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# 9

Last year
2022
# Nine
Patterson making home away from home after switch from Leinster to Munster
The 23-year-old scrum-half initially joined on a short-term loan but now has a full senior deal.
# Options
The Munster depth chart: Fekitoa's impact and Snyman's second return
Graham Rowntree has interesting options in the halfback positions.
# Ambition
Casey pushing for more Ireland caps after 'learning curve' in last year
The Munster man made his Test debut against Italy in the 2021 Six Nations.
All time
# Changes
19-year-old Doak starts for Ulster as Addison returns at fullback
Dan McFarland has rotated his team for the trip to face Zebre.
# 9
Conor Murray has an important role to play off the Lions bench - Gatland
Ali Price has been named to start at scrum-half against the Springboks.
# Fitness
'Having a fit Conor Murray for the last two games would be brilliant'
The 31-year-old is expected to be back in action with Ireland this weekend.
# Proving a Point
'He has taken it in his stride' - Cooney bounces back to best form with Ulster
Meanwhile, props Eric O’Sullivan and Tom O’Toole continue to develop with the northern province.
# 9
'Conor Murray's pass is the best pass in Ireland' - Brian O'Driscoll
The former Ireland captain believes some criticism of the scrum-half has been unwarranted.
# Friends and rivals
Cooney and Murray side-by-side and content to keep challenging each other
The two scrum-halves were presented for media duty simultaneously today and it wasn’t awkward at all.
# legacy
'My grandmother heard I was warming up and she ran up the road and forced her way into Thomond Park'
Rugby runs in Craig Casey’s veins.
# 6 Nations
Marmion set for Connacht return ahead of Ireland's trip to Italy
Marmion has shaken off the ankle injury which has hampered him through the early portion of the season.
# JGP
'It's a small bit unfair... I would probably like to see the rule changed'
Leinster scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park is set to take over from Luke McGrath in the nine shirt.
# murray-mania
Munster the immediate winners from Murray deal, with long-term dividend for Ireland
The southern province can build all future plans around the world class scrum-half.
# 9
Marmion keen to progress as Cooney and McGrath push for Ireland spots
The 26-year-old Connacht scrum-half made his first appearance of the season against Zebre last weekend.
# Tourism
VAT hike for large hotels likely as minister says overcharging for rooms is ruining Ireland's rep
Ross said big-profit hotels operating in Ireland are damaging the country’s tourism reputation.
# Gamechanger
Cooney looking forward to either Tests or Thailand after delivering on personal promise
The scrum-half has put in an exceptional first season with Ulster, but Ireland’s remain well-stocked for nines.
# 9
'The injury has come on leaps and bounds': McGrath on track for Champions Cup final
The Leinster scrum-half is set to return to full team training at the start of next week.
# Baller
'A talent hits a target, a genius hits a target nobody else can see' - Van Graan on Conor Murray
The Munster head coach was forced to wince as Conor Murray took treatment late on against Wales.
# budget 2018
The tourist industry could lose its 9% VAT rate as it's 'under consideration' for Budget 2018
Restaurants and hotels express concerns as 1% hike is on the cards.
# 9
He's back! A welcome sight as Conor Murray makes injury return for Munster
The scrum-half replaced Angus Lloyd shortly after the interval at Thomond Park.
# 9
'Our preparation was for either scenario' - Saracens ready for Williams
Mark McCall has been impressed by Munster’s work rate this season.
# Mutual respect
Aaron Smith snapping at the chance to 'mark himself' against France's Parra
The All Black scrum-half has taken time to enjoy the view on his way to the top.
# Bossing it
'Joe always says you've got to make the guy outside you look better'
Isaac Boss gets a chance to impress at scrum-half against Scotland tomorrow.
# Transfer
Leinster close to signing South African scrum-half as World Cup cover
Conrad Hoffmann is set to join from the Sharks on a three-month contract.