Farrell open-minded over Ireland World Cup squad selection as warm-ups begin

Task of narrowing down squad will be ‘really difficult’, says incoming Ireland head coach

Gerry Thornley: Opportunity knocks for World Cup hopefuls

Warm-up clash against Italy a chance to press their case for a place in 31-man squad

Ian McKinley welcomes World Rugby decision to allow goggles at all levels

‘It’s a massive day for kids as well if they need goggles from the protective side of things’

Conor O’Shea to stay with Italy until after Six Nations at least

Reports had suggested Italy coach would be replaced after World Cup later this year

'We want to be one of the great clubs in Europe' - Benetton's journey

Italian side has emerged as viable contender for the Pro14 play-offs in Conference B

Connacht taking no chances against in-form Benetton

Coach Friend includes three internationals in squad for important Pro14 test

Ireland pull it out of the fire to avoid leaving Rome in ruins

Joe Schmidt’s side limp home with bonus point after poor performance at the Stadio Olimpico

Ireland look for cohesion and continuity in Rome

Joe Schmidt looking for an improved overall performance against plucky Italians

The Offload: it’s time to stop the penalty try double-whammy

Guy Noves’ France tribunal begins, eventful London Irish bow for resilient Ian Keatley

Ulster rescue a draw with last play to deny Benetton

Italian side denied first win in Belfast since 2011 by penalty try

Robert Baloucoune retains his place as Ulster take on Benetton

Dan McFarland’s side can leapfrog Italians as they bid for top-three finish in Conference B

Sale Sharks say no compensation paid to Cillian Willis

News round-up: Leinster register Conor O’Brien; changes afoot in Munster

Ian Keatley set to join Benetton Rugby next season

Outhalf has not started a game for Munster this season

Larmour bags hat-trick as Ireland win phoney war at Soldier Field

Second-half blitz helps Joe Schmidt’s side run up a half-century of points in Chicago

McKinley’s unquenchable spirit ensures he is living the dream

Despite losing the sight in his left eye, the former Leinster player has gone on to play for Italy

Schmidt expecting Carbery and McGrath to continue progress

Despite the experimental line-ups, there is plenty at stake for players on both sides

The Offload: Is this the moment rugby finally eats itself?

Ian McKinley set for landmark moment; IRFU educates on concussion protocols

Autumn Series: Friendly fire will be as keenly felt as ever

There will be plenty at stake for both teams and players with a World Cup looming

Ian McKinley in line to play against Ireland in Chicago

Former Leinster outhalf named on bench for game at Soldier Field

Conor O’Shea makes ‘difficult decision’ to omit Ian McKinley

'This setback will only steel him to put more pressure on the guys ahead of him'

Conor O’Shea: Ian McKinley ‘a rugby player, not a romantic story’

Outhalf missed out on selection for Italy’s Six Nations trip to play Ireland in native Dublin

Conor O’Shea undaunted by the scale of the Italian job

Head coach remains positive despite Italy’s current low place in the pecking order

Six Nations 2018: Italy may spring a surprise or two

Weakest team impressed last year and Conor O’Shea will now be hoping for more in 2018

Garry Ringrose and Dan Leavy set for Leinster return

Robbie Henshaw and James Ryan ruled out of trip to Italy to face Treviso with injuries

Ireland need to be the party poopers and play it safe against Fiji

The more Joe Schmidt’s side spill the ball, the more they invite Fiji to counter off turnovers

Gerry Thornley: Springboks suffer from northern exposure

Ireland kick-off autumn series with clinical display against woeful South Africa

Ian McKinley makes Italy debut in win over Fiji

Conor O’Shea’s side end nine-match losing streak with victory in Sicily

Bundee Aki scorcher will silence the doubters, says Schmidt

Debutant could add intriguing dimension to attacking game against South Africa

Ian McKinley in line to make Italy debut against Fiji

Outhalf named among replacements by Conor O’Shea for game in Sicily

Sexton praises ‘incredible’ Ian McKinley as first Italy cap beckons

Ireland outhalf expresses joy as former team-mate continues his rise after eye accident

Ragged Ulster almost made to pay at Treviso

Les Kiss’s side get the win but performance leaves much to be desired

Organisers putting positive spin on rebranded Pro14

It remains to be seen whether new South African entrants add much to the mix

Conor O’Shea calls Ian McKinley into Italy training squad

Outhalf returned to rugby after losing the sight in his left eye

Darren Sweetnam grabs two tries as Munster book home semi-final

Bonus-point win in Italy sets up a Thomond Park Pro12 semi-final on May 20th

Rugby’s wild geese: the Irish in England and France

Transfers to English Premiership and French Top 14 now more difficult for Irish players

Ospreys suffer shock defeat to Treviso in Italy

Welsh side remain third in Pro 12 table after failing to gain even a losing bonus point

Jared Payne makes a splash but no bonus point for Ulster

Treviso win is a fourth success in a row for Les Kiss’ team but bonus point was needed

Depleted Leinster facing a potentially tricky test at Treviso

Leo Cullen’s squad boosted by the return of likes of Dave Kearney, Mike Ross and Joey Carbery

Munster continue fine run of form with home win

Munster go top of the Pro12 table after their bonus point win over Treviso

Ulster take home win but little else from Treviso

Less Kiss’s side fail to claim bonus point after misfiring display

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