Rugby star Johne Murphy asked his teammates to raise money for Movember after his father was diagnosed with a tumour in his prostate.

The date of Paul O’Connell’s return to competitive rugby is still unknown after Munster head coach Rob Penney admitted he did not know when the Ireland and Lions lock would be ready.

Keith Earls has staked his claim to both Munster and Ireland’s No 13 jerseys after stating his ambition to become “the best centre in the world”.

I attended an excellent beef technical seminar and tour last week in Co Laois, run by the Agricultural Science Association.

MUNSTER coach Tony McGahan admitted he is as fearful now for Heineken Cup qualification as he was before the first round of pool games.

KEITH EARLS should be handed a starting spot in Ireland’s team to face Argentina on Sunday, believes Munster backs coach Jason Holland.

Geordan Murphy has spoken of his pride in captaining Ireland for the first time as they provide the opposition for New Zealand Maori’s centenary match tomorrow.

JOHNE MURPHY wasn’t prepared for his Ireland call-up for this tour to New Zealand and Australia.

Declan Kidney is facing up to the prospect of touring New Zealand and Australia without Shane Horgan, Fergus McFadden and Jerry Flannery, after a bruising 29-23 defeat to the Barbarians added to Ireland’s injury headaches.

MUNSTER coach Tony McGahan last night expressed delight at securing the services of Johne Murphy from Leicester Tigers.

Ireland ‘A’ international Johne Murphy will move to Munster at the end of the season on a two-year contract.

HE’S been called the forgotten man of Irish rugby, the one that got away, the one who slipped through Leinster’s net, but Leicester Tigers’ Irish winger Johne Murphy, isn’t looking back in anger.