Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations opener against England next Saturday.
buff.ly
January 26, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Big breaking news from Quinta do Lago: Tadhg Furlong emerges as a major doubt for Ireland's opening Six Nations game against England as he returns to Dublin
buff.ly/4ju6vYR
buff.ly/4ju6vYR
Big breaking news from Quinta do Lago: Tadhg Furlong emerges as a major doubt for Ireland's opening Six Nations game against England as he returns to Dublin
buff.ly/4ju6vYR
buff.ly/4ju6vYR
Tadhg Furlong a major doubt for Ireland’s Six Nations opener against England
Tadhg Furlong has emerged as a major doubt for Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations opener against England next Saturday.
buff.ly
January 26, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Big breaking news from Quinta do Lago: Tadhg Furlong emerges as a major doubt for Ireland's opening Six Nations game against England as he returns to Dublin
buff.ly/4ju6vYR
buff.ly/4ju6vYR
‘People only see us rugby players and not as brothers, husbands, boyfriends or whatever’
Andrew Porter on baring his soul to the world, 'cowards' with keyboards and being the earliest impact sub in rugby
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Andrew Porter on baring his soul to the world, 'cowards' with keyboards and being the earliest impact sub in rugby
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
‘People only see us rugby players and not as brothers, husbands, boyfriends or whatever’ – Andrew Porter
Andrew Porter has always chosen to bare his soul to the world. He wears the name of his late mother Wendy on his forearms and, when the Netflix cameras came into Ireland camp in 2023, it was the power...
www.independent.ie
January 26, 2025 at 10:53 AM
‘People only see us rugby players and not as brothers, husbands, boyfriends or whatever’
Andrew Porter on baring his soul to the world, 'cowards' with keyboards and being the earliest impact sub in rugby
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Andrew Porter on baring his soul to the world, 'cowards' with keyboards and being the earliest impact sub in rugby
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Took a look at the areas Ireland need to improve on to succeed in this year's Six Nations
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
The 10 things Simon Easterby needs to address so he can make history in Andy Farrell’s absence
Andy Farrell’s handover to Simon Easterby included a to-do list that’s longer than either man would have liked.
www.independent.ie
January 25, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Took a look at the areas Ireland need to improve on to succeed in this year's Six Nations
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
After a November incognito, Johnny Sexton emerges at Ireland training in Portugal
January 25, 2025 at 10:39 AM
After a November incognito, Johnny Sexton emerges at Ireland training in Portugal
Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 draw (Games to be played April 4/5/6)
Bordeaux v Ulster; Leinster v Harlequins, Northampton Saints v Clermont Auvergne, Toulon v Saracens, Toulouse v Sale Sharks, Castres v Benetton, Glasgow Warriors v Leicester Tigers, La Rochelle v Munster
Bordeaux v Ulster; Leinster v Harlequins, Northampton Saints v Clermont Auvergne, Toulon v Saracens, Toulouse v Sale Sharks, Castres v Benetton, Glasgow Warriors v Leicester Tigers, La Rochelle v Munster
January 19, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 draw (Games to be played April 4/5/6)
Bordeaux v Ulster; Leinster v Harlequins, Northampton Saints v Clermont Auvergne, Toulon v Saracens, Toulouse v Sale Sharks, Castres v Benetton, Glasgow Warriors v Leicester Tigers, La Rochelle v Munster
Bordeaux v Ulster; Leinster v Harlequins, Northampton Saints v Clermont Auvergne, Toulon v Saracens, Toulouse v Sale Sharks, Castres v Benetton, Glasgow Warriors v Leicester Tigers, La Rochelle v Munster
Leinster's path to the final:
R16: Harlequins (h)
QF: Glasgow/Tigers (h)
SF: Saints/Clermont/Castres/Benetton
Munster:
R16: La R (a)
QF: Bordeaux (a)/Ulster (h)
SF: Toulouse(a)/Sale(h)/Toulon(a)/Saracens (h)
Ulster:
R16: Bordeaux(a)
QF: Munster/La Rochelle (a)
SF: Toulouse/Sale/Toulon/Saracens (a)
January 19, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Leinster's path to the final:
R16: Harlequins (h)
QF: Glasgow/Tigers (h)
SF: Saints/Clermont/Castres/Benetton
Munster:
R16: La R (a)
QF: Bordeaux (a)/Ulster (h)
SF: Toulouse(a)/Sale(h)/Toulon(a)/Saracens (h)
Ulster:
R16: Bordeaux(a)
QF: Munster/La Rochelle (a)
SF: Toulouse/Sale/Toulon/Saracens (a)
Saints score a converted try with the last act of a thrilling half to narrow the gap to 15-12. Munster burst into life in the second quarter with Calvin Nash's 2nd try a superb score, but their discipline slipped before the break and they've 9 mins with 14 men when we restart. Superb game
