Opinion
celtic-challenge
Why Celtic Challenge may not be an appealing enough competition for Ireland players
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Contributors
Nathan Johns
Nathan is a rugby journalist originally from Ireland but now based in the UK. Formerly of The Irish Times, he has covered the Six Nations, Champions Cup, URC, Gallagher Premiership and the 2023 World Cup to date. He is also a rugby broadcaster and current host of The Counter Ruck podcast.
11 Articles
Latest
Internationals Womens
Top 5 players of 2025: Ireland Women
43 days ago
premiership-womens-rugby
IRFU announces two Ireland stars to join the PWR
64 days ago
Ireland Women
Post World Cup: Where do Ireland go from here?
2
134 days ago
'You can see it in the players' faces...We're gutted, we're heartbroke
136 days ago
Analysis
Analysis: Can Ireland turn it around in time for France quarter-final?
Attack. Defence. Set-piece. Kicking, Ireland were second best in every facet of the game against New Zealand. Can Ireland improve …
Nathan Johns
12 Sep 2025, 3:23
Interview
‘We’ve got nothing to lose’ – Ireland face Black Ferns in Pool C decider
Ireland and New Zealand have only met three times in the women’s game. Such a statement of fact jars, given the rugby pedigree o…
Nathan Johns
04 Sep 2025, 10:11
Interview
'We’ve got firepower' – Bemand hails Ireland after Spain scare
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand emphasised the positive result after a nervy victory over Spain at Franklin’s Gardens.
Nathan Johns
01 Sep 2025, 8:50
Opinion
Ireland given 'almighty fright': Four takeaways from Ireland v Spain
Ireland bettered their points total from their World Cup opener but not the performance as they struggled to a 43-27 victory over …
Nathan Johns
31 Aug 2025, 6:24
Analysis
Ireland benefitting as coaches transfer knowledge from men's to women's rugby
What has caused Ireland's improvement in their set piece heading into the World Cup? Ask players and each of them points in the di…
Nathan Johns
22 Aug 2025, 6:57
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Interview
‘Joe’s generally a step ahead’: How Schmidt’s coaching tree branched into Lions brains trust
Four of Joe Schmidt's Ireland protégés will try to get one up on their coaching guru when the Lions tackle Australia.
Nathan Johns
19 Jun 2025, 3:43
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