URC
Leinster Survive Scarlets Challenge to Hold on for Win
Both teams put in a good showing without a host of regulars with Leinster coming out on top
Leinster withstood large periods of pressure to secure a 22-17 win over the Scarlets, in the RDS on Friday night.
FULL-TIME! A PULSATING FINISH AT THE RDS ARENA! #LEIvSCA pic.twitter.com/GrTBtkpt7x
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) January 25, 2019
The win moves Leinster 21 points clear at the top of conference B at least overnight while the Scarlets remain in fourth.
On a night when both teams were missing the vast majority of their star men, it was the Scarlets that put the pressure on early.
They built up phases only to be let down by loose passes forward and knock-ons which caused the game to stop and start.
An injury to Scarlet’s David Bulbring brought the game to a halt in the first half.
Leinster registered the opening score of the game in the 31st minute through a Ciaran Frawley penalty.
They went into the break 10-0 up thanks to a bit of fortune. Mick Kearney had a loose pass picked up by Conor O’Brien, who released to centre partner Rory O’Loughlin, who in turn dodged tackles from Johnny McNicholl and Phil Price to go over for the game’s opening try.
Ciaran Frawley added the extras before they left the field,
The Scarlets once more started the half well and were rewarded in the 52nd minute. Dan Davis broke away from Rob Kearney on halfway, before passing to Kieran Hardy to touch down.
Dan Jones slotted home the conversion, before bringing the sides level on the hour mark with a penalty.
With 11 minutes remaining the home side scored again through James Lowe, with replacement and fellow Kiwi, Jamison Gibson-Park setting him up. However, Frawley missed the chance of putting seven between the two missing the kick.
Four minutes on substitute Vakh Abdaladze broke into the Scarlets 22, with fellow sub Noel Reid kicking, ahead for Barry Daly to cross the whitewash. Frawley kicked over the conversion this time to mwhitewash10.
Scarlets ensured a nervy finish scoring a minute later with Kieran Hardy completing his brace thanks to fine work from McNicholl. Dan Jones converted to put five between the teams with five minutes left.
However, Leinster kept the Scarlets out to hold on for the win and maintain their 100% home record this season.
After the game Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac reflected on his sides missed opportunities in the opening half.
“We created some opportunities in the first half and didn’t convert. We had three clean line-breaks and need to convert at least one of those. So, to be 10 points down at half time was pretty disappointing,” he said.
The loss will be tough on the Scarlets who will feel it was one that got away, but they must pick themselves up as they head to current second placed Treviso next.
Leinster head to Zebre as they look to continue their quest for back to back titles.
Harry Sheridan commits future to Ulster Rugby
9 minutes ago
News
Ulster Rugby forward, Harry Sheridan, has committed his future to the province, signing a new two-year-deal that will keep him playing in the white jersey until at least 2027.
The combative forward, who can play in the second or back row, had a significant impact in the Senior Men’s side last season, with his performances recognised when he was named the province’s Young Men’s Player of the Year for the 2023/24 season.
The Holywood man has seen a significant number of minutes since Head Coach, Richie Murphy, came into the club, and has been trusted to play a key role in the squad.
Sheridan played his club rugby with Civil Service NI RFC, and schools’ rugby for Sullivan Upper School.
He would join Ulster Rugby’s sub-Academy after playing rugby for Trinity College in Dublin, where he studied.
The powerful forward, has represented Ireland at U20s level, competing in the 2021 Six Nations Championship.
On the news of Sheridan’s contract extension, Ulster Rugby’s Head of Recruitment and Rugby Operations, Bryn Cunningham said:
“We are delighted to secure Harry’s future with this extension, as we see him being an integral part of the team for the present and future.
“He is a throwback of a player, a forward who disrupts the opposition, is aggressive and who brings a proper physical presence for us. At 22-years-old, he is showing great potential and has grown in stature over the past season, showing his versatility at lock and flanker.
“We look forward to seeing how he develops in the seasons ahead in an Ulster jersey.”
On the news on his new deal, Sheridan added:
“I’m so happy to sign for a further two years. Last season was a huge year for me as I got more game-time in the senior side, and it was a massive learning curve in a season full of ups and downs.
I’m looking forward to improving my game and rolling into this year where I finished the last one. We have a great forward pack that I love training and playing alongside.
I am really enjoying the environment and going into training ready to work and learn.
It’s a perfect start to the season for me and I can’t wait to get stuck into another season.”
