Category Archives: News

Sexton returns to captain Leinster as Cullen names team for Pro14 final

November 13, 2022 KANKENNEWS

JOHNNY SEXTON HAS been restored to Leinster’s starting team for tomorrow’s Guinness Pro14 final against Glasgow Warriors, as one of three changes made by Leo Cullen.

Sexton came off the bench to help Leinster see off Munster in last weekend’s semi-final, but returns to captain the defending champions for Saturday’s Celtic Park showdown [KO 6.30pm, eir Sport/Premier Sports/TG4].

Sexton comes back into the starting team. Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Rob Kearney has also recovered from a head injury to start at fullback in what could be his final game for Leinster as negotiations over his future continue, while Scott Fardy comes in for the injured Devin Toner.

Seán O’Brien, who had been struggling with a hip injury, has not recovered in time for one final run out in blue, as Cullen’s side bid to win back-to-back Pro14 titles after the disappointment of Newcastle.

Kearney’s return sees Jordan Larmour shift to the wing and Dave Kearney drop out of the matchday 23 altogether, while Ross Byrne must settle for a place on the bench at the expense of the World Player of the Year.

Second row Toner was ruled out earlier in the week due to the knee injury he sustained against Munster, meaning Fardy — having started the Champions Cup semi-final and final at six — resumes his partnership with James Ryan.

The back row remains unchanged as Josh van der Flier starts at openside, Rhys Ruddock at blindside and Jack Conan at the back of the scrum.

On the bench, Bryan Byrne is preferred to James Tracy as the replacement hooker, the fit-again Andrew Porter gets the nod ahead of Michael Bent and there will be no Leinster farewell for Jack McGrath, who misses out for Ed Byrne.

Ross Molony has shaken off a troubling back injury to be included in the Leinster 23, with Max Deegan, Nick McCarthy and Rory O’Loughlin the other players involved.

Dave Rennie’s Glasgow, meanwhile, are unchanged from their semi-final rout of Ulster.

Leinster:

15. Rob Kearney
14. Jordan Larmour
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. James Lowe
10. Johnny Sexton (captain)
9. Luke McGrath

1. Cian Healy
2. Sean Cronin
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Scott Fardy
5. James Ryan
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jack Conan.

Replacements:

16. Bryan Byrne
17. Ed Byrne
18. Andrew Porter
19. Ross Molony
20. Max Deegan
21. Nick McCarthy
22. Ross Byrne
23. Rory O’Loughlin.

Referee: Nigel Owens [WRU].

Gavan Casey is joined by Ryan Bailey and Andy Dunne to look ahead to Saturday’s Pro14 final, look at whether Joey Carbery’s move has paid off and Jack Conan talks about how his body is holding up.:

Source: The42 Rugby Weekly/SoundCloud

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Toulon president Boudjellal insists Goromaru signing is not a marketing stunt

November 12, 2022 KANKENNEWS

TOULON’S CAPTURE OF Ayumu Goromaru is much more than just a marketing stunt, says club president Mourad Boudjellal.

Goromaru was a star performer in Japan’s memorable Rugby World Cup campaign last year and his signing was announced by the Top 14 club on 8 June.

And the Toulon president was quick to make clear that the full-back has not only been signed in an attempt to boost the club’s profile in Asia.

“There is certainly a window to Asia, but we do not have the means to pay only for a showcase,” said Boudjellal when Goromaru was presented to the media today.

“The player’s qualities have been taken into account — he was signed for his quality as a player and scorer. I hope he will be the first Japanese player to win a major title in Europe.”

Goromaru confessed the prospect of adapting to a new country is daunting, but believes the chance to represent a prestigious club will be worthwhile.

“Toulon is a club of champions who have won many titles in recent years,” he said. “It is a difficult choice because there will be competition and a change of country, but I think it will be worth it.

“It is a great honour that a club like Toulon is interested in me. There is no equivalent team elsewhere in the world.”

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Toulon face Racing 92 in the Top 14 final at Camp Nou on Friday.

Pat Lam’s Connacht sign Irish-qualified tighthead Robertson-McCoySecond row Jerry Sexton signs permanent deal with London Irish

Horseplay at the beach was an important part of Munster training this week (after the heavy lifting)

November 11, 2022 KANKENNEWS

IT’S OH, SO quiet on the rugby front these days as we sit patiently between the end of one of the longest seasons ever and the beginning of a new campaign.

Behind the doors of the provincial gyms in Galway, Dublin, Belfast and Limerick though, it’s as busy as ever. The wheels are in motion, the tin is being pushed and the cones are laid out on the field to get players into shape for the 2016/17 season.

Some of the provinces have given us a window into their efforts, none more so than Munster who have sent a camera crew to do a weekly check-in with their strength and conditioning team (see these and a few more nice vids on their YouTube channel here).

Today, their clip features senior S&C coach Aidan O’Connell who talks us through week three of pre-season which entails (at last!) some rugby out in the open and some light wave-hopping at the beach – but not before some heavy lifting to keep the power and weight on their frame.

Source: Munster Rugby/YouTube

In case you missed the first two installments, week one was all about testing and setting baselines. The dreaded calipers came out to measure body fat and there were tests for hip mobility and questions to fit the Head Injury Assessments that will inevitably come at some point in the season.

Source: Munster Rugby/YouTube

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Week two gave the players an increased workload. An excruciating Watt bike session, according to PJ Wilson, gets the players metaphorically up and running early in the day without physically making them run… and that’s just the first of three sessions in the day.

Source: Munster Rugby/YouTube

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Hansen vows to tick all boxes before continuing as All Black coach‘I always felt, if I’m playing I’m going to make the difference’ — Luke Fitzgerald

We’ll Leave It There So: O’Reilly throws in the towel on doping fight and all today’s sport

November 8, 2022 KANKENNEWS

OlympicsBoxer Michael O’Reilly has decided not to contest his doping ban.Mayo’s Nicholas Quinn won his 200m breaststroke heat, but was ultimately edged down to 19th place and was unable to take a semi-final berth.It was a similar story for Shane Ryan in the 100m freestyle. The son of Portarlington claimed second in a slow heat, but was quickly eaten up by the speedsters in the later races.

Source: The42: Rio 2016 Olympics/SoundCloud

Click Here: factory direct toddler productsIreland’s hockey team came undone again in Rio, this time beaten by Germany, but all is not lost after the 3 – 2 defeat.Jonty Evans led the way for Ireland’s eventing team and his clear round earned him a place in the individual final.Annalise Murphy continued her excellent form with second and seventh place in her Laser Radial races to leave her in second place overall.There was disappointment for Sanita Puspure as she narrowly missed out in her quarter-final of the single sculls.HomePaul Carbery announced his retirement from racing.Pro12 Champions Connacht announced the signing of former Ulster second row Lewis Stevenson.Brian Kerr voiced his frustration about the football facilities around Ireland.Malachy O’Rourke will remain in charge of Monaghan.Galway and Tipperary earned the GAA June player of the month awards.

Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

AwayManchester City sealed the transfer of John Stones from Everton, but not before Uefa let it slip.New Zealand were shocked in the Olympic Rugby 7s today, and Sonny Bill Williams was ruled out of the rest of the tournament.Dutch gymnast Yuri van Gelder was sent home from the Games after sneaking a cheeky late night pint.Here’s all today’s transfer gossip, including Wolves moving in on Liverpool’s territory.Annemiek van Vleuten‘s recovery continues from her horrible bike crash.The Best Thing We Shared Today

The best chances of victory still lie ahead for Ireland’s hockey team, but this Eugene McGee howitzer was the highlight of their Olympics so far.

On The Record

“You want to come to the Olympics and swim a PB, but that’s so hard to do. So to come in here and win that heat, I felt I left everything in the pool, so I’m happy from that point of view.”

Mayo man Nicholas Quinn spoke with us after emerging from his 200m breaststroke heat.

Where We Were Today

The Journal’s Sinead O’Carroll is with the Murphy family as Annalise took on race three and four in her Laser Radial class in Rio today.

Experience their nerves on our Snapchat.

Fixture List

Ireland’s lightweight double sculls pairs (Jennings, Lambe and the O’Donovan brothers) are on the water again tomorrow afternoon. Michael Conlan and Joe Ward begin their assault on the Games.

Not into the Olympics? Bray take on Dundalk in the Airtricity League at 8pm.

Showbiz, Baby!

