Quinlan confirms retirement from rugby

Munster and Ireland back rower Alan Quinlan has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season.

 

Alan Quinlan, who will shortly celebrate his 37th birthday, confirmed the news today at Munster's weekly media briefing at the University of Limerick ahead of their Magners League match against the Scarlets.

The Clanwilliam clubman, who has been named in the province's squad to face the Scarlets, has played 210 competitive games for Munster since making his debut in November 1996.

He was capped 27 times for Ireland at Test level, with his six-try haul including touchdowns against Namibia and Argentina at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Quinlan has been part of all of Munster's successes in the modern era - their Celtic League, Celtic Cup and Magners League triumphs and both of their Heineken Cup wins.

Times confirmed for August internationals

The kick-off times have been confirmed for Ireland's Guinness Summer Series matches against France and England at the Aviva Stadium.

France travel to Dublin on Saturday, 20 August with the match having a 5.00pm kick-off. A week later on Saturday, 27 August, the English are back in town with that clash set for a 2.30pm start.

Ahead of the World Cup in New Zealnad, Declan Kidney's side will play four matches in August, with away trips to Scotland (6 August) and France (13 August) in Bordeaux, also confirmed.

Ross agrees new IRFU contract

Mike Ross has agreed a new IRFU contract which will see him remain with Leinster up to the end of the 2013 season.

Ross, who has won seven caps at tight head for Ireland since making his debut against Canada in 2009, has also made 39 appearances for Leinster since moving from English premiership side Harlequins in 2009.

Ross said: 'It's been an enjoyable couple of months for me and I am delighted to be able to have my new contract agreed and to remain playing for Leinster.

'Since coming back to Ireland, Leinster really has become my home and hopefully I can continue to maintain my performance levels to help keep the team successful and also keep me in the frame for selection for the Ireland team.'

Ireland coach Declan Kidney said: 'The IRFU's policy of keeping as many players in Ireland as possible is an important part to helping Irish rugby challenge for success in competitions at all levels.

'The news that Mike has made the decision to carry on his career in Leinster is good news for everybody concerned as he has continued to progress well and is a valued member of the international squad.'

O'Driscoll hits out at 'unforgivable' decision

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has labelled the decision to allow Mike Phillips' controversial try to stand as 'unforgivable' following his side's 19-13 defeat at the Millennium Stadium.

The crucial moment of a hard-fought RBS 6 Nations encounter came with Ireland leading 13-9 in the 50th minute when Wales hooker Matthew Rees took a quick lineout and the scrum-half raced away to score in the corner.

But TV replays showed that Rees had taken the lineout with a different ball to that kicked out of play by Ireland replacement Jonathan Sexton, something which is not allowed under IRB regulation 19.2.

Referee Jonathan Kaplan asked his assistant, Peter Allan of Scotland, whether the ball used was the same as that which left the field and, when he answered in the affirmative, the try was awarded.

Kaplan was not able to call on the video referee to adjudicate as the TMO is only to be used for decisions on the act of scoring.

Wales 19-13 Ireland

Wales claimed a controversial victory at the Millennium Stadium which kept their RBS 6 Nations title hopes alive and ended Ireland's bid for a fifth Triple Crown in eight seasons.

Scrum-half Mike Phillips celebrated his 50th cap by scoring an opportunist try to underpin Wales' first home win since last year's tournament.

But it came after Wales skipper Matthew Rees took a quick throw-in with a different ball from the one that was sliced into touch by Irish substitute Jonathan Sexton, which is against rugby's Law 19.2.

Referee Jonathan Kaplan consulted Scottish assistant official Peter Allan before awarding the score, but the Irish players were furious as television replays confirmed the try should never have been allowed.

Wales rode their luck as fly-half James Hook converted the try and kicked three penalties, while wing Leigh Halfpenny landed a long-range strike, with Ireland creating a Brian O'Driscoll try and Ronan O'Gara booting eight points which took him past 1,000 in Test rugby.

