Dirty Balls Rugby

Ulster coach rues key turnovers

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:54:20 +0000

Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin says the first-half turnovers which led to tries were crucial to Leinster’s Heineken Cup final win.

Stormers scramble past ‘Tahs

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:48:29 +0000

The Stormers moved to the top of the Super Rugby standings after overcoming the Waratahs 19-13 in a dour affair at Newlands.

Nice one bro!

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:43:33 +0000

The Kearney brothers, Rob and Dave, became the fifth set of brothers to win Heineken Cup winners’ medal when they helped Leinster Rugby to a record 42-14 victory over Ulster Rugby at the Twickenham Stadium.

Leinster lauded by McLaughlin

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:29:14 +0000

Ulster boss Brian McLaughlin hailed Heineken Cup champions Leinster after his side lost out 42-14 in a one-sided final on Saturday.

Leinster eye the double

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:28:22 +0000

Leinster enjoyed a record-breaking Heineken Cup final at Twickenham – and they are not finished yet.

We’ll aim to retain Cup – MoM O’Brien

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:06:19 +0000

Leinster Man-of-the-Match Sean O’Brien describes the brilliant feeling in their dressing room after writing their names in the Heineken Cup history books with a record setting third win in four years. He admits they will aim for another chapter in those history books by retaining the title next season.

O’Driscoll still hungry for more

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:37:09 +0000

Brian O’Driscoll insists Leinster are intent on building a dynasty after they won a third Heineken Cup title in four years by beating Ulster.

Japan win Asian Five Nations

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:34:10 +0000

Japan won the Asian Five Nations title after beating Hong Kong 67-0 to remain unbeaten in the five-year history of the competition.

O’Driscoll pays tribute to Leinster’s unsung heroes

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:31:01 +0000

Brian O’Driscoll paid a special tribute to the unsung heroes of Leinster rugby’s record breaking Heineken Cup Final victory over Ulster Rugby at Twickenham Stadium.

O’Driscoll wants Leinster dynasty

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:17:59 +0000

Brian O’Driscoll insists Leinster will chase more glory after crushing Ulster 42-14 in the Heineken Cup final at Twickenham.

Leinster lord it up again

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:59:35 +0000

Leinster claimed an unprecedented third Heineken Cup title in four years with a record-breaking 42-14 victory over Ulster at Twickenham.

Berot named Italy backs coach

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:39:44 +0000

Former France international Philippe Berot has been confirmed as the new back-line coach for Italy, it was announced on Saturday.

Sharks eye play-offs with win

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:28:04 +0000

The Sharks’ recent resurgence continued when claimed a deserved 34-20 win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Leinster brush aside Ulster to defend crown

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:15:00 +0000

Leinster delivered a rousing statement of intent ahead of the RaboDirect PRO12 final as they beat Irish rivals Ulster 42-14 by a record margin in a Heineken Cup final.

Leinster defend Heineken crown in demolition job

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:13:00 +0000

Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien was back to his best as he scored a try in a man-of-the-match performance to help Leinster beat Irish rivals Ulster 42-14 in a record margin for a Heineken Cup final.

…click on the headline to read the full story

Cooper happy to be back

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:04:21 +0000

Fly-half Quade Cooper was pleased with his successful return to competitive rugby during the Reds’ victory over the Lions in Brisbane.

Leinster 42-14 Ulster

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 17:59:43 +0000

Leinster beat a spirited Ulster by a record Heineken Cup final-winning margin of 42-14 to become the first side to win three titles in four years.

Four on Gloucester shortlist

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 17:14:07 +0000

Four candidates are still in the running to fill the vacant head coaching position at Aviva Premiership heavyweight club Gloucester.

Schmidt turns to big guns for Twickenham showdown

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 15:48:29 +0000

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt revealed wild horses couldn’t have prevented thoroughbreds Brian O’Driscoll and Rob Kearney from taking their places in the Heineken Cup final against RaboDirect PRO12 rivals Ulster.

Henry and Afoa come in for Ulster

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 15:23:45 +0000

Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin revealed Chris Henry is raring to go after the flanker was passed fit for the all RaboDirect PRO12 Heineken Cup final at Twickenham on Saturday.

Heineken Cup final – as it happened

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 15:16:46 +0000

Leinster beat fellow Irish side Ulster to win the Heineken Cup for the third time in four years.

Narrow win for Stormers

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 15:08:40 +0000

The Stormers moved to the top of the Super Rugby standings after overcoming the Waratahs 19-13 in a dour affair at Newlands.

