Caolán Scully
@caolanscully.bsky.social
Freelance sports journalist | Have contributed for RTÉ Sport, Balls.ie & All Things Rugby | Specialise in rugby and golf | podcast host
https://linktr.ee/caolansrugby
https://linktr.ee/caolansrugby
As bad of an Irish half, and as bad of a rugby half as I can remember
Lots of events, not a lot of ball
Lots of events, not a lot of ball
November 22, 2025 at 6:55 PM
As bad of an Irish half, and as bad of a rugby half as I can remember
Lots of events, not a lot of ball
Lots of events, not a lot of ball
Ireland v RSA Preview Article
“All four of those {previous} meetings have been decided by one score or less, so why would this week be any different?”
Enjoy! ☘️ allthingsrugby.com/news/separat...
“All four of those {previous} meetings have been decided by one score or less, so why would this week be any different?”
Enjoy! ☘️ allthingsrugby.com/news/separat...
Separating the Inseparable: A Rivalry Unlike No Other
Here in Ireland there is one throwaway rugby phrase that I just cannot stand. “Sure, we were rubbish in the nineties”. This is often used to disarm an... | All Things Rugby
allthingsrugby.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Ireland v RSA Preview Article
“All four of those {previous} meetings have been decided by one score or less, so why would this week be any different?”
Enjoy! ☘️ allthingsrugby.com/news/separat...
“All four of those {previous} meetings have been decided by one score or less, so why would this week be any different?”
Enjoy! ☘️ allthingsrugby.com/news/separat...
Ireland look set to finish the year with 55 players used across 2025
Of those, 19 will have played just 1 - 2 games
Of those, 19 will have played just 1 - 2 games
November 21, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Ireland look set to finish the year with 55 players used across 2025
Of those, 19 will have played just 1 - 2 games
Of those, 19 will have played just 1 - 2 games
IRELAND 23 vs Springboks ☘️
4️⃣ changes from last weekend
🔙 Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Josh van der Flier and Andrew Porter start; Tom Farrell on the bench
🔟 Sam Prendergast gets the nod at 10
Thoughts? 💭
4️⃣ changes from last weekend
🔙 Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Josh van der Flier and Andrew Porter start; Tom Farrell on the bench
🔟 Sam Prendergast gets the nod at 10
Thoughts? 💭
November 20, 2025 at 2:02 PM
IRELAND 23 vs Springboks ☘️
4️⃣ changes from last weekend
🔙 Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Josh van der Flier and Andrew Porter start; Tom Farrell on the bench
🔟 Sam Prendergast gets the nod at 10
Thoughts? 💭
4️⃣ changes from last weekend
🔙 Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Josh van der Flier and Andrew Porter start; Tom Farrell on the bench
🔟 Sam Prendergast gets the nod at 10
Thoughts? 💭
The IRFU finances update is worrying, but then again, so is the current financial situation across the game
Decreasing TV revenue, inflated player wages, ticket prices, the cost of living and the dawning professional women’s game are all major factors
Prudence and safety are needed
Decreasing TV revenue, inflated player wages, ticket prices, the cost of living and the dawning professional women’s game are all major factors
Prudence and safety are needed
"We are not comfortable incurring significant deficits but had been prepared to do so in the expectation of material improvements in future broadcasting renewals. Such improvements have not occurred thus far"
www.irishrugby.ie/2025/11/19/i...
www.irishrugby.ie/2025/11/19/i...
Irish Rugby | Irish Rugby Reports Improved Financial Performance And Strong Cash Position From Season 2024/25
www.irishrugby.ie
November 19, 2025 at 9:57 PM
The IRFU finances update is worrying, but then again, so is the current financial situation across the game
Decreasing TV revenue, inflated player wages, ticket prices, the cost of living and the dawning professional women’s game are all major factors
Prudence and safety are needed
Decreasing TV revenue, inflated player wages, ticket prices, the cost of living and the dawning professional women’s game are all major factors
Prudence and safety are needed
The42 indicating returns for Ringrose, Aki, Porter and Van der Flier with Sam Prendergast at 10
Not much else McCarthy, Henshaw and Crowley could have done last week, after super showings, so you’d imagine they’ll be given 20-30 minute cameos if they are on the bench
Not much else McCarthy, Henshaw and Crowley could have done last week, after super showings, so you’d imagine they’ll be given 20-30 minute cameos if they are on the bench
November 19, 2025 at 6:15 PM
The42 indicating returns for Ringrose, Aki, Porter and Van der Flier with Sam Prendergast at 10
Not much else McCarthy, Henshaw and Crowley could have done last week, after super showings, so you’d imagine they’ll be given 20-30 minute cameos if they are on the bench
Not much else McCarthy, Henshaw and Crowley could have done last week, after super showings, so you’d imagine they’ll be given 20-30 minute cameos if they are on the bench
New Pod: Mack-Trick | The Inter-Pro Show ☘️
From Ronaldo to Parrott and one Mack Hansen we have so much to discuss on this week's show. Enjoy!
