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
Ultimately Ireland are going to be, and should be, judged by results against the top sides in the world
They’ve played each of the other top 5 nations in 2025, their record:
Played 4, Won 1, Points Diff -34
Not good enough
They’ve played each of the other top 5 nations in 2025, their record:
Played 4, Won 1, Points Diff -34
Not good enough
November 23, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Ultimately Ireland are going to be, and should be, judged by results against the top sides in the world
They’ve played each of the other top 5 nations in 2025, their record:
Played 4, Won 1, Points Diff -34
Not good enough
They’ve played each of the other top 5 nations in 2025, their record:
Played 4, Won 1, Points Diff -34
Not good enough
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? 💭
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
November 19, 2025 at 10:17 AM
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? 💭
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
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 ⬇️
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? 💭
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
Ireland second row Eimear Corri-Fallon has announced her retirement from international rugby
October 31, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Ireland second row Eimear Corri-Fallon has announced her retirement from international rugby
Autumn Internationals Week 1 Predictions 🤔
🏴 England by 12
🇿🇦 South Africa by 40
🏴 Scotland by 60
🇳🇿 New Zealand by 8
And for good measure... Munster to beat Argentina XV 🔴🦌
🏴 England by 12
🇿🇦 South Africa by 40
🏴 Scotland by 60
🇳🇿 New Zealand by 8
And for good measure... Munster to beat Argentina XV 🔴🦌
October 31, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Autumn Internationals Week 1 Predictions 🤔
🏴 England by 12
🇿🇦 South Africa by 40
🏴 Scotland by 60
🇳🇿 New Zealand by 8
And for good measure... Munster to beat Argentina XV 🔴🦌
🏴 England by 12
🇿🇦 South Africa by 40
🏴 Scotland by 60
🇳🇿 New Zealand by 8
And for good measure... Munster to beat Argentina XV 🔴🦌
Not as expected but same concerns remain regarding minutes and depth
McCloskey fully deserving of a big run out, likewise Crowley and Henderson's returns
McCloskey fully deserving of a big run out, likewise Crowley and Henderson's returns
October 30, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Not as expected but same concerns remain regarding minutes and depth
McCloskey fully deserving of a big run out, likewise Crowley and Henderson's returns
McCloskey fully deserving of a big run out, likewise Crowley and Henderson's returns
According to Irish Rugby+ schedule, Andrew Browne's Ireland under-20s will do battle with the world champion South Africa under-20s in a friendly on November 14th in Cork.
Should be a fun one to watch in person or online
Should be a fun one to watch in person or online
October 29, 2025 at 3:55 PM
According to Irish Rugby+ schedule, Andrew Browne's Ireland under-20s will do battle with the world champion South Africa under-20s in a friendly on November 14th in Cork.
Should be a fun one to watch in person or online
Should be a fun one to watch in person or online
Predicted Ireland 23 vs New Zealand ☘️
©️ Caelan Doris back to captain the side
🦁 16 Lions in the 23
🔟 Jack Crowley starting at 10
❌ No room (yet) for P McCarthy, T Ahern, N Timoney, S McCloskey, J Stockdale or T Farrell
Thoughts?
©️ Caelan Doris back to captain the side
🦁 16 Lions in the 23
🔟 Jack Crowley starting at 10
❌ No room (yet) for P McCarthy, T Ahern, N Timoney, S McCloskey, J Stockdale or T Farrell
Thoughts?
October 29, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Predicted Ireland 23 vs New Zealand ☘️
©️ Caelan Doris back to captain the side
🦁 16 Lions in the 23
🔟 Jack Crowley starting at 10
❌ No room (yet) for P McCarthy, T Ahern, N Timoney, S McCloskey, J Stockdale or T Farrell
Thoughts?
©️ Caelan Doris back to captain the side
🦁 16 Lions in the 23
🔟 Jack Crowley starting at 10
❌ No room (yet) for P McCarthy, T Ahern, N Timoney, S McCloskey, J Stockdale or T Farrell
Thoughts?
New Red Army Pod 🎙️ Unbeaten Season... TBC? 🔴🦌
The Drive-For-Five was successful, so the only way is up (we hope)
Enjoy! 🏉 open.spotify.com/episode/21Ry...
The Drive-For-Five was successful, so the only way is up (we hope)
Enjoy! 🏉 open.spotify.com/episode/21Ry...
October 27, 2025 at 10:43 AM
New Red Army Pod 🎙️ Unbeaten Season... TBC? 🔴🦌
The Drive-For-Five was successful, so the only way is up (we hope)
Enjoy! 🏉 open.spotify.com/episode/21Ry...
The Drive-For-Five was successful, so the only way is up (we hope)
Enjoy! 🏉 open.spotify.com/episode/21Ry...
URC... blink... November
Feels the season just started and we're already kicking into overdrive
Make The Inter-Pro Show your go-to for diverse Irish rugby panel discussions ➡️ www.youtube.com/@GlobalGainl...
Feels the season just started and we're already kicking into overdrive
Make The Inter-Pro Show your go-to for diverse Irish rugby panel discussions ➡️ www.youtube.com/@GlobalGainl...
October 26, 2025 at 7:48 PM
URC... blink... November
Feels the season just started and we're already kicking into overdrive
Make The Inter-Pro Show your go-to for diverse Irish rugby panel discussions ➡️ www.youtube.com/@GlobalGainl...
Feels the season just started and we're already kicking into overdrive
Make The Inter-Pro Show your go-to for diverse Irish rugby panel discussions ➡️ www.youtube.com/@GlobalGainl...
Leinster 🔵
5 round differential: -9
Stormers: 0 vs 5 in 2024/25
Bulls: 1 vs 1
Sharks: 5 vs 4
Munster: 0 vs 5
Zebre: 5 vs 5
Total: 11 vs 20
5 round differential: -9
Stormers: 0 vs 5 in 2024/25
Bulls: 1 vs 1
Sharks: 5 vs 4
Munster: 0 vs 5
Zebre: 5 vs 5
Total: 11 vs 20
October 26, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Leinster 🔵
5 round differential: -9
Stormers: 0 vs 5 in 2024/25
Bulls: 1 vs 1
Sharks: 5 vs 4
Munster: 0 vs 5
Zebre: 5 vs 5
Total: 11 vs 20
5 round differential: -9
Stormers: 0 vs 5 in 2024/25
Bulls: 1 vs 1
Sharks: 5 vs 4
Munster: 0 vs 5
Zebre: 5 vs 5
Total: 11 vs 20
Connacht 🟢
4 round differential: -3
Benetton: 5 vs 5 in 2024/25
Cardiff: 1 vs 5
Bulls: 2 vs 0
Munster: 1 vs 2
Total: 9 vs 12
4 round differential: -3
Benetton: 5 vs 5 in 2024/25
Cardiff: 1 vs 5
Bulls: 2 vs 0
Munster: 1 vs 2
Total: 9 vs 12
October 26, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Connacht 🟢
4 round differential: -3
Benetton: 5 vs 5 in 2024/25
Cardiff: 1 vs 5
Bulls: 2 vs 0
Munster: 1 vs 2
Total: 9 vs 12
4 round differential: -3
Benetton: 5 vs 5 in 2024/25
Cardiff: 1 vs 5
Bulls: 2 vs 0
Munster: 1 vs 2
Total: 9 vs 12
Ulster ⚪️
4 round differential: +9
Dragons: 5 vs 5 in 2024/25
Bulls: 5 vs 0
Sharks: 5 vs 1
Lions: 1 vs 1
Total: 16 vs 7
4 round differential: +9
Dragons: 5 vs 5 in 2024/25
Bulls: 5 vs 0
Sharks: 5 vs 1
Lions: 1 vs 1
Total: 16 vs 7
October 26, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Ulster ⚪️
4 round differential: +9
Dragons: 5 vs 5 in 2024/25
Bulls: 5 vs 0
Sharks: 5 vs 1
Lions: 1 vs 1
Total: 16 vs 7
4 round differential: +9
Dragons: 5 vs 5 in 2024/25
Bulls: 5 vs 0
Sharks: 5 vs 1
Lions: 1 vs 1
Total: 16 vs 7