The defending champions set a chillingly emphatic message to the other semi-finalists as they tore the Welsh pretenders apart 43-9 at Thomond Park.

Rugby Union  |  April 13, 2009  |  James  Mortimer  |  (0) Comments

New coach Tony McGahan is out to continue where Declan Kidney left off - by leading the Irish province to yet another Heineken Cup success.

Rugby Union  |  April 11, 2009  |  James  Mortimer  |  (0) Comments

Leicester remember only too well their last Heineken Cup clash against a Bath team that ended up with 13 men.

Rugby Union  |  April 10, 2009  |  James  Mortimer  |  (1) Comments

After blowing the Hurricanes away, the South Africans are homing in menacingly on the 2009 honours.

Rugby Union  |  April 09, 2009  |  James  Mortimer  |  (0) Comments

Total domination and complete humiliation is not what the game should be about.

Rugby Union  |  April 07, 2009  |  Greg Smith  |  (1) Comments

After a slow start, the Kiwi teams are rapidly warming to the task - with every one of them in the top eight.

Rugby Union  |  April 02, 2009  |  James  Mortimer  |  (0) Comments

A look at the chances of the Republic's five franchises as the battle for 2009 honours hots up...

Rugby Union  |  April 02, 2009  |  James  Mortimer  |  (0) Comments

The title holders are off to a poor start this season, but a few subtle changes could make them near invincibles again...

Rugby Union  |  March 30, 2009  |  Hamish McBrearty  |  (1) Comments

The New Zealand side's shock 36-12 victory over the leaders suggests they might themselves be dark horses for real glory this season...

Rugby Union  |  March 28, 2009  |  James  Mortimer  |  (0) Comments

Brian O'Driscoll's men are kings of European rugby after only the seco nd clean sweep in their history. The 17-15 win in Wales sealed it...but the seeds of self-belief were sown by new coach Declan Kidney in December.

Rugby Union  |  March 24, 2009  |  James  Mortimer  |  (0) Comments