Images & Content – Ulster Rugby
Munster Rugby are delighted to announce that Tadhg Beirne has been named as the new captain ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Beirne joins a select group of eight players who have been named as permanent captain of the Munster Rugby men’s team in the professional era, following in the footsteps of Pat Murray, Mick Galwey, Jim Williams, Anthony Foley, Paul O’Connell, Doug Howlett and Peter O’Mahony.
Tadhg joined Munster from Scarlets in 2018 and quickly established himself as a vital player for province and country.
He made his Ireland debut against Australia in June 2018 and played his first game for Munster against Glasgow in September 2018.
The 32-year-old has gone on to score eight tries in 76 appearances for Munster, winning a URC title in 2023.
He has scored 11 tries in 52 appearances for Ireland and three tries in five appearances for the British & Irish Lions.
Following the announcement, Tadhg Beirne said: “It’s a huge honour to be named as captain of Munster Rugby and to lead a great group of players into the new season.
“I have had a fantastic six years here and it’s an incredibly proud moment for me and my family.
“Very few people have had the opportunity to captain Munster Rugby, and it’s a massive honour to follow in the footsteps of some incredible players and leaders.
“I had the privilege of leading the team a number of times in the past and the job was always made easier by the amount of leaders we have in the squad.
“We have a very tight-knit group and it means a lot to me to lead the squad as captain for the season ahead.”
Munster Rugby Head Coach Graham Rowntree said: “Tadhg is a world-class player who always leads by example. He is the right man to lead Munster into the new season.
“A player of his calibre commands respect and he has grown into a key leader for us since coming here in 2018.
“As a 52-cap Ireland international and British & Irish Lion, he demands the best out of everyone and drives standards within the group.
““He is an extremely calm presence on and off the field. It was very impressive to see how he was able to perform at his usual high level while captaining the squad in a number of big games last season.”
Tickets
URC Round 1: Saturday, September 21
Munster v Connacht, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 3: Saturday, October 5
Munster v Ospreys, Virgin Media Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, November 2
Munster v All Blacks XV, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; SOLD OUT
URC Round 7: Saturday, November 30
Munster v Emirates Lions, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Champions Cup Round 1: Saturday, December 7
Munster v Stade Francais, Thomond Park, 5:30pm; Buy tickets here
Champions Cup Round 3: Saturday, January 11
Munster v Saracens, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 9: Friday, December 27
Munster v Leinster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 11: Saturday, February 15
Munster v Scarlets, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 12: Friday, February 28
Munster v Edinburgh, Virgin Media Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 15: Saturday, April 19
Munster v Bulls, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 17: Friday, May 9
Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 18: Friday, May 16
Munster v Benetton, Virgin Media Park, 8pm; Buy tickets here
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Stuart McCloskey signs new two-year deal
23 hours ago
News
Ulster Rugby is pleased to announce that centre, Stuart McCloskey, has signed a new two-year contract extension, committing his future with his province until at least 2027.
One of the top centres in World Rugby, McCloskey has been a stalwart for Ulster Rugby, and is in-line to hit his 200th appearance in the white jersey over the coming season.
A regular in the international set-up with eighteen caps to-date, he has been a key member of the Ireland squad that has won back-to-back Guinness Six Nations Championships in 2023 and 2024.
The Bangor man also played his part in Ireland reaching the Quarter-Final stage of the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
McCloskey, who played club rugby with Dungannon RFC, made his Ulster debut in February 2014 – and has developed into an elite ball carrier, with strong ball in hand qualities.
Ulster Rugby’s Head of Recruitment and Rugby Operations, Bryn Cunningham, said:
“This is fantastic news for us as we get ready for the new season. Stuart is one of our most experienced international players in our squad, and a standout member of the team.
“Being a key presence for us, not only on the pitch, but off it as well, we see his current leadership role really growing and evolving, particularly with so many young players in and around the Senior Men’s squad. Stuart will be a great role model for this talent coming through.
“We are delighted he has chosen to commit his future for the next couple of seasons, as we hope to see this team continue to progress in the months ahead.”
On the new deal, McCloskey, added:
“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract for the next two years. I feel like I’m playing the best rugby of my career, and I’m enjoying my role as one of the more experienced players in the team.
“We have a squad packed with talent, and have a good blend between experience and youth. It’s exciting times around the place, and we have a core of young centres coming through that I’m excited to work with and help push them on.
“I’m really motivated and excited for the season ahead as we move forward.”
Images & Content – Ulster Rugby
Harry Sheridan commits future to Ulster Rugby
Tadhg Beirne Named As New Munster Rugby Captain
