Ireland

It is almost the end of 2012 and I thought that I would name a World Rugby Team of 2012 to encourage debate

The draw for the 2015 Rugby World Cup has been made

"Rugby may have many problems but the gravest is undoubtedly that of the persistence of summer..."

Ireland's destruction at the hands of the world champions has left many wondering now what?

The June International Matches leaves me wondering if there should be a Northern vs Southern Hemisphere rugby series at the end of the year, so some players who are injured now would still be available.

New Zealand, Australia and South Africa each recorded their second wins of the summer against northern hemisphere tourists.

Here is my June International Rugby tests Team of Week One.

The 2012 Junior World Championship has been in full flow over the last week and Ireland's shock win over hosts South Africa has been one of the standout results of the tournament so far.

The June International test matches between Southern and Northern Hemisphere teams looks set to be closer than expected in 2012.

Last week saw Declan Kidney announce a 29-man squad for Ireland's three-test tour to New Zealand.

David Wallace is the latest Ireland legend to announce his retirement. I thought I'd share one or two memories of his days with Munster and Ireland.

For the last number of years Ireland's second row has been the permanent residence of Paul O'Connell and Donnacha O'Callaghan.

When Ireland name their squad to travel to New Zealand this summer, it's inevitable that there will be several uncapped players involved.

Mick O'Driscoll calls time on a career in which he has amassed over 200 appearances for Munster, enjoyed a 2 year stint in the south of France and received 23 Irish caps for his efforts.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has come in for some criticism in recent months, particularly in the aftermath of the embarrassing defeat to England in Twickenham that closed out the Six Nations campaign.

Very few teams have escaped from Thomond Park with victory in the Heineken Cup.

A scrappy affair in Rome saw Italy avoid the Wooden Spoon for a sixth year in a row beating Scotland 13-6.

The Rugby Union Fans Six Nations team of the tournament, this is based on player performance throughout the competition and not on the talent levels of the individual player;

Azzurri coach Jacques Brunel has made six changes to his Italy side that will face Scotland in the wooden spoon decider on Saturday afternoon.

The England v Ireland Legends Game will take place at The Twickenham Stoop on Friday 16 March 2012, KO 7:45, in support of the Stuart Mangan Memorial Cup.