Month: November 2022

WORLD RUGBY HAS announced a new framework for refereeing decisions around dangerous high tackles and shoulder charges.  The framework, which comes into effect immediately at Test level, has been designed with the intention of ensuring more consistent and accurate refereeing decisions around whether high tackles should be punished with a penalty, yellow card or red card. Source: World Rugby/YouTube With concussion remaining the biggest issue facing the sport, World Rugby is hopeful the new measures can…

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IRELAND’S SEVENS STAR, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, has capped off a magical season by being named in the World Rugby Sevens dream team of the year. The Tipperary native has also landed the World Series top try-scorer award for the 2018/19 season, becoming the first player from outside of New Zealand and Australia to win the accolade. Murphy Crowe with her awards in France. Source: IRFU Murphy Crowe, who captained Ireland at this weekend’s tournament in…

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CANTERBURY CRUSADERS HAVE suffered a double blow ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby final against Argentina’s Jaguares, with Ryan Crotty and Scott Barrett both suffering injuries that will also end their Rugby Championship hopes. The Crusaders said veteran centre Crotty suffered a broken thumb in an intense semi-final against Wellington Hurricanes, while fellow All Black Barrett broke his index finger. They are set to be out for eight and six weeks respectively, meaning they will also…

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IAIN HENDERSON HAS been appointed to succeed Rory Best as Ulster’s new club captain for the 2019/20 season. The Ireland second row has captained his province on a number of occasions before, but takes over the role on a permanent basis following the retirement of long-serving Best.  Henderson takes over from Best as Ulster captain. Source: Gary Carr/INPHO Having come up through the Ulster academy, Henderson has won 105 senior appearances for the northern province…

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ENGLAND DENIED WALES top spot in the world rankings as Billy Vunipola led a fine forward effort in a 33-19 win at Twickenham on Sunday in their opening Rugby World Cup warm-up match. Wales, who kicked off on the back of a 14-match unbeaten streak, would have gone top of the standings following reigning world champions New Zealand’s shock 47-26 loss to Australia on Saturday, had they avoided defeat. But they seemed taken aback by…

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1. Ireland’s tribute to Anthony Foley in Chicago Source: INPHO/Billy Stickland Ireland produced a touching tribute to the late Munster legend Anthony Foley before their clash with the All Blacks in November. As the team faced New Zealand’s haka, they stood in a figure of eight — a nod to Foley’s number during his playing days. 2. Jamie Heaslip’s thoughtful gestures after their Pro12 semi-final The Leinster number 8 put time aside from his own…

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