Kidney adds 12 to Ireland squad

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has added 12 players to his panel for the RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales next Saturday.

Rhys Ruddock, Fergus McFadden, Tony Buckley, Kevin McLaughlin, Mick O'Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, Gavin Duffy, Andrew Trimble, Johne Murphy, Tomas O'Leary, Devin Toner and Mike McCarthy are added to the panel.

They join the 22 players that made up the squad that beat Scotland last weekend at Murrayfield.
Kidney will name his 22 for the match with Wales on lunchtime on Tuesday.

Ferris to miss rest of Six Nations

Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris has been ruled out for the rest of this year's RBS Six Nations campaign.

Ferris has been struggling with a persistent knee problem, which he aggravated while on Heineken Cup duty for his province against Aironi.

The 26-year-old is to see a consultant in London to examine the true extent of the problem but has been told he will play no part in the remainder of this season's Six Nations.

Ireland head coach Declan Kidney also has concerns over the availability of Tomas O'Leary.

O'Leary is continuing his rehab from his ongoing back problem and at this stage has not been ruled out of the games with Wales and England.

Mike Ross set to remain with Leinster

Ireland tighthead Mike Ross is set to remain with Leinster despite speculation linking him with a move to Munster, according to a report.

Cork-born Ross began his top level rugby career with Munster but left the province after failing to win a contract there. He established himself as a professional prop with Harlequins in England before moving to Leinster in 2009.

Tony Buckley's decision to leave Munster for Sale Sharks at the end of the season and Leinster's imminent acquisition of Connacht prop Jamie Hagan have fuelled speculation that Ross is set to leave.

But a Leinster source told the Irish Times that they would be 'very disappointed' if Ross decided to move to Munster.

Ross, who has started both of Ireland's RBS 6 Nations so far in this campaign, is currently negotiating a new deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union and it is understood he has said wants to remain at Leinster.

Bowe back in full training with Ospreys

Ireland wing Tommy Bowe has returned to full training with club side the Ospreys and could be back in Magners League action as early as this weekend.

Bowe has missed both of Ireland's RBS 6 Nations fixtures - a last gasp win over Italy in the opener and a narrow defeat to France last week - so far due to a knee problem.

But the Monaghan native could be involved in Saturday's Magners League game, an away clash with Italian side Benetton Treviso. He has been absent since the middle of January and missed the end of the Ospreys Heineken Cup campaign.

Ospreys head physio Chris Towers said on the club website that the Irish Rugby Football Union and the club were both involved in managing Bowe's injury.

He said: 'We've been monitoring Tommy very closely over the last month, as well as being in close consultation with the IRFU management regards his progress.

'He has made considerable progress over the last couple of weeks, up to the point where we've been able to get him up to high level functional sessions without any adverse reactions.'

Tony Buckley to join Sale Sharks and Mike Ross may join Munster.

Ireland and Munster prop Tony Buckley has signed a three-year deal to join Aviva Premiership side Sale Sharks from the start of next season.

Commenting on his move to England next season, Buckley said: 'I felt I needed a new challenge. I believe the best club to give me that challenge and also help me become a better player is Sale Sharks. They are hungry and ambitious for success and I want to be a part of that.

'However, at this moment in time, I am a Munster player until the end of June. My priorities for now are to help Munster achieve success in the Amlin Challenge Cup and the Magners League and to regain a place in the Irish squad.'

Buckley's move could pave the way for Mike Ross to return to Munster. Ross began his career with the southern province before moving to English Premiership side Harlequins and then joining Leinster.

It has been suggested that Ireland tighthead Ross will move back to Munster at the end of this year with current Connacht tighthead Jamie Hagan set for a return to Leinster.

Ireland name team to face France.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has made just one change to the team that narrowly defeated Italy in the opening game of the RBS 6 Nations championship.

Jamie Heaslip returns at number eight, with Sean O'Brien moving to his more accustomed role of blindside flanker.

Munster's Denis Leamy drops to the bench, while Kidney resisted change to his backline, despite the return to fitness of Andrew Trimble.

