The Republic of Ireland were unable to soothe the pain from Prague with victory as Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side were held to a 0-0 draw by North Macedonia in their friendly at Aviva Stadium. If the penalty shootout in Czechia last Thursday had gone the Boys in Green’s way, this would have been a play-off decider with a World Cup spot at stake. Instead Ireland and their visitors were left to battle it out in a fixture with nothing to play for.
Read more
Jan Kliment fired Czechia to within 90 minutes of the World Cup finals as they broke Republic of Ireland hearts in a dramatic penalty shootout to set up a showdown with Denmark. Ireland saw a 2-0 lead evaporate in Prague and again lead in the shootout but missed kicks from Finn Azaz and Alan Browne mean the long wait for an Irish return to the World Cup finals will continue.
Read more
Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed his contract has been extended to include the Euro 2028 campaign. Hallgrimsson confirmed the news on Thursday in a press conference announcing a 25-man squad for next Thursday’s World Cup play-off away to Czechia. The new contract comes on the back of a period of excellent progress for the team under Hallgrimsson’s leadership.
Read more
Scotland’s Hollie Davidson will become the first woman to referee a men’s Six Nations match when Ireland host Italy on 14 February. The 33-year-old is no stranger to landmark achievements, having become Scottish Rugby’s first full-time female referee in 2017 and the first woman to referee a New Zealand Test in November, when they beat Wales 52-26 in Cardiff.
Read more
South Africa’s 13-year wait for a win in Dublin is over, with the world champions proving their credentials with a 24-13 win against Ireland after a remarkable game at Aviva Stadium. In truth, this was a game the Springboks could and should have won by 30, and as humbling as the defeat will be for Andy Farrell’s side, they showed remarkable resilience to bring this game the distance.
Read more