Latest news with #RugbyWorldCup2023
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby-Argentina bring in several new faces for Lions clash in Dublin
FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Pool D - Argentina v Samoa - Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne, France - September 22, 2023 Argentina's Julian Montoya in action REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo (Reuters) -Argentina have named a much-changed line-up with a first start for centre Justo Piccardo in their one-off test against the British & Irish Lions in Dublin on Friday, and three potential debutants off the bench. Coach Felipe Contepomi has taken the opportunity to blood several new players in the matchday 23, though the side will be led by an old hand in hooker Julian Montoya. Tomas Albornoz has been selected at flyhalf and forms the halfback pairing with Gonzalo Garcia, while Piccardo and Lucio Cinti are the centres. The back three contains wings Ignacio Mendy and Rodrigo Isgro, and fullback Santiago Carreras. The front row sees props Mayco Vivas and Joel Sclavi pack down either side of Montoya. France Molina and Pedro Rubiolo are the lock pairing, while number 8 Joaquin Oviedo is in the back row with loose-forwards Pablo Matera and Juan Martin Gonzalez. Contepomi has chosen a 5-3 split between forwards and backs on the bench. Hooker Bautista Bernasconi, prop Boris Wenger and scrumhalf Simon Benitez Cruz could all debut. "It is a challenge with a lot of new faces and just a few training sessions together. But the guys have made a lot of effort to take on the new information," Contepomi told reporters on Wednesday. "We are very pleased with how the newcomers have prepared in this first week. We have focused on ourselves and what we want to instil in the group, we know the Lions will be a big challenge." Argentina team: 1. Mayco Vivas, 2. Julian Montoya (captain), 3. Joel Sclavi, 4. Franco Molina, 5. Pedro Rubiolo, 6. Pablo Matera, 7. Juan Martín Gonzalez, 8. Joaquin Oviedo, 9. Gonzalo García, 10. Tomas Albornoz, 11. Ignacio Mendy, 12. Justo Piccardo, 13. Lucio Cinti, 14. Rodrigo Isgro, 15. Santiago Carreras. Replacements: 16. Bautista Bernasconi, 17. Boris Wenger, 18. Francisco Coria Marchetti, 19. Santiago Grondona, 20. Joaquín Moro, 21. Simón Benitez Cruz, 22. Matias Moroni, 23. Santiago Cordero. (Reporting by Nick Said)
The Star
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby-McKenzie kicks Chiefs into third straight Super Rugby Pacific final
FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - New Zealand Training - Omnisport Croissy Stadium, Croissy-sur-Seine, Paris, France - October 19, 2023 New Zealand's Damian McKenzie during training REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/File Photo (Reuters) -Damian McKenzie kicked 22 points as the Waikato Chiefs played near perfect playoff rugby to reach a third straight Super Rugby Pacific final with a convincing 37-17 win over the ACT Brumbies in Hamilton on Saturday. Emoni Narawa scored tries either side of halftime and Josh Jacomb also crossed but it was McKenzie's all-round game and almost perfect night from the kicking tee to punish Brumbies ill-discipline that proved the difference. The Chiefs, runners-up for the last two years, will travel to Christchurch next week to play for the title against the Canterbury Crusaders, who edged the reigning champion Auckland Blues 21-14 in Friday's first semi. "Outstanding performance from the lads," said All Blacks flyhalf McKenzie, who kicked six penalties and two conversions. "The Brumbies come out of the box fast, like we knew they would, and I just love the way we were really composed to stick to our game. "We put the ball in front of our forwards, and obviously our set piece was great tonight. So when we got into the 22 we managed to come away with points most of the time." The Brumbies had the better of possession and territory and also scored three tries but lost Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio to concussion in the 10th minute and spurned a few opportunities to kick for points when the game was still in the balance. "We had to play close to a perfect game to come out here and get the result," said skipper Allan Alaalatoa. "And we probably saw there in the second half that accuracy let us down. And off the back of that probably our discipline as well." The visitors, hoping to become the first Australian team to win a Super Rugby playoff in New Zealand, scored the opening try through hooker Billy Pollard in the 15th minute off a trademark rolling maul. The Chiefs were already a man down after Tupou Vaa'i had been sent to the sin bin for a high tackle but were back on level terms soon after the lock returned, Nawara picking up from the base of a ruck and going over unopposed. Two McKenzie penalties put the home side ahead before Brumbies winger Corey Toole reined them in with a try from a Jack Debreczeni crosskick. Another couple of McKenzie three-pointers gave the Chiefs a 19-12 halftime lead and they retained it even after Toole beat two tacklers to go over in the corner for his second try. Nawara grabbed his brace in the 47th minute and three more McKenzie kicks extended the lead to 32-17 going into the last quarter. McKenzie got the assist when Jacomb went over in the 65th minute and the flyhalf made amends for missing the conversion - his only kicking blemish - by racing back and putting in a try-saving tackle on Brumbies fullback Tom Wright a minute later. The visitors kept hammering away trying to snap their run of three successive semi-final losses but the Chiefs held firm to earn the trip to Christchurch, where the Crusaders are unbeaten in 31 playoff matches over three decades of Super Rugby. (Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
