https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/en-ieRTÉ 2026-RTÉ Commercial Enterprises Ltd, Registration No: 155076, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, Ireland.Fri, 02 Oct 2026 07:49:37 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/1001/1593713-munster-looking-forward-as-flanagan-falls-on-his-sword/It seemed inevitable that there would be change at the top of Munster Rugby after the Roger Randle saga in April. The only surprise is that it took close to six months for it to happen, writes Neil Treacy.Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:49:32 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/1001/1593713-munster-looking-forward-as-flanagan-falls-on-his-sword/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/1001/1593675-cullen-backs-henshaw-as-back-row-cover-in-durban/Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has backed Ireland international centre Robbie Henshaw to do a job in the back-row, if he is called upon on Saturday.Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:27:07 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/1001/1593675-cullen-backs-henshaw-as-back-row-cover-in-durban/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/1001/1593622-wholesale-munster-changes-frawley-set-for-connacht-debut/The Irish team news ahead of round 2 of the BKT United Rugby Championship.Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:52:42 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/1001/1593622-wholesale-munster-changes-frawley-set-for-connacht-debut/United Rugby Championshiphttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0930/1593558-second-row-otighearnaigh-on-juggling-medicine-and-rugby/Conor O'Tighearnaigh talks about juggling both medicine and rugby after starting Leinster's opening URC game against LionsWed, 30 Sep 2026 18:49:26 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0930/1593558-second-row-otighearnaigh-on-juggling-medicine-and-rugby/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0930/1593564-omahonys-munster-worries-irish-urc-shutout-wxv-recap/Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley on this week's RTE Rugby podcast, as we look back on a tough start to the URC for the four Irish provinces.Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:14:19 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0930/1593564-omahonys-munster-worries-irish-urc-shutout-wxv-recap/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0929/1593389-payne-embedding-a-strike-to-score-mentality-at-munster/Munster's new assistant coach Jared Payne has detailed his coaching philosophy and what he wants to see from the side as they look to climb back up the rankings as one of the league's powerhouses.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:31:01 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0929/1593389-payne-embedding-a-strike-to-score-mentality-at-munster/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0929/1593381-casey-back-barron-and-nankivell-ruled-out-of-bulls-clash/Munster will welcome back Ireland internationals Craig Casey and Jeremy Loughman to the fold for this weekend's BKT United Rugby Championship clash with the Bulls, but Jack O'Donoghue, Diarmuid Barron and Alex Nankivell have been ruled out.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:23:41 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0929/1593381-casey-back-barron-and-nankivell-ruled-out-of-bulls-clash/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0928/1593268-bleyendaal-business-as-usual-despite-cullens-swansong/Leinster assistant coach Tyler Bleyendaal insisted it was "business as usual" for the coaching staff despite Leo Cullen's announcement that this campaign would be his final one as head coach after over a decade in the role.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:25:24 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0928/1593268-bleyendaal-business-as-usual-despite-cullens-swansong/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0928/1593282-deegan-and-byrne-ruled-out-of-durban-trip/Harry Byrne and Max Deegan have been ruled out of Leinster's trip to Durban to face the Sharks in Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 22:48:07 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0928/1593282-deegan-and-byrne-ruled-out-of-durban-trip/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0928/1593277-leinster-need-to-bounce-back-after-opening-day-defeat/It was a disappointing opening weekend of the United Rugby Championship for the Irish provinces. It is the first time in 17 years that all four teams have lost on the opening day of the season.Mon, 28 Sep 2026 20:56:56 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0928/1593277-leinster-need-to-bounce-back-after-opening-day-defeat/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0927/1593100-mcmillan-work-needed-to-get-munster-fans-back-on-side/Munster head coach Clayton McMillan says he and his players have to "work" to get some supporters back on board, but the New Zealander is confident with the direction of travel, despite Saturday's 26-20 defeat to Glasgow Warriors.Sun, 27 Sep 2026 11:32:54 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0927/1593100-mcmillan-work-needed-to-get-munster-fans-back-on-side/United Rugby Championshiphttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0926/1593053-munster-ground-down-by-glasgow-for-opening-day-defeat/Munster gave up a 10-point half time lead at Thomond Park, as their BKT United Rugby Championship season started with a disappointing 26-20 defeat to Glasgow Warriors.