Interview
Andy Friend: 'I’m a husband and a father. That is what defines me.'
The Connacht head coach will depart for Australia within weeks, and he hopes to leave the province with a parting gift
Garry Doyle
04 May 2023, 6:27
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Contributors
Garry Doyle
Garry is a rugby reporter with the highly respected Irish sports website, The42. He has previously worked as Chief Sports Writer for The Times, Ireland edition having also held that title with The Irish News of the World. He has covered 21 Six Nations campaigns and reported from 52 different countries in his career as a sports reporter, including that unforgettable day in November 2016, when Ireland recorded their first ever win over the All Blacks at Soldier Field, Chicago.
Opinion
Saracens' road to redemption gathers pace
The late Premiership Final loss to Leicester Tigers will have hurt Mark McCall's men and they will be fired to reclaim their title
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
24 Apr 2023, 7:13
5
Analysis
All hail Chris Ashton, the Premiership's first try-centurion
The much-travelled England wing has spent a career scoring tries and he crossed an impressive milestone against Exeter Chiefs
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
17 Apr 2023, 5:32
Opinion
Heineken Cup nears the business end as the elite show their class
Domestic rugby's premier competition has been whittled down to the final eight and there are some tantalising fixtures in store
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
03 Apr 2023, 5:36
Analysis
Irish march towards Premiership play-offs
Declan Kidney has inspired an epic turnaround with a roster full of gifted youngsters and they have silverware in their sights
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
27 Mar 2023, 8:08
Analysis
Ireland are masters of all they survey, now for the World Cup
The feats of Andy Farrell's squad will be lauded in the years to come but they must now rid themselves of the World Cup hex
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
20 Mar 2023, 7:37
1
The day Martin Johnson turned right
Twenty years ago, both Ireland and England were vying for a morale-boosting Grand Slam and the England captain was in no mood for …
Garry Doyle
16 Mar 2023, 1:33
Analysis
Battered Ireland close in on a Grand Slam
Andy Farrell's men have shown throughout the tournament that they can adapt and thrive and that bodes well for a World Cup tilt
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
13 Mar 2023, 5:45
Analysis
Bristol Bears bare their teeth as renaissance gathers momentum
Pat Lam's side have been in the doldrums but a sense of rejuvenation is in the air at Ashton Gate
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
06 Mar 2023, 4:48
3
Analysis
The support acts driving Ireland to the top of the world
The towering Andy Farrell and Paul O'Connell are hard to look past in driving excellence but the wider coaching team deserves imme…
Garry Doyle
04 Mar 2023, 13:49
1
Analysis
Progress of Ollie Lawrence sees England's overreliance on Manu Tuilagi dwindle
The Six Nations gives players a platform to rewrite their stories and the Bath centre is proving he can thrive in adversity
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
27 Feb 2023, 6:35
Analysis
Van der Flier emerges from the shadows
The reigning World Player of the Year is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and a strong faith
Garry Doyle
22 Feb 2023, 14:02
2
Analysis
Mike Brown proves the doubters wrong
Left on the professional scrapheap at 37, Mike Brown never gave up hope and he had his day in the sun with Leicester Tigers
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
20 Feb 2023, 5:22
Analysis
The Irish eyes are smiling
Ireland showed they can walk the walk without a gamut of frontline stars in a battle for the ages against an obdurate, gifted Fren…
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
13 Feb 2023, 6:05
1
Analysis
The French connection
From Bod’s hat-trick to Sexton’s drop-goal, no opponent has defined this Irish rugby century quite like France
Garry Doyle
08 Feb 2023, 8:15
Analysis
Van der Merwe's heroics silence the Twickenham masses
A try for the ages lights up a thrilling opening weekend of Six Nations rugby as Scotland, Ireland and France register away wins
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
06 Feb 2023, 5:48
Analysis
RFU tackle-law debacle highlights rugby's existential crisis
The challenge for rugby to become a safer sport but still retain the elements that have made it a cherished sport to so many has b…
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
30 Jan 2023, 7:39
3
Analysis
Is Welsh belief growing with the return of Warren Gatland?
The influence of the legendary Welsh coach has been seen after an upturn in fortunes for the beleaguered Welsh regions
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
23 Jan 2023, 6:41
Analysis
Why Ireland may rue Ben Healy pledging allegiance to Scotland
The talented Munster out-half has a Scottish mother and Gregor Townsend has lured him to play in blue, not green
Garry Doyle
17 Jan 2023, 1:24
Analysis
Will Eddie have the last laugh?
The sacked England coach has gone home where he hopes to leave a legacy with the Wallabies, starting with a World Cup run in Franc…
Garry Doyle Jamie Lyall Owain Jones
16 Jan 2023, 5:23
1