Sheehan to captain much changed Ireland in Wales

Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland against Wales in Saturday’s Six Nations game in Cardiff. The hooker will lead the team for the first time with regular skipper Caelan Doris ruled out because of a knee injury. Sheehan came off the bench in Ireland’s wins over England and Scotland but replaces the injured Ronan Kelleher in a team showing seven changes from the win at Murrayfield.

Read more

Ireland remain unbeaten with commanding win over Scotland

Ireland kept their Six Nations Grand Slam hopes firmly on track with an 11th victory in a row over a disappointing Scotland at Murrayfield. The visitors blew away their hosts when speeding into a 17-0 lead with tries from Calvin Nash and captain Caelan Doris, both converted by Sam Prendergast, who also added a penalty. Duhan van der Merwe’s spectacular finish at the end of the opening half gave Scotland some respite but Ireland responded in style in the second half to keep their three in a row bid alive.

Read more

Ireland mount fightback to defeat England

Ireland scored three tries in a dominant second-half display as they launched their bid for an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title with a bonus-point victory over England in Dublin. With the hosts struggling out of the blocks, an early score from England debutant Cadan Murley helped the visitors lead deservedly at the break. However Ireland turned on the style in the second half to make amends to get their campaign off to a winning start.

Read more

Ireland survive scare against Scotland to clinch Six Nations title

For the second year in a row Ireland have been crowned Guinness Six Nations champions on home soil, and for the second year in a row they survived a few scares along the way to seal it. Andy Farrell’s side completed back-to-back championships with a 17-13 defeat of Scotland on the final day of the campaign, overpowering the visitors in the final quarter after what had been an error-strewn first hour.

Read more

Last gasp drop goal sees England end Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes

Ireland saw their Grand Slam dream denied in Twickenham as England’s Marcus Smith scored a drop goal in the last play of the game to claim a thrilling Guinness Six Nations win. Heavy underdogs coming into the game, Steve Borthwick’s side deservedly ended Ireland’s 11-game unbeaten run in the championship with a 23-22 victory.

Read more