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Dublin: -2°C Sunday 24 January 2021

Wednesday 4 November, 2015

Milner Skudder shouldn't look this good but he's an All Black and all he knows is success
# Wing Man
# Wing Man

Milner Skudder shouldn't look this good but he's an All Black and all he knows is success

Nov 4th 2015, 7:10 AM 11,852 Views 12 Comments

New Zealand play in such a way that it guarantees their wingers always thrive, writes Simon Hick.

Tuesday 13 October, 2015

'He sees the blueprint for rugby success the same way the rest of us read a menu'
# Rwc 15
# Rwc 15

'He sees the blueprint for rugby success the same way the rest of us read a menu'

Oct 13th 2015, 9:50 PM 12,678 Views 8 Comments

Simon Hick unravels the genius of Ireland head coach, Joe Schmidt.

Wednesday 30 September, 2015

Failure in their own tournament would be the most embarrassing episode in English sport
# Column
# Column

Failure in their own tournament would be the most embarrassing episode in English sport

Sep 30th 2015, 10:09 AM 10,789 Views 70 Comments

Simon Hick discusses the mess England now find themselves in after entering the World Cup infused with hope and optimism.

Wednesday 16 September, 2015

'During the World Cup, things get fuzzy, the lines of logic get blurred'
# Rwc 15
# Rwc 15

'During the World Cup, things get fuzzy, the lines of logic get blurred'

Sep 16th 2015, 7:45 AM 16,320 Views 14 Comments

Simon Hick reflects on how past tournaments were won and lost.

Saturday 12 September, 2015

'He has the Kearney composure DNA and a laser-like focus at key moments'
# Column
# Column

'He has the Kearney composure DNA and a laser-like focus at key moments'

Sep 12th 2015, 9:00 AM 10,146 Views 51 Comments

Simon Hick details how Dave Kearney is a Joe Schmidt player.

Wednesday 18 March, 2015

'Scotland game will be the biggest challenge of Joe Schmidt's international career'
# Column
# Column

'Scotland game will be the biggest challenge of Joe Schmidt's international career'

Mar 18th 2015, 9:20 AM 15,379 Views 41 Comments

The nature of the Wales defeat has led to disproportionate levels of gloom, writes Simon Hick.

Wednesday 25 February, 2015

Simon Hick Column: 'Don't hate the players, hate the game'
# Ireland
# Ireland

Simon Hick Column: 'Don't hate the players, hate the game'

Feb 25th 2015, 12:52 PM 16,541 Views 36 Comments

Our man says Ireland aren’t taking risks, but rugby clearly doesn’t reward risk takers anymore.

Wednesday 11 February, 2015

'The argument that players will keep getting bigger in the future doesn’t hold up'
# Column
# Column

'The argument that players will keep getting bigger in the future doesn’t hold up'

Feb 11th 2015, 9:20 PM 26,677 Views 15 Comments

Simon Hick looks at a subject that’s becoming difficult to ignore — the sheer bulk of the beasts on show.

Wednesday 4 February, 2015

Simon Hick Column: There's no show like a Joe Schmidt show
# Fear Factor
# Fear Factor

Simon Hick Column: There's no show like a Joe Schmidt show

Feb 4th 2015, 10:57 AM 11,726 Views 28 Comments

Many pundits are tipping Ireland to defend their 6 Nations title and our columnist says it’s all down to the man in charge.

Tuesday 25 November, 2014

Simon Hick column: Schmidt's Ireland aren't playing beautifully but they might never need to
# Game Plan
# Game Plan

Simon Hick column: Schmidt's Ireland aren't playing beautifully but they might never need to

Nov 25th 2014, 10:00 PM 9,067 Views 10 Comments

Ireland have been beating the world’s top teams with a strong kicking game and sound fundamentals.

Thursday 23 October, 2014

Simon Hick column: 'BOD’s legacy is positive in every way, apart from the vacuum left in his absence'
# Unlucky 13
# Unlucky 13

Simon Hick column: 'BOD’s legacy is positive in every way, apart from the vacuum left in his absence'

Oct 23rd 2014, 12:00 PM 11,433 Views 2 Comments

Just who will wear the 13 jersey long term remains a mystery.

Wednesday 21 May, 2014

Simon Hick column: Penney era a step backwards, but glory days won't be easy to revive for Foley
# Come Back To What You Know
# Come Back To What You Know

Simon Hick column: Penney era a step backwards, but glory days won't be easy to revive for Foley

May 21st 2014, 11:20 AM 7,337 Views 22 Comments

The bootroom philosophy of appointing coaches can work, but will it work in Munster?

Wednesday 14 May, 2014

Simon Hick column: Will the real Ian Madigan please stand up?
# Playmaker
# Playmaker

Simon Hick column: Will the real Ian Madigan please stand up?

May 14th 2014, 12:00 PM 15,091 Views 46 Comments

Leinster fans, Matt O’Connor and Joe Schmidt will be hoping to see a strong performance from the out-half on Saturday.

