Person: Freddie Michalak

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

rugby

Some country for old men at Leinster

They may constitute Leinster’s old brigade but Johnny Sexton and Cian Healy are not finished yet, at least not if you listen to their ambitions for greater success.

A club's culture will define success or failure in any sport

Three key issues as Ireland seek to capitalise on French weaknesses

Irish provinces digging in to keep up with deep European pockets

Final thoughts on World Cup 2015

French are betting their shirt on beating Ireland

Johnny Sexton wary of French strength in depth

France resume their Pool D campaign at the Olympic Stadium against Romania tonight with Johnny Sexton declaring Philippe Saint-Andre’s side “the best they’ve looked in years”.

Wed, 23 Sep, 2015

Why overburdened Leinster need helping hand from IRFU

Leinster will be burdened by massive regrets this week as they somehow attempt to patch themselves up for an unforgiving five-day turnaround with the season-defining outing against Ulster in Belfast on Friday night.

Wed, 22 Apr, 2015

Reality check for Munster rugby

IT’S difficult to escape the feeling that Munster’s comprehensive defeat at the hands of Saracens was an accident waiting to happen, says Donal Lenihan.

Wed, 21 Jan, 2015

VIDEO: Munster can win by playing smart

Four times his Grenoble side have played Toulon, three times they’ve won. The secret is simple.

Fri, 25 Apr, 2014

Life to get tougher for Irish raiders

In a market that is set to become even more competitive given increased revenues from their domestic and European broadcast deals, the English and French clubs are set to make life a lot more difficult for the Irish provinces.

Wed, 23 Apr, 2014

Toulon boss ‘hopeful’ Wilkinson will be fit

Jonny Wilkinson looks set to be fit to play against Munster in Sunday’s Heineken Cup semi-final after coming through training without any reaction to a hamstring injury yesterday.

Tue, 22 Apr, 2014

Penney must keep his stars under wraps

Having already lost inspirational captain Peter O’Mahony for the business end of the season, Rob Penney will be mindful of making sure his key personnel are fresh and raring to go when Munster set out to upset the odds once again by toppling Heineken Cup champions Toulon in Marseille on Sunday week.

Wed, 16 Apr, 2014

There are many frightening reasons to love Clermont

We’ve been spoilt over the years with the frequency of Munster and Leinster being paired with Toulouse and Clermont Auvergne in either the pool or knockout stages of the Heineken Cup. At its best, French club rugby is irresistible and in those two outstanding sides, we have been exposed to the very best it has to offer.

Thu, 25 Apr, 2013

Ryan: 'We can take pride from draw'

Ireland lock Donnacha Ryan believes he and his teammates can be proud of the way they recovered from back-to-back defeats against England and Scotland to secure a draw against France in Dublin on Saturday.

Mon, 11 Mar, 2013

Murray: Irish team in a good place

Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray has dismissed the notion that there is a crisis of confidence within the international squad after Declan Kidney’s men threw away a winning position against France in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, allowing the visitors to claim a scarcely deserved 13-13 draw.

Mon, 11 Mar, 2013

DONAL LENIHAN: Brave but battered, Ireland limp towards Rome battle

Coming into Saturday’s Six Nations face-off at the Aviva Stadium, it was always going to be a case of who blinked first.

Mon, 11 Mar, 2013

Kidney: Key is not to let visitors settle

Declan Kidney has warned Ireland not to expect French flamboyance at the Aviva Stadium this evening but whatever way Philippe Saint-Andre’s team decide to play, the Irish head coach does not want them being able to settle into their chosen game plan.

Sat, 09 Mar, 2013

French coach Saint-Andre recalls Michalak

France head coach Philippe Saint-André has dropped Francois Trinh-Duc for Saturday’s meeting with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium with the unpredictable Freddie Michalak returning to the number 10 jersey.

Thu, 07 Mar, 2013

Welsh get back on feet in Paris

France 6 Wales 16

Mon, 11 Feb, 2013

DONAL LENIHAN: France will intrigue... but can Kidney’s new green wave click?

Will cautious Philippe Saint-Andre let multi-talented backline express themselves?

Fri, 01 Feb, 2013

Expect Saint-André’s France to grind teams down before throwing off the shackles

IN A week when we all became more knowledgeable about French rugby in the wake of Jonny Sexton’s big move to Racing Metro, pressure continues to mount on national coach Philippe Saint-André to win the Six Nations with what is regarded as the strongest squad in the competition.

Fri, 01 Feb, 2013

Sale suffer massive defeat at hands of Toulon

Toulon 62 Sale 0

Sun, 16 Dec, 2012

Keeping the Boks’ bruisers on a leash

The three key battles that will decide the Guinness Series opener

Sat, 10 Nov, 2012

Barnes to ref Munster’s Euro tie

ENGLISHMAN Wayne Barnes will referee a Heineken Cup match involving Munster for the fourth time when the defending champions take on Welsh side Ospreys at Thomond Park on Easter Sunday next, April 12.

Tue, 10 Mar, 2009

Munster must change to survive

THIS year’s Heineken Cup took off in spectacular fashion last weekend with some outstanding contests, surprise results and cracking atmosphere.

Wed, 10 Dec, 2008

Dan's the man, but who'll get him?

THE GREATEST modern day out-half, All Black magician Dan Carter, is reportedly being bombarded with offers from loads-a-money clubs in England and France.

Wed, 16 Apr, 2008

Gallic power and flair can tame Pumas

IMAGINE for one moment that Ireland were drawn to open their Pool D campaign against France at Stade de France this evening.

Fri, 07 Sep, 2007

Question marks dampen expectation

SO MANY variables, so many imponderables. The performances of the Irish provinces at the last time of asking, the return of Jonny Wilkinson and the selection of Andy Farrell are but some of the issues that have clouded the destiny of this year’s Six Nations championship.

Wed, 31 Jan, 2007