And we go back to hockey because a pre-match power failure meant both Ireland and Germany had to sing their anthems acapella and the result reminded us so many night clubs.

(If you can’t see the video, please click here.)

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Impressive Ian Madigan display not enough to rescue Bordeaux in Toulouse

November 8, 2022 KANKENNEWS

Toulouse 22Bordeaux-Begles 17

John Fallon reports from Stade Ernest-Wallon

IAN MADIGAN CAME off the bench to kick two penalties and set up Bordeaux-Begles’ first try of the season but it wasn’t enough to prevent a first defeat of the season.

Madigan was introduced in place of former French international Lionel Beauxis as Bordeaux-Begles made nine changes from the side which opened the previous week with a home win over champions Racing 92.

Madigan was sprung from the bench on 32 minutes after Beauxis, who had missed two from four penalties, suffered a thigh injury, with French scrum-half Sebastien Bezy kicking three at the other end to give Toulouse a 9-6 lead.

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Madigan missed his first kick from 30 metres in front of the posts, but then kept his nerve just before the break to land a superb effort from 35 metres on the right wing, to make it 9-9 at the break, on a pitch which carved up like beach sand at every scrum.

The force which Connacht will face in the Champions Cup at the Sportsground in October was apparent in a Toulouse side that started with 13 internationals from five countries, with another four capped players on the bench.

Yet their moments of dominance were rare in the opening half, although the class of French international Gael Fickou was obvious, while Samoan winger Paul Perez was also a big threat.

Bordeaux-Begles, struggling in the lineout on their own ball, edged in front five minutes after the restart, when Madigan landed a penalty from just inside halfway, but Toulouse hit back with two more kicks from Bezy to lead 15-12 going into the final quarter.

Toulouse, despite an abundance of possession, lacked inventive play and Bordeaux soaked up the pressure.

The opening try for Toulouse came from a bad Bordeaux mistake with replacement hooker Benat Auzqui overthrowing on a short lineout six metres from his own line and his counterpart Julien Marchand, a French U20 last year, grabbed and dived over with Bezy converting for 22-12.

But Bordeaux countered and went wide with a penalty advantage, with Madigan throwing a perfect long pass for his full-back Jean Marcellin Buttin, twice capped for France in 2012, to dive over in the right corner, with Madigan unable to land the difficult conversion, as Toulouse held on for their second win of the campaign.

Toulose:
Try: Julien Marchand
Con: Sebastien Bezy
Pens: Sebastien Bezy (5)

Bordeaux-Begles:
Try: Jean Marcellin Buttin
Pens: Lionel Beauxis (2), Ian Madigan (2)

Toulouse: Yoann Huget; Paul Perez, Florian Fritz (Sofiane Guitoune 76), Gael Fickou, Alexis Palisson; Jean Marc Doussain, Sebastien Bezy; Gurthro Steenkamp (Cyril Baille 52), Leonardo Ghiraldini (Julien Marchand 52), Maks Van Dyk (Dorian Aldegheri 39); Yoann Maestri (Gregory Lamboley 64), Richie Gray; Thierry Dusautoir (Joe Tekori 70), Piula Faasalele (Gillian Galan 52), Talaleil Gray.

Bordeaux-Begles: Jean Marcellin Buttin, Geoffrey Cros (Josala Vakacegu 70), Jayden Spence, Julien Rey, Blair Connor; Lionel Beauxis (Ian Madigan 32), Bapiste Serin (Julien Audy 76); Jefferson Poirot (Sebastien Taofifenua 52), Ronan Chambord (Benat Auzqui 29), Marc Clerc (Vadim Cobilas 42); Luke Jones, Cyril Cazeaux (Johan Aliquat 56); Luke Braid, Hugh Chalmers (Marco Tauleigne 64), Loann Goujon.

Referee: Alexandre Ruiz

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‘It’s massively important Joe stays’ – POC hoping Schmidt signs

November 8, 2022 KANKENNEWS

PAUL O’CONNELL SAYS it’s “massively important” that the IRFU ensure Joe Schmidt signs a new contract to remain on as Ireland head coach through to the 2019 World Cup.

Although Schmidt stated earlier this year that he would make a call on his future following the June tour of South Africa, there has still been no official confirmation of his decision.