Leinster retain Heineken Cup

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 15:00:45 +0000

Leinster became only the second team to win successive Heineken Cups after dominating Ulster 42-14 at Twickenham on Saturday.

Sharks do the business in Bloem

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:51:52 +0000

The Sharks’ recent resurgence continued when they claimed a deserved 34-20 win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Rampant Reds tame Lions

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:31:48 +0000

Reigning champions Queensland Reds boosted their hopes of sneaking into the Super Rugby finals with a 34-20 victory over the Lions.

Back-row worry for Bulls

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:27:58 +0000

Bulls duo CJ Stander and Dewald Potgieter will undergo scans to confirm their participation for the last week of their tour in New Zealand.

Pick a winner – it’s a tough ask!

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:08:31 +0000

It’s a tough game to call, so ercrugby.com asked some of the biggest names in rugby to give us their predictions about who is going to lift the Heineken Cup at Twickenham Stadium today.

Grant ready to step up

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 13:35:58 +0000

Prop Ryan Grant is hoping to be part of an injection of youth to revive Scotland’s fortunes in the international arena.

Leicester helped lay Ulster’s platform for Leinster quest

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 12:57:00 +0000

Stephen Ferris believes one of the key moments in Ulster’s quest for Heineken Cup glory came not in the knockout stages but as far back as January.

Aviva Premiership: Kohn says Quins will play with no fear

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 12:43:00 +0000

Ollie Kohn is preparing for the biggest game of his career, insistent that Harlequins can handle the pressure and claim their first ever Aviva Premiership title.

Crusaders crush Blues

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 12:23:52 +0000

The Crusaders bounced back to winning ways with a 59-12 trouncing of the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday.

This can catapult us forward – Balshaw

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 12:22:34 +0000

Biarittz full back Iain Balshaw says a first bit of European silverware, winning the Amlin Challenge Cup Final, can catapult the club forward after a hard season. He also reveals his thoughts as he watched former England teammate Jonny Wilkinson dropping back into the pocket for what could have been a match-levelling drop goal.

Yachvili a tactical genius – Van Niekerk

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 11:19:55 +0000

Toulon captain Joe Van Niekerk hailed Biarittz scrum half Dimitri Yachvili as a tactical genius after a defeat in the Amlin Challenge Cup Final he admitted was tough to swallow. He was particularly frustated they did not put the ball in the hands of Jonny Wilkinson to go for a match-levelling drop goal at the end.

Osprey Phillips to join Scarlets

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 11:08:57 +0000

Wales under-20 wing Kristian Phillips will leave the Ospreys when his contract expires at the end of the season to join the Scarlets.

Gloucester target quartet

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:53:25 +0000

Aviva Premiership side Gloucester are targeting four realistic options as their search for a new head coach intensifies.

Heineken Cup Final 2012 preview with Donal Lenihan

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:23:00 +0000

Donal Lenihan and Michael Corcoran discuss the all Irish Heineken Cup Final between Ulster and Leinster, to be played at Twickenham. Your predictions?

Click here to view the full post

Highlanders hold off Bulls

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:21:05 +0000

Mike Delany kicked three penalties and a conversion as the Highlanders claimed a hard-earned 16-11 win over the Bulls at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

This means a lot – Yachvili

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:19:58 +0000

Biarittz kingpin Dimitri Yachvili says winning the Amlin Challenge Cup Final means a lot to his side, ending the season with a title and qualifying for next season’s Heineken Cup.

Bennett fears Nigel Davies exit

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:09:33 +0000

Scarlets president Phil Bennett says it would be a “massive blow” if head coach Nigel Davies leaves to join English Premiership side Gloucester.

Reds get the job done

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 09:53:50 +0000

The Reds were made to work for their Super Rugby victory but got the job done in beating the Lions 34-20 in Brisbane on Saturday.

Jane sidelined for six weeks

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 09:25:06 +0000

Hurricanes winger Cory Jane has been ruled out of Super Rugby action for six weeks with a high ankle sprain.

Crusaders show Blues no mercy

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 08:26:38 +0000

The Crusaders bounced back from last weekend’s shock loss to the Rebels with an emphatic 59-12 win over the Blues.

Lions heading Down Under with Qantas

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:23:00 +0000

Qantas, Australia’s premium airline, has been appointed as Official Airline to The British & Irish Lions for their 2013 tour.

We never gave up – Harinordoquy

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:19:07 +0000

Imanol Harinordoquy was delighted to turn the tables on Jonny Wilkinson as Biarritz edged out Toulon 21-18 to win the Amlin Challenge Cup.