Irish Examiner
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Munster's Craig Casey to captain Ireland as Paul O'Connell names summer tour squad
Craig Casey will captain Ireland on this summer's two-Test tour to Georgia and Portugal, leading a 32-player squad containing 11 uncapped players. With 15 Ireland frontliners set to go on tour with Andy Farrell's British & Irish Lions to Australia in July and August, and the retirements of recent Six Nations regulars and Test centurions Cian Healy, Conor Murray and Peter O'Mahony, this tour was always going to present an opportunity to bring fresh blood and add Test experience for squad regulars usually denied extensive gametime. Interim head coach Paul O'Connell, the only member of Farrell's coaching staff not tour with the Lions, named a touring party on Wednesday, will also be without a trio of experienced players unavailable with Robbie Henshaw ruled out due to injury and Ulster forwards Iain Henderson and Rob Herring not considered due to recent injuries. Ireland are set to play Georgia in Tbilisi on July 5 and Portugal a week later in Lisbon on July 12, with Munster scrum-half Casey set to become Ireland's 112th captain since 1875 as he returns to the national squad having missed the Six Nations with a knee injury. The uncapped players included six men who have had recent exposure to the Ireland camp - Tom Ahern, Michael Milne, Shayne Bolton, Nathan Doak, Ben Murphy and Tommy O'Brien – while Alex Kendellen, Darragh Murray, Paddy McCarthy, Stephen Smyth and Hugh Gavin have received first call-ups after impressing for their provinces and on Emerging Ireland duty earlier this season. The IRFU said the tour will provide the Ireland management with 'an invaluable opportunity to build squad depth and expose high-potential players to meaningful game time in a green jersey'. O'Connell has also named Ulster trio James McNabney, Jude Postlethwaite and Zac Ward as training panellists to link up with the squad at the IRFU High Performance Centre on Monday, June 23 for a nine-day training camp before the tourists depart Dublin for the Georgian capital on Wednesday, July 2. Looking forward to a sixth meeting between Ireland and Georgia, and a first Test against the 2023 World Cup participants Portugal, interim head coach O'Connell said: 'I'm delighted to announce the Ireland squad for the summer tour and I believe we have a strong blend of youth and experience for what will be a trip into relatively uncharted territories this July. 'Georgia have made great strides in recent years, and they have made a significant investment in their rugby programme which has established them amongst the leading emerging sides in international rugby. 'Under the experience of Richard Cockerill they have built on a traditionally strong forward unit with a talented backline and they will provide a tough test for us. Portugal showcased their attacking prowess during the Rugby World Cup 2023 and Simon Mannix is a coach I know having worked with him previously (at Munster). They play with confidence and we're expecting another tough test." O'Connell added: 'With 15 players away with The British & Irish Lions, this tour presents an opportunity for those on the fringes to impress the coaching team. A number of players have been really close to selection in recent times and it's important that everyone grasps the challenge that's ahead of them. 'Every moment on the training field and across the two-match series will count and there's a great opportunity for players to step up and impress. 'In welcoming the squad, I would like to congratulate Craig on his selection as captain. He is a real leader with a strong personality and it is a huge personal honour for him and an opportunity that I know he will relish over the coming weeks.' Connacht tighthead prop Finlay Bealham is the squad's most experienced player with 51 Ireland caps while there are 13 tour members with less than 10 caps in addition to the 11 uncapped. There will be first-choice internationals available to O'Connell though, not least at fly-half, where Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley will once again vie for the number 10 jersey alongside Ciaran Frawley, while at scrum-half, uncapped duo Nathan Doak and Ben Murphy have been given a chance to shine alongside captain Casey. With Henshaw injured and both Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose selected for the Lions tour, there is an opportunity to grow midfield experience. Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne will lead the running for the starting centre partnership, though the latter could also start at full-back, while the uncapped Tommy O'Brien is perhaps the form pick from Leinster for a wing berth to rival Calvin Nash and Jacob Stockdale. There will be disappointments, not least for Munster centre Tom Farrell, who has enjoyed a stellar first season with the southern province having been released last summer by Connacht. Farrell finished the URC regular season campaign as the joint top try scorer and was the inaugural winner of the URC playmaker award having led the league in a number of statistical categories. Fixtures: Saturday, 5th July: Georgia v Ireland, Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi (kick off 9pm local time, 6pm Irish time). Saturday, 12th July: Portugal v Ireland, Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Lisbon (kick off 7pm local, same Irish time). Squad: Forwards (18): Tom Ahern (Shannon/Munster), Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht), Jack Boyle (UCD/Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University/Leinster), Gavin Coombes (Young Munster/Munster), Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Alex Kendellen (UCC/Munster), Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster), Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster), Michael Milne (UCD/Munster), Darragh Murray (Buccaneers/Connacht), Tom O'Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht), Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley/Leinster), Tom Stewart (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Nick Timoney (Banbridge/Ulster). Backs (14): Shayne Bolton (Connacht), Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster, captain), Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster), Nathan Doak (Banbridge/Ulster), Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster), Hugh Gavin (Galwegians/Connacht), Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster), Ben Murphy (Clontarf/Connacht), Calvin Nash (Young Munster/Munster), Jimmy O'Brien (Naas/Leinster), Tommy O'Brien (UCD/Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster). Training Panellists: James McNabney (City of Armagh/Ulster), Jude Postlethwaite (City of Armagh/Ulster), Zac Ward (Ballynahinch/Ulster).
RTÉ News
04-06-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Craig Casey to captain Ireland for summer Tests against Georgia and Portugal
Craig Casey will captain Ireland for their summer tour of Georgia and Portugal, while there are 11 uncapped players named in the squad. Interim head coach Paul O'Connell has named a 32-man squad for the Tests on 5 and 12 July. Munster scrum-half Casey will be the 112th player to captain his country. Alex Kendellen, Darragh Murray, Paddy McCarthy, Stephen Smyth and Hugh Gavin have been called up for the first time, while Tom Ahern, Michael Milne, Shayne Bolton, Nathan Doak, Ben Murphy and Tommy O'Brien will look for their first caps having previously trained with the senior squad. After recently returning from long-term injuries, Ulster forwards Iain Henderson and Rob Herring were not considered for selection to allow them to focus on a full pre-season programme, while Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw was not available due to injury. O'Connell said: "I believe we have a strong blend of youth and experience for what will be a trip into relatively uncharted territories this July. "Georgia have made great strides in recent years, and they have made significant investment in their rugby programme which has established them amongst the leading emerging sides in international rugby. "Under the experience of Richard Cockerill, they have built on a traditionally strong forward unit with a talented backline and they will provide a tough test for us. "Portugal showcased their attacking prowess during the Rugby World Cup 2023 and Simon Mannix is a coach I know having worked with him previously (at Munster). They play with confidence and we're expecting another tough test. "With 15 players away with the British and Irish Lions, this tour presents an opportunity for those on the fringes to impress the coaching team. "A number of players have been really close to selection in recent times and it's important that everyone grasps the challenge that's ahead of them. "Every moment on the training field and across the two-match series will count and there's a great opportunity for players to step up and impress." Ulster trio James McNabney, Jude Postlethwaite and Zac Ward have been included as training panellists This will be the sixth time that Ireland will face Georgia, ranked 11 in the world, while it will be the inaugural international senior match against Portugal, 18th in the rankings. The Ireland squad will gather for a training camp in Dublin ahead of the departure to Tbilisi on Wednesday, 2 July. Ireland Men's Squad - Summer Series 2025: Player/Club/Province/Caps Forwards (18): Tom Ahern (Shannon/Munster)* Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster) (27) Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht) (51) Jack Boyle (UCD/Leinster) (2) Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University/Leinster) (6) Gavin Coombes (Young Munster/Munster) (2) Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster) (2) Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch/Ulster) (1) Alex Kendellen (UCC/Munster)* Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster) (4) Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University FC/Leinster)* Michael Milne (UCD/Munster)* Darragh Murray (Buccaneers RFC/Connacht)* Tom O'Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster) (16) Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht) (4) Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster)* Tom Stewart (Ballynahinch/Ulster) (2) Nick Timoney (Banbridge/Ulster) (3) Backs (14): Shayne Bolton (Connacht)* Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster) (captain ) (18) Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster) (24) Nathan Doak (Banbridge/Ulster)* Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster) (8) Hugh Gavin (Galwegians/Connacht)* Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster) (19) Ben Murphy (Clontarf/Connacht)* Calvin Nash (Young Munster/Munster) (10) Jimmy O'Brien (Naas/Leinster) (8) Tommy O'Brien (UCD/Leinster)* Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster) (7) Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster) (8) Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster) (38) Training Panellists:
