It has been a welcome few weeks for Irish rugby with the announcement that O’Brien, Heaslip, O’Connell and Earls have all committed there medium to long term futures to their provinces. While the latter two were realistically never going anywhere there was genuine surprise that the IRFU were able to hold on to both O’Brien … More The Financial Challenges Facing Irish Rugby

Hat tip to Leinster TV

Hat tip to Premiership Rugby for the clip

With one eye on the year that was 2013, we look forward to a few things we might see in the world of rugby in 2014

A clean sweep over the weekend for the Irish who vanquished English, Italian and French opposition in the Heineken Cup. To quote Cu Chulainn himself after the Táin Bó Cúailnge, “there a great side, we knew they would come at us but thankfully we smashed them”. And while Connacht may have put a momentary full … More Heineken Cup Clean Sweep – Ireland smash, crush, destroy………..

The best 16 minutes of this years Autumn Internationals. Que big hits, superlatives, haunting slow motions and the Honey Badger. Hat tip to VGoro HD Rugby

You can bet Northampton will be watching these highlights in advance of the next two games. Currently sitting in  second in the Aviva Premiership and with a stronger squad then in 2011, they have very right to be confident. That being said, they are playing a team that despite certain departures is still stronger and … More Leinster v Northampton: Unfinished Business?

The news that the French have betrayed the English and committed to the ERC structure will be greeted by many as just deserts for a group that has looked to jeopardise the future of the game for their own profit. While there is still a long way to go in terms of the future of … More What did the English ever do for us???

Eoin Redahan was couch-side for another Leinster victory this weekend and gives his tupence worth in five easy to plagiarise points. Steal as you see fit…… Marty Moore mania – Last week’s performance seemed to have kindled a sort of Marty Moore mania among Irish media types. Moore did just about okay on Saturday, as … More Tight five – thinking points from Leinster v Castres

Fox Sports Australia produce yet another classy compilation of clips. Random but good for a larf. In true Aussie style, someone gets smashed.

Sore Leinster fans were today greeted with further pain as we found out that Richardt Strauss will be out for the season due to a heart condition that will see him require surgery.

Ahead of this weekend’s derby clash in Thomond Park I thought I would share some pointers for those Leinster fans on their first trip to the fine city that is Limerick. While I am unfortunately unable to make it down this year, the points contained below are based on the trips I have made in … More A Guide to Thomond Park for Leinster Virgins

An updated football v rugby video with a great soundtrack. Hat tip to MrFlash90

I was in Israel recently with my good friend and fellow TDC contributor, Eoin Redahan. Amid all the sightseeing, drinking, dancing, sweating and general revelry we discussed a variety of topics including the future of the European cup. When I say we discussed it, we asked each other a series of questions, speculated on possible … More The (New) European Cup – A Few Question Marks?

It would not be unfair to say that Patchell has begun his club career at the coal face. Coming through the Cardiff Blues Academy he made his senior debut last season and is part of a mid-table team that over the past number of seasons has been moving in the wrong direction i.e. down the table. … More RaboPro12 One to Watch: Rhys Patchell

Glasgow Warriors: If you were to liken them to an animal: Chimp – always entertaining to watch. Doesn’t always like it when the shit is thrown back at them. Prediction: 3rd (losing semi-finalists) Always worth a watch: Niko Matawalu

My brief take on this years RaboPro12 in 12 sentences along with predicted final positions. Benetton Rugby: 2012/13 marked a high point but realistically they are going to be at the wrong end of the table, as usual.

A post I had planned on writing for a while, I was spurred on by recent media reports concerning the nocturnal activities of a couple of unnamed Irish rugby players. The media hunt, led by the Sunday Independent, is illustrative of the every brightening glare of public and media interest in the lives of professional … More Modern Rugby & the Social Media Goldfish Bowl

So the 2013 Lions Tour of Australia comes to an end, the Aussies got smashed, Warren was smiling and everyone got paid. The tour had it all, bright lights, topless men frolicking on beaches and the odd bit of rugby so why am I not entirely satisfied by the first series victory since 1997?

Following on from yesterday’s post, I look at the Irish forwards who form part of the British and Irish Lions bulwark. With none bar one featuring in the final test, I take an outsiders view and have a guess at who gave it all and those who will feel it could have been oh so … More The Irish in OZ 2013 – The Lions Forwards

Okay so, ahead of the final test I decided to scratch the surface a bit and have a look at the Irish contingent of this year’s British and Irish Lions touring party. Bar a couple of eyebrow raising omissions at the start, the squad shaped up as many would have expected i.e. Wales and friends … More The Irish in OZ 2013 – The Lions Backs

Three positives ahead of Saturday’s game, and three not-so-positives. Arise Sir Lions Stronger scrum with Corbisiero: Probably the right call from Warren Gatland at loosehead. There was a danger the visitors would sacrifice potential scrum dominance for added destruction in the loose, but why weaken an area of perceived strength? Alex Corbisiero is a better … More Lions selection: Quick Six

2012/13 proved to be an interesting season for Leinster, a mixed start that lead to ultimate success, the season can be noted as much for moves off the field as on it.

Following on from Neil’s post I have had a look at Connacht, a team I curse as much as admire. As a Leinster fan, Connacht has caused me despair and ruined a couple of good weekends in Galway over the years.

Ahead of this weekend’s Amlin Challenge Cup Final between Leinster and Stade Francais, I decided to take a look at the all singing, all dancing showbiz French rugby side that divides opinion both at home and abroad. Historically considered a heavyweight, Stade have had a few difficult years but what can Leinster expect? Below is … More Amlin Challenge Cup Final Preview: Blaggers Guide to Stade Francais

While the interprovincial rivalry between Leinster and Munster has intensified in recent years, mutual respect remains. But, are we as fair-minded as we like to think? Take either the blue or red pill to find out…

Seeing as how tomorrow will mark Isa Nacewa’s last game against Munster, the Youtube compilation below seemed fitting. Take a few minutes to revel in the brilliance. Video compiled by ElliotJack4 Any comments etc. to the usual dbkinch

After a disastrous Six Nations for Ireland, I thought it would be worth sharing something positive. As you might expect, that revolves around the greatest Irish rugby player ever and one of the all-time greats. Enjoy. Via JK FAN