It was Sexton who was ultimately asked to sum up what the Limerick legend had brought to Irish rugby over a long and illustrious career.

End of an era? Van der Flier wasn’t ready to see it that way.

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There was a steeliness about them as they spoke to the media two days out from this game that was evident in the way they tackled, attacked the breakdown and clinically finished their try-scoring opportunities.

Andy Farrell's side did virtually everything right but in Saturday night's intangible moments, New Zealand prevailed

'These guys kept believing in themselves and rightly so because of the rugby that they're able to play under pressure. I'm immensely proud of absolutely everyone that's connected with Irish rugby'

'It was like being sucker-punched a couple of times'

Double-defeat to Poyet’s Greece, the latest a 2-0 reverse on Friday at Aviva Stadium, was central to Ireland’s Euro 2024 qualification ambitions ending.

NZ media salivate over the All Blacks epic quarter final win over Ireland - with good reason. 

Andy Farrell also spoke of his pride despite falling short of what would have been a men's record-equalling 18th test victory in a row.

The deprivation has plunged Gaza’s population deeper into misery as Israel’s bombardment intensifies one week after Hamas fighters surged across Israel’s separation fence, killing 1,300 Israelis and abducting dozens

Our rugby correspondent in the Stade de France picks the bones from a gut-wrenching World Cup exit for Ireland

Moments will linger. A bounce of the ball that evaded Dan Sheehan, Doris’ dropped ball in the last ten minutes which cost Ireland momentum, territory, possession and precious minutes of time to turn the screw

Ireland fell to a 28-24 loss to an organised New Zealand in Paris, with evident heartbreak throughout the Irish contingent.

Despite a brave finish, Ireland fell just short and the All Blacks progressed to the semi-finals with a 28-24 victory on Saturday.

Desperate disappointment again for Ireland who lose epic slugfest with New Zealand in Paris

The Pumas fought back from an early deficit to beat Warren Gatland's Wales 29-17 in Saturday's quarter-final 

With the game at an inflection point there comes a warning that ‘in a few weeks’ time its future is going to be pretty dark’

'Where rugby bosses in New Zealand saw weaknesses, those in Ireland have found a focused force in Aki who is on track to be the World Rugby Player of the Year in 2023'