Ireland

Week 2 or round 2 of the Six Nations has been and gone. Our expert analyst in the Southern Hemisphere, Scott Donaldson, looks back on what he saw.

Jamie Heaslip is unlikely to feature again in Ireland's quest to retain the RBS 6 Nations title after being ruled out of action for the next month.

France lock Pascal Pape will face a disciplinary hearing for the knee to the back that could yet end Jamie Heaslip's participation in this year's RBS 6 Nations.

We discussed the implications of the Six Nations taking place on a Valentine's weekend, the conclusion was it was a shame England weren't playing Italy in Rome.

Johnny Sexton will take France's pledge to exploit any lingering weakness from his 12-week concussion lay-off fully in his stride in Dublin on Saturday, according to Greg Feek.

Rory Best has passed concussion testing and will start Ireland's RBS 6 Nations clash with France on Saturday.

Johnny Sexton is "in a really good spot" and "itching to go" for Ireland's RBS 6 Nations clash against France, according to coach Richie Murphy.

Ireland could have four Lions back for Saturday's clash with France in Dublin, with flanker Sean O'Brien close to contention after a hamstring injury in the warm-up in Rome last weekend ruled him out of a first Test appearance in more than a year.

Two tries in three minutes while Leonardo Ghiraldini was in the sin-bin saved Ireland before they beat Italy 26-3 at the start of their RBS 6 Nations title defence.

Johnny Sexton has been passed fit to return for Ireland's second RBS 6 Nations match against France in Dublin on Saturday week.

Ireland enter this years Six Nations competition as reigning champions and favorites but can they keep up the momentum from a successful 2014 and win two in a row? Talking Rugby Union previews their chances and looks at the key players, biggest weaknesses and the fresh faces ahead of this year's tournament.

Six Nations 2015 is here and for those playing fantasy rugby games, it is difficult to know which players to select. Fortunately help is at hand from our man Scott Donaldson.

Scotty Donaldson, one of our Southern-Hemisphere contributors, takes a look at one of the most hotly anticipated competitions in the Northern Hemisphere from his perspective, at the other side of the World.

Conor Murray has been passed fit for Ireland's RBS 6 Nations opener against Italy in Rome.

It’s that time of year again when European and domestic rugby goes out the window and the frenzy of the Six Nations descends.

Ireland chiefs remain hopeful Eoin Reddan will beat his medial knee ligament strain in time to face Italy in the Six Nations opener in Rome.

Cian Healy and Sean O'Brien could kick-start their fight for Six Nations fitness in Ireland Wolfhounds' clash with England Saxons.

Ulster fly-half Paddy Jackson will miss Ireland's entire Six Nations campaign with a dislocated elbow.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell is confident that Ireland have a chance of winning next year's World Cup in what may be the Munster man's international swansong.

Ireland flanker Chris Henry has admitted he was terrified after suffering a mini stroke last month, but he feels "very lucky" to have had medical experts on hand so quickly.