Irish Examiner
04-06-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Munster's Craig Casey to captain Ireland as Paul O'Connell names squad for summer tour
Interim Ireland head coach Paul O'Connell has named a 32-man squad for the two-Test summer tour of Georgia (5th July) and Portugal (12th July). The touring party will be led by Munster scrum-half Craig Casey who is set to become the 112th captain of Ireland. O'Connell has included 11 uncapped players in the panel as the tour provides the Ireland management with an invaluable opportunity to build squad depth and expose high-potential players to meaningful game time in a green jersey. Tom Ahern, Michael Milne, Shayne Bolton, Nathan Doak, Ben Murphy and Tommy O'Brien all have recent experience in the national team environment and will be hoping to push for their debut caps this July, while Alex Kendellen, Darragh Murray, Paddy McCarthy, Stephen Smyth and Hugh Gavin all earn their first senior call ups after impressing for their Provinces and the Emerging Ireland squad earlier this season. Additionally, Ulster trio James McNabney, Jude Postlethwaite and Zac Ward have been included as training panellists and will link up with the squad at the IRFU High Performance Centre on Monday, 23 June. After only recently returning from long-term injuries, Iain Henderson and Rob Herring were not considered for selection to allow them to focus on a full pre-season programme, while Robbie Henshaw was not available due to injury. This will be the sixth time that Ireland will face Georgia, while it will be the inaugural international senior men's match against Portugal. The Ireland squad will gather for a training camp in Dublin ahead of the departure to Tbilisi on Wednesday, 2 July. The Ireland Match Day Squad for the opening Test against Georgia will then be announced on Thursday, 3 July. Broadcast details for both matches will follow once confirmed by the host unions. O'Connell said: 'I'm delighted to announce the Ireland squad for the Summer Tour and I believe we have a strong blend of youth and experience for what will be a trip into relatively uncharted territories this July. 'Georgia have made great strides in recent years, and they have made significant investment in their rugby programme which has established them amongst the leading emerging sides in international rugby. Under the experience of Richard Cockerill they have built on a traditionally strong forward unit with a talented backline and they will provide a tough test for us. "Portugal showcased their attacking prowess during the Rugby World Cup 2023 and Simon Mannix is a Coach I know having worked with him previously (at Munster). They play with confidence and we're expecting another tough test." He continued: 'With 15 players away with The British & Irish Lions, this tour presents an opportunity for those on the fringes to impress the coaching team. A number of players have been really close to selection in recent times and it's important that everyone grasps the challenge that's ahead of them. Every moment on the training field and across the two-match Series will count and there's a great opportunity for players to step up and impress. 'In welcoming the squad, I would like to congratulate Craig (Casey) on his selection as captain. He is a real leader with a strong personality and it is a huge personal honour for him and an opportunity that I know he will relish over the coming weeks.' Fixtures: Saturday, 5th July: Georgia v Ireland, Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi (kick off 9pm local time, 6pm Irish time). Saturday, 12th July: Portugal v Ireland, Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Lisbon (kick off 7pm local, same Irish time). Squad: Forwards (18): Tom Ahern (Shannon/Munster), Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht), Jack Boyle (UCD/Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University/Leinster), Gavin Coombes (Young Munster/Munster), Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Alex Kendellen (UCC/Munster), Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster), Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster), Michael Milne (UCD/Munster), Darragh Murray (Buccaneers/Connacht), Tom O'Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht), Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley/Leinster), Tom Stewart (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Nick Timoney (Banbridge/Ulster). Backs (14): Shayne Bolton (Connacht), Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster, captain), Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster), Nathan Doak (Banbridge/Ulster), Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster), Hugh Gavin (Galwegians/Connacht), Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster), Ben Murphy (Clontarf/Connacht), Calvin Nash (Young Munster/Munster), Jimmy O'Brien (Naas/Leinster), Tommy O'Brien (UCD/Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster). Training Panellists: James McNabney (City of Armagh/Ulster), Jude Postlethwaite (City of Armagh/Ulster), Zac Ward (Ballynahinch/Ulster).