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 19:28:48 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0926/1593053-munster-ground-down-by-glasgow-for-opening-day-defeat/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0926/1593078-mcmillan-highlights-green-shoots-in-spite-of-defeat/Munster head coach Clayton McMillan admits his side were worn down in the final quarter of their 26-20 defeat to Glasgow Warriors, but he believes there were still some "green shoots" in their overall performance.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 20:26:12 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0926/1593078-mcmillan-highlights-green-shoots-in-spite-of-defeat/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0926/1593052-season-opener-blues-as-leinster-defeated-by-lions/Leinster slipped to a 27-26 defeat against the Lions in their United Rugby Championship opener, despite Fintan Gunne scoring a first-half hat-trick.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 14:52:22 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0926/1593052-season-opener-blues-as-leinster-defeated-by-lions/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0926/1593051-urc-munster-v-glasgow-updates/Munster will be hoping to start the new season on a high as they face arch rivals Glasgow.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 17:10:05 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0926/1593051-urc-munster-v-glasgow-updates/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0926/1593049-urc-lions-v-leinster-updates/The defending champions have been defeated in Johannesburg in their season opener.Sat, 26 Sep 2026 12:14:17 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0926/1593049-urc-lions-v-leinster-updates/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0925/1592970-connacht-overpowered-late-on-by-four-try-stormers/Stuart Lancaster's second season in charge of Connacht has started with a defeat, after the province fell to a 29-15 loss at home to the Stormers in Galway.Fri, 25 Sep 2026 22:10:40 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0925/1592970-connacht-overpowered-late-on-by-four-try-stormers/United Rugby Championshiphttps://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0925/1592971-ulster-fightback-falls-just-short-against-edinburgh/Ulster staged a second half fightback against Edinburgh in Belfast, but Richie Murphy's side had to be content with two losing bonus-points in their 34-29 defeat at Affidea Stadium.Fri, 25 Sep 2026 22:36:37 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0925/1592971-ulster-fightback-falls-just-short-against-edinburgh/United Rugby Championshiphttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0925/1592981-connacht-v-stormers-and-ulster-v-edinburgh-updates/Connacht and Ulster both get their BKT United Rugby Championship seasons under way this evening, with Connacht hosting Stormers and Ulster hosting EdinburghFri, 25 Sep 2026 19:20:07 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0925/1592981-connacht-v-stormers-and-ulster-v-edinburgh-updates/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0924/1592790-united-rugby-championship-round-1-all-you-need-to-know/Everything you need to know ahead of the opening round of the new BKT United Rugby Championship season.Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:51:21 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0924/1592790-united-rugby-championship-round-1-all-you-need-to-know/United Rugby Championshiphttps://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0925/1592063-leinster-set-for-fascinating-year-in-cullens-final-quest/The last stop on our preview tour is the defending champions Leinster, who are heading into their final season under head coach Leo Cullen.Fri, 25 Sep 2026 11:47:43 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0925/1592063-leinster-set-for-fascinating-year-in-cullens-final-quest/United Rugby Championshiphttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0924/1592838-cullen-stormers-defeat-still-very-fresh/Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has said that last season's opening BKT United Rugby Championship weekend loss to the Stormers is still "very fresh" in his mind as his side prepares to take on the Lions on Saturday.Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:46:34 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0924/1592838-cullen-stormers-defeat-still-very-fresh/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0923/1592675-exciting-oshea-can-offer-hope-to-injury-plagued-munster/Injuries to Jack Crowley and Tom Wood have presented an opportunity to another talented out-half from Munster, writes Jonny HollandWed, 23 Sep 2026 14:06:41 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0923/1592675-exciting-oshea-can-offer-hope-to-injury-plagued-munster/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0917/1591899-munster-searching-for-stability-both-on-and-off-the-pitch/Next up on our tour of the provinces is Munster, who will be hoping season two under Clayton McMillan is a little more straightforward than season one.Thu, 17 Sep 2026 11:41:58 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0917/1591899-munster-searching-for-stability-both-on-and-off-the-pitch/United Rugby Championshiphttps://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0923/1592688-murphy-change-is-needed-at-the-top-of-munster-rugby/Former Munster winger Johne Murphy believes "change is needed" at the top of the province's organisation this season in order for them to thrive.Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:37:45 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0923/1592688-murphy-change-is-needed-at-the-top-of-munster-rugby/United Rugby Championshiphttps://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0922/1591673-consolidation-key-for-connacht-under-lancaster/Next up on our tour of the provinces is Connacht, who are looking to kick on after a promising first season under Stuart Lancaster.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:33:04 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0922/1591673-consolidation-key-for-connacht-under-lancaster/United Rugby Championshiphttps://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0922/1592567-duffy-wants-munsters-young-forwards-to-take-control/Munster forwards coach Jimmy Duffy discusses his summer switch from Ulster, his coaching style, and this week's URC opener against the Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:24:54 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0922/1592567-duffy-wants-munsters-young-forwards-to-take-control/United Rugby Championshiphttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0923/1592655-urc-preview-how-are-the-provinces-set-for-2026-27/Neil Treacy is joined by former Munster wing Johne Murphy on a new season of the RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we breakdown all four provinces ahead of the 2026/27 URC season.Wed, 23 Sep 2026 11:33:44 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0923/1592655-urc-preview-how-are-the-provinces-set-for-2026-27/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0922/1592554-munster-re-sign-butler-as-wood-joins-out-half-injury-list/Munster have re-signed out-half Tony Butler on a short-term deal as Tom Wood became the latest out-half to join the long-term injury list.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:11:09 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0922/1592554-munster-re-sign-butler-as-wood-joins-out-half-injury-list/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0922/1591631-champions-cup-qualification-a-must-for-ulster-this-season/First up on our tour of the provinces is Ulster, as Riche Murphy's side look to get beck into contention for a play-off and Champions Cup spot.Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:06:52 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0922/1591631-champions-cup-qualification-a-must-for-ulster-this-season/United Rugby Championshiphttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0917/1591986-jackman-urc-should-be-the-bare-minimum-for-leinster/Former Leinster and Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman has claimed that defending their URC title should be the minimum target for Leinster this season.Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:58:26 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0917/1591986-jackman-urc-should-be-the-bare-minimum-for-leinster/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0904/1590334-leinster-to-return-to-aviva-for-munster-clash-in-october/Leinster have confirmed their United Rugby Championship clash with Munster in October will be played at Aviva Stadium.Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:57:27 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0904/1590334-leinster-to-return-to-aviva-for-munster-clash-in-october/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0729/1585685-wales-rugby-union-confirm-three-team-model/The Welsh Rugby Union is to go ahead with plans to cut the number of professional franchises from four to three, spelling the end for either the Ospreys or Scarlets.Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:03:24 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0729/1585685-wales-rugby-union-confirm-three-team-model/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0729/1585606-schmidt-back-in-irish-rugby-with-ulster-development-role/Ulster Rugby has confirmed the appointment of former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt as a coach development officer with the province.Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:22:32 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0729/1585606-schmidt-back-in-irish-rugby-with-ulster-development-role/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0709/1582545-munster-sign-brookes-munster-sign-brookes-extend-alaalatoa-contract-alaalatoa/Munster have today confirmed the signing of former England international tighthead prop Kieran Brookes on a two-year-deal from Top14 side Perpignan.Thu, 09 Jul 2026 10:53:09 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0709/1582545-munster-sign-brookes-munster-sign-brookes-extend-alaalatoa-contract-alaalatoa/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0702/1581393-carberys-leinster-return-is-confirmed/Leinster have confirmed the return of Ireland international Joey Carbery ahead of the 2026/27 season.Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:08:18 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0702/1581393-carberys-leinster-return-is-confirmed/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0624/1580156-white-not-ruling-out-bid-to-be-next-leinster-coach/Former South Africa and Bulls boss Jake White hasn't ruled out applying to be the next Leinster head coach, as he described the URC champions as the "Barcelona of rugby".Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:30:14 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0624/1580156-white-not-ruling-out-bid-to-be-next-leinster-coach/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0624/1580101-leinster-go-back-to-back-and-who-will-replace-cullen/Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman, Jake White and Ian Keatley on this week's pod as we recap Leinster's URC title win, Leo Cullen's departure in 2027, and the upcoming Nations Championship.Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:20:04 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0624/1580101-leinster-go-back-to-back-and-who-will-replace-cullen/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0620/1579482-cullen-we-are-protective-of-the-team/Leo Cullen looked a little bit lighter on Friday night after Leinster retained their BKT United Rugby Championship title.Sat, 20 Jun 2026 14:44:31 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0620/1579482-cullen-we-are-protective-of-the-team/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0621/1579562-prendergast-says-10-battle-pushes-him-to-get-better/Leinster out-half Sam Prendergast admitted that the competition for the starting number ten shirt with club and country has pushed him to strive for bigger and better things.Sun, 21 Jun 2026 13:29:33 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0621/1579562-prendergast-says-10-battle-pushes-him-to-get-better/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0620/1579470-legends-of-leinster-will-be-sorely-missed-next-season/There's been a lovely tradition down the years when Leinster win a trophy, that some of the team's departing players share the honour of raising it with the captain.Sat, 20 Jun 2026 13:20:20 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0620/1579470-legends-of-leinster-will-be-sorely-missed-next-season/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0619/1579397-deja-vu-as-leinster-hammer-bulls-to-retain-urc-title/The BKT United Rugby Championship trophy is staying in Dublin, after Leinster retained their title with yet another Grand Final hammering of the Bulls at Croke Park.Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:39:13 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0619/1579397-deja-vu-as-leinster-hammer-bulls-to-retain-urc-title/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0619/1579406-cullen-thrilled-by-exceptional-leinsters-performance/A delighted Leo Cullen said there was "so much to love" about his side's display, as they made it back-to-back BKT United Rugby Championship titles.Fri, 19 Jun 2026 23:46:45 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0619/1579406-cullen-thrilled-by-exceptional-leinsters-performance/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0619/1579338-urc-final-leinster-v-bulls-updates/Leinster defend their URC title with emphatic 36-7 win over the Vodacom Bulls.Fri, 19 Jun 2026 18:54:56 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0619/1579338-urc-final-leinster-v-bulls-updates/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0618/1579180-if-you-dont-win-a-trophy-you-feel-pretty-inadequate/Ahead of this evening's URC final, the message and expectation is loud and clear from Leinster's Joe McCarthy.Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:06:25 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/united-rugby-championship/2026/0618/1579180-if-you-dont-win-a-trophy-you-feel-pretty-inadequate/United Rugby Championshiphttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0618/1579143-scrum-battle-could-decide-evenly-poised-urc-grand-final/Neil Treacy previews this evening's BKT United Rugby Championship final, as Leinster host the Bulls at Croke Park for the second year in a row.Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:41:57 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0618/1579143-scrum-battle-could-decide-evenly-poised-urc-grand-final/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0618/1579144-urc-grand-final-leinster-v-bulls-all-you-need-to-know/Leinster take on the Bulls in the URC final for the second year in a row. Here's everything you need to know ahead of Friday's final at Croke Park.Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:08:10 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0618/1579144-urc-grand-final-leinster-v-bulls-all-you-need-to-know/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0617/1578954-white-bulls-must-finally-seize-moment-against-leinster/Jake White believes the Bulls are stronger than ever in the bid to finally topple Leinster in Friday's BKT United Rugby Championship final at Croke Park.Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:53:46 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0617/1578954-white-bulls-must-finally-seize-moment-against-leinster/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0616/1578742-obrien-chance-to-finish-on-a-high-fuelling-leinster/Leinster winger Tommy O'Brien has said that this weekend's BKT United Rugby Championship final against the Vodacom Bulls will be the perfect chance to end their season on a positive note, as they look to give a perfect send off to their departing teammates.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:53:27 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0616/1578742-obrien-chance-to-finish-on-a-high-fuelling-leinster/Rugbyhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0617/1578974-cullen-backing-cahir-and-usanov-to-deliver-against-bulls/Leo Cullen insists he has "huge faith" his side will be able to cope without Andrew Porter in Friday night's BKT United Rugby Championship final at Croke Park.Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:01:22 +0100https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/0617/1578974-cullen-backing-cahir-and-usanov-to-deliver-against-bulls/Rugby