URC

Tuipulotu to debut against Leinster

Published

3 hours ago

September 20, 2024

The abrasive midfielder will earn his club debut having made a summer move from NSW Waratahs, with fellow summer recruits Paul Hill (tighthead) and Ross Thompson (fly-half) also set to start against the Irishmen.

Head Coach Sean Everitt’s first selection of the season also sees Ben Muncaster complete his injury return, to start at number eight tomorrow night.

On the selection, Everitt said: “It’s exciting to be back In BKT URC action this week, and matches don’t get much tougher in this league than facing Leinster.

“We know the challenge they will bring and it’s up to us to rise to that. We can’t wait to get the season started in front of a packed-out Hive Stadium for round one.”

Everitt has named the same back-three that started last Friday’s Scottish Building Society pre-season match against Gloucester, with Wes Goosen at full-back flanked by Scotland internationalists Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe on the wings.

Tuipulotu is partnered by Matt Currie in the centres, fresh from earning his first Scotland caps during the recent summer test window, while Ali Price is reunitedwith former Glasgow teammate Thompson in the halves.

England internationalist Hill is joined in the front row by Scotland pair Pierre Schoeman (loosehead) and Dave Cherry (hooker), who made his debut against Leinster in 2018.

Grant Gilchrist leads the side from lock having been named as club co-captain for his 14^th professional season, with Marshall Sykes again accompanying him in the second-row.

Muncaster’s impressive turn against Gloucester sees him rewarded with a starting berth, playing alongside club centurions Jamie Ritchie (blindside) and Hamish Watson (openside) in the back-row.

Edinburgh Rugby side to face Leinster at Hive Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship
Friday 20 September (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Premier Sports

15. Wes Goosen (31)

14. Darcy Graham (64)
13. Mosese Tuipulotu*
12. Matt Currie (40)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (92)

10. Ross Thompson*
9. Ali Price (17)

1. Pierre Schoeman (115)
2. Dave Cherry (93)
3. Paul Hill*
4. Marshall Sykes (62)
5. Grant Gilchrist (205) CAPTAIN
6. Jamie Ritchie (114)
7. Hamish Watson (159)
8. Ben Muncaster (30)

Replacements

16. Ewan Ashman (20)
17. Boan Venter (66)
18. D’arcy Rae (5)
19. Jamie Hodgson (61)
20. Magnus Bradbury (113)
21. Ben Vellacott (61)
22. Ben Healy (23)
23. Emiliano Boffelli (40)

*Edinburgh Rugby debut

Unavailable: Luke Crosbie (neck), Nathan Sweeney (knee), James Lang (quad), Harry Paterson (foot/wound), Glen Young (pec), Sam Skinner (knee), Angus Williams (hamstring), Robin Hislop (knee)

Content & Images from – Edinburgh Rugby

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URC

Eight debutants named in Cardiff squad for Zebre Parma

Published

4 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Huge Rugby

Content & Images from – Cardiff Rugby

URC

Harry Sheridan commits future to Ulster Rugby

Published

2 days ago

September 18, 2024

Huge Rugby

Harry Sheridan commits future to Ulster Rugby

9 minutes ago

News

Ulster Rugby forward, Harry Sheridan, has committed his future to the province, signing a new two-year-deal that will keep him playing in the white jersey until at least 2027.

The combative forward, who can play in the second or back row, had a significant impact in the Senior Men’s side last season, with his performances recognised when he was named the province’s Young Men’s Player of the Year for the 2023/24 season.

The Holywood man has seen a significant number of minutes since Head Coach, Richie Murphy, came into the club, and has been trusted to play a key role in the squad.

Sheridan played his club rugby with Civil Service NI RFC, and schools’ rugby for Sullivan Upper School.

He would join Ulster Rugby’s sub-Academy after playing rugby for Trinity College in Dublin, where he studied.

The powerful forward, has represented Ireland at U20s level, competing in the 2021 Six Nations Championship.

On the news of Sheridan’s contract extension, Ulster Rugby’s Head of Recruitment and Rugby Operations, Bryn Cunningham said:

“We are delighted to secure Harry’s future with this extension, as we see him being an integral part of the team for the present and future.

“He is a throwback of a player, a forward who disrupts the opposition, is aggressive and who brings a proper physical presence for us. At 22-years-old, he is showing great potential and has grown in stature over the past season, showing his versatility at lock and flanker.

“We look forward to seeing how he develops in the seasons ahead in an Ulster jersey.”

On the news on his new deal, Sheridan added:

“I’m so happy to sign for a further two years. Last season was a huge year for me as I got more game-time in the senior side, and it was a massive learning curve in a season full of ups and downs.

I’m looking forward to improving my game and rolling into this year where I finished the last one. We have a great forward pack that I love training and playing alongside.

I am really enjoying the environment and going into training ready to work and learn.

It’s a perfect start to the season for me and I can’t wait to get stuck into another season.”

Images & Content – Ulster Rugby

URC

Tadhg Beirne Named As New Munster Rugby Captain

Published

2 days ago

September 18, 2024

Huge Rugby

Munster Rugby are delighted to announce that Tadhg Beirne has been named as the new captain ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Beirne joins a select group of eight players who have been named as permanent captain of the Munster Rugby men’s team in the professional era, following in the footsteps of Pat Murray, Mick Galwey, Jim Williams, Anthony Foley, Paul O’Connell, Doug Howlett and Peter O’Mahony.

Tadhg joined Munster from Scarlets in 2018 and quickly established himself as a vital player for province and country.

He made his Ireland debut against Australia in June 2018 and played his first game for Munster against Glasgow in September 2018.

The 32-year-old has gone on to score eight tries in 76 appearances for Munster, winning a URC title in 2023.

He has scored 11 tries in 52 appearances for Ireland and three tries in five appearances for the British & Irish Lions.

Following the announcement, Tadhg Beirne said: “It’s a huge honour to be named as captain of Munster Rugby and to lead a great group of players into the new season.

“I have had a fantastic six years here and it’s an incredibly proud moment for me and my family.

“Very few people have had the opportunity to captain Munster Rugby, and it’s a massive honour to follow in the footsteps of some incredible players and leaders.

“I had the privilege of leading the team a number of times in the past and the job was always made easier by the amount of leaders we have in the squad.

“We have a very tight-knit group and it means a lot to me to lead the squad as captain for the season ahead.”

Munster Rugby Head Coach Graham Rowntree said: “Tadhg is a world-class player who always leads by example. He is the right man to lead Munster into the new season.

“A player of his calibre commands respect and he has grown into a key leader for us since coming here in 2018.

“As a 52-cap Ireland international and British & Irish Lion, he demands the best out of everyone and drives standards within the group.

““He is an extremely calm presence on and off the field. It was very impressive to see how he was able to perform at his usual high level while captaining the squad in a number of big games last season.”