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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ulster-News/Ulster-team-named-for-Heineken-Cup-final.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Ulster team named for Heineken Cup final]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[The Ulster starting XV and replacements to face Leinster in the Heineken Cup Final at Twickenham on Saturday 19th May (KO 5pm) is as follows:]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ulster-News/Ulster-team-named-for-Heineken-Cup-final.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Leinster-News/Leinster-team-named-for-Heineken-Cup-final.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Leinster team named for Heineken Cup final]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[The Leinster team to face Ulster in Saturday’s Heineken Cup final in Twickenham (KO: 5pm) has been named.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Leinster-News/Leinster-team-named-for-Heineken-Cup-final.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/London-Irish/London-Irish-to-play-Munster-in-pre-season.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[London Irish to play Munster in pre-season]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[London Irish has arranged three pre-season fixtures this August to prepare for the 2012/13 Aviva Premiership and Cup campaigns.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/London-Irish/London-Irish-to-play-Munster-in-pre-season.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/RLI/Rugby-League---round-2-preview.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Rugby League - round 2 preview]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[The 2012 Rugby League season is starting to get into full swing with Round Two set to get under way this evening in Ballynahinch with a repeat of the 2010 Ulster Final as the Ballynahinch Rabbitohs take on the Fermanagh Redskins in Ballymacaron Park. This game kicks off at 8pm and is set to be one of the ties of the round.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/RLI/Rugby-League---round-2-preview.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Dave-Clark-to-head-up-IRFU-S-C-role.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Dave Clark to head up IRFU S&C role]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[The Irish Rugby Football Union is pleased to announce that they have appointed Dave Clark as the new Head of Fitness to oversee all areas of elite performance in professional and representative teams.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Dave-Clark-to-head-up-IRFU-S-C-role.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ulster-News/Simon-Danielli-calls-it-a-day.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Simon Danielli calls it a day]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Ulster Rugby confirmed that Simon Danielli has decided to retire from rugby due to a back injury which has plagued the winger throughout this last season]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ulster-News/Simon-Danielli-calls-it-a-day.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Ireland-squad-for-Barbarians-game.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Ireland squad for Barbarians game]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[The Ireland Management has today announced the squad for the summer tour game against the Barbarians in Gloucester on May 29th.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Ireland-squad-for-Barbarians-game.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Ireland-womens-squad-named-for-Amsterdam-7s.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Ireland womens squad named for Amsterdam 7s]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[A thirteen woman squad has been named for the Amsterdam Sevens tournament this weekend as preparations continue for the Women’s sevens squad in their bid to qualify for the IRB Sevens World Cup in 2013.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Ireland-womens-squad-named-for-Amsterdam-7s.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ulster-News/Humphreys-to-leave-Ulster.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Humphreys to leave Ulster]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Ulster Rugby have announced that flyhalf Ian Humphreys will leave the club at the end of this season to take up a three year contract with London Irish.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 05 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ulster-News/Humphreys-to-leave-Ulster.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Connacht-News/Connacht-appoint-new-Chief-Executive.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Connacht appoint new Chief Executive]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[A new chapter in the development of Connacht Rugby begins today with the announcement that the IRFU and Connacht Rugby have appointed Mr. Tom Sears as the next Chief Executive of the western province.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Connacht-News/Connacht-appoint-new-Chief-Executive.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/All-Irish-Final,-Connacht-retain-place-.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[All Irish Final, Connacht retain place.]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Heineken Cup Round up by Frank Quinn]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/All-Irish-Final,-Connacht-retain-place-.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/D-Arcy-inks-new-Ireland-deal.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[D'Arcy inks new Ireland deal]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[The Irish Rugby Football Union and Leinster Rugby is pleased to announce that Gordon D’Arcy has signed a new international contract that will see him remain in Ireland to play with Leinster for a further two seasons until 2014.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/D-Arcy-inks-new-Ireland-deal.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/IRFU-confirm-Nacewa-contract-in-line-with-NIE-poli.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[IRFU confirm Nacewa contract in line with NIE policy]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[In response to a number of media queries, the Irish Rugby Football Union has clarified that the PCRG (Professional Contracts Review Group), following discussions with Leinster Rugby, approved the extension of Isa Nacewa’s contract on March 27th last and that the contract is in line with the non eligible player policy framework.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/IRFU-confirm-Nacewa-contract-in-line-with-NIE-poli.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ulster-News/Ulster-book-their-place-in-Heineken-Cup-final.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Ulster book their place in Heineken Cup final]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Ulster v Edinburgh