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=StL7...
From Ronaldo to Parrott and one Mack Hansen we have so much to discuss on this week's show. Enjoy!
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=StL7...
Mack-Trick | The Inter-Pro Show
YouTube video by The Global Gainline
www.youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:17 AM
New Pod: Mack-Trick | The Inter-Pro Show ☘️
From Ronaldo to Parrott and one Mack Hansen we have so much to discuss on this week's show. Enjoy!
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=StL7...
From Ronaldo to Parrott and one Mack Hansen we have so much to discuss on this week's show. Enjoy!
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=StL7...
EXCLUSIVE 🚨
Contrary to reports, it is now believed that Munster WILL be signing Samoan tighthead prop Michael Ala’alatoa
The 34-year-old has previously played for Crusaders, Leinster and Clermont and is believed to be signing on a short-term deal until the end of the season
Contrary to reports, it is now believed that Munster WILL be signing Samoan tighthead prop Michael Ala’alatoa
The 34-year-old has previously played for Crusaders, Leinster and Clermont and is believed to be signing on a short-term deal until the end of the season
November 18, 2025 at 8:06 PM
EXCLUSIVE 🚨
Contrary to reports, it is now believed that Munster WILL be signing Samoan tighthead prop Michael Ala’alatoa
The 34-year-old has previously played for Crusaders, Leinster and Clermont and is believed to be signing on a short-term deal until the end of the season
Contrary to reports, it is now believed that Munster WILL be signing Samoan tighthead prop Michael Ala’alatoa
The 34-year-old has previously played for Crusaders, Leinster and Clermont and is believed to be signing on a short-term deal until the end of the season
Here is my Ireland 23 to face the Boks, as outlined for @ballsdotie.bsky.social this week
3️⃣ just 3 changes as Porter, Crowley and Ringrose return
🚫 no clear lock subs again
🪙 A lot of close 50/50 selection decisions at 1, 7, 10, 12 in particular
Thoughts? 💭
3️⃣ just 3 changes as Porter, Crowley and Ringrose return
🚫 no clear lock subs again
🪙 A lot of close 50/50 selection decisions at 1, 7, 10, 12 in particular
Thoughts? 💭
November 18, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Here is my Ireland 23 to face the Boks, as outlined for @ballsdotie.bsky.social this week
3️⃣ just 3 changes as Porter, Crowley and Ringrose return
🚫 no clear lock subs again
🪙 A lot of close 50/50 selection decisions at 1, 7, 10, 12 in particular
Thoughts? 💭
3️⃣ just 3 changes as Porter, Crowley and Ringrose return
🚫 no clear lock subs again
🪙 A lot of close 50/50 selection decisions at 1, 7, 10, 12 in particular
Thoughts? 💭
Ringrose? Aki? Henshaw?
Crowley? Prendergast?
VDF? Doris? Conan?
I selected my 23 to take on the Boks, for Balls .ie, and you can read it below
Crowley? Prendergast?
VDF? Doris? Conan?
I selected my 23 to take on the Boks, for Balls .ie, and you can read it below
The High Impact Ireland Team That We Want To See Against South Africa | Balls.ie
Ahead of the team announcement later this week, here is the high impact Ireland team we want to see against South Africa on Saturday.
www.balls.ie
November 17, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Ringrose? Aki? Henshaw?
Crowley? Prendergast?
VDF? Doris? Conan?
I selected my 23 to take on the Boks, for Balls .ie, and you can read it below
Crowley? Prendergast?
VDF? Doris? Conan?
