European Rugby News
20 May 13
Samoan international James So'oialo will join the Connacht squad this summer. So'oialo, who played in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, was recently named in the Samoan squad for their upcoming tour to South Africa where they will face Scotland, Italy and the Golden Lions.
Editor
19 May 13
Following the epic Dublin 2013 finals which featured Heineken Cup success for Toulon and an Amlin Challenge Cup victory for Leinster, there was good news on the qualification front for Connacht and Perpignan who both secured places in the 2013/14 Heineken Cup.
Editor
18 May 13
Isa Nacewa, who is retiring from professional rugby at the end of the season, was thrilled to receive the Amlin Challenge Cup alongside Jonathan Sexton following Leinster's 34-13 final victory over Stade Francais on Friday.
18 May 13
Flanker Sean O'Brien is confident he will be fit for next week's RaboDirect PRO12 decider despite picking up a knee injury during the province's 34-13 Amlin Challenge Cup final victory over Stade Francais.
18 May 13
Prop Mike Ross reflected on Leinster's Amlin Challenge Cup final success at the RDS, saying: "There's less hype about it but it's a good competition to win. Many teams have won this and kicked on the next year. Hopefully with the few lads, like Jack McGrath who made his first appearance in a major final, the experience will stand them in good stead for next year."
18 May 13
Speaking in the aftermath of Leinster's Amlin Challenge Cup final win over Stade Francais, flanker Shane Jennings said: "There was obviously disappointment losing the three league finals. It's a huge focus for us (next week's PRO12 final). We know Ulster are a very good side, they are favourites and they're fresh and we're in for a huge game."
18 May 13
Leinster head coach Joe Schmidt, Jamie Heaslip, who captained the province on the night, and young prop Jack McGrath give their reaction following the 34-13 Amlin Challenge Cup final victory over Stade Francais at the RDS.
18 May 13
It is down to the wire now for the five contenders who have been shortlisted for the ultimate individual accolade in northern Hemisphere rugby - ERC European Player of the Year for 2013.
Editor
17 May 13
Joe Schmidt added a third European trophy to his coaching cabinet as Leinster defeated Stade Francais 34-13 to lift the Amlin Challenge Cup at the RDS.
Editor
17 May 13
Leinster made it four European titles in five years as they swept Stade Francais aside to lift the Amlin Challenge Cup at the RDS.
Editor
17 May 13
Leinster have a prized European double on their minds this weekend as they look to join Northampton Saints, Bath and London Wasps as winners of both the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup.
Editor
17 May 13
The Irish Rugby Football Union today called on Irish rugby fans to answer Ireland's call by gathering in Dublin this weekend to enjoy the party atmosphere which will be created for the 70,000 lucky fans with tickets for the Amlin Challenge Cup and Heineken Cup finals.
Editor
16 May 13
Jamie Heaslip will lead an experienced Leinster team in Friday's Amlin Challenge Cup final against Stade Francais at the RDS (kick-off 8pm).
Editor
14 May 13
Munster have announced that their current squad captain Doug Howlett will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.
Editor
14 May 13
Ulster centre Luke Marshall has signed a new three-year deal with the province that will see him remain at Ravenhill until at least the summer of 2016.
Editor
14 May 13
The Leinster squad stepped up their preparations for Friday's Amlin Challenge Cup final against Stade Francais at the RDS (kick-off 8pm) with a training session in UCD today.
Editor
13 May 13
The Amlin Challenge Cup and Heineken Cup finals will dominate the newspaper and website columns during the coming week and ERC, in partnership with the IRFU and Leinster Rugby, will be delivering a grassroots rugby programme that will leave a lifetime of rugby memories for those who take part.
Editor
09 May 13
Over 22,000 overseas fans are set to converge on Dublin next weekend - May 17-18 - as part of a 70,000 strong contingent which will attend the Amlin Challenge Cup final at the RDS and the Heineken Cup final at the Aviva Stadium.
Editor
08 May 13
Ulster number 8 Nick Williams was tonight voted the Hibernia College IRUPA Players' Player of the Year for 2013 by his fellow players at the 11th annual awards ceremony.
Editor
08 May 13
Two of the world's most experienced referees will take charge of next week's Dublin 2013 European club rugby finals with appointments of Alain Rolland to the Heineken Cup final and of Nigel Owens to the Amlin Challenge Cup final.
Editor