Wednesday 7 May, 2014

Simon Hick column: Connacht prove the west's awake with headline grabbing signings
# G-G-G-Galway
# G-G-G-Galway

Simon Hick column: Connacht prove the west's awake with headline grabbing signings

May 7th 2014, 3:16 PM 6,726 Views 16 Comments

Pat Lam has shown he means business with his latest business.

Wednesday 30 April, 2014

Simon Hick column: Rabo Pro title scant consolation for Irish provinces
# Pro12
# Pro12

Simon Hick column: Rabo Pro title scant consolation for Irish provinces

Apr 30th 2014, 2:55 PM 10,736 Views 31 Comments

If anything, the competition has gone backwards in recent years, writes our columnist.

Thursday 3 April, 2014

Simon Hick column: Irish nous staving off French power play, for now
# Heineken Cup
# Heineken Cup

Simon Hick column: Irish nous staving off French power play, for now

Apr 3rd 2014, 9:27 AM 4,498 Views 8 Comments

Top 14 sides have been unashamed in spending big and buying bigger in recent years, writes Simon Hick.

Thursday 20 March, 2014

Simon Hick column: Foundation blocks are in place for 2015 World Cup tilt
# Column
# Column

Simon Hick column: Foundation blocks are in place for 2015 World Cup tilt

Mar 20th 2014, 1:16 PM 13,407 Views 29 Comments

Joe Schmidt has a habit of reaching his targets, writes Simon Hick.

Wednesday 12 March, 2014

Simon Hick column: This Ireland side can prove they're no one-hit wonders
# Loser Leaves Town
# Loser Leaves Town

Simon Hick column: This Ireland side can prove they're no one-hit wonders

Mar 12th 2014, 3:09 PM 10,278 Views 16 Comments

This group of players can set the record straight this weekend, writes Simon Hick.

Wednesday 5 March, 2014

Simon Hick column: Irish rugby is in the middle of a golden age
# Column
# Column

Simon Hick column: Irish rugby is in the middle of a golden age

Mar 5th 2014, 3:15 PM 15,920 Views 47 Comments

Thanks to a remarkable generation of players, the Ireland team is in the midst of its ‘Alex Ferguson era’.

Wednesday 26 February, 2014

Simon Hick column: Ireland need to add some magic to Schmidt's masterplan
# 6 Nations
# 6 Nations

Simon Hick column: Ireland need to add some magic to Schmidt's masterplan

Feb 26th 2014, 11:54 AM 11,400 Views 25 Comments

They’ve done the basics brilliantly, but Ireland need a little extra.

Wednesday 19 February, 2014

Simon Hick column: Ireland can push buttons of England's loose cannon Hartley
# Ireveng
# Ireveng

Simon Hick column: Ireland can push buttons of England's loose cannon Hartley

Feb 19th 2014, 10:45 AM 6,169 Views 14 Comments

Stuart Lancaster has tried to weed out the bad boys from the Red Rose. But he’s stuck with Dylan Hartley.

Wednesday 12 February, 2014

Simon Hick column: No such thing as the 'Joe Schmidt style'
# All-terrain
# All-terrain

Simon Hick column: No such thing as the 'Joe Schmidt style'

Feb 12th 2014, 5:00 PM 19,628 Views 17 Comments

Rather than fuss over pretty patterns, the Kiwi coach is figuring out new ways to win each game.

Wednesday 5 February, 2014

Simon Hick column: Sexton key to Ireland kicking on against old rivals
# Irevwal
# Irevwal

Simon Hick column: Sexton key to Ireland kicking on against old rivals

Feb 5th 2014, 12:08 PM 8,207 Views 14 Comments

The Racing Metro man showed his class on Sunday but until he closes out a tie for Ireland, there’ll be a few doubters.

Wednesday 29 January, 2014

Simon Hick column: Schmidt’s side as good as 2009 heroes… on paper
# 6 Nations
# 6 Nations

Simon Hick column: Schmidt’s side as good as 2009 heroes… on paper

Jan 29th 2014, 12:00 PM 11,076 Views 46 Comments

The devil, as always, will be in the detail for the former Leinster coach if he’s to make a title-winning start, like Declan Kidney.

Wednesday 22 January, 2014

Simon Hick column: Humphreys vision has Ulster within reach of greatness
# Suftum
# Suftum

Simon Hick column: Humphreys vision has Ulster within reach of greatness

Jan 22nd 2014, 1:58 PM 3,699 Views 3 Comments

Along with the signing of talented Springboks, the Director of Rugby had a pivotal role to play in Ulster’s success.

Wednesday 15 January, 2014

Simon Hick: French powers tightening their grip on European rugby
# Column
# Column

Simon Hick: French powers tightening their grip on European rugby

Jan 15th 2014, 2:57 PM 11,477 Views 22 Comments

For European competition to have real credibility it needs the English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh to be realistic contenders, writes Simon Hick.

