Opinion
Barrett and Prendergast put Leinster European rivals on notice
Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman give Leinster two new weapons in their teeming arsenal, but young guns are also hitting the mark.
Pat McCarry
13 Dec 2024, 7:00
Contributors
Pat McCarry
@patmccarry
Pat McCarry has been covering rugby, across various shows and platforms, for over 16 years. He has two best-selling rugby books, The New Breed and Man & Ball, and penned a sell-out rugby play, Soldier Field, in 2019. He has written for SportsJOE, The42, Guardian, Press Association and Inside Rugby, among others.
Analysis
Massive Andy Farrell decision asks three Ireland stars to put their legacies on the line
Giants of Irish rugby must go to the well again as a monumental Test series against the Springboks looms.
Pat McCarry
03 Jul 2024, 6:01
Analysis
Munster prospects aim to drive Ireland U20s to world glory
Back-rower Brian Gleeson and captain Evan O’Connell are among those aiming to go one better than last year in South Africa.
Pat McCarry
27 Jun 2024, 1:44
Opinion
Resilient Irish will test Springboks despite provincial setbacks
South Africa may feel they have Ireland figured out, but would do well to recall an important recent lesson.
Pat McCarry
20 Jun 2024, 0:58
Analysis
Leinster have made their big call, but something still needs to change
The battle to replace Johnny Sexton at No 10 has intensified but can Leo Cullen's province really sustain five out-halves?
Pat McCarry
11 Jun 2024, 9:58
Opinion
Peter O’Mahony has passed the torch, but that old Munster fire remains
A talisman for his country and province, the legendary backrow is desperate to add to his trophy haul with a URC Final win
Pat McCarry
05 Jun 2024, 11:03
Opinion
How Leinster should learn from Dan Carter after toughest Champions Cup 'lesson' of all
With no Johnny Sexton and no history of clutch drop-goal kickers on the field, Leinster have been left to rue a loss by the finest…
Pat McCarry
28 May 2024, 3:45
Analysis
Ross Byrne has the grandest stage to prove his doubters wrong
Stepping out of Johnny Sexton's shadow was never going to be easy but Leinster's out-half has a day of reckoning in London
Pat McCarry
23 May 2024, 12:03
Opinion
IRFU get their man as Richie Murphy tasked with Ulster rescue
The Belfast-based province have endured a rollercoaster season and shoud reach the play-offs if they can topple mighty Leinster
Pat McCarry
16 May 2024, 9:07
Opinion
Caelan Doris strikes out as clear Lions captaincy frontrunner
In the absence of Garry Ringrose, the Ireland No 8's leadership credentials may have caught the eye of Lions coach Andy Farrell
Pat McCarry
07 May 2024, 6:53
Analysis
The era-defining moment that set Leinster on the road to success
The elite Irish province started their dominance in 2009 and will be desperate to put out a statement of intent against Northampto…
Pat McCarry
03 May 2024, 3:27
Opinion
Munster have much to play for after blowing best Champions Cup shot in years
A tantalising European opportunity has been squandered, but the proud province are intent on defending their URC title.
Pat McCarry
25 Apr 2024, 5:12
Analysis
Ryan Baird has unlocked raw power for Leinster and Ireland
In running Leinster's lineouts, the newly powered up, rangy back five forward has added another string to his bow
Pat McCarry
18 Apr 2024, 5:45
Analysis
Ronan O’Gara’s latest Leinster mind game may be his best yet
The charismatic Munsterman has the Dubliners in his sights and the mind games have begun
Pat McCarry
10 Apr 2024, 11:09
Analysis
Ireland's old guard nearing end... but key trio still needed
Succession planning is at an advanced stage but certain players will be needed for a while longer yet.
Pat McCarry
25 Mar 2024, 14:29
Analysis
How 'Connacht man' Bundee Aki took the world by storm
The Ireland centre has laid waste to the biggest and meanest international opponents.
Pat McCarry
15 Mar 2024, 4:29
Analysis
Why Ireland have the best back-row in world rugby
O'Mahony, Doris and Van der Flier have that perfect balance of experience, power and speed to become a formidable triumvirate
Pat McCarry
06 Mar 2024, 2:46
Opinion
Old habits die hard but Farrell's Ireland must embrace favourites' tag
Ireland habitually traded on an underdog status but have 'leaned into' a new identity under Andy Farrell
Pat McCarry
22 Feb 2024, 8:08
Analysis
Why Beirne and Keenan are Farrell's most zealous disciples
The progression of Ireland's immense lock and under-rated full-back mirror Andy Farrell's qualities as head coach
Pat McCarry
07 Feb 2024, 4:01
Opinion
Jack Crowley and the men who would be 10
The spectre of Johnny Sexton will hang over the Ireland No 10 jersey for some time but a new era brings fresh competition
Pat McCarry
30 Jan 2024, 4:30