January 18, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Saints score a converted try with the last act of a thrilling half to narrow the gap to 15-12. Munster burst into life in the second quarter with Calvin Nash's 2nd try a superb score, but their discipline slipped before the break and they've 9 mins with 14 men when we restart. Superb game
Thrilling opening six minutes at Franklin's Gardens, both teams going for the jugular from the off and it's taken some excellent defending from both to keep it 0-0. Northampton have the pace on the edge that could make the difference
January 18, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Thrilling opening six minutes at Franklin's Gardens, both teams going for the jugular from the off and it's taken some excellent defending from both to keep it 0-0. Northampton have the pace on the edge that could make the difference
'I hope we get another crack off them' - Disappointed Ronan O'Gara looking for rematch with Leinster in knockouts
'I hope we get another crack off them' - Disappointed Ronan O'Gara looking for rematch with Leinster in knockouts
Ronan O’Gara says La Rochelle would relish another crack at Leinster after coming up just short at the Stade Marcel Deflandre.
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January 12, 2025 at 7:55 PM
'I hope we get another crack off them' - Disappointed Ronan O'Gara looking for rematch with Leinster in knockouts
What a difference from last time we were in La Rochelle. All set for the latest chapter in this brilliant rivalry
January 12, 2025 at 2:43 PM
What a difference from last time we were in La Rochelle. All set for the latest chapter in this brilliant rivalry
The message to players today is clear: Back in your box, your opinions & personality are not welcome. Continue to toe the line with banality, because if you dare to step out of line we'll come down on you like a tonne of bricks
January 9, 2025 at 10:29 AM
The message to players today is clear: Back in your box, your opinions & personality are not welcome. Continue to toe the line with banality, because if you dare to step out of line we'll come down on you like a tonne of bricks
Mack Hansen free to play in the 6 Nations after he picks up a three match ban for misconduct. Connacht's game against Glasgow is included, even though the winger would likely be in Portugal with Ireland that
Hansen has apologised and must undergo referee & media training
Hansen has apologised and must undergo referee & media training
January 9, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Mack Hansen free to play in the 6 Nations after he picks up a three match ban for misconduct. Connacht's game against Glasgow is included, even though the winger would likely be in Portugal with Ireland that
Hansen has apologised and must undergo referee & media training
Hansen has apologised and must undergo referee & media training
After sudden exits, unpopular calls and poor communication Munster must act now to prevent a lost season
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Rúaidhrí O’Connor: After sudden exits, unpopular calls and poor communication Munster must act now to prevent a lost season
Even if you were keeping an eye on the emails over Christmas, the first Monday in January is a head wreck for everyone. Those few things that you didn’t quite get to before the break haven’t gone away...
www.independent.ie
January 6, 2025 at 9:40 PM
After sudden exits, unpopular calls and poor communication Munster must act now to prevent a lost season
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/...
Ireland winger Mack Hansen to learn fate on Wednesday as he faces misconduct charge for referee comments
Ireland winger Mack Hansen to learn fate on Wednesday as he faces misconduct charge for referee comments
Connacht winger Mack Hansen will go before an independent disciplinary committee on Wednesday to answer for the comments he made about refereeing after his side’s defeat to Leinster on December 21.
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January 6, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Ireland winger Mack Hansen to learn fate on Wednesday as he faces misconduct charge for referee comments
Wrote about the sense of drift in Munster's season and the lack of clarity around their future direction since Rowntree's departure in today's newsletter.
The next two weeks seem pivotal for the interim ticket, but the lack of communication from above isn't helpful
The next two weeks seem pivotal for the interim ticket, but the lack of communication from above isn't helpful
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www.independent.ie
January 6, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Wrote about the sense of drift in Munster's season and the lack of clarity around their future direction since Rowntree's departure in today's newsletter.
The next two weeks seem pivotal for the interim ticket, but the lack of communication from above isn't helpful
The next two weeks seem pivotal for the interim ticket, but the lack of communication from above isn't helpful