# plans
This year
2023
Ireland stick with their usual plan. It's the Boks who have changed
Andy Farrell has resisted any temptation to deviate from his proven selection strategy.
Connell leaning towards favouring fences with Cheltenham hero Marine Nationale
The six-year-old was last seen running out a winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Longford GAA buy land next to Pearse Park for €1 million to build centre of excellence
Some of the 32-acre site is zoned for housing.
De Bromhead charting direct Cheltenham route for Gold Cup duo
A Plus Tard and Minella Indo are both on course for March.
Last year
2022
UK wants EU visitors to give 'face and fingerprint biometrics' - but Irish will be exempt
As part of the ETA application process, applicants “will be required to submit their biometrics”, a Tory MP said.
'The opportunity to drive a programme and shape its culture really excites me'
Peter Wilkins has been tipped as a future director of rugby at Connacht.
Niall Scannell: 'There is a lot more in us and we will keep building'
Munster face Leinster this weekend having won two of their opening five URC games.
URC plans to bring rugby to Qatar after signing new partnership
CEO Martin Anayi says the URC hopes to be part of Qatar’s progress.
Education minister defends plans to move Leaving Cert English and Irish Paper One to fifth year
Internal documents have shown the State Examinations Commission expressed concern about the reformed timeline for the senior cycle exams.
Potential new Euros format means it could be 'virtually impossible' for Ireland to qualify
Vera Pauw calls on Uefa to rethink the change, which she fears will be ‘detrimental to the game’s development’.
Rory McIlroy to miss this year's Irish Open
The Ulsterman finished eighth at last week’s PGA Championship in Southern Hills.
Poll: Have you made any plans for the long Bank Holiday weekend?
Many people are looking forward to four days off next week.
All time
Sexton still the man as Farrell's Ireland look towards clash with thrilling Japan
The 2023 World Cup is looming into view as Ireland get set for an intriguing autumn series.
Van Graan hints that Conor Murray may be given a run-out next weekend
Lions scrum-half has not played for Munster so far this season.
Provinces set to continue in Rainbow Cup without South African sides
The Stormers, Lions, Bulls, and Sharks are set to pull out of the competition.
Leinster Rugby submit plans to assess use of rapid antigen testing for safe return of fans to the RDS
The capacity for this proof of concept match will be capped at 2,000 supporters.
Rainbow Cup to start this month with final call on South African sides to come
The three rounds of derby games will go ahead as planned.
Shops to be allowed sell children's shoes in store, by appointment only
The Tánaiste had earlier confirmed that work is underway on the issue.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said he wants shoes to be available "immediately".
People will be able to make appointments at shoe shops selling children's shoes.
The news comes after calls for change from parents.
Confirmed: The Lions announce intention to tour South Africa as planned
SA Rugby and the Lions have confirmed their intention to plough on with the series.
Women's Six Nations could stay in standalone spring window in the future
CEO Ben Morel says a specific window could ‘enhance and give appropriate visibility’ to the championship.
Cabinet signs off on plan for GPs and pharmacists to vaccinate 1.5 million people
GPs working in mass vaccination centres will be paid €120 per hour under the plan.
'It will be phenomenal' - Pro16 expansion even more timely before RWC2023
The four new South African franchises are set to join next year.
IRFU look to 'non-established areas' with project players less likely in future
Ireland recently had five players who qualified through residency in their starting XV.
Pro coaching 'too full-on' for O'Connell as he enjoys watching Ireland change
The 41-year-old isn’t looking to get back into the game in a permanent coacing role.
Munster cancel training again as province awaits further Covid-19 test results
A senior player tested positive for the virus earlier this week, with a further six players identified as close contacts.
IRFU confirms shortened All-Ireland League will start in January 2021
The first half of the season will involve a new provincial Community Series.
Andy Robertson: ‘I want to finish my career at Anfield’
The Scot has been a revelation at Liverpool since he joined the club from Hull City.
Ulster look for green light from NI Executive as part of IRFU inter-pro plans
The four provinces are hoping to return to action on 22/23 August at the Aviva Stadium.
‘Conor McGregor is the No1 welterweight contender’
Former MMA star Chael Sonnen reckons Dubliner is still the biggest draw in his sport.
Barcelona and Real Madrid start coronavirus tests ahead of La Liga's return
The league is proposing to complete its season behind closed doors, with games starting again in June.
South Africa and New Zealand hope to launch new local derby competitions
The plans will be met with extreme levels of doubt in many quarters.
'A lot of clubs with great history could be lost' - Ferguson on global Super League plans
The legendary manager can’t see why clubs from England would be interested in the proposed competition.
Anger and frustration entirely fair as World Rugby's greatest fear realised
Supporters, players, and coaches are entitled to be deeply disappointed with the cancellations.
'I feel like my body is kind of falling apart' - Olympic superstar Biles to retire after Tokyo 2020
The all-conquering gymnast, 22, is the first woman to win four all-around world titles.
World Rugby insists it wants promotion/relegation in Nations Championship
Rugby’s governing body has moved to officially clarify its position on the new Nations Championship.
Brexit plan would see Premier League clubs restricted to signing less foreign players
The FA has reportedly put forward a proposal that would ensure each squad is made up of at least half ‘homegrown’ players.
Connacht announce plans for €30 million redevelopment of the Sportsground
‘Facilities that match our ambition.’
Emery reveals his Arsenal blueprint: 'The aim is to arrive as champions'
The new man in charge at Emirates Stadium is looking for his side to be “aggressive”, with there a desire to mix substance and style in north London.
Government wants future budgets to 'lean against the wind'
The Summer Economic Statement this year sets out the plans for next year’s Budget. And it’s all about cooling those jets in case Ireland overheats.
