We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

€2 a Month €5 a Month One-off amount

Rugby

This month
May 2026
belfast brawl
Ireland bag five tries as Wafer has big influence in win over Wales
Scott Bemand’s side got back to winning ways in Belfast.
Murray Kinsella
Reports from Affidea Stadium
9 May
1.9k
4
Strong Finish
Leinster boost hopes of home semi-final with victory over Lions
9 May
5.5k
65
Minute-by-Minute
Connacht defeat Munster 26-7 in URC
9 May
20.9k
68
Updates
Ireland v Wales, Women's Six Nations
9 May
16.5k
6
Reaction
'A very disappointing way to, I suppose, take a victory away' - Richie Murphy
9 May
5.0k
15
the hard yards
'I know I'll not find another team like Leinster'
9 May
6.2k
10
Preview
Connacht's fine run needs final push in tight URC play-off race
Stuart Lancaster’s side host Munster in Galway tonight.
9 May
1.8k
8
favourites
Ireland bid to bounce back as Wales search for elusive Six Nations win
9 May
977
1
busy
Balancing representing Ireland in Six Nations with college exams
9 May
1.0k
0
URC
Ulster and Stormers share points after pulsating contest
8 May
5.0k
42
Exit
Aungier and Dooley among 11 players to leave Connacht this summer
8 May
7.1k
22
PodcastThe 42 Rugby Weekly
McMillan’s message, Lowe’s contract, and a big derby
contract talks
'It would be great to have James here next year... It's still playing out'
8 May
8.0k
17
Sponsored
Discover A-rated new Glenveagh homes across Ireland
Glenveagh Homes
May 8
Bennetstown, Dunboyne
From €440,000
Blackrock Villas, Cork
From €233,000
Cornamaddy Court, Athlone
From €315,000
Maple Woods, Midleton
From €360,000
Balmoston, Donabate
From €395,000
Millers Glen, Swords
From €395,000
Folkstown Park, Balbriggan
From €430,000
The Furrows, Ratoath
From €440,000
Furzefield, Swords
From €550,000
Belcamp, Balgriffin
From €555,000
View all
Team news
Ryan captains much-changed Leinster side for Lions clash
8 May
5.0k
47
Derby
Aki and Ioane return in Connacht team to face Munster
8 May
3.6k
17
Head Coach
IRFU wants McMillan to remain as Munster boss into next season
8 May
4.7k
18
Support
'We want to fill stadiums' - Ireland excited as Aviva ticket sales hit 26,000
8 May
8.3k
0
Munster
'Other people might make a decision around whether I’m here next year' – McMillan
8 May
3.7k
French connection
'It has been my whole life essentially': Luke McGrath hoping Leinster farewell will be laced with silverware
8 May
2.2k
1
race for eight
The play-off permutations for the provinces ahead of the penultimate weekend of the regular season
It promises to be quite the finale.
7 May
3.0k
4
Munster
'I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed around the decision' - McMillan on Randle U-turn
7 May
2.7k
Team news
Jack Crowley ruled out as Munster make five enforced changes for Connacht derby
7 May
6.2k
64
podcast image
PodcastRugby Weekly Extra
James Tracy on Leinster's win, narratives, and a huge inter-pro derby
45m
Home Soil
'We're a different animal' - Ireland have chance to finish Six Nations strong
7 May
642
0
Team news
Ulster and Stormers name teams for URC clash
7 May
2.8k
23
Team news
Ireland bring Higgins into midfield for Wales clash in Belfast
7 May
857
1
Alan O'Connor
'To be involved with Ireland in any way is an honour and I'm buzzing to be here'
7 May
3.2k
0
Top 14
McNamara extends Bordeaux Bègles contract until 2029
5 May
6.1k
27
Numbers Down
How 13-man Leinster dominated 15-man Toulon for 3 crucial minutes
Leinster’s assertive defence and patient, potent shortside attack were crucial.
Murray Kinsella
5 May
4.2k
12
Time to say goodbye
Wales rugby great Leigh Halfpenny announces retirement
5 May
3.1k
13
Podcast
'I genuinely don't think the media have been really hard on Leinster'
5 May
4.4k
27
Business end
Forde and Victory to miss rest of Connacht's season, but Ioane returns for Munster clash
5 May
2.6k
6
Ulster
'To be in the position to challenge on both fronts is without question a goal of ours'
5 May
1.5k
5
Focus
'Munster is such a big club, it's always in the media. That's outside noise'
5 May
2.8k
PodcastRugby Weekly Extra
Cullen's comments, Leinster's victory, and Ulster make a final
Sidelined
Beirne, Farrell, Jager, Kleyn and Nash all ruled out of Munster's trip to Connacht
5 May
4.7k
30
Injuries
Blow for Ulster as Stockdale to see surgeon, McCloskey a doubt for Challenge Cup final
5 May
3.7k
29
two more years
Hugo Keenan signs two-year contract extension for Leinster and Ireland
5 May
1.8k
11
carry on
RFU backs Steve Borthwick to lead England into 2027 World Cup after review
5 May
1.5k
8
On the Move
Connacht sign Leinster prop Jerry Cahir in next stop on remarkable pro rugby journey
5 May
6.1k
21
Previous Articles
1
2
3
4
5
Next Articles
The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie