Full coverage: Rugby

Despite prioritising their domestic league, French clubs have recently dominated European competitions, winning the last four European Cups. Their success is largely attributed to their financial strength, but other factors also contribute.

Advanced analytics and AI technology will become the backbone of rugby strategy as each team looks for an edge over their competitors. From player development to split-second decisions on the pitch, data will drive the game like never before. 

Geraldines Patrick Moran Club is a large South Dublin GAA Clubs. It has co-existed beside children's rugby club St Brigid’s RFC for decades. But as a new ownership deal is done, concerns have arisen.

Ireland must decide whether to stay with their proven methods or to evolve their approach, potentially integrating aspects of Leinster's new style into the national team's tactics. This choice could have far-reaching implications for Irish rugby.

As Leinster and Munster's coaching teams pore over the wealth of data from the season, distinct patterns emerge, revealing areas of strength and those in need of refinement. In many cases, the facts challenge the narrative building about the perceived weaknesses of both teams.

Leinster have been left with a mammoth physical and psychological task as they pick up the pieces from the European final defeat in London. There are many uncharacteristic reasons why they lost. Now they have to find the answers.

Leinster struggled with gaining and maintaining a good field position in the second half of the European Rugby Champions Cup last weekend. Their possession and exit strategies from their defensive third were notably poor. But it can be remedied.

Rugby player-turned-businessman Brendan Mullin was pursued over an allegedly unsatisfied debt of €1.8 million. The proceedings have now settled.

Ronan O’Gara’s coaching ethos is a fusion of strategic brilliance, motivational strength, and psychological insight. Both his career trajectory and his methodologies echo the depth and, sometimes, the cunning that Machiavelli advocated for effective leadership. Leinster beware.

Rugby subs used to come on only after an injury, which had to be medically certified. Now it’s a 23-man game with subs playing a critical role in outcomes. Should their number be limited?