I selected my 23 to take on the Boks, for Balls .ie, and you can read it below
Ireland 2026 Nations Championship fixtures:
July: Australia, Japan, New Zealand
November: Argentina, Fiji, South Africa
July: Australia, Japan, New Zealand
November: Argentina, Fiji, South Africa
November 17, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Ireland 2026 Nations Championship fixtures:
July: Australia, Japan, New Zealand
November: Argentina, Fiji, South Africa
July: Australia, Japan, New Zealand
November: Argentina, Fiji, South Africa
Like Hannibal from ‘The A-Team’; Andy Farrell must be telling himself, I love it when a plan comes together”
Ireland’s kick heavy approach was key to big victory over meagre Wallabies
All the latest for @allthingsrugbybs.bsky.social ⬇️
Ireland’s kick heavy approach was key to big victory over meagre Wallabies
All the latest for @allthingsrugbybs.bsky.social ⬇️
Kick and Tackle: How Ireland Finally Found Their Feet
If I gave you a famous TV quote, you would all know where it came from. That’s the thing about cultural moments, they stick with you. They get inside... | All Things Rugby
allthingsrugby.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Like Hannibal from ‘The A-Team’; Andy Farrell must be telling himself, I love it when a plan comes together”
Ireland’s kick heavy approach was key to big victory over meagre Wallabies
All the latest for @allthingsrugbybs.bsky.social ⬇️
Ireland’s kick heavy approach was key to big victory over meagre Wallabies
All the latest for @allthingsrugbybs.bsky.social ⬇️
New Article ✍️ Ireland v Australia Preview ☘️ for @allthingsrugbybs.bsky.social
Mack Hansen is back at 15 for Ireland, so will the dynamic playmaker play a vital role in Ireland’s predictable attack?
We’ll see!
Enjoy! 🏉 allthingsrugby.com/news/return-...
Mack Hansen is back at 15 for Ireland, so will the dynamic playmaker play a vital role in Ireland’s predictable attack?
We’ll see!
Enjoy! 🏉 allthingsrugby.com/news/return-...
Return of the Mack a welcome boost for Ireland
Every coach has that one player they just love. Like a parent who thinks their children are perfect, we all know of that one teammate who fits that bi... | All Things Rugby
allthingsrugby.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:05 AM
New Article ✍️ Ireland v Australia Preview ☘️ for @allthingsrugbybs.bsky.social
Mack Hansen is back at 15 for Ireland, so will the dynamic playmaker play a vital role in Ireland’s predictable attack?
We’ll see!
Enjoy! 🏉 allthingsrugby.com/news/return-...
Mack Hansen is back at 15 for Ireland, so will the dynamic playmaker play a vital role in Ireland’s predictable attack?
We’ll see!
Enjoy! 🏉 allthingsrugby.com/news/return-...
IRELAND 23 vs Australia ☘️
9⃣ changes from win over Japan
©️ Caelan Doris moves to openside
🧔 Return of the Mack - Hansen at 15
🔃 Cian Prendergast and Nick Timoney among the replacements
Thoughts? 💭
9⃣ changes from win over Japan
©️ Caelan Doris moves to openside
🧔 Return of the Mack - Hansen at 15
🔃 Cian Prendergast and Nick Timoney among the replacements
Thoughts? 💭
November 13, 2025 at 2:03 PM
IRELAND 23 vs Australia ☘️
9⃣ changes from win over Japan
©️ Caelan Doris moves to openside
🧔 Return of the Mack - Hansen at 15
🔃 Cian Prendergast and Nick Timoney among the replacements
Thoughts? 💭
9⃣ changes from win over Japan
©️ Caelan Doris moves to openside
🧔 Return of the Mack - Hansen at 15
🔃 Cian Prendergast and Nick Timoney among the replacements
Thoughts? 💭
New Red Army Pod 🚨 Chloe Pearse & Maeve Óg O'Leary Interview 🗣️
We pause our Autumnal hiatus to speak to two Munster stars, and interpro champs.
Chloe and Maeve talk astro turf, Clare, professionalism and of course, Munster.
Enjoy! 🦌 open.spotify.com/episode/7Ik3...
We pause our Autumnal hiatus to speak to two Munster stars, and interpro champs.
Chloe and Maeve talk astro turf, Clare, professionalism and of course, Munster.
Enjoy! 🦌 open.spotify.com/episode/7Ik3...