Highlanders topple table-toppers

Dirty Balls — Sat, 19 May 2012 06:00:32 +0000

The Highlanders managed to cling on for a tense 16-11 win over the tournament-leading Bulls in Dunedin on Saturday.

Massive win for Biarittz

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 23:48:39 +0000

Biarittz centre Dane Haylett Petty hailed a ‘massive win’ for the club as they beat Toulon 21-18 in the Amlin Challenge Cup Final to secure their place in next seasons’s Heineken Cup and win their first piece of European silverware.

Jonny moves on straight away

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:55:01 +0000

By the time Jonny Wilkinson had emerged from a desperately disappointed Toulon changing room he had already moved on to the next challenge.

Hooper in hot water

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:33:39 +0000

Brumbies flank Michael Hooper has been cited for his tip tackle on Hurricanes number eight Victor Vito.

Harinordoquy on Amlin win: "Incredible, fantastic"

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:28:49 +0000

Biarritz Olympique have won a European title at the third time of asking – and captain Imanol Harinordoquy described their 2012 Amlin Challenge Cup final victory at the Twickenham Stoop as “incredible, fantastic.”

Biarittz crowned cup kings

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:07:32 +0000

Dimitri Yachvili kicked Biarritz to their first ever European title following a 21-18 victory in the Amlin Challenge Cup final.

Amlin Cup despair for Wilkinson

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:01:49 +0000

Jonny Wilkinson’s Toulon taste defeat for the second time in three years as Dimitri Yachvili kicks Biarritz to victory.

Plucky Pontypridd crowned champions

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:42:57 +0000

Pontypridd gained revenge over arch rivals Llanelli to be crowned Principality Premiership Grand final champions with an absorbing 15-13 victory at Sardis Road.

Scarlets fight for Davies

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:15:22 +0000

The Scarlets are facing a fight to keep hold of Nigel Davies – with the Welshman in the frame for the coaching role at Gloucester.

Rotherham’s raid for Rieder

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:52:04 +0000

Rotherham have raided Yorkshire rivals Leeds Carnegie to snap up powerhouse back-rower Alex Rieder.

Best eyes upset win over Leinster

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:40:40 +0000

Hooker Rory Best insists Ulster have no interest in playing the ‘brave losers’ role in Saturday’s Heineken Cup final against Leinster.

Wales Women 7s on World Cup trail

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:59:28 +0000

The quest for World Cup glory begins this weekend in the unusual surroundings of Amsterdam for the Wales Women’s Sevens side.

Forward boost for Moseley

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:34:48 +0000

Moseley had added the first new face to their pack next season with the signing of lock Liam Mather from Coventry.

Brown relishing Scotland opportunity

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:26:18 +0000

Scotland new boy Tom Brown admits a vanguard of young players can help re-introduce the feelgood factor into Andy Robinson’s team after a disappointing RBS 6 Nations campaign.

…click on the headline to read the full story

Godman departs Scotland to join Scottish

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:20:07 +0000

Former Edinburgh fly-half Phil Godman has departed the RaboDirect PRO12 to join English Championship side London Scottish.

Trimble eyeing Leinster scalp

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:19:32 +0000

Andrew Trimble admits Ulster are desperate to prove themselves the best in Ireland when they lock horns with provincial rivals Leinster in the Heineken Cup final on Saturday.

…click on the headline to read the full story

Alafoti Faosiliva’s huge hit, charge, and try against Fiji in London

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:10:00 +0000

Sevens star Alafoti Faosiliva has been included in the Samoan training squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup, as well as their once off game against Scotland. In the London Sevens final the big man made a huge tackle, and later scored a powerful try.

If you’ve watched any of the IRB Sevens World Series in the last year or so the name, and thighs, of Faosiliva should be quite familiar to you. He’s been one of Samoa’s top try scorers on the circuit, and is the proverbial human wrecking ball.

Built like a tank and with the speed of a back, you don’t want to get in his way.

Unfortunately for some of the Fijians in London, they did, and they were smashed. Fiji won the final but two moments stood out from Faosiliva, namely a huge tackle in the second half, and later the try which gave Nigel Starmer Smith a new catchphrase in ‘Boom. Crash. Try’.

Faosiliva has been selected in the Samoan fifteens squad as a loose forward, so will be one to watch in the Pacific Nations Cup, which kicks off on 5 June when Samoa play Tonga.

