Rugby

February

February 2026

Banned

'Bundee's certainly sorry' - Farrell says Ireland could call on Aki

4 Feb

11

Ones to watch

Six rising stars who could light up this year's Six Nations

Meet the new faces who could have a big say in this year’s championship.

3 Feb

8

Go West

Gavin and Duggan sign new Connacht deals as McCormack joins Harlequins on loan

3 Feb

2

Les blues

The view from France: Ireland aren't quite the powerhouse they used to be

3 Feb

6

Opportunity

A fresh-looking Ireland team magnifies the challenge but also excites

Injuries have forced Andy Farrell’s hand as several players get big chances in Paris.

Murray Kinsella

Reports from Paris

3 Feb

12

50m

Update

Aungier and Coughlan among new players added to Ireland XV squad

3 Feb

17

Back in action

Fit-again Dupont returns to France team to face Ireland

3 Feb

17

Big Chance

'He's matured a lot' - Farrell backs Prendergast for Ireland

3 Feb

4

Team news

Cian Prendergast starts for Ireland alongside his brother Sam

Andy Farrell has also handed starts to Osborne, Stockdale, Loughman, and Clarkson.

3 Feb

136

Respect

'He's the opposite of Skelton. He'd have conversations with you in scrums'

3 Feb

7

Dates For Diary

Ireland to face Portugal in Sydney opener as RWC 2027 pool fixtures revealed

2 Feb

19

Bienvenue

Ireland arrive in Paris as France aim to get Grand Slam tilt rolling

The French had a mixed autumn campaign but they are favourites for the Six Nations.

Murray Kinsella

Reports from Paris

2 Feb

11

Making A Switch

Devine to leave Connacht this summer and join Ulster

2 Feb

21

Possible XV

Prendergast, Osborne, and Stockdale set to start as Farrell weighs up big surprise

2 Feb

49

Teamsheet

England captain Itoje on bench for Six Nations opener, Arundell named to start

2 Feb

24

Fronting Up

Ryan and the Irish pack ready themselves for battle with les Bleus

2 Feb

17

front row union

'We've been impressed' - Ireland confident in Milne and Loughman

2 Feb

15

Words Of Warning

Philippe Saint-Andre: Why Ireland could be in for a long night against France

2 Feb

25

toto

Antoine from the mountains: how the world’s best rugby player transcended the sport

‘Every kid in France wants to be like Antoine Dupont. He’s iconic.’

Murray Kinsella

1 Feb

7

Celtic Challenge

Wolfhounds secure play-off spot with commanding victory over Gwalia Lightning

1 Feb

1

Update

Furlong trains with Ireland ahead of Paris as Beirne returns to camp

1 Feb

7

Job Done

Relief for Ulster after laboured Cardiff victory

1 Feb

3

Pride

'I'd pick playing for Ireland over making a Lions tour. It's the greatest joy'

1 Feb

23

January

January 2026

Reaction

'To come away with a bonus point win is hugely pleasing'

31 Jan

28

URC

Ulster earn win against Cardiff but miss out on bonus point

31 Jan

17

Disappointment

Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle suffer defeat after shock Uini Atonio retirement

31 Jan

3

Impressive

Scott Penny hat-trick inspires Leinster's defeat of Edinburgh

31 Jan

43

URC

Connacht strike deep in stoppage time to secure bonus-point win against Zebre

31 Jan

16

Reaction

Son of Keith Wood proud as he becomes third-generation Munster player

31 Jan

28

Training Camp

Ireland kick into Test match week as the sun appears in Portugal

31 Jan

5

game wrecker

'I'd like to pride myself on people saying, ‘I hate playing against him'

24-year-old Joe McCarthy has always loved causing havoc but he was a late developer.

Murray Kinsella

Reports from Quinta do Lago

31 Jan

11

Report

Munster suffer fourth URC defeat in 5 games against Glasgow

Both sides were without their internationals, but Franco Smith’s charges bossed matters for most of the contest.

30 Jan

87

hot prospects

3 Connacht academy players sign pro contracts

30 Jan

3

It's quiziness time

Know your sport? Take our weekly quiz

30 Jan

4

New Deal

Ulster out-half Jack Murphy signs contract extension

30 Jan

8

PodcastThe 42 Rugby Weekly

Prep in Portugal, Bundee's ban and Keenan ruled out

Selection

Ulster hoping to maintain unbeaten home record as Murphy shows hand for Cardiff

30 Jan

3

United Rugby Championship

Leinster call on Snyman and Ioane for Edinburgh clash at Aviva Stadium

30 Jan

28

Italian Job

Connacht make five changes as they bid to bounce back against Zebre

30 Jan

9

Previous Articles

15

The 42 supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie