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Pat McCarry

Pat McCarry has been covering rugby, across various shows and platforms, for over 16 years. He has two best-selling rugby books, The New Breed and Man & Ball, and penned a sell-out rugby play, Soldier Field, in 2019. He has written for SportsJOE, The42, Guardian, Press Association and Inside Rugby, among others.

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Exclusive

Alex Nankivell: 'Playing for Ireland wasn't my goal - it definitely is now'

The Munster centre had no thoughts of Test rugby when he moved north, but is now 15 months from qualifying to wear the emerald jer…

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
26 Mar 2026, 3:03
LONG READ
Analysis

England could force Ireland to break the bank if they go hard after Andy Farrell

The in-demand coach will be pushed to reject overtures from England and Saracens when his contract is up after the World Cup

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
17 Mar 2026, 3:16
LONG READ
Interview

‘A very lonely feeling’ – Jack Crowley’s worrying flaw that could undermine Ireland

Jack Crowley has shown fight and perseverance to reclaim the 10 jersey, but doubts over his goalkicking remain.

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
13 Mar 2026, 5:37
LONG READ
Exclusive

Ulster have emerged from the doldrums - and Ireland are the beneficiaries

Ulster endured the ignominy of contributing zero players to an Ireland squad as recently as November, but times have changed.

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
04 Mar 2026, 6:35
LONG READ
Analysis

Andy Farrell took England down with a move straight from the Alex Ferguson playbook

Holding back the likes of Josh van der Flier against Italy proved to be a masterstroke by Andy Farrell, the kind of selection move…

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
25 Feb 2026, 3:57
LONG READ
Analysis

England ‘smell blood’ as Ireland roll out the old guard for Twickenham battle

Can an aging team with a creaking scrum upset the odds at Allianz Stadium? Only if Ireland's pack turn into Optimus Prime.

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
20 Feb 2026, 8:11
LONG READ
Interview

'I don't think fans understand some of the consequences' – Peter O’Mahony on the worrying trend in modern rugby

Ahead of his punditry debut, the former Ireland captain gives his take on the "circus" surrounding Ireland's fly-half debate

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
12 Feb 2026, 6:59
LONG READ
Opinion

Three Ireland players with huge World Cup questions to answer after Paris pummelling

Ireland weren't expected to beat France but the manner of their defeat was alarming and serious questions now need to be asked in …

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
06 Feb 2026, 5:15
LONG READ
Opinion

'Ireland are consumed by chaos, but Andy Farrell's choice of 10 is becoming clear'

As he manages a swathe of absentees, Farrell may be tempted to plump with his most familiar playmaker despite intense competition.

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
29 Jan 2026, 8:14
LONG READ
Opinion

Injuries to key Ireland stars pave way for bold pack to start France opener

Injuries at loosehead and blindside mean Andy Farrell will need to find solutions to match French power.

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
23 Jan 2026, 1:42
LONG READ
Interview

Byrne at 10? Stockdale at 15? How Ireland's backline might look for Six Nations opener

Former Ireland wing Andrew Trimble assesses the big calls Andy Farrell has to make at 10, 12 and 15 against France.

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
16 Jan 2026, 9:45
LONG READ
Opinion

‘There is only one Irish job that Ronan O’Gara desires, and it is not Leinster’

Despite suggestions he needs to take a provincial job first, the Munster legend only wants to be coach of Ireland if he returns ho…

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
09 Jan 2026, 1:20
LONG READ
Analysis

Who will be replacing Ireland's ageing golden generation if they don't make RWC 2027

Some of Ireland's ageing stars will be nearing their mid-thirties when they reach Australia so who replaces them if they don't go …

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
12 Dec 2025, 8:08
LONG READ
Interview

‘South Africa did exactly the right thing. If you have your foot on someone’s throat, you keep it there’

Former Ireland prop Mike Ross explains how a 'perfect storm' of circumstances led to their scrum mauling by the Springboks.

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
26 Nov 2025, 5:06
LONG READ
Interview

What Irish and South African experts really think about the opposition

What do the Irish think about the Boks and what do the Springboks think about Andy Farrell's men? RugbyPass found out...

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
21 Nov 2025, 5:50
LONG READ
Opinion

Ireland look to Caelan Doris for big fix as former captain chides 'hysterical' fans

Andy Farrell is planning for all eventualities which means a few of his trusted lieutenants are wondering if their time is up

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
14 Nov 2025, 7:12
LONG READ
Analysis

O'Connell's Ireland continue to grapple with 'perplexing' lineout woes

Against the All Blacks, the set-piece malfunctioned and what was an area of accuracy and composure has become muddled and unsure

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
05 Nov 2025, 7:09
LONG READ
Opinion

Big chance for Baird as Ireland back row bids to regain world-class edge v NZ

With Ryan Baird aiming to lock down a regular spot and Caelan Doris ready to return, can a celebrated back row rediscover their be…

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
31 Oct 2025, 8:15
LONG READ
Exclusive

Tom Farrell: Ireland's 'incredible' latecomer making up for lost time

Should he make his debut next month, Munster's star centre would become the oldest Irish back to be capped in the professional era…

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
24 Oct 2025, 6:43
LONG READ
Opinion

Why Jack Crowley should be starting in the Ireland shirt this Autumn

Sam Prendergast has the might of Leinster behind him, but Jack Crowley is the form fly-half and merits another chance in the No 10…

Pat McCarry
Pat McCarry
17 Oct 2025, 9:05
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