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Tuesday 30 May 2023 Dublin: 7°C

# Centre of attention

This year
2023
# Centre of attention
'I went into the middle of two of the best props in the world . . . Just give it a lash'
Cian Healy has downplayed his cameo role as hooker in Ireland’s win over Scotland.
Last year
2022
# Centre of attention
'He's still finding his feet' - Munster backing Fekitoa to show more
Munster attack coach Mike Prendergast believes they’re on the right path.
All time
# Centre of attention
Long-term injury rules France star Arthur Vincent out of Six Nations
The former World Rugby U20 Championship-winning captain is facing eight months on the sidelines.
# Centre of attention
James Hume gets first Ireland call-up to replace injured Garry Ringrose
The 22-year-old centre impressed this season while starting on 19 occasions for Ulster.
# Centre of attention
Bundee Aki 'like a man possessed' as Connacht target back-to-back wins
The Ireland centre is fit to face Cardiff Blues but Niall Murray looks set to undergo shoulder surgery.
# Centre of attention
Jamie Roberts keeps his promise by returning to Wales to join the Dragons
It is understood the 33-year-old centre, who last played for Wales in 2017, has signed a one-year deal.
# Centre of attention
Friend keen on new deal for Aki 'but that's a decision that rests with the IRFU'
The Connacht head coach hopes the Ireland centre will join Kieran Marmion by signing a new contract.
# Centre of attention
Ireland's Chris Farrell reaping the rewards from his 'shot in the dark'
The Munster centre made his World Cup debut as a first-half substitute in Sunday’s victory over Scotland.
# Centre of attention
O'Driscoll backs 'luxury' defensive option Henshaw to take Ireland 13 shirt
Henshaw and Aki look to have formed a cohesive partnership as the World Cup looms.
# Centre of attention
Marchant handed first England start despite exclusion from World Cup squad
The Harlequins centre’s selection raises doubts about the fitness of Jonathan Joseph and Henry Slade.
# RWC2019
Farrell feeling at home as he bids to 'heap more pressure' on other centres
The Munster back wants to prove he is ready to play at a World Cup if called upon.
# Centre of attention
Pogba impresses as Man United seal pre-season win over Perth Glory
The wantaway midfielder assisted Marcus Rashford’s opening goal in Australia.
# Centre of attention
'I'd like to think I'm ready for the next step but it's up to the coaches to decide'
Tom Farrell is hoping to receive his first Ireland call-up when Joe Schmidt reveals his squad for Ireland’s Grand Slam defence today.
# Centre of attention
Van Graan confident Sam Arnold can continue solving 'puzzles' for Munster's midfield
Chris Farrell’s absence will give the 22-year-old another big stage to perform on this weekend.
# Centre of attention
McCloskey double caps bonus point win for Ulster over Dragons
Will Addison was on form again to help Dan McFarland’s men grab their first five-point success of the season.
# Centre of attention
Henshaw ready and waiting for Munster after missing out on Galway return
The Leinster centre has made his seasonal reappearance in this fixture over the last two years, but now feels in better shape than ever.
# Centre of attention
Harlequins snap up New Zealand-born former NFL player
Paul Lasike was part of the USA side that pulled off a victory over Scotland in Texas in June.
# Inter-pro
Munster's settled centre could hold the key in Pro14 semi
Fatigue may or may not be a factor for Leinster, but they will be without key personnel in their defensive setup.
# Centre of attention
Mentor and apprentice: Ringrose relishing battle with former team-mate Te'o
The 23-year-old will be the centre of attention at Twickenham later as he hopes to help Ireland to a third ever Grand Slam success.
# Centre of attention
'When Ringer was being compared to Drico, I remember saying ‘oh God, that poor young fella’'
Keith Earls knows the weight that comes with a 13 jersey for Ireland, but it has become easier to slip new talents into the outside centre channel.
# Centre of attention
Fit-again Ringrose available for the Kings, but Leinster wait to hear Schmidt's call
The centre has been called into Ireland’s Six Nations squad, but it remains to be seen who he’ll line out for this weekend.
# Centre of attention
Cullen backs Ringrose to slot back in for Wales as centre returns to full training
The 23-year-old could come back into contention for Ireland selection next week.
# Centre of attention
'You have to take everything with a pinch of salt': Stockdale keen to give the hype a wide berth
Ulster take on Harlequins tonight and the 21-year-old is having to tolerate all eyes on him after a fine autumn.
# Centre of attention
New Zealand sevens star in line for earlier-than-expected Connacht debut
Pita Ahki has impressed in training and could feature against Cardiff Blues on Friday.
# Defence
Reid working hard to tighten up Leinster's midfield channel after 53 missed tackles
Leinster have enjoyed a perfect start to their European campaign, but defensively they have been exposed by Montpellier and Glasgow.
# Centre of attention
Taute and Farrell's muscular midfield partnership gives Munster an added dimension
The pair are named to start again in tomorrow’s Pro14 trip to Ospreys.
# Centre of attention
Farrell targets silverware as debut season with Munster looms
The former Ulster centre has joined the southern province after three seasons in France.
# Centre of attention
Leaving Munster would have brought Taute to tears
The South African centre is enjoying his spell with the southern province, which was due to end in December.
# MOTM
'I just feel lucky really': Ringrose still pinching himself as Leinster's centre of attention
Another dazzling performance on Friday night earned the 21-year-old the man-of-the-match award but his feet remain firmly on the ground.
# midfield clash
Ireland's 2013 tormentor Crotty looking forward to clash with old pal Jared Payne
The All Black centre says he’s been apologising to Irish supporters everywhere since denying Joe Schmidt’s men victory in Dublin.
# Centre of attention
Ben Te'o one of seven uncapped players included in England squad
Eddie Jones’ side are preparing for Tests against South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and Australia.
# Centre of attention
Bundee Aki voted Player of the Year in Connacht, Ben Te'o takes Leinster gong
Josh van der Flier and Sean O’Brien picked up the equivalent prize for young players in their respective provinces.
# Centre of attention
Joe Schmidt: 'We haven't trained with Jared at 15'
Simon Zebo was always the head coach’s front-runner to replace Rob Kearney.
# In Demand
Ben Te'o: 'I'm really enjoying rugby union and I probably want to stick around'
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Kiwi will choose to extend his time in Leinster.
# Centre of attention
Inside the highly unusual hotel at the centre of every Budget
Buswells Hotel is an integral part of Irish political life. So much so that until a few years ago the Dáil voting bell used to ring out in the bar.
# last but not least
Options options everywhere, but who should play alongside Robbie Henshaw?
A bruised foot for Jared Payne may force Joe Schmidt to look to a new partner for the Connacht star this weekend.
# OUTSIDE INFLUENCE
Payne criticism 'not based on fact, I thought it was one of Jared's best games' -- Cave
Darren Cave won’t be joining the chorus of criticism for his team-mate and centre rival.
# Centre of attention
Under 20 star Ringrose digs in to make sure feet don't leave the ground
The centre is adept at dodging the weighty comparison to Blackrock and Ireland’s most famous 13.
# Right2Water
'Does this look like a dying movement?' - Tens of thousands protest in Dublin
It’s the fourth major ‘day of action’ on water charges.
# Centre of attention
Henshaw not done tapping D'Arcy for tips while taking every chance to build Payne partnership
Ireland’s new centre partnership will sample the delights of the Millennium Stadium for the first time this weekend.