There were a few controversial non-selections in the squad, with Rugby World Cup 2011 captain, and Chiefs hooker, Mahonri Schwalger being overlooked, as well as outspoken midfielder, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu. Schwalger openly criticised the behaviour of the Samoan management at the World Cup, and Fuimaono-Sapolu is viewed as unmanagable by new coach Stephen Betham.

Also worth watching, Seven of the Best tries from the London Sevens

Manu Samoa training squad:
James Sooialo, Lolo Lui Moataa, David Lemi, Ken Pisi, Paul Perez, Paul Williams, Fautua Otto, Isaia Tuifua, Faatoina Autagavaia, George Pisi, Male Sau, Ki Anufe, Tusi Pisi, Patrick Faapale, Kahn Fotualii, Jeremy Su’a, Nalu Tuigamala, Ofisa Treviranus, Chris Lowrey, Richard Muagututia, Maurie Faasavalu, Afa Aiono, Taiasina Tuifua, Alafoti Faosiliva, Kane Thompson , Maselino Paulino, Joe Tekori, Census Johnston, Logovii Mulipola, Sakaria Taulafo, James Johnston, Tuu Paulo, Ole Avei, Steve Fuala, Patrick Leafa.

Click here to view the full post

New faces at the Knights

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:05:19 +0000

Doncaster continue to be the busiest club in the Championship transfer market with the signings of Sam Pailor and Will Simpson.

Professional deal for Murphy

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:40:31 +0000

Connacht have followed up the signing of Jason Harris-Wright with the capture of Brian Murphy from Galwegians.

McGahan wants Wallabies to be ruthless

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:40:07 +0000

Australia’s new coaching co-ordinator, Tony McGahan, wants to add a cut-throat edge to the Wallabies’ style of play.

O’Driscoll and Kearney declared 100 per cent certain

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:38:36 +0000

Brian O’Driscoll and Rob Kearney will both start for Leinster Rugby as they try to match the great Leicester Tigers side of 2001 and 2002 and win back-to-back Heineken Cup titles at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

Biarritz win Amlin Challenge Cup

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:36:42 +0000

Biarritz scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili won the kicking duel against Toulon’s Jonny Wilkinson to help his side lift the Amlin Challenge Cup.

Cullen wants Heineken Cup treble

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:24:55 +0000

Leinster Rugby skipper Leo Cullen is hoping to avoid the bitter disappointment he felt the last time he was chasing a title treble at Twickenham Stadium when he leads his side against Ulster Rugby in the Heineken Cup Final.

Nottage provides update on Gloucester coaching search

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:15:00 +0000

Gloucester Rugby Managing Director Ken Nottage today revealed that good progress is being made in the search for a new Head Coach and that he’s happy with the options available.

Quade’s back for Reds

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:06:46 +0000

Australia star Quade Cooper is determined to reach new heights as he prepares for his long-awaited comeback.

Schmidt doesn’t want more half-time blues

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:58:04 +0000

Joe Schmidt was a pretty depressed man at half-time in last year’s Heineken Cup Final in Cardiff and he has warned his Leinster Rugby players not to put him in such a bad frame of mind again when they face Ulster Rugby at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

Wannenburg chases unique double

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:43:37 +0000

Ulster number eight Pedrie Wannenburg is relishing the prospect of facing Leinster in Saturday’s Heineken Cup final at Twickenham.

Jenkins’ Toulon switch confirmed

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:23:56 +0000

French Top 14 club Toulon confirm Gethin Jenkins has joined them from Cardiff Blues ahead of the 2012-13 season.

Humphreys not afraid of Lions’ den in Dublin

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:09:05 +0000

Ospreys forwards coach John Humphreys insists facing Leinster at the RDS Arena holds no fear for his side, revealing he believes his side will be facing the European champions next Sunday.

McLaughlin looking to bow out with pride

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:59:46 +0000

Outgoing Ulster Rugby coach Brian McLaughlin is all set to crown his three year reign at Ravenhill with “the greatest day in my rugby career” at Twickenham Stadium in the club’s second Heineken Cup Final.

Croft remaining upbeat

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:47:07 +0000

Tom Croft will miss out on the Premiership final and England’s tour to South Africa due to injury, but he is trying to stat positive.

Preview: Western Force v Rebels

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:32:09 +0000

These two are traditionally Australia’s two weakest franchises and will be keen to avoid the wooden spoon on the table this year.

Super-fit teammates will cover for me – Warburton

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:23:55 +0000

Wales captain Sam Warburton insists his ‘super-fit’ teammates will be able to cover any gaps if he starts flagging in the final ten minutes of his anticipated return to international rugby in Australia this summer.

