Person: Omar Hassanein

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

rugby

IRFU vows to protect players amid World League fears

The IRFU has reiterated its commitment to player welfare in the wake of reports that World Rugby is on the verge of introducing a World League format that has prompted a wave of protest from player reps.

rugby

Lealiifano determined to help Ulster lift silverware

rugby

Joe Schmidt has Ireland warning for Donnacha Ryan

rugby

Irish players reject Six Nations squeeze plans in overwhelming numbers

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Wednesday lunchtime briefing: Ministers who vote against 8th amendment Bill should resign, says Howlin. Catch up on the headlines

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Wednesday morning briefing: Companies encouraged to fund scheme to replace JobBridge. Catch up on all the headlines

IRUPA chief: Munster players struggling with Anthony Foley tragedy

The Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA) will do everything to assist Munster rugby in the wake of Anthony Foley’s untimely passing, emotional chief executive Omar Hassanein said yesterday.

Wed, 19 Oct, 2016

Calls to educate public on concussion

Concussion is a “very hard injury” to deal with because people can’t see any physical symptoms, warns Tipperary hurler and All-Ireland man of the match, Seamus Callanan.

Wed, 19 Oct, 2016

Safety first as small minority would prevent kids playing rugby

Figures released by the Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA) yesterday indicate as many as eight of their members would not encourage their children to take up the game now or at some point in the future.

Tue, 08 Mar, 2016

At least one Irish professional rugby player supports school tackle ban

Though 99% of Irish pros oppose any move to remove tackling from the schools game.

Mon, 07 Mar, 2016

Les Kiss: Paul O’Connell probably the greatest I’ve ever worked with

Former Ireland assistant coach Les Kiss last night described Paul O’Connell as an icon whose retirement is “a sad day for rugby.” 

Wed, 10 Feb, 2016

Omar Hassanein Interview: Learning from the ‘Gladiator’ Cheika

When Irish rugby reviews the World Cup, it must ensure players are asked about how the game is run and coached from the grassroots up - and not just what the hotel food or kicking coach was like the past month. From fighting alongside Randwick colleague Michael Cheika to learning Japanese in Tokyo to lining out with Monkstown, IRUPA chief Omar Hassanein has learned players need to be integral stakeholders in the game.

Sat, 24 Oct, 2015

‘Take concussions seriously’, urges campaign

If a member of a sports team takes a knock to the head they should immediately be removed from live play so their wellbeing can be properly assessed, according to the Irish Rugby Players’ Association (IRUPA).

Sat, 12 Sep, 2015

Omar Hassanein: ‘You’ve got to build a rapport and get players’ respect.’

I think a relationship between the player and employer of mutual respect will not only benefit our players but benefit the game. The proof is in the pudding.

Wed, 13 May, 2015

Best joins Ireland’s Hall of Fame

Simon Best will become the 14th player to be inducted into the Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA) Hall of Fame next week.

Thu, 01 May, 2014

Greatest challenge for some comes after final whistle

It’s that time of year again when some of this country’s finest and fittest stare into the inky blackness of those dark winter nights and decide that one more spin on the GAA’s carousel is beyond them.

Fri, 01 Nov, 2013

Players support injury protocols

The chief executive of the Irish rugby players’ body, Omar Hassanein, has given his backing to the IRB’s concussion protocols in a week when the controversial issue has once again been thrust into the limelight by the injury to Peter O’Mahony.

Thu, 10 Oct, 2013

Browne blasts methods of rebels

The chief executive of the IRFU, Philip Browne, has blasted the sabre-rattling of English and French club rugby chiefs while the future of the Heineken Cup continues to be discussed, describing their contradictory actions as “deplorable”.

Thu, 12 Sep, 2013

No sense of sensibility as Best looks to future

Rory Best is confident Ireland’s younger generation of rugby stars will have no difficulty coping with life without Brian O’Driscoll who has all but admitted the 2013 Six Nations will be the last campaign in which he wears the green jersey.

Fri, 01 Feb, 2013

Get the deals done early

The IRFU may have lost Jonathan Sexton to France but the union could avoid similar losses in the months and years to come by adopting a more proactive approach to contract negotiations, according to Omar Hassanein.

Thu, 31 Jan, 2013

When red meets blue, friendship goes out the window

Convention tells us that, for 80 minutes at Lansdowne Road this evening, men who are good friends and teammates on international weeks will put aside their friendships and substitute them with animosities born of blood.

Sat, 06 Oct, 2012

Humphries: Nevin's death leaves big hole in Ulster squad

Ulster Director of Rugby David Humphries has said the death of Nevin Spence will leave a huge hole in the Ulster squad.

Sun, 16 Sep, 2012

Professional players not facing greater injury risk, says study

IRISH Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA) boss Omar Hassanein believes the latest findings in the English game that professional players do not run a greater risk of injury now than previously will be echoed in this country.

Tue, 17 Jan, 2012