18 May, 11:09
IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne has issued a statement following confirmation of Ronan O'Gara's decision to retire from playing professional rugby.
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18 May, 10:21
Ronan O'Gara's retirement from professional rugby brings to an end an achievement-packed career that saw him dominate matches in Ireland and around the world in the colours of Cork Constitution, Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions.
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17 May, 07:00
IRFU provincial and national age grade coaches - Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s - and IRFU elite player development staff from the four provinces gathered recently to review their experiences, discuss challenges and align closer to ensure the development of more effective elite players across the IRFU Elite Player Pathway.
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16 May, 09:52
The IRFU today announced a new one-year contract with Brian O'Driscoll which will see him remain available to play for Ireland and Leinster until the end of June 2014.
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Vainikolo Looking Forward To 'Getting Stuck In' For Connacht
21 October 2011, 12:38 pm
By Editor
Connacht's Tongan recruit Fetu'u Vainikolo has returned to the province from Rugby World Cup duty and is hoping to make his mark in the upcoming RaboDirect PRO12 games
© Connacht Rugby
Connacht's Tongan Rugby World Cup ace Fetu'u Vainikolo returned to Galway this week as the province gear up for their forthcoming run of RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup matches.
The 26-year-old winger marked the occasion with a magnificent try as the Tongans secured their first victory of the tournament, beating the Japanese 31-18.
Vainikolo, who was born in Tofoa, Tonga, played with Northland, Otago and the Highlanders before joining Connacht in the summer.
He was part of Tonga's World Cup squad along with Soane Tonga'uiha (Northanpton Saints), Taufa'ao Filise (Cardiff Blues) and former Connacht centre Andrew Ma'ilei.
Commenting on his return to Connacht, Vainikolo said: "Playing for my home country was a huge honour and being part of the World Cup was an amazing experience.
"For some players it's a once in a lifetime achievement, so I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to test myself at the highest level.
"Being back in the Connacht squad is great, the weather isn't quite the same but it's good to be back involved with the team and I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the league now."
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