A last-gasp penalty from John Cooney saw Ulster keep their United Rugby Championship play-off hopes on track with a 19-17 win over Cardiff after being behind for most of the game at the Kingspan Stadium.
The effort of the 33-year-old scrum-half was pivotal in his province’s New Year’s Day URC win at Leinster and he has now reacted on X to that body-on-the-line, one-point RDS victory.
Ulster won the opening festive Irish interprovincial derby by the narrowest of margins over Connacht, triumphing 20-19 at a weather-hit Kingspan Stadium.
Ex-Scotland scrum-half Chris Cusiter has questioned the idea that John Cooney, the out-of-favour Ireland No9, is considering a change in allegiance and declaring for the land of his father in time for next year’s World Cup in France.
Ireland scrumhalf John Cooney admits that he never quite felt part of Leinster in the same way he has done at fellow Irish provincial setups in Connacht and Ulster.
Amid fear their four selected half-backs versus France could pull up injured pre-game, Ireland have called in John Cooney and Harry Byrne.
The absence of John Cooney from the Ireland squad announced last week was a major talking point and Andy Farrell has now explained his decision.
Ulster head coach Dan McFarland was left amazed by another John Cooney masterclass in their 34-10 triumph over Harlequins.
Six days on from kicking the late penalty that handed Ulster a crucial 25-24 win in Belfast, the Irish scrum-half was at it again at the Stoop.
The Ulster half-back must be hoping new Ireland boss Andy Farrell likes his poetry after taking to social media to post a curious message.
