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Rising star Stuart Olding one of 11 Ulstermen to get Ireland call
Eleven Ulster players have been named in the 28-strong Ireland squad for next month's two-test trek to North America.
Declan Kidney's fate sealed a long time ago
For a man who would, happily, have signed in for all formal engagements as Irish coach under an assumed name, it isn't unreasonable to imagine Declan Kidney feeling some tingle of relief today.
Should Declan Kidney be feeling hard done by? No...
It is the late Sydney Webb, an economist, to whom is accredited the advice, "Never underestimate the inevitability of gradualness."
Why Ireland had to remove Kidney
Rugby coaches stand or fall on results. It is the sole criterion. Everybody loves a winner is an old cliché but its survival in our lexicon confirms its accuracy and its relevance.
Video: Search for Kidney replacement as Ireland rugby chiefs axe Grand Slam winner
The IRFU will seek outside professional help in their global search for a head coach to replace Declan Kidney after confirming that it will not offer the 2009 Grand Slam winner a new contract.
O'Driscoll handed three-week ban over stamp
Brian O'Driscoll has been given a three-week suspension for his stamp on Italy's Simone Favaro in Ireland's RBS 6 Nations defeat in Rome.
Five steps to try and spark Ireland's new era of rugby
So, where to from here? Last Saturday in Rome Ireland looked like a team on its last legs, having dug as deep as they possibly could just to field a starting line-up capable of performing at international level.
Ireland's black Monday as Brian O’Driscoll ban looms and injuries rock squad
Bad news continued to rain on Ireland's Six Nations team on rugby's 'Black Monday'.
Kidney to consider future after Ireland loss to Italy
Declan Kidney will consider his future over the coming weeks after Ireland slumped to a first Six Nations defeat to Italy.
Italy come of age with historic win against Ireland
Italy sent out a warning ahead of the 2015 World Cup after they powered to their first win over Ireland on Saturday in what has arguably been their most successful Six Nations campaign.
Wales slam door on England's Grand Slam dream
There were chants of "easy, easy" long before the end, but this win, and Wales's retention of the Six Nations Championship was about so much more than schadenfreude at a horribly outclassed England's failure to capture the Grand Slam.
Tim Visser's late try leaves French with wooden spoon
France ended a miserable Six Nations campaign with a 23-16 home win over Scotland which was not enough for them to avoid finishing with the wooden spoon for the first time since 1999.
Jamie Heaslip: Let’s go out with all guns blazing
Let's finish this campaign as we started. That's the impassioned plea from Ireland captain Jamie Heaslip as his team today try to secure third place in the Six Nations in Rome.
Sergio Parisse lauds Brian O’Driscoll as centre’s likely final Six Nations game dawns
The Italy captain, Sergio Parisse, has praised Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll as one of the greatest centres in the history of the sport, ahead of today’s Six Nations game at the Stadio Olimpico.
Gilroy helps to give Ireland sense of perspective
The capacity of these young Ulster players to both understate and surprise continued apace at Ireland's base in Carton House this week.
Boost as Gilroy passed fit for Rome
Craig Gilroy has given Ireland coach Declan Kidney a much needed boost this week – the Ulster winger is available for the trip to Rome.
Gatland's visit helps to lift the Irish mood
The accelerating interest in the upcoming Lions Tour is unsurprising this week given the presence of Warren Gatland at Ireland's Carton House base on Tuesday.
Players beg O’Driscoll to answer Irish call
Brian O’Driscoll has not said anything to confirm his retirement from the game he has graced so magnificently, but the signs are ominous.
Rory Best bidding to finish campaign with a flourish
Rory Best has challenged his Ireland colleagues to target a third place finish in the Six Nations Championship.
Injuries force squad naming delay
Ireland have delayed their team announcement for Saturday's clash with Italy by 48 hours as they contend with an ever-lengthening injury list that has placed Brian O'Driscoll's participation in doubt.
Belfast Telegraph Runher 2013
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Proud Webber eyes World Cup
When Rob Webber was forced to undergo a second shoulder operation last summer and went through "dark days" wondering what the future held, he never envisaged it would be captaining his country.
Bayern Munich leave Bourssia Dortmund flattened and in tears after magnificent Champions League final
Arjen Robben provided the perfect answer to the doubters by scoring an 88th-minute winner to settle a brilliant Champions League final in favour of Bayern Munich at Wembley.
Schmidt signs off with title win
Leinster put past disappointments behind them to scoop an elusive RaboDirect PRO12 title in head coach Joe Schmidt's last game in charge, with a 24-18 win over Ulster.
Back to the drawing board for Ulster Rugby as Leinster crush Pro 12 title hopes
Leinster put past disappointments behind them to scoop an elusive RaboDirect PRO12 title in head coach Joe Schmidt's last game in charge.
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