Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal Lenihan

Aki’s inclusion will energise friends and frighten foes

If Ireland charge out of the blocks after four months of international inactivity, this callow Springbok side will struggle to cope, writes Donal Lenihan

Sat, 11 Nov, 2017

Battling the Springboks on the pitch and the administrative corridors

The battle for supremacy over the Springboks will extend all the way to the pre- and post-match functions at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, writes Donal Lenihan.

Wed, 08 Nov, 2017

If Simon Zebo is flying in 2019, why shouldn’t he go to Japan?

If the 2015 World Cup taught us anything, it is that we need a depth of top-quality players in every position to make it to the last four, something no Irish side has yet achieved, writes Donal Lenihan.

Wed, 01 Nov, 2017

World Cup bid already looks holed below the waterline

What a disaster. Ireland’s race to host the 2023 World Cup exclusively in this country is, on the face of it, all but run before even reaching the starting line of World Rugby’s council vote in London on November 15, writes Donal Lenihan.

Wed, 01 Nov, 2017

Munster v Racing 92 - European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 4 Round 2

Manic Munster refuse to give an inch to French visitors

Dan Carter looked a little shook when forced to depart the scene early in the second half, having taken a knock on the knee early in the contest. Manic days in Limerick tend to have that effect on even the best of players, writes Donal Lenihan.

Mon, 23 Oct, 2017

Will Johann van Graan promote Paul O’Connell to senior set-up?

It’s been something of a rollercoaster week for Munster, what with a face-saving draw on the road against Castres, the weakest of the French participants in this season’s Champions Cup, to complement the confirmation of a new head coach, writes Donal Lenihan.

Wed, 18 Oct, 2017