News

Highlights: July 2026

Inaugural Nations Championship

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Led by Dan Sheehan, Ireland’s inaugural Nations Championship campaign began on a positive note with an impressive victory over Australia in Sydney, before a much-changed side battled past Japan. Rónan Kelleher marked his 50th cap in Newcastle, while Sean Jansen was handed a first start after an outstanding season with Connacht Rugby. His provincial teammates Billy Bohan and Sam Illo also made their international debuts from the bench, alongside Ulster Rugby’s Bryn Ward.

With several players unavailable, the series offered a valuable opportunity to test Ireland’s depth and build new combinations ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. New Zealand born Jansen featured off the bench as the season concluded with a highly anticipated meeting with the All Blacks at Eden Park. Unfortunately, after a long and hard season the challenge proved a step too far on this occasion.

Split Champions 2026

APDNI & Athletes of the Future

The Athlete & Player Development Network Ireland (APDNI) recently came together at the Sport Ireland Institute for a valuable day of continued professional development and collaboration. Hosted by the Sport Ireland Institute, the session featured insightful presentations from Sinéad D’Arcy on the future of work and the evolving career landscape for athletes, alongside Dr Jeff Gomez, who explored how AI can enhance the work of Player Development Managers.

Our thanks also to Arron Graffin, Deirdre Lyons and Eoin Rheinisch for organising an engaging and thought-provoking day, and to colleagues from Rugby Players Ireland, the Gaelic Players Association, the Irish Cricketers Association and PFA Northern Ireland for continuing to strengthen the player development network across the island.

Tackle Your Feelings

As players stepped up their preparations ahead of the new season, we invited them to join us at Fad Saoil Sauna in Blackrock for a self-care morning. Gráinne Finnegan also facilitated a breathwork session before attendees connected over coffee at Mister Magpie. 

Movement

Following Leo Cullen’s impromptu  announcement in the aftermath of the Champions Cup Final, it was confirmed that Joey Carbery is returning to Leinster Rugby. He arrives back at his home province following stints with Munster and French side Union Bordeaux-Bègles, filling the squad vacancy left by Ciarán Frawley‘s move to Connacht.

Munster Rugby have confirmed the signing of 16-cap former England international tighthead prop Kieran Brookes from Top14 side Perpignan on a two-year deal, while Michael Ala’alatoa has also agreed a contract extension having joined the province in December. Conor Bartley‘s departure was also confirmed.

Elsewhere, Andrew Smith has been lining out for Eastern Suburbs Rugby Union Club in Sydney. Having featured in the U20s Six Nations earlier this year, Billy Hayes has signed his first professional contract with Aurillac in the Pro D2, while Fionn Gibbons and James Humphreys have both linked up with a strong Irish contingent at Ealing Trailfinders.

IMI Scholarship

As the application deadline approached for the prestigious Rugby Players Ireland/Irish Management Institute (IMI) Scholarship, we caught up with last year’s recipient Eoin Griffin who recently completed a Diploma in Executive Coaching. A Development Associate Manager at Accenture, Eoin reflects on why he applied, what he learned and why other former players should consider taking the leap.

Read it here. 

Beyond the Game

Our congratulations to Paul Mullen who has brought his professional rugby career to an end. Hailing from Inishmore, Mullen found his way to the United States having represented Munster Rugby at various underage levels. The prop would go on to win 39 caps for the Eagles, appearing at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.