November 13, 2025 at 9:15 AM
New Red Army Pod 🚨 Chloe Pearse & Maeve Óg O'Leary Interview 🗣️
We pause our Autumnal hiatus to speak to two Munster stars, and interpro champs.
Chloe and Maeve talk astro turf, Clare, professionalism and of course, Munster.
Enjoy! 🦌 open.spotify.com/episode/7Ik3...
We pause our Autumnal hiatus to speak to two Munster stars, and interpro champs.
Chloe and Maeve talk astro turf, Clare, professionalism and of course, Munster.
Enjoy! 🦌 open.spotify.com/episode/7Ik3...
An exciting Ireland Men’s u20s squad named for Friday night’s clash with South Africa
Sami Bishti named as captain, Joe Finn gets a start at 6, there’s a Munster 9-10-12 and Charlie Molony returns
Notable absentees in replies ⬇️
Sami Bishti named as captain, Joe Finn gets a start at 6, there’s a Munster 9-10-12 and Charlie Molony returns
Notable absentees in replies ⬇️
November 12, 2025 at 12:13 PM
An exciting Ireland Men’s u20s squad named for Friday night’s clash with South Africa
Sami Bishti named as captain, Joe Finn gets a start at 6, there’s a Munster 9-10-12 and Charlie Molony returns
Notable absentees in replies ⬇️
Sami Bishti named as captain, Joe Finn gets a start at 6, there’s a Munster 9-10-12 and Charlie Molony returns
Notable absentees in replies ⬇️
The Inter-Pro Show returned this week as we have two wins and one blockbuster rematch to discuss.
Enjoy! 🏉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUCv...
Enjoy! 🏉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUCv...
A Brave & Blossoming Beating! - Ireland vs Japan Review | Inter Pro Show
YouTube video by The Global Gainline
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:55 AM
The Inter-Pro Show returned this week as we have two wins and one blockbuster rematch to discuss.
Enjoy! 🏉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUCv...
Enjoy! 🏉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUCv...
Ireland Squad Selection Article ☘️
I am back with Balls for the remainder of the Autumn, and am once again asking for rotation.
5 Lions on the bench? Worth a punt!
Enjoy! 🏉 www.balls.ie/rugby/team-w...
I am back with Balls for the remainder of the Autumn, and am once again asking for rotation.
5 Lions on the bench? Worth a punt!
Enjoy! 🏉 www.balls.ie/rugby/team-w...
New Look Back Row In Ireland Team We Want Against Australia Could Help Solve Big Issue | Balls.ie
A new look back row could go a long way towards solving a big issue for Ireland in the team we want to see start against Australia.
www.balls.ie
November 10, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Ireland Squad Selection Article ☘️
I am back with Balls for the remainder of the Autumn, and am once again asking for rotation.
5 Lions on the bench? Worth a punt!
Enjoy! 🏉 www.balls.ie/rugby/team-w...
I am back with Balls for the remainder of the Autumn, and am once again asking for rotation.
5 Lions on the bench? Worth a punt!
Enjoy! 🏉 www.balls.ie/rugby/team-w...
Insert “we knew the bar was low but holy fuck” meme
Nothing sells like downplaying the intelligence of the reader 👍
Nothing sells like downplaying the intelligence of the reader 👍
Matt Williams: Entitled fans must stop whinging about Ireland’s defeat to New Zealand - The Irish Times (✍️@IrishTimesRugby) #Ireland #NewZealand #Rugby
Matt Williams: Entitled fans must stop whinging about Ireland’s defeat to New Zealand - The Irish Times
Matt Williams: Entitled fans must stop whinging about Ireland’s defeat to New Zealand The Irish Times
news.google.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Insert “we knew the bar was low but holy fuck” meme
Nothing sells like downplaying the intelligence of the reader 👍
Nothing sells like downplaying the intelligence of the reader 👍
IRELAND 23 vs Japan ☘️
8⃣ changes from loss to All Blacks
©️ Captain Doris back to start
🆕 Tom Farrell set for Ireland debut
❌ No place for Tom Ahern, Gus McCarthy or Jack Boyle
Thoughts? 💭
8⃣ changes from loss to All Blacks
©️ Captain Doris back to start
🆕 Tom Farrell set for Ireland debut
❌ No place for Tom Ahern, Gus McCarthy or Jack Boyle
Thoughts? 💭
November 6, 2025 at 12:31 PM
IRELAND 23 vs Japan ☘️
8⃣ changes from loss to All Blacks
©️ Captain Doris back to start
🆕 Tom Farrell set for Ireland debut
❌ No place for Tom Ahern, Gus McCarthy or Jack Boyle
Thoughts? 💭
8⃣ changes from loss to All Blacks
©️ Captain Doris back to start
🆕 Tom Farrell set for Ireland debut
❌ No place for Tom Ahern, Gus McCarthy or Jack Boyle
Thoughts? 💭
NEW POD ☘️ Golden Era Over? 🙁
Three losses on the bounce to the All Blacks has never felt as worrying as it does right now, so you can expect a variety of thoughts on 2025 Ireland from the lads.