Ireland face champions France at 3.00pm on Sunday, in what will be the first championship game at the Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Road.

Ireland Women Unchanged For France.

The Ireland Women's team to play France in the first home game of the Women's RBS 6 Nations Championship has been named. Head coach Philip Doyle has named an unchanged side for Friday's match.

Speaking ahead of the game, Philip Doyle said: "We have a brand new squad this season and we capped a lot of new players last weekend. We have a very short turnaround time this week and we felt the need for continuity and to bed in the combinations."

"The French are a big challenge and it will be a stern test for some of the new girls, but we are looking forward to playing in Ashbourne as we have been getting great support there in recent seasons." 

Heaslip in line to face French

Ireland number eight Jamie Heaslip is on course to make his comeback in Sunday's RBS 6 Nations clash with France.

Heaslip and winger Andrew Trimble came through training this afternoon without suffering any adverse reaction to their respective ankle and hand injuries.

However, flanker Stephen Ferris has been ruled out of the showdown at the Aviva Stadium after losing his battle with a knee injury.

Ireland will name their team tomorrow as originally scheduled having considered delaying the announcement until Friday to give the trio further time to recover.

Manager Paul McNaughton said: 'We felt earlier today we weren't in a position to name the team as there was too much doubt on the fitness of several players.

'But following training this afternoon, Andrew Trimble and Jamie Heaslip came through the session okay.

Italy 11-13 Ireland

Ireland required a late drop goal from Ronan O'Gara to avoid a first defeat by Italy in the RBS 6 Nations.

The Azzurri crept 11-10 ahead in the 76th minute through a try from Luke McLean and one of the championship's greatest upsets looked likely.

But Ireland, who started as overwhelming 1/8 favourites, hit back two minutes later when O'Gara was on target from in front of the posts.

It was dismal start to the campaign for a side hoping to be in the title mix, but there was nothing on show at the Stadio Flaminio today to suggest they can win the Six Nations.

Brian O'Driscoll crossed in the 44th minute while Jonathan Sexton kicked five points, but it was otherwise a torrid afternoon for the 2009 champions.

They dazzled with some thrilling running but time and again failed to capitalise, making desperately hard work of subduing stubborn but limited opposition.

Worryingly for Ireland, they are group rivals at this year's World Cup and the teams are due to meet on October 2. Italy will only have been encouraged by today's events.

O'Driscoll, Heaslip and Sexton agree new deals

Brian O'Driscoll, Jamie Heaslip and Jonathan Sexton have all agreed new contracts with Leinster and Ireland.

Speculation had linked Heaslip and Sexton with moves to France, while the move clears up uncertainty about the future of Ireland captain O'Driscoll.

O'Driscoll's contract takes him to the end of the 2012-13 season, while Sexton's runs until June 2013. Heaslip is now contracted until June 2014.

As well as ending speculation about his retirement, O'Driscoll's new deal also puts the 32-year-old in the frame for the Lions Tour to Australia in 2013, 12 years after making his Lions debut against the same country.

According to O'Driscoll, the continuing development at Leinster was key to his decison.

He said; 'Playing in Ireland with Leinster for my entire career has been all the more enjoyable knowing that my rugby goals I have achieved to date were with an organisation that has really grown at the same time as me over the last ten years.

Ireland XV to face Italy in Rome.

Declan Kidney has selected Leinster duo Fergus McFadden and Luke Fitzgerald and Munster's Tomás O'Leary in his backline to face Italy in Ireland's RBS 6 Nations opener in Rome on Saturday.

Kidney lost five experienced players in the wing and full-back positions in the runup to the Six Nations. He has picked Fitzgerald in his favoured full-back position for the first time at international level.

McFadden, who was drafted in to the squad from the 'A' panel last week, will win his first cap on the right wing with Munster's Keith Earls picked on the other side.

Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll are the centre pairing, with O'Driscoll to captain the side.