…click on the headline to read the full story

Jane sweating over injury

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:08:43 +0000

With the All Blacks’ first Test of the year just three weeks away, Cory Jane’s participation could be in doubt due to an ankle injury.

Hand-to-hand combat for Ross

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:46:09 +0000

Leinster prop Mike Ross expects a battle of titanic proportions with Ulster in Saturday’s Heineken Cup Final at Twickenham.

Final merchandise available now

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:24:23 +0000

The Tigers Club Stores now have Aviva Premiership Final T-shirts and scarves available to commemorate the Twickenham showpiece against Harlequins.

Day dreaming doesn’t do it for O’Driscoll

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:42:01 +0000

Leinster legend Brian O’Driscoll says day dreaming of Heineken Cup glory won’t do his team any favours this Saturday.

Aviva Premiership: Youngs urges Tigers to end season on a high

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:26:55 +0000

England scrum-half Ben Youngs admits reaching the Aviva Premiership final with Leicester after a horror start to the season ranks among his proudest accomplishments – and now he wants the Tigers to finish the job.

Fitness boost for both finalists

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:25:00 +0000

Heineken Cup Final opponents Leinster Rugby and Ulster Rugby have both received major boosts ahead of their big day at Twickenham tomorrow.

McGahan targets ruthless edge

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:54:08 +0000

New Australia coaching co-ordinator Tony McGahan is looking to give the Wallabies a cut-throat mentality.

Fans show passion for song

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:36:19 +0000

Hundreds of Welsh rugby fans have shown their support for the 1,000-strong choir booked for Wales v Barbarians, powered by Under Armour, at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, June 2 (KO 2pm).

Leinster v Ulster: Teams

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:33:16 +0000

All eyes will be on Twickenham on Saturday as an all-Irish final between Leinster and Ulster decides who will lift the 2012 Heineken Cup.

Western Force v Rebels: Teams

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:25:37 +0000

Western Force have rung the changes has they attempt to halt a five-match losing streak against the Rebels.

Ross ready for hand to hand combat

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:24:08 +0000

Leinster prop Mike Ross knows that victory in Saturday’s Heineken Cup Final starts up front.

Afoa and Henry return for Ulster

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:22:23 +0000

John Afoa and Chris Henry return to the Ulster team for Saturday’s Heineken Cup final against Leinster.

McGahan hopes to give Oz the edge

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:17:02 +0000

Former Munster coach Tony McGahan aims to give Australia a cut-throat edge.

HEC preview: Leinster v Ulster

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:02:41 +0000

All eyes will be on Twickenham on Saturday as an all-Irish final between Leinster and Ulster decides who will lift the Heineken Cup.

Three Changes For Leinster

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:02:00 +0000

The Leinster team to face Ulster in Saturday’s historic all-Irish Heineken Cup final at Twickenham (kick-off 5pm) has been named.

Tindall excited about prospect of Barbarians bow

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

International commitments have denied Mike Tindall the opportunity to represent the Barbarians in seasons gone by, but the Gloucester Rugby centre will link up with the famous club next week for the first time and is looking forward to the prospect.

Ulster Team Announced For Cup Final

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:54:00 +0000

John Afoa and Chris Henry are back in the Ulster starting line-up for Saturday’s Heineken Cup final showdown with Leinster at Twickenham (kick-off 5pm).

Season Tickets – Children Under 10 FREE Offer*

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:45:00 +0000

At Warriors we are committed to encouraging as many young rugby fans to enjoy the Sixways experience – so this season we are offering a fantastic FREE new offer!

AUDIO: Mallinder deal great news – Robson

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:42:23 +0000

Northampton Saints chief executive Allan Robson tells BBC Radio Northampton that Jim Mallinder’s contract extension is “great news” for the club.

Williams deserves 100

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:37:28 +0000

Wales captain Sam Warburton insists his mentor Martyn Williams deserves to reach 100 caps.

Higginbotham boosts Rebels

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:30:14 +0000

Melbourne Rebels have boosted their forward back with the signing of Australia flanker Scott Higginbotham on a two year deal.

Holmes rules for Brumbies

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:19:36 +0000

Zack Holmes was the star of the show, scoring 22 points on his starting debut as the Brumbies recorded a 37-25 win over the Hurricanes.

Chief issues Ponty rallying call

Dirty Balls — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:15:00 +0000

Dale McIntosh has urged Pontypridd to exorcise the ghosts of a double cup heartbreak by putting Llanelli to the sword in the Principality Premiership Play-Off final tomorrow.