They have never made a pool-stage exit in nine previous World Cup campaigns, but it is now a realistic prospect following defeat against Pool C rivals Fiji last weekend

As much as Irish football folk love a dose of controversy, the cloud that hung over Pauw’s future before and during the World Cup was a draining experience for all concerned

Ireland welcome neighbours Northern Ireland to the Aviva Stadium (1pm) for the first part of a six-game Nations League campaign they’re tipped to reign supreme in.

Life on the World Cup road can be hectic but when you do stop and sip, the timelessness of Paris comes rushing back into view 

Andy Farrell says his side are ready for the challenge the Boks will bring.

Rugby supporters at Cork Airport en route to Paris to support Ireland in the Rugby World Cup game against South Africa.

The wing will earn his 24th Ireland cap at Stade de France having never warmed a bench in his Test career and only been replaced once

Expect fireworks in Saint Denis.

Emiliano Boffelli was the difference-maker as Argentina survived a late charge to beat Samoa and reignite their World Cup campaign

The reality, confirmed a thousand times, is that the needs of the media and the dressing room are rarely aligned

The veteran says Katie McCabe poses the most obvious threat from the hosts.

The sides face off in a much-anticipated showdown in Paris on Saturday night.

Assessing the biggest game so far at the 2023 Rugby World Cup: Everything is predicated on the capacity of the Irish forwards to cope with South Africa's set-piece onslaught

The Ireland coach says Andy Farrell's side will have to bring their A-game to edge the Springboks in Paris.

Beating South Africa is a formidable challenge, but Ireland possesses the talent and tactical acumen to achieve it.

It was hard not to watch Siya Kolisi lift the Webb Ellis trophy in Yokohama four years ago and see it as anything but an exclamation point

"It makes for compelling viewing. It helps that the story is three-dimensional, with other aspects of his life fleshed out with a huge cast of supporting acts."

Johannesburg-born Tony Stacey of the airport’s search unit was on passenger screening duty as the first Irish fans began to arrive

Plus: the Rugby World Cup finals; a centenary concert for the Irish State; and the crimes of Rolf Harris

Plus:  the rugby continues apace with URC action on TG4 and RTÉ; Kathryn Thomas helps patients look into their bodies on My BodyFix on RTÉ One; more new drama on RTÉ Two's Storyland