O’Connell was Ireland captain under Schmidt. Source: ©INPHO

While the delay would seem to indicate that Schmidt is leaning towards staying in Ireland, the IRFU insist that no contracts have been signed.

Spokespeople for the union say they are not rushing Schmidt into making his decision, with the Kiwi having to consider his family both here in Ireland and at home in New Zealand.

Schmidt is understood to have bought a new house in Ireland recently, which would also suggest an intention to remain in his current job, but the IRFU state that their offer of an extension remains on the table, unsigned.

O’Connell, who captained Ireland to two Six Nations titles under Schmidt before announcing his retirement last season, is hoping that good news will be confirmed soon.

The legendary lock is in no doubt that the IRFU needs to secure Schmidt’s future.

“It’s massively important,” said O’Connell yesterday. “Without a doubt, he’s one of the best coaches in the world. I think he’s put together a brilliant coaching team, brilliant backroom staff, and Ireland seem to be getting better and better.

“I think we should have won the Test series down in South Africa, without a shadow of a doubt. [We’ve won] two out of three Six Nations championships, so I think it’s really important that he stays on, and I’m hoping he will.”

While some sporting organisations embrace change in new World Cup cycles, the IRFU are certain that Schmidt is the man to lead Ireland to Japan.

O’Connell is also of the belief that the 50-year-old is the kind of coach who will ensure Ireland’s training and tactical approaches remain fresh.

“Some coaches, they hit a purple patch where they’re at the top of the game for two or three years, and then it seems to fade or whatever, but I think Joe will always evolve ahead of the game,” said O’Connell.

O’Connell and Schmidt had an excellent working relationship. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

“I think he can be that guy. If he stays on until Japan, probably right up to that World Cup, if he does stay, I think that he’ll still be ahead of the game and it’ll still be exciting for the players to go in every day. That’s how I found it.

“No meeting or no training session was boring. Every day you learned something, even though you were probably doing all of the same stuff that you had done for ten years, but you were just doing it in a way that was so far ahead of anything you had done before.”

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Chief among Schmidt’s short-term plans are the two clashes with New Zealand in November, first in Chicago and then in Dublin two weekends later.

O’Connell was involved in the heartbreaking defeat to the Kiwis at the start of Schmidt’s tenure in 2013 and the regrets remains.

The 36-year-old feels New Zealand will pose an even greater challenge this year, but says exposure to the best in the world can only be good for Ireland.

“If we had got that done in 2013, it would have been an amazing achievement. It’s a pity we didn’t actually finish it off.

“They’re in an incredible place, even I suppose from a coaching point of view where they seem to be gone to at the moment is incredible. To be able to lose the players they have lost over the last few months, and to be able to play at the standard they did in the last two weeks.

“So it’s going to be really tough for Ireland, but I’d say they’re looking forward to it. I’d say they’re in the best position going into a match against New Zealand.

“It’s great that they’re playing them twice. When Clive Woodward was successful with England, that’s something that he did – he tried to get as many fixtures as he could against the Southern Hemisphere nations and I think at the end of this season, we’ll have played Southern Hemisphere nations six times.

“I think it will be good for us and that our standards will rise. You see it with Argentina now in the Rugby Championship.

“When you go in against those teams and play against them consistently, your standards are raised. Whether they can get the job done or not, I don’t know, but I think we’ll give it a good shot.”

Paul O’Connell was launching Aldi’s sponsorship of the IRFU’s Play Rugby programme.

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Promising Kelleher back for Connacht as Lam shuffles the deck

November 7, 2022 KANKENNEWS

CONNACHT’S QUEST FOR their first win of the season takes them to Italy this evening, where they face Zebre at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi [KO 5.05pm Irish time, not televised].

Pat Lam’s men suffered back-to-back home defeats to Glasgow and the Ospreys to open their Pro12 season, meaning a convincing victory on the road against the Italians is required.

A new second row

Among Lam’s six personnel changes are the introductions of Lewis Stevenson and Andrew Browne to the second row.

Stevenson gets his first start. Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Stevenson had stepped back from professional rugby after his stint in Exeter last season, but with Connacht’s locking options rapidly dropping, the 32-year-old was called on in August. Lam will hope the Ireland Wolfhounds international can bring some grit in the set-piece and contact areas.

