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Monday 4 December 2023 Dublin: 2°C

# Homegrown

This year
2023
'He would do things that would just make you say, ‘Wow!''
Naas RFC man Jamie Osborne has risen swiftly through the ranks into the Ireland squad.
'He's becoming one of our key forward leaders' - Niall Murray extends Connacht deal
The Roscommon man has signed a new two-year deal with his native province.
Last year
2022
'There's a World Cup next year. I still have ambitions to play for Ireland'
James Cronin has made a superb start to life with Leicester but his exit from Munster hurt.
'There is no doubt in my mind that I can beat Robbie Keane's record'
Mipo Odubeko had an emotional return to Tallaght Stadium for the Ireland U21s, as he recalls visits to family home of Irish legend.
Waterford lock Ahern rounds out his game to underline potential for Munster
The 6ft 9ins second row has been impressive in recent times.
'Monivea was everything. I wanted to play my whole career there when I was younger'
Connacht’s Caolin Blade discusses his rugby upbringing, sniping game, and love of the breakdown.
'These youngsters are at a time when they believe they are invincible'
Ulster boss Dan McFarland was delighted with his young backline’s impact against Northampton.
All time
Birr men making an impression as Leinster's Dooley gets back into swing of things
The 26-year-old loosehead was in excellent form last season before the lockdown.
'It's great to see Munster being brave and selecting some of the younger guys'
Paul O’Connell has been impressed by the likes of Ben Healy and John Hodnett.
'We don't want the starting XV to be comfortable, we've got a very good crop of youngsters'
Munster’s Johann van Graan expects the likes of Craig Casey, John Hodnett, and Ben Healy to push for European starts.
'It’s our job to get the message out about why Munster is so special'
CEO Ian Flanagan joined the province last year after years of working in football.
Connacht promote six exciting academy prospects into their senior squad
Niall Murray, Sean Masterson, Conor Dean, Colm Reilly, Peter Sullivan and Jordan Duggan have earned pro contracts.
U20s star Jack Crowley's score among nominations for AIL try of the season
There were some stunning efforts on the men’s and women’s leagues this season.
'Just a country boy from Glarryford': Marcus Rea poured his all into Ulster debut
The 21-year-old was the surprise hero of Ulster’s win over Leinster.
It's 20 years to the day since a Premier League club last selected an all-English XI
Aston Villa fielded an all-English side against Coventry City in 1999, and it hasn’t happened since.
Brexit plan would see Premier League clubs restricted to signing less foreign players
The FA has reportedly put forward a proposal that would ensure each squad is made up of at least half ‘homegrown’ players.
‘I didn't want to feel inferior’ – Joe Gamble on being the last domestic player to play for Ireland
Tonight, Dundalk duo Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan could join a select group of players to represent the national team while playing in the League of Ireland.
Dundalk duo Horgan and Boyle make the cut as Ireland squad meets up in Dublin
The two Lilywhites stars will link up with the rest of the group ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier in Vienna, but James McCarthy is out.
Top 14 returns as Jackman's Grenoble look to homegrown future
The Irishman is now director of rugby at the French club.
Midfield playmaker Scannell a bright prospect for Munster's future
The 22-year-old Corkman has had an excellent breakthrough season.
Munster are set to hand Anthony Foley a one-year contract extension
The former number eight looks likely to be head coach of the province again next season.
There'll be no repeat of Seanie Johnston transfer saga under Cian O'Neill's watch
However, the new Kildare boss has not ruled out drafting in non-native players.
Two talented backs from Galway get two-year deals at Connacht
The western province continue to underline the importance of homegrown talent.
'To line up alongside Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll was unbelievable'
Brendan Macken has settled into life at Wasps after leaving home province Leinster.
Martin O'Neill planning to 'keep an eye' on one of the LOI's top full-backs
Stuey Byrne might get his wish after all.
Why this man is building a million euro centre for homegrown food in Waterford
There is too much “food apathy” out there – but Michael Kelly wants to change that.
Connacht's 'grassroots to green shirts' mantra driving improvement
Experienced forward Andrew Browne explains the motivational power of playing for his home province
22-year-old Conan learning the ropes from Heaslip at Leinster
The powerful number eight credits his swift rise to formative years with Old Belvedere in the AIL.
Ballymena man Andrew Warwick making powerful impression at Ulster
The 23-year-old loosehead prop made his European debut for the province last weekend in Leicester.
Barry Murphy and Richie Towell are alongside Messi on the new FIFA 15 cover
You would understand if Leo was a little star-struck.
Too many foreign players in the Top 14? 'Bullsh*t' says Boudjellal
The Toulon president feels the French national team’s problems are due to the lack of a game plan.
More quality Irish coaches available than ever before, says Munster CEO Fitzgerald
The southern province’s chief also insists ‘it was never policy’ to recruit an entirely Irish coaching ticket.
5 reasons to look forward to this weekend's Pro12 inter-pros
With Ulster v Munster tonight and Connacht v Leinster tomorrow, it should be a cracking weekend of action.
Meet the Kilbrittain man plotting Ireland's downfall against Samoa
Cork man Micheal Deasy is the strength and conditioning coach for Saturday’s visitors to the Aviva Stadium.
SNAPSHOT: Irish provinces lead the way for home-qualified players
Leinster and Munster have fielded high percentages of Irish players in recent weeks.
Last night's Love/Hate... in diggers, kegs and tweets
Did you watch last night? Are you still a bit shook? (Minor Spoiler Alert)
Stevens set for baptism of fire in first Premier League start
The former Shamrock Rovers full-back could be thrown into the deep end against Manchester United at Villa Park tomorrow.
Irish-grown cannabis more potent than imported variety - report
The National Advisory Committee on Drugs also warned of the surge in cannabis cultivation in Ireland.
Garcia dedicates home win in memory of Ballesteros
The Spaniard won the Castelló Masters by an incredible 11 shots, ending an almost three-year winless in the process.