Having made an impact in the abandoned game against Wales, and (despite the débacle of reaching the venue) fighting fiercely in a narrow loss to the French, Doyle has opted for a strong and reliable side once again.

In what was Ireland’s first full game of the Six Nations tournament this year, the team faced heartbreak losing to France by just one point. But then, after 27 hours of travelling in planes, trains and automobiles before arriving at your destination at 3am on match day, perhaps that’s not so bad a scoreline.

Zut alors! It’s all about France v Ireland this weekend in the women’s and men’s rugby. So, in the spirit of helpfulness and usefulness – and in case you missed our updates on Facebook and Twitter – here’s all you will need to know if you’re taking the horse to France for the rugby.

After a stuttering start to this year’s Six Nations tournament, Ireland head coach, Philip Doyle, has named an unchanged team to face France away from home tomorrow night. Unfortunately the game won’t be broadcast on television or streamed online – but you can catch it on radio!

The Six Nations got off to a disappointing start yesterday evening, when the Ireland v Wales match at Ashbourne RFC was abandoned at half time. The rugby itself was impressive, however. Although both teams seemed fairly evenly matched, Ireland appeared to have an edge, reflected by the 10-3 scoreline at half time.

It’s Six Nations Day, everyone! Yesterday we introduced you to Ireland’s starting XV against Wales tonight, including the views of skipper Fiona Coghlan and former skipper Joy Neville. The game kicks off this year’s RBS Six Nations proceedings from Ashbourne RFC. Here we take a look at the XV’s replacements and the remaining Ireland players named by coach Philip Doyle before Christmas. Let the games begin!

Ireland coach, Philip Doyle, has chosen the starting XV for tomorrow night’s opening Six Nations game against Wales at Ashbourne RFC. We take a look at the healthy mix: Legends of the Ball; hardy perennial stalwarts; and wee newbies fresh from making their way up through the ranks.
We’ll have a run-down of the XV’s replacements tomorrow, so check back!

It’s a gloomy, rainy Monday. Are you in any kind of mood for work? Hell no! So here’s a round-up of some of the headlines that caught our eye over the past day or so. Enjoy.

Scrumqueens and the official Rugby World Cup website brought us news yesterday of the qualification process for the 2014 World Cup tournament. As far as Ireland is concerned, the Six Nations tournaments of this year and next could decide the issue. Ireland opens this year’s Six Nations competition on 3rd February next, taking on Wales at Ashbourne RFC.

The Six Nations 2012 fixtures have finally been confirmed, thanks to ScrumQueens, with the tournament kicking off on Friday, 3rd February, when Ireland take on Wales at home.

We’re only just past the half-way stage for the month January, and Irish women in sport are already racking up the achievements – oodles of which have taken place this past weekend alone.

Details of Ireland’s rugby squad and fixtures for 2012 have been announced, including Ireland’s Six Nations ties in February and March

From International Women’s Day to Hug A Lesbian Day… Some highlights of what’s on in the month of March. Let me know in the comments what I’ve missed!

According to ScrumQueens the only women’s 6-Nations game being beamed to your tellies will be Ireland v England, again on Sky. It’s our last game of the Six Nations. It’s at home. And it’s on 18th March next, just after St Patrick’s Day. The perfect rugby storm!

In 2009 Welsh Rugby star Gareth Thomas became the first rugby player to come out as gay to the media and the world. He is now in talks to have his life made into a movie with Mickey Rourke hopeful of landing the role.

So now that we’re well acquainted with the Ireland Rugby World Cup team – and the first two rounds of matches are complete – let’s see how things stand.

The Rugby World Cup starts on Friday, 20th August, with Ireland’s first game being played that day against England. We introduced some of the Ireland squad at the week; now meet the remaining team members