Browne, meanwhile, recovers from injury to take over from Danny Qualter as the primary passer in Connacht’s midfield pod of forwards. Browne was an able deputy for Aly Muldowney in that role last season and should allow Connacht to be more decisive with ball in hand.

Denis Buckley returning at loosehead is a boost for Connacht too, while JP Cooney gets his first start for the province at tighthead more than three years after his debut.

Defensive priority

Connacht’s attack certainly hasn’t threatened to move towards last season’s standard just yet, but it is in defence that they have their biggest worry.

Tom McCartney is a key defender for Connacht. Source: James Crombie/INPHO

The Ospreys and Glasgow both cut through Connacht’s defensive line far too frequently, very often because of simple missed tackles. Technically, Lam’s players have been poor in this facet of the game, with too many upper-body soak tackles.

The westerners also need to rediscover consistent linespeed and aggression in their collective defensive work. Zebre are still finding their feet in an attacking sense this season, meaning opportunity beckons for Connacht.

It’s an ideal opportunity for the likes of Bundee Aki, John Muldoon and Tom McCartney to set standards for the province’s defence. Improvement is badly needed.

Kelleher returns on wing

Cian Kelleher’s move from Leinster over the summer was one of the more interesting interprovincial transfers in recent times, particularly with the eastern province having been frustrated by the circumstances in which it happened.

Kelleher is back on the left wing. Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

The 22-year-old started at fullback in Connacht’s season opener against Glasgow, standing out when he was in possession but showing that he still has plenty of learning ahead in that position defensively.

Connacht’s back three communicated poorly that day, with their pendulum movement in the backfield shaky, but that is not all on Kelleher’s shoulders.

His return after a minor injury comes on the left wing, where he will perhaps have fewer decisions to make. It is vital for Connacht to feed Kelleher with possession as often as possible, given his constant ability to beat defenders and make yardage. His learning process continues this evening.

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Connacht:

15. Tiernan O’Halloran
14. Niyi Adeolokun
13. Bundee Aki
12. Eoin Griffin
11. Cian Kelleher
10. Jack Carty
9. Caolin Blade

1. Denis Buckley
2. Tom McCartney
3. JP Cooney
4. Lewis Stevenson
5. Andrew Browne
6. Eoin McKeon
7. James Connolly
8. John Muldoon (captain)

Replacements:

16. Dave Heffernan
17. Ronan Loughney
18. Conor Carey
19. Ultan Dillane
20. Rory Moloney
21. Kieran Marmion
22. Shane O’Leary
23. Matt Healy

Zebre:

15. Edoardo Padovani
14. Gabriele Di Giulio
13. Giulio Bisegni
12. Tommaso Boni
11. Venditti Giovanbattista
10. Carlo Canna
9. Guglielmo Palazzani

1. Andrea De Marchi
2. Oliviero Fabiani
3. Pietro Ceccarelli
4. Quintin Geldenhuys
5. George Biagi (captain)
6. Jacopo Sorto
7. Maxime Mbanda
8. Federico Ruzza

Replacements:

16. D’Apice Tommaso
17. Postiglioni Bruno
18. Guillermo Roan
19. Gideon Koegelenberg
20. Derick Minnie
21. Carlo Engelbrecht
22. Tommaso Castello
23. Kayle Van Zyl

Referee: Ian Davies [WRU].

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Bowe set for 1st Ulster outing in 5 months against former club Ospreys

November 7, 2022 KANKENNEWS

TABLE-TOPPING ULSTER have made four changes for tomorrow evening’s Guinness Pro12 meeting with Ospreys at Kingspan Stadium (18.30, Sky Sports).

Director of rugby Les Kiss has welcomed Rory Best back into the starting line-up, while Tommy Bowe is among the replacements and is set to feature for only the second time since his serious knee injury in the 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

Craig Gilroy starts in Bowe’s favoured number 14 shirt, replacing the injured Stuart McCloskey in a back-line reshuffle that puts Jared Payne at centre and Charles Piutau fullback.

Paul Marshall will partner Paddy Jackson at half-back with Ruan Pienaar held in reserve.

Franco van der Merwe takes over as captain in the absence of Rob Herring and Andrew Trimble, absent due to player management and a foot injury respectively.

