Ireland

It’s that time of year again when the northern hemisphere’s finest travel south of the equator (or staying above it in the case of Scotland) to do battle with the best of the southern hemisphere and, more often than not, take quite the beating.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt insisted that his team will not take South Africa lightly in the upcoming three-match Test series despite the Springboks missing out on a number of key players.

Ireland wing Craig Gilroy is backing his Ulster team-mate Paddy Jackson to deliver when they take on South Africa in a three-Test series which begins in Cape Town on Saturday.

On the opening day of the World Rugby U20 Championship there were thrills, spills and high drama writes Chris Heal as he looks back at the action from first round of games at the Manchester City Academy Stadium.

Ireland forwards coach Simon Easterby is confident that the South Africa born trio of CJ Stander, Richardt Strauss and Quinn Roux will perform well in the upcoming Test series against the Springboks.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt stated that his side is excited about the upcoming three-Test tour of South Africa despite missing out on key players.

The World Rugby U20 Championship kicks off this week and whilst international head coaches will be focused on their upcoming tests, they will also be paying plenty of attention to the next generation of players showcasing their abilities in Manchester.

The ninth edition of the World Rugby U20 Championship kicks off in Manchester this weekend and marks the first time that two-time winners England have hosted the event.

Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton will be missing the tour of South Africa in June after sustaining a shoulder injury.

Leinster fullback Luke Fitzgerald will miss Ireland's tour of South Africa with a knee injury.

Springboks head coach Allister Coetzee has announced a new-look 31-man squad for the three-Test series against Ireland in June.

Ireland have announced a 32-man squad that will face South Africa in a three-Test series in June.

Ireland international and Wasps centre James Downey has brought an end to his 13-year professional rugby career after he announced his decision to retire next month.

Ireland and Leinster flanker Josh van der Flier will undergo an ankle surgery which has ruled him out of the South African tour scheduled in June.

There is never a shortage of southern hemisphere voices condemning northern hemisphere competitions – both domestic and international – and insisting that the likes of New Zealand and Australia have nothing to fear from their northern rivals.

Ireland outmuscled Scotland 35-25 in Dublin for an RBS 6 Nations victory to put themselves in pole position for a third-place tournament finish.

Wales secured runners-up spot in this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship after running riot against an outclassed Italy, racking up a record 67-14 win.

Ireland host Scotland in Dublin in Saturday's final round of RBS 6 Nations fixtures, with the winner ready to scoop a third-place finish.

Joe Schmidt will make a decision on whether he will coach Ireland at the 2019 Rugby World Cup after this summer's tour to South Africa.

Rory Best has won his fitness battle to captain Ireland in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Scotland.