Six Nations title winners in 2024, Ireland's form has suffered of late and they are under pressure to perform heading into 2025.
Leinster made it 10 wins from 10 in all competitions but had to work hard for a 20-12 victory over Connacht at the Aviva Stadium.
Andy Farrell says Ireland have "battened down the hatches" in their quest to retain the Six Nations title after players received online abuse after their loss to England.
Ciaran Frawley has been named to start for Ireland at full-back in place of the injured Hugo Keenan vs Wales in Six Nations Round 3.
Grand Slam winners in 2023, Ireland suffered familiar quarter-final heartbreak at the autumn's Rugby World Cup. How will Andy Farrell's charges respond?
Ireland Sevens star Andrew Smith helped Connacht keep their Investec Champions Cup hopes alive as they beat 14-player Bristol to finally open their account.
Northampton registered nine tries as they thrashed Bayonne 61-14 to reach the Investec Champions Cup knockout stages.
A look back at the highlights and lowlights from an action-packed, breathless year for Irish sport.
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