Ireland continued their preparations ahead of Saturday’s seismic test against South Africa to round off their Autumn Nations Series campaign.
Aside from Stuart McCloskey, who was ruled out yesterday with a groin issue, the whole squad trained today – including Connacht winger Shayne Bolton.
Assistant coach Simon Easterby was full of praise for what the Ulster centre brought to the setup this November
Samoa survived a late scare to take the final spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup today.
The Pacific Nation needed to avoid defeat to Belgium this afternoon in Dubai, in the final game of the qualification tournament.
The Red Devils scored a converted try with just minutes to go to leave it 13-all, but Samoa held on to book their place for Australia in two years’ time.
It means they maintain their record of ten-straight appearances at the men’s Rugby World Cup.
France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey has been nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year.
The 22-year-old scored eight tries – a record in a single championship – as France lifted the title for a 19th time.
Last year’s winner Pieter-Steph du Toit, who won the award in 2019 as well, is again nominated along with fellow Springboks Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche.