O'Leary, who was initially not picked in the main squad is picked at scrum-half ahead of Eoin Reddan and Peter Stringer, with Jonathan Sexton set to start at out-half. Sexton's regular provincial partner Eoin Reddan is on the bench, along with Ronan O'Gara and Paddy Wallace.

Wolfhounds trio called up to Ireland squad

Gavin Duffy, Tomas O'Leary and Kevin McLaughlin have been called up from the Ireland Wolfhounds to a 26-man Ireland squad to begin final preparations ahead of the opening game of the RBS 6 Nations Championship against Italy.

There are no fresh injury concerns for the Ireland team after last week's camp in Limerick and the Ireland Wolfhounds game against Scotland.

The only change to the squad is the inclusion of Duffy, O'Leary and McLaughlin.
The Ireland team to play Italy will be announced this Tuesday, while the Ireland Wolfhounds squad to face the England Saxons in Ravenhill on Friday night will also be announced on the same day.

Ferris ruled out of encounter with Italy

Stephen Ferris has been confirmed as unfit for selection for Ireland's opening game of the RBS 6 Nations Championship against Italy following a consultation with a knee specialist.

 Ferris picked up a cartilage injury to his right knee during the Ulster Heineken Cup game against Aironi and was unable to train with the Ireland squad last week during the Limerick camp.

 The knee did not respond to the rest period and Ferris was referred to the knee specialist, who confirmed yesterday evening that while the injury did not require surgery he would not be available for the Italy game.

Ferris will continue with his rehabilitation and while there remains a doubt regarding his availability for the France game, he has not been ruled out of a return to play in time for selection.

Scotland A 32-13 Ireland Wolfhounds

The Ireland Wolfhounds were beaten 32-13 by Scotland A at Netherdale on Friday night, after turning around at the break with a 13-9 lead.

A try by Ireland Wolfhounds debutant Willie Faloon and a conversion and two penalties by Ian Humphreys were the only scores Eric Elwood's men could muster as they went down 32-13.

Scotland A changed their tactics in the second half and in Elwood's words, they attacked the Wolfhounds 'close to the ruck'.

 The consequence was two tries for the Scots from Moray Low and Hefin O'Hare. Scotland out-half David Blair led the scoring with a goal-kicking haul of 19 points - hitting five penalty goals and two conversions.

 The Wolfhounds had looked full of rugby in the first half, much the sharper with ball-in-hand and the more aggressive at the ruck.

 By contrast, Scotland A struggled to make headway with their backline attacks and up front they were frequently on the back foot.

 However, coming into the second half, the Scots changed their tactics with devastating results as Elwood admitted afterwards. He said: 'They attacked us close to the ruck and dominated possession. We simply didn't have much ball and could do very little.

Bowe also doubtful for France tie

Tommy Bowe is a major doubt for Ireland's second RBS 6 Nations fixture against France, according to his club the Ospreys.
 Bowe was last night ruled out of the tournament opener against Italy at Stadio Flaminio on Saturday week with no date set for his return.
 

But any hope the 26-year-old Lions winger will be fit to face France a week later faded today following an update from the Ospreys' head physio Chris Towers.
 'We're continuing to liaise with the Irish medical team regarding Tommy's condition and the management of his injury,' said Towers.
 'We've taken the decision to continue to offload him, allowing the knee to settle further, and at this stage remain optimistic that the problem will resolve in the short term.

We are hopeful that in a couple of weeks, if he continues to improve as he is, he will be able to get back into some rugby specific training without any reaction or ill effect.'The signs are encouraging at this stage, but it is clear that it will be another couple of weeks before we can confirm whether or not this problem will impact on more than just the first couple of Six Nations fixtures.' Ireland's preparations for the Six Nations have been hit by an injury crisis that has robbed them of eight players capable of featuring in the matchday 22.
 Head coach Declan Kidney can ill-afford to lose such an effective player as Bowe for the first two games of the championship, especially with three of his potential replacements - Shane Horgan, Geordan Murphy and Andrew Trimble - also injured.