Ireland

Our Bid

2023

News

Mike and Tom Hayes, brothers of international John will spearhead the Shannon challenge against Co Carlow in the AIB League Division One game. They are included in a Shannon side that includes Munster team members, John Lacey, Derek Hegarty, Marcus Horan and Colm McMahon.Fiach O'Loughlin who scored their winning try in Castle Avenue, not surprisingly retains his place on the wing, his versitility allowing him to cover the number 9 position if required.

Alan Quinlan, James Blaney and Redmond Collins are all out through injury.

Meanwhile, Belfast Harelquins use the opportunity of the visit of second placed UL Bohemians to play their first game at new HQ, Deramore Park.A win for Harlequins will copperfasten their return to the top flight.

Shannon. John Lacey; Tom Cregan, Maurice Lawlor, Andrew Thompson, Fiach O'Loughlin; Niall Mc Namara, Derek Hegerty; Marcus Horan, Mike Hayes, Gary McNamara; Brian Buckley, Tom Hayes; Garth Noonan, Colm McMahon, David Quinlan.

Replacements (from), Padraigh O'Brien ( back row), Nathan Burgess (2nd Row), Frankie Roche (Hooker/Prop), Tony Buckley (Prop), John Davis (Centre), Melvin Mc Namara (Winger), David Delaney (Outhalf).

Saturday's Fixtures. (2.30 unless stated).

Division One: Ballymena v Blackrock, Eaton Park; Clontarf v Terenure, Castle Avenue; Cork Constitution v Garryowen, Temple Hill; Galwegians v Young Munster, Crowley Park; Lansdowne v Buccaneers, Lansdowne Road; Shannon v Carlow, Thomond Park; St Mary's v Dunngannon, Templeville Road; UCD v DLSP, Belfield.

Division Two: Ballynahinch v UCC, Ballymacarn Park; Bective Rangers v Sunday's Well, Donnybrook; Belfast Harlequins v UL Bohemians, Deramore Park; Dolphin v Barnhall, Musgrave Park; Malone v Thomond, Malone; Midleton v City of Derry Towns Park; Old Belvedere v Portadown, Anglesea Road; Old Crescent v Wanderers, Rosbrien.

Division Three: Ballina v Instonians, Heffernan Park; Banbridge v Corinthians, Rifle Park; Bangor v Skerries, Upritchard Park; Clonakilty v Old Wesley, Shannonvale Cross; Greystones v Connemara, Dr Hickey Park; Monkstown v Waterpark, Sydney Parade; Naas v Richmond, Fournaughts; Suttonians v Dublin University, Memorial Grounds.

Marie Louise Reilly joined her Ireland team-mates Nora Stapleton and Lindsay Peat at a recent Dublin City Council event in support of the upcoming Women's Rugby World Cup. Reilly, who works as a DCC Sports Officer, said: "The team are coming together really well, we're working hard and hopefully August will be really memorable not just for us but for the whole country."

Speaking ahead of Saturday's second Test against Japan, Ireland tour captain Rhys Ruddock said: "We've been happy with the results so far, and there's been bits of the performances we've been really happy with and some bits that we're looking to improve on. Tomorrow marks the last opportunity to go out and do that, so we're all really excited about getting out there now."

Speaking about working with the provinces and monitoring players' progress, Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt told RTE Radio 1: "For us, having the best quality of performance within the provinces, getting some really good coaching from the provincial coaches, which we know is happening at the moment, that's the foundation that we need because in the end we get the players in a match week pretty much."