Prendergast brothers are powering up Leinster-Connacht provincial rivalry

The Irish Times · Irlanda · Prensahace 1 día

In the history of Irish rugby, and certainly in the professional era, it’s doubtful that two siblings have had such a profound influence on two rival provincial teams, and certainly not in such markedly contrasting ways. One is the skipper and standard-bearer on both the training ground and in matches, with his unrelenting professionalism, leadership and level of performance.

He is Connacht’s heartbeat from the backrow. His brother is the creative hub of his Leinster side, an elegant, visionary playmaking outhalf blessed with ice in his veins on the gain line and footballing and handling skills to match.

The former tackles big and hard ... eh, that wouldn’t be the latter’s most obvious virtue.

If they didn’t look like each other, you wouldn’t even think they were distant cousins. The pity is that next Friday’s URC game at the Dexcom Stadium, although still expected to be a 12,500 sell-out, has been denied…

Leer la noticia completa en The Irish Times →← Volver a noticias

PressDato enlaza al medio original. Los derechos del artículo pertenecen a su autor y al medio que lo publica.

Más de Deportes en Irlanda

Deportes

Copa del Rey fixtures postponed after train crash in Spain

The Royal ‌Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have postponed Wednesday’s 24 ‌Copa del Rey first-round matches following a train collision in Toledo province that killed at least 30 people were killed. Two high-speed ‌trains ‌collided, the second deadly crash in less than ⁠a year on the line connecting Madrid to ‌southern Andalucía. The games have been postponed “as a show ⁠of respect ⁠and solidarity with all the victims,” the RFEF said, adding that new dates for the matches will be announced soon. Troy Parrott’s Real Betis had been due to play fourth-tier Navalcarnero. The crash ⁠has disrupted rail services between Madrid and Andalucía, affecting ‌travel for several teams and their fans.

The Irish Times · Irlandahace 23 minutos

Deportes

Kylian Mbappé’s China crisis shows how sensitive Mao’s legacy remains

It’s been a bad start to the week for the France forward Kylian Mbappé. He missed out on joining the elite roster of Ballon d’Or winners, and instead became the latest high-profile addition to a far less illustrious list – that of foreign brands and individuals charged with “hurting the feelings of the Chinese people”. The saga began when a video of the Real Madrid player making light of a meme involving him and China’s former leader Mao Zedong began spreading. Within hours Mbappé found himself condemned online, before being unceremoniously dropped by brands, then held responsible for state television suspending the entire top Spanish league from its schedule. On Tuesday Mbappé apologised – “My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China – as did La Liga, which released a statement saying it “deeply regrets the offence that Kylian Mbappé’s recent comments have…

The Irish Times · Irlandahace 59 minutos

Deportes

Australia recall 37-year-old Kurtley Beale for Nations Championship matches

Veteran utility back Kurtley Beale ‌has been recalled to the Australia squad for the Nations Championship ‌Tests in Britain, replacing Hunter Paisami, who has withdrawn for personal reasons. The 37-year-old won the last of his 95 caps against Wales in Cardiff in 2021 and was named in the Wallabies squad in 2024 before an Achilles injury ended his season. Coach Les Kiss said Beale’s experience ⁠and versatility would be valuable, with the Western ‌Force ‌player primarily providing midfield cover.“He has the versatility to play a number of positions across ⁠the backline,” Kiss said in a statement on Wednesday.“Kurtley’s ‌also been in great form for the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific and ⁠Super Rugby AUS and ⁠is excited to contribute to the environment.”Former Northampton Saints back James Ramm has also been added to the squad following an impressive campaign with Northland in New Zealand’s provincial championship. Ramm, who will join…

The Irish Times · Irlandahace 3 horas

Deportes

Soaring airfares

Sir, – This ramping-up of air fares for major events and concerts must end. Flights that may ordinarily cost no more than €60 can cost up to €300-plus when the airlines get wind of these events. Of course we have the idiots who tell the airlines why they are travelling to clue them in as the price soars. It’s time for tough legislation to stop price gouging when big events take place. Many people who are not going to these events may want to travel for medical reasons, visitations or work. They have to pay way over the odds because people going to these events want a good time and don’t care what it costs. – Yours, etc,MAURICE FITZGERALD, Shanbally,Co Cork.

The Irish Times · Irlandahace 7 horas