Enjoy! 🏉 youtu.be/x1zt4b8allg?...
Three losses on the bounce to the All Blacks has never felt as worrying as it does right now, so you can expect a variety of thoughts on 2025 Ireland from the lads.
Enjoy! 🏉 youtu.be/x1zt4b8allg?...
Golden Era Over? | The Inter-Pro Show
YouTube video by The Global Gainline
youtu.be
November 5, 2025 at 6:49 AM
NEW POD ☘️ Golden Era Over? 🙁
Three losses on the bounce to the All Blacks has never felt as worrying as it does right now, so you can expect a variety of thoughts on 2025 Ireland from the lads.
Enjoy! 🏉 youtu.be/x1zt4b8allg?...
Three losses on the bounce to the All Blacks has never felt as worrying as it does right now, so you can expect a variety of thoughts on 2025 Ireland from the lads.
Enjoy! 🏉 youtu.be/x1zt4b8allg?...
Ireland v Japan & Spain Predicted 23s ☘️
🔟 changes post NZ with Doris back in
⁉️ Stu McCloskey a doubt, but should start if fit
🆕 Debutant Tom Farrell alongside him
👀 A few XV guys I wouldn't mind seeing vs Japan
Thoughts? 💭
🔟 changes post NZ with Doris back in
⁉️ Stu McCloskey a doubt, but should start if fit
🆕 Debutant Tom Farrell alongside him
👀 A few XV guys I wouldn't mind seeing vs Japan
Thoughts? 💭
November 4, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Ireland v Japan & Spain Predicted 23s ☘️
🔟 changes post NZ with Doris back in
⁉️ Stu McCloskey a doubt, but should start if fit
🆕 Debutant Tom Farrell alongside him
👀 A few XV guys I wouldn't mind seeing vs Japan
Thoughts? 💭
🔟 changes post NZ with Doris back in
⁉️ Stu McCloskey a doubt, but should start if fit
🆕 Debutant Tom Farrell alongside him
👀 A few XV guys I wouldn't mind seeing vs Japan
Thoughts? 💭
No new call-ups to the Ireland squad this week, despite Stuart McCloskey (groin) and Tadhg Beirne (red card) being doubts
Might mean a stronger than expected lineup come Saturday
Might mean a stronger than expected lineup come Saturday
November 3, 2025 at 4:03 PM
No new call-ups to the Ireland squad this week, despite Stuart McCloskey (groin) and Tadhg Beirne (red card) being doubts
Might mean a stronger than expected lineup come Saturday
Might mean a stronger than expected lineup come Saturday
One of the hardest parts of last night is that it’s hard to pin Ireland’s loss on any 1 facet
- Scrum + lineout struggled
- Lost the 22 efficiency battle
- Attack found out
- Defensively porous at costly times
Similarly to vs Leinster, if you stop giving Ireland penalty access; you will win
- Scrum + lineout struggled
- Lost the 22 efficiency battle
- Attack found out
- Defensively porous at costly times
Similarly to vs Leinster, if you stop giving Ireland penalty access; you will win
November 2, 2025 at 10:20 AM
One of the hardest parts of last night is that it’s hard to pin Ireland’s loss on any 1 facet
- Scrum + lineout struggled
- Lost the 22 efficiency battle
- Attack found out
- Defensively porous at costly times
Similarly to vs Leinster, if you stop giving Ireland penalty access; you will win
- Scrum + lineout struggled
- Lost the 22 efficiency battle
- Attack found out
- Defensively porous at costly times
Similarly to vs Leinster, if you stop giving Ireland penalty access; you will win