Matt Gault

Mayo's All-Ireland final victory over Kerry ended the county's 75-year wait for glory and helped Ryan O'Donoghue overcome the disappointment of missing a crucial penalty in the 2021 final. O'Donoghue scored five points, produced a man-of-the-match performance and helped create Darragh Beirne's goal. He credited his parents for supporting his careers in Gaelic football, boxing and soccer, while his outstanding season has made him a leading contender for Footballer of the Year.

Tommy Fleetwood finished fourth at The Open after an early surge and a late run of bogeys ended his title hopes at Royal Birkdale. Despite birdies on the opening and closing holes, mistakes around the turn left him three shots behind winner Ryan Fox. Fleetwood described the home support as emotional and special, expressing disappointment but reaffirming his ambition to win the Claret Jug. His next opportunities will come at St Andrews next year and Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2028.

Rory McIlroy criticised Bryson DeChambeau for delaying proceedings at the Open Championship after the American received a two‑shot penalty for improving his lie. The incident led to prolonged discussions with R&A officials, pushing back tee‑time announcements and prompting frustration among players. While McIlroy said the penalty was justified, DeChambeau disputed the ruling but confirmed he would continue in the tournament. R&A chief executive Mark Darbon described the decision as clear‑cut, and other players, including Scottie Scheffler, indicated they would comment further after the championship.

New Zealand overpowered Ireland 40-21 at Eden Park, scoring six tries and extending their long unbeaten run at the venue. Early Irish errors allowed the All Blacks to build a decisive first‑half lead with tries from Tuipulotu, Savea, Jordan and Aumua. Ireland responded through Conan, McCarthy and Keenan but struggled to build sustained momentum. McKenzie and Lienert‑Brown sealed a convincing New Zealand win, while Ireland were left to regret an error‑filled opening period ahead of a demanding upcoming season.

Rory McIlroy struggled to a one-over-par 72 in the first round of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, hampered by inconsistent greens and several short missed putts. Despite carding four birdies, six bogeys left him seven shots behind leader Jackson Suber. McIlroy acknowledged making avoidable mistakes but remains optimistic that better conditions on Friday could help him recover and move back into contention.

Ireland reinstate several senior players, including the returning Robert Baloucoune, for the Nations Championship match against New Zealand in Auckland. Andy Farrell makes nine changes from the win over Japan, restoring Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong and Sam Prendergast, while retaining six from the previous lineup. Hugo Keenan returns at full-back and Garry Ringrose partners Stuart McCloskey in midfield. The All Blacks enter the match unbeaten at Eden Park since 1994. Ireland aim to end that run as they pursue a strong finish to their southern hemisphere campaign.

Dry and firm conditions at Royal Birkdale are expected to create an unusual Open Championship test, with Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler describing the course as fast, challenging and significantly altered by recent renovations. Both players expressed confidence in their preparation and discussed broader ideas about legacy, emphasising personal fulfilment over records as the tournament approaches.

Ireland defeated Japan 36-20 in a Nations Championship match marked by errors and lineup changes, prompting Andy Farrell to describe his reaction as more relief than satisfaction. Despite set-piece issues and line-out mistakes that led to both Japan tries, Ireland secured a bonus-point win with late scoring. Debutant Sean Jansen impressed with a strong performance and a try. Japan’s coach Eddie Jones highlighted his team’s progress and competitiveness, noting they had a late opportunity to challenge for the win before Ireland pulled away.

France overturned a 21-12 halftime deficit to defeat Australia 42-26 in the Nations Championship, scoring 30 unanswered second-half points through tries from Grandidier Nkanang, Ntamack, Verhaeghe and Attissogbe. Australia’s strong first half, led by McReight’s two tries, collapsed after the break as defensive lapses and a yellow card for Tom Wright allowed France to extend control. The result marked Australia’s sixth consecutive defeat and France’s fourth straight win over the Wallabies, setting up their next fixtures against Italy and Japan respectively.

Ireland’s 33-31 win over Australia highlighted Hugo Keenan’s influential return after 16 months out, delivering a try, key tackles, and a man-of-the-match performance. His impact reinforced his status as Ireland’s preferred full-back despite strong recent displays from Jamie Osborne and Mack Hansen. The match also demonstrated the squad’s growing depth, with figures like Thomas Clarkson progressing well in the absence of regular starters. Conor Murray expressed confidence in Ireland’s expanding options as preparations build toward next year’s World Cup.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has selected Jamie Osborne to start on the left wing against Australia, leveraging his versatility despite his usual roles at centre and full‑back. Osborne joins a Leinster‑heavy backline featuring Sam Prendergast at fly‑half, who aims to build on strong recent form and address past defensive weaknesses. Cian Prendergast returns to the pack following standout performances for Connacht. Farrell maintains a largely established squad, excluding all uncapped players as he targets a strong opening result before potential rotation against Japan later in the month.

Ireland begin their Nations Championship campaign amid significant injury setbacks, prompting opportunities for emerging players across the squad. A competitive fly-half selection battle has reopened with Jack Crowley unavailable, drawing Sam Prendergast, Harry Byrne and Ciaran Frawley into contention. Five uncapped players join the squad as Andy Farrell manages shortages in the front row and backline. Ulster players aim to build on strong Six Nations performances, while Ireland seek to reverse recent losses to New Zealand and end the All Blacks' long unbeaten run at Eden Park during a three-match July series in Australia, Japan and New Zealand.