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1 week ago | 
independent.ie | Michael Sadlier
How they rated – Amee-Leigh Costigan only scorer as England crush Ireland Ireland's Amee-Leigh Costigan scores her side's try against England at Virgin Media Park. Photo: Matt Browne/SportsfileIreland’s opening half was a superb effort and put England under pressure forcing them to make uncharacteristic errors. The progress continues though it was probably inevitable that the game would end up in defeat.
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2 weeks ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Michael Sadlier
Strange thing to think really, but it almost seemed like Ulster might have left their first knockout game of the season feeling less deflated about themselves than would normally be the case after a reverse and, possibly even in a better headspace than the actual victors.
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2 weeks ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Michael Sadlier
How brave Ulster players rated against world-class Bordeaux sideMike Lowry of Ulster is tackled by Ben Tapuai of Bordeaux BeglesUlster’s European dream may be over, but Richie Murphy’s side produced a spirit performance in a 43-31 loss to Bordeaux. Here’s how the Ulster players rated in FranceMichael Lowry: Stepped by Penaud for try number one but got him in the corner. Great hit on Samu though then hammered by Tapuai. Some really sharp work with the ball. 7
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2 weeks ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Michael Sadlier
Feels like one of those classic double-edged sword situations. On the one hand, Ulster are in the knock-out stages of the Champions Cup which, after the spankings they took at Toulouse and Leicester Tigers, seems quite some achievement, though this somewhat ignores the elephant in the room – namely that they hosed a much-weakened Exeter Chiefs to just about make it to the last-16. Join the Belfast Telegraph WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with some of Northern Ireland's biggest stories
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2 weeks ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Michael Sadlier
The focus has been about pushing on and there is little doubt that Bordeaux Bègles appear to be the coming team and a possible genuine challenger to Toulouse both domestically and in Europe. With Toulouse, there is the 2024 Top 14 Final when Bordeaux were taken apart in Marseille, Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos running riot in what turned out to be a 59-3 shellacking. Join the Belfast Telegraph WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with some of Northern Ireland's biggest stories
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2 weeks ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Michael Sadlier
City of Armagh had a final day to forget as they slipped to ninth and into the Play-Offs after losing 29-22 to Ballynahinch at the Palace Grounds. Even though they collected two points, it wasn’t enough for a reprieve and Armagh ended up in the drop zone to face UCC in a Play-Off Semi-Final as Chris Parker’s side seek to maintain their top-flight status. Join the Belfast Telegraph WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with some of Northern Ireland's biggest stories
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2 weeks ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Michael Sadlier
The game with the Stormers felt redemptive in the way that Michael Lowry was able to demonstrate just what he can bring. Restored to full-back, undoubtedly now his most natural position, the 26-year-old was electric, his dazzling feet bamboozling Leolin Zas in the lead-up to Stewart Moore’s try and earlier he supplied an unselfish assist for Jacob Stockdale. Join the Belfast Telegraph WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with some of Northern Ireland's biggest stories
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2 weeks ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Michael Sadlier
Ulster sides set for day of drama as All-Ireland League Play-Offs come into viewConor McKee will line out for Ballynahinch in his side's clash with City of ArmaghThe last round before the Play-Offs and jeopardy is sprinkled throughout, with several clubs facing an edgy day for various reasons. Up in 1A, eighth-placed City of Armagh are in control of their own destiny and can avoid being part of the Play-Offs to remain in the top-flight by getting the better of Ballynahinch at the Palace Grounds.
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2 weeks ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Michael Sadlier
Momentum does seem to be with Yannick Bru’s squad as well having scorched through the opening four rounds of Europe while cutting quite a dash in the Top 14 as well, snapping hard at leaders Toulouse’s heels. There has been plenty of hurt, too, to focus minds from Bordeaux not having previously lifted major titles and that extra edge to their hunger for success from getting close but not quite making it.
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2 weeks ago | 
belfasttelegraph.co.uk | Michael Sadlier
Longevity can bring perspective, and Rob Herring can easily identify with those fresher faces now coming through or bubbling under; after all, he occupied that space over a decade ago and can sense their impatience along with the eagerness for all intel offered by wiser heads.
