Joshua Bell Curran

1 week ago | balls.ie | Joshua Bell Curran

All Black great and 2011 World Cup hero Stephen Donald has once again stoked the fires of rivalry and claimed Leinster would have 'no chance' against Super Rugby leaders the Chiefs. Donald, who famously won the 2011 World Cup with New Zealand after being called into the squad as a replacement, also found his name in European headlines last month, when he battered the URC as a 'low, low level of rugby'. A claim that was vehemently opposed on this side of the equator.

1 week ago | balls.ie | Joshua Bell Curran

One of New Zealand's top rugby podcasters and current Kubota Spears star Bryn Hall has taken a brutal swipe at Leinster and Ireland after the news that Northern and Southern Hemisphere clubs will soon face off in a club world club. Revealed by The Times on a weekend of European finals, the groundbreaking change to rugby's calendar went somewhat under the radar, but is nonetheless the most significant change to club rugby of the decade.

1 week ago | balls.ie | Joshua Bell Curran

Ireland's largest LGBT+ Rugby team are taking a 130-strong contingent to Oslo to take part in the International Gay Rugby Union Cup. The Emerald Warriors will feature among some 45 teams from 10 countries battling to be crowned Europe's top international gay rugby team from the 29th of May to the 1st of June.

1 week ago | balls.ie | Joshua Bell Curran

After a rare vacant week in the Irish rugby calendar, the URC is back this weekend with both Munster and Leinster lining out in the quarter-finals against the Scarlets and Stormers respectively this Saturday. Munster's trip to South Africa and chequered season means they come into the clash as marginal underdogs and without the weight of expectation.

1 week ago | balls.ie | Joshua Bell Curran

Centra have announced a new partnership with Hurling for Cancer Research, confirming that the famous exhibition clash will take place on Monday 18th August in Netwatch Cullen Park at 7.30 pm. The annual exhibition clash aimed at raising money for cancer research routinely attracts both celebrities and the biggest names in Irish sport and sees Davy Russell's best take on Jim Bolger's Stars in the fundraiser. So far, the event has raised €1.7 million for cancer research in Ireland.