Ulster sit top of the Pro12, two points ahead of tomorrow’s opponents. Ospreys will be looking to bounce back from a resounding loss to Leinster last time out, though the Welsh province remain, by some distance, the most prolific try-scorers in the league with 24 in four matches.

Ulster

15. Charles Piutau
14. Craig Gilroy
13. Jared Payne
12. Darren Cave
11. Louis Ludik
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Paul marshall

1. Kyle McCall
2. Rory Best
3. Rodney Ah You
4. Alan O’Connor
5. Franco van der Merwe (Capt.)
6. Iain Henderson
7. Sean Reidy
8. Roger Wilson

Replacements:

16. John Andrew
17. Callum Black
18. Ross Kane
19. Kieran Treadwell
20. Robbie Diack
21. Ruan Pienaar
22. Brett Herron
23. Tommy Bowe

Ospreys

15 Dan Evans
14 Jeff Hassler
13 Ben John
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Eli Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb

1 Nicky Smith
2 Sam Parry
3 Dmitri Arhip
4 Bradley Davies
5 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
6 James King
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Dan Baker

Replacements:

16 Scott Baldwin
17 Paul James
18 Ma’afu Fia
19 Rory Thornton
20 Olly Cracknell
21 Tyler Ardron
22 Tom Habberfield
23 Sam Davies

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‘I hated rugby’ – retired All Black Dagg on mental health battle

November 7, 2022 KANKENNEWS

ALL BLACKS 2011 World Cup-winner Israel Dagg opened up on Tuesday about the mental health battles that nearly drove him out of the game.

The 30-year-old outside back, who announced his retirement last week due to a chronic knee injury, said he descended into a mental trough after missing out on New Zealand selection for the 2015 World Cup and suffering a serious injury soon after.

“I was down, I hated rugby,” he told the All Blacks podcast on Tuesday as he revealed how he suffered an emotional rollercoaster ride.

“I was walking down the street and I would look at people and think to myself ‘he’s looking at me going ‘you’re a pussy’ and ‘you’re so useless’. I was like, ‘nah I shouldn’t be feeling like this’.”

The 66-Test Dagg, renowned for his ability under the high ball and his deceptive sidestep, said he was ready to walk away from the game following the disappointment of 2015.

But when later recovering from a dislocated shoulder he found solace in friends and family who helped him rediscover his love of the game.

“Having that close support network to get through those times was crucial. As men we don’t talk and we need to talk,” he revealed.

“You can’t bottle it up and do everything on your own. It is too hard and it will weigh you down,” he said.

“If there is one thing I’ve learned it is just to talk to people. It’s OK to cry.

“I’ve had moments when I’ve cried to my best mates and I’ve cried to my wife and there’s some people out there that might think I’m a pussy and weak, but I don’t care. People cry and need to share their emotions.”

After almost six months sidelined by injury, Dagg returned with a new-found passion for the game in 2016 and after a standout season for the Canterbury Crusaders, he regained his place in the All Blacks and enjoyed one of his best seasons with 10 tries in 12 Tests.

New Zealand Rugby’s wellbeing manager Nathan Price applauded Dagg for speaking out, saying he had set “a really great example about how important and effective it can be to just reach out and ask for help”.

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Watson returns from 13-month lay-off to give World Cup boost to England

November 7, 2022 KANKENNEWS

ENGLAND’S ANTHONY WATSON is set to make his long-awaited return for Bath against Sale Sharks in the Premiership tomorrow.

Watson suffered a torn Achilles in the 2018 Six Nations, ruling him out for around six months, and then ruptured the tendon again in pre-season following an unsuccessful operation.

Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder refused to put a date on the 25-year-old’s return at the time, describing the second issue as a “start-again injury”.

But Watson is now back in the fold and has been named at fullback in the Bath XV to face Sale, ending a stretch of over a year on the sidelines.

The return of the 33-cap England star will come as a boost to head coach Eddie Jones ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Watson, who started on the wing in all three British & Irish Lions tests against New Zealand in 2017, signed a new long-term contract with Bath last November.

Gavan Casey and Murray Kinsella are joined by Andy Dunne to get stuck into last weekend’s Champions Cup semi-finals.:

Source: The42 Rugby Weekly/SoundCloud

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