Hat trick signing for Leinster

Heineken Cup quarter-finalists Leinster have announced the signings of Natal Sharks second row Steven Sykes, Connacht prop Jamie Hagan and Crusaders fly-half Matt Berquist.


Sykes, 26, joins from Super Rugby side the Sharks on a three-year deal and has represented South Africa at Under 19 and Emerging Springbok level.

"For me I believe it is a good career and personal move - I want to play international rugby and it would be a fantastic honour to play for Ireland as well if it came about. Before any of that though I am really excited to play for Leinster. I really do believe it is the right move for me," said Sykes.

"Of course it was not an easy decision to make, I don't for one second want anyone to think I am unhappy here or unhappy at the Sharks; I love the Sharks! I have played over 130 games for the Union and loved every minute of it. However I believe that it will be very good for my rugby to make the move and I am looking forward to the experience of playing in European conditions week-in and week-out, learning about their way of playing - which I think will suit me.

Quade Cooper has balls

Have a look at this STUNT Mr. Cooper pulls off, ridiculous.

BOD reaches 25 tries

This video never gets old

Despite having a relatively poor tournament, Ireland finished on a high as they stopped England from picking up the much sought after Six Nations Grand Slam. For O’Driscoll, it was a day of personal triumph as the win was capped off with a historic 25th try for his country in the competition, surpassing Ian Smith's record that was set between 1924 and 1933.

Leinster tame the Dragons

Leinster moved joint-second in the Magners League on Sunday after sealing a 26-16 win at the Dragons.

The match was tinged with controversy though as, with the game locked at 16-16, referee Andy Macpherson chose to award the Irish team the decision despite there being no definitive evidence that a try would have been scored.

Aided by 16 points from Jonathan Sexton, the result significantly boosts the away side's chances of making the end-of-season play-offs.

Having not won in Wales all season, Leinster came out determined to end that run and took an early three point advantage through Sexton.

Jason Tovey missed the chance to level matters soon after, before the Dragons scored the first try of the match just before the 20 minute mark.

After a huge hit by winger Aled Brew, the ball came to centre Adam Hughes who went all the way to the line, Tovey converting. Dragons extended that lead with a penalty but Leinster hit back when Isaac Boss touched down from close range, Sexton adding the extras.

However, Tovey restored the Dragons' advantage to make it 13-10 at half-time.

Not long into the second-half, Sexton levelled the scores with a penalty before winger Aled Brew was sin-binned for a trip on Isa Nacewa. Leinster's fly-half kicked the resultant three points but once again the Dragons hit back through another Tovey penalty.

On 55 minutes came the decisive moment in the match. Leinster were controversially awarded a penalty try much to the frustration of the Dragons crowd. And the score settled the away side's nerves with Sexton sealing the win with his fourth penalty.

Aironi record first win

Connacht became the first team to be beaten by Aironi in the Magners League as the Italian side made history with a 25-13 victory at Stadio Zaffanella on Saturday.

Aironi outscored Connacht by three tries to one as they claimed the scalp of the Irish province in front of their home fans.Wingers Kaine Robertson and Danwel Demas both scored their first tries in the competition, and South African flanker Gareth Krause crossed for his second of the campaign.

Connacht's sole try came from number 8 Ray Ofisa and not even the introduction of fit-again captain John Muldoon, in the closing stages, could inspire the visitors.

Super 15 Round 5

This coming weekend of Super Rugby is a historical one, as we'll watch the first ever game played outside of the Tri Nations countries, on Sunday. For now we'll have a quick look back at some of the best tries from the last round.

Possibly the biggest story of round 5 was the massive upset that the Waratahs suffered at the hands of the Cheetahs, a side that had never won in Australia in the history of the tournament. They fronted up, played percentages, and dominated the breakdown. A few cameos off the bench didn't hurt them either.

If offloading in the tackle was the main feature of previous week's best tries, this round could probably be slapped with the theme of speed, as we saw some tries scored at tremendous pace. That's not necessarily one-on-one pace, but the way that the ball is shifted through the hands to counter attack, or score off first phase possession even.Rfu.com for more info and to find out how to get tickets. It's a great cause, should be a fantastic match, and you'll get to see top All Blacks and Springboks in action.