#Graham Rowntree

1 - Who will win the World Cup? On home soil, and with a star-studded squad full of pace and power, there is no doubt that France are the team to beat. However, this looks like being one of the most open World Cups ever, with at least six teams capable of going all the way. Bring it on. 2 - Can Ireland break their glass ceiling? Heart says yes,…

All 16 of the United Rugby Championships teams to the pitch this weekend for round 12 of the 2022/23 season. Ahead of next weekend's Heineken Champions Cup there were several notable results as well as a whole host of intriguing subplots as the tussle for play-off berths heats up. Here are five of the major takeaways from this weekend's…

No self-respecting tour would be complete without some frivolous awards, so without further ado, here are RW's Alternative Lions awards... At the end of an emotional, roller-coaster of six weeks on tour, it's time for Rugby World to hand out a few tongue-in-cheek gongs to a few individuals, highlights and lowlights that caught our…

Munster welcome South African visitors in the United Rugby Championship this weekend with Lions arriving on tour. Here's all you need to know about the game. Where and when is it on? Friday's match takes place at Musgrave Park in Cork with a 7.35pm kick-off. What's the team news? Kiran McDonald will go for a scan on an arm injury sustained against…

All who have played the great game of rugby knows that until you've acquired an official nickname within the club you play, you've not really yet made it. A nickname is the rugby equivalent of a made man in the Mafia; it means acceptance by your peers, it is a mark of respect that allows you full'banter rights' with the senior members of the team…

The Heineken Champions Cup carries on this weekend as Munster look to bounce back from their opening defeat to Toulouse with a visit to Northampton Saints. Here's all you need to know about the game. Where and when is it on? The match takes place at the cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton with a 1.00pm kick-off on Sunday. Where can I…

The Heineken Champions Cup is back this weekend as Munster open their campaign with a visit from Toulouse. Here's all you need to know about the game. Where and when is it on? The match takes place at Thomond Park in Limerick with a 3.15pm kick-off on Sunday. Where can I watch the game? The match will be shown live on RTE2 from 2.30pm and BT Sport…

South Africa's Northern Hemisphere tour continues when their second string take on Munster in a challenge match this week. Here's all you need to know about the game. Where and when is it on? Thursday's match takes place at the Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork with a 7.30pm kick-off. Where can I watch the match? The game will be shown live on Virgin Media…

Munster are in URC action once again with a visit to Edinburgh this weekend. Here's all you need to know about the game. Where and when is it on? The match takes place at the Dam Health Stadium in Edinburgh with a 7.35pm kick-off on Friday. What's the team news? Munster have been boosted by news that Jack Crowley did not suffer a significant injury…

Munster welcome South African visitors the Bulls this weekend as they desperately search for a spark to ignite their season. Here's all you need to know about the game. Where and when is it on? The match takes place at Thomond Park in Limerick and kicks off at 7.35pm on Saturday. What's the team news? Munster are assessing the condition of their…

It's another URC interpro this weekend as Connacht welcome Munster. Here's all you need to know about the game. Where and when is it on? The match takes place at the Sportsgorunds in Galway and kicks off at 7.35pm on Friday. What's the team news? We'll bring you team news from both camps once it's released. Where can I watch the game? The match…

Munster will try to kick-start what's been a very poor start to their URC campaign in their home game with Zebre this weekend. Here's all you need to know about the game. Where and when is it on? The match takes place at Musgrave Park in Cork and kicks off at 5.05pm on Saturday. What's the team news? We'll bring you team news from both camps on…

Connacht are first of the Irish provinces to head to the Southern Hemisphere this season with the second URC game of their South African tour taking place against the Bulls this weekend. Here's all you need to know about the game. Where and when is it on? The match takes place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria at 5.30pm Irish time on…

It's a URC interpro this weekend as Leinster travel north to visit Ulster. Here's all you need to know about the game. Where and when is it on? The match takes place at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast and kicks off at 7.35pm on Friday. What's the team news? We'll bring you confirmed team news from both camps on Independent.ie when we have it but…

Munster will look to shake off a disappointing start to their season in their URC tie away to Dragons this weekend. Here's all you need to know about the game. Where and when is it on? The match takes place at Rodney Parade in Newport and kicks off at 3.00pm on Sunday. What's the team news? We'll bring you team news from both camps when it's…

Head coach: Marco Bortolami Captain: Dewalt Duverago/Michele Lamaro Last year: 13th Betting: 150-1 Players In: S Hildago-Klyne (Exeter Chiefs), T Menoncello (promoted academy), A Garbisi (Mogliano), G Nicotera (Rovigo), G Da Rae (Rovigo), F Drago (Mogliano), M Drudi (Mogliano), S Scrafton (Hurricanes), O Ratave (Fijian Drua), M Zanon (Pau), M…

Munster will kick off their season with a URC tie away to Cardiff this weekend. Here's all you need to know about the game. Where and when is it on? The match takes place at Cardiff Arms Park in Wales and kicks off at 3.05pm on Saturday. What's the team news? Jack O'Sullivan and Academy back-row forward Ruadhan Quinn have completed the return to…