Matt Gault

Jan 15, 2025 | bbc.com | Matt Gault

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Dan Sheehan (centre) has made the squad but there is no place for Tom Ahern (right)BBC Sport NI senior journalistWhile Andy Farrell's absence ensures this year's Six Nations will feel a little different for Ireland, there is a familiar and settled look to the squad.

Jan 9, 2025 | bbc.com | Matt Gault

Northern Irish rugby referee Chris Busby is set to retire from officiating in the wake of comments made by Mack Hansen which resulted in a ban for the Ireland international. Busby was appointed an assistant referee for France v Wales and Italy v France in this year's Six Nations, but BBC Sport NI has learned that Sunday's Investec Champions Cup match between Bath and Clermont could be his last as an official in the professional game.

Jan 8, 2025 | sports.yahoo.com | Matt Gault

Investec Champions Cup: Leicester v UlsterVenue: Welford Road, Leicester Date: Saturday, 11 January Kick-off: 20:00 GMTCoverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, Radio Leicester & Radio Ulster; text updates on BBC Sport website & appLife has moved fast for Zac Ward over the past 12 months. This time last year, he was preparing for the start of a big year with the Ireland Sevens team in Perth.

Dec 2, 2024 | bbc.com | Matt Gault

Image source, InphoImage caption, Ireland ended 2024 with eight wins and three defeats BBC Sport NI senior journalistAs the Autumn Nations Series - and indeed 2024's entire slate of Test rugby - moves into the rearview mirror, Ireland can approach 2025 with both optimism and consternation.

Nov 30, 2024 | bbc.com | Matt Gault

Farrell's opposite number in next year's Lions series will be Joe Schmidt, his predecessor in Dublin, who narrowly missed out on a winning return to Aviva Stadium on Saturday. Schmidt, who won three Six Nations titles in six years as Ireland boss, replaced Eddie Jones following Australia's disastrous World Cup campaign.