Wednesday 8 January, 2014

Simon Hick column: Dealing with O'Brien loss is Schmidt's biggest challenge
# Column
# Column

Simon Hick column: Dealing with O'Brien loss is Schmidt's biggest challenge

Jan 8th 2014, 11:52 AM 7,886 Views 22 Comments

The back row is the key area for Ireland, and without the powerful flanker something will be missing.

Thursday 19 December, 2013

The Penney's dropped for Munster - Simon Hick
# Rebuilding
# Rebuilding

The Penney's dropped for Munster - Simon Hick

Dec 19th 2013, 6:07 PM 7,395 Views 17 Comments

Whisper it, but key components seem to be falling in to place for Rob Penney’s men.

Wednesday 11 December, 2013

Simon Hick column: The horizons have shifted after Leinster’s Garden party
# That's Leinstertainment
# That's Leinstertainment

Simon Hick column: The horizons have shifted after Leinster’s Garden party

Dec 11th 2013, 12:00 PM 11,526 Views 28 Comments

“Matt O’Connor has now proven his team are capable of great things, so is expected to do it two weeks in a row.”

Wednesday 4 December, 2013

Simon Hick Column: Detail is king and Penney must get the balance right
# HCup
# HCup

Simon Hick Column: Detail is king and Penney must get the balance right

Dec 4th 2013, 12:30 PM 7,421 Views 3 Comments

While Munster are flying high in the PRO12 table, they will undoubtedly be judged on their Heineken Cup campaign.

Wednesday 27 November, 2013

Simon Hick column: Ireland were right to gamble all on black... even if it didn't work
# IreNz
# IreNz

Simon Hick column: Ireland were right to gamble all on black... even if it didn't work

Nov 27th 2013, 12:00 PM 9,618 Views 20 Comments

International rugby, and sport in general, rewards risk-takers who choose the right moment.

Friday 22 November, 2013

Simon Hick column: Ireland must believe they can beat the All Blacks
# Mentality
# Mentality

Simon Hick column: Ireland must believe they can beat the All Blacks

Nov 22nd 2013, 12:00 PM 6,223 Views 19 Comments

The mindsets of supporters, players and management are essential to Ireland’s hopes of pulling off a shock win.

Wednesday 6 November, 2013

Simon Hick column: Changes at top make for exciting times at Lansdowne
# About Schmidt
# About Schmidt

Simon Hick column: Changes at top make for exciting times at Lansdowne

Nov 6th 2013, 11:46 AM 6,751 Views 2 Comments

Saturday is day zero for new regimes in Irish rugby and soccer, writes Simon Hick.

Wednesday 30 October, 2013

Simon Hick column: Joe Schmidt can launch Irish rugby towards new heights
# Thinking Big
# Thinking Big

Simon Hick column: Joe Schmidt can launch Irish rugby towards new heights

Oct 30th 2013, 12:26 PM 8,178 Views 19 Comments

The new Ireland coach can forge a new identity for Ireland by making us world leaders in attack.

Thursday 24 October, 2013

Simon Hick column: Still no clear plan for life after BOD
# Big Shoes
# Big Shoes

Simon Hick column: Still no clear plan for life after BOD

Oct 24th 2013, 12:00 PM 10,448 Views 19 Comments

Outside centre is a difficult position to fill at the best of times, but following Ireland’s best ever player will be

Wednesday 16 October, 2013

Simon Hick column: Penney honesty is refreshing, don’t hush him
# Straight Talker
# Straight Talker

Simon Hick column: Penney honesty is refreshing, don’t hush him

Oct 16th 2013, 3:45 PM 8,738 Views 12 Comments

If it’s the truth, why not say it?

Wednesday 9 October, 2013

Simon Hick column: Street spirit makes All Blacks catch fire
# Nurture Over Nature
# Nurture Over Nature

Simon Hick column: Street spirit makes All Blacks catch fire

Oct 9th 2013, 2:02 PM 2,626 Views 5 Comments

After the Rugby Championship decider on Saturday, Ireland’s big inter-pro was a bit of a comedown.

Wednesday 25 September, 2013

Simon Hick column: A whole new ball game as rugby world tears itself apart
# Opinion
# Opinion

Simon Hick column: A whole new ball game as rugby world tears itself apart

Sep 25th 2013, 3:00 PM 13,329 Views 45 Comments

The game is facing civil war and a redrawn world map. But what next for the Irish provinces?

Thursday 6 October, 2011

Simon Hick's View from the Frontline: youth and young manhood
# In Conference
# In Conference

Simon Hick's View from the Frontline: youth and young manhood

Oct 6th 2011, 1:48 PM 823 Views 0 Comments

Warren Gatland will lead a fresh-faced Welsh side out to face Ireland this weekend. Here’s why.

Wednesday 5 October, 2011

Simon Hick's View from the Frontline: welcome to the capital of cool
# Scrum Time
# Scrum Time

Simon Hick's View from the Frontline: welcome to the capital of cool

Oct 5th 2011, 10:28 AM 674 Views 0 Comments

There’s a coffee shop every 50 yards, the locals walk and talk a little faster than your average New Zealander and there is a sense of a town with very little time on its hands.

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