Tony Ward

5 days ago | independent.ie | Tony Ward

I think I’m speaking on behalf of many when I describe the innermost feelings following Saturday’s URC quarter-finals as strange in the extreme. Both results, involving our two remaining runners in the last eight, went the way of the bookies and, if we’re brutally honest, they were both deserved. What is for certain is that Munster did us proud in defeat in Durban whereas Leinster moved on as expected. But there was an eerie absence of raw emotion in Dublin 4 – on and off the field.

1 week ago | sussexexpress.co.uk | Tony Ward

On fine Saturdays in the summer months there is a spectacular mass racing-pigeon release at Beachy Head Car park (9000 pigeons in three transporters). Today, Saturday 31 May 2025, was one of those days. My dog and I joined a small crowd of those in the know “waiting for the off”. At 9.30am we would normally be too late as on fine summer days the release can be as early as 6.00am but today mist and low cloud delayed the release.

2 weeks ago | independent.ie | Tony Ward

Tony Ward: Leinster owe it to themselves and fans to right the wrongs of their European failings​​​​​​ Nothing short of winning the URC will do for Leo Cullen’s Leinster Tommy O'Brien, on the charge against Glasgow, has been in excellent form for Leinster. Photo: Sam Barnes/SportsfileIt was mission accomplished for Munster in Cork and while it wasn’t overly convincing, that precious place in the knockout stages against the Sharks was secured with a small bit to spare.

1 month ago | independent.ie | Tony Ward

Tony Ward: Humbling loss to Northampton leaves Leinster looking like ‘the Mayo of rugby’It would have been a travesty if Leo Cullen’s side had snatched victory at the death such was the Saints’ superiority on the daySam Prendergast’s performance for Leinster was a mixed bag. Photo: David Fitzgerald/SportsfileTo play or not to play – that was the question. Whether to go the Northampton route, born out of necessity, or choose Leinster’s way with their abundance of resources.

1 month ago | independent.ie | Tony Ward

It was a weekend of URC rugby best forgotten for our provincial four. Only Ulster managed to put up a reasonable show despite eventually going down to the Sharks on their home patch. Munster, Connacht and Leinster, all on the road, returned with their tails between their legs. They deserved nothing more. Hopefully it’s just Leinster preserving their energy ahead of the knockout stages.