Dublin, Aviva Stadium]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ulster-News/Ulster-book-their-place-in-Heineken-Cup-final.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/IRFU-announce-Womens-7s-schedule.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[IRFU announce Womens 7s schedule]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[The Irish Rugby Football Union today announced details of the Ireland Women’s Sevens structures as the Ireland Team begin the journey that will hopefully end in qualification for the IRB 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/IRFU-announce-Womens-7s-schedule.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Guinness-autumn-series-2012.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Guinness autumn series 2012]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[The Irish Rugby Football Union has announced the dates and kick off times for the Guinness Series of games in November.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Guinness-autumn-series-2012.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/IRB-s-Tip-for-tat-policy-needs-redressed.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[IRB's Tip for tat policy needs redressed]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Manus Lappin writes: The recent punishment of Ulster prop John Afoa will once again bring the point of 'tip tackles' back into the spotlight not least because neither assistant referees, nor match day referee picked up on the offence during the game... but that’s another story!]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/IRB-s-Tip-for-tat-policy-needs-redressed.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Heineken-Cup-the-final-four.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Heineken Cup the final four]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes: And then there were four. The semi finalists of the 2012 Heineken Cup:
Clermont Auvergne V. Leinster, Ulster V.Edinburgh ]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Heineken-Cup-the-final-four.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Connacht-News/Ofisa-departs-Connacht.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Ofisa departs Connacht]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[ Legendary flanker Ofisa to depart from Connacht at the end of the season]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Connacht-News/Ofisa-departs-Connacht.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Gatland--certain--to-lead-Lions.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Gatland ‘certain’ to lead Lions]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Thomas Rooney writes: Wales head coach Warren Gatland looks certain to be the man to lead the British and Irish Lions in Australia next year, leading many to question whether such a move could have an adverse effect on Welsh Rugby.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Gatland--certain--to-lead-Lions.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Franks-Rabo-Round-up.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Franks Rabo Round-up]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[As the RaboDirect Pro 12 enters a 2 week break Frank Quinn gives us his latest round-up.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Franks-Rabo-Round-up.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Leinster-News/Shane-Horgan-announces-his-retirement.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Shane Horgan announces his retirement]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Leinster Rugby can announce the immediate retirement of Leinster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions legend Shane Horgan with a long-term knee injury.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Leinster-News/Shane-Horgan-announces-his-retirement.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Franks-6-Nations-review.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Franks 6 Nations review]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes: It was a Kauto Star (pulled up by Ruby Walsh) Gold Cup finish for Ireland as we pulled up at halfway in the last Six Nations game in Twickenham. ]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Franks-6-Nations-review.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/RLI/RL-World-Cup--Ireland-to-play-Australia-in-Thomond.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[RL World Cup: Ireland to play Australia in Thomond ]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Rugby League World Cup 2013 Tournament Schedule Announced
• Thomond Park to Host Ireland v Australia
• Millennium Stadium to host opening ceremony and double header]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/RLI/RL-World-Cup--Ireland-to-play-Australia-in-Thomond.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/A-Frank-assessment---Ireland-v-France.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[A Frank assessment - Ireland v France]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Ireland 17 France 17 - a stalemate
By Frank Quinn]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/A-Frank-assessment---Ireland-v-France.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Ireland-put-Italy-to-the-sword.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Ireland put Italy to the sword]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[ Ireland v Italy.
RBS Six Nations, Dublin Saturday 25th February 2012]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Ireland-put-Italy-to-the-sword.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Franks-Italy-Preview.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Franks Italy Preview]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes: There are no changes to the Irish team to play Italy from the one which was announced for the French game in the RBS Six Nations Championship. That was the summary of the team announcement at Carton House in County Kildare.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Franks-Italy-Preview.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Cian-Healy-6N-Diary.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Cian Healy 6N Diary]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Tuesday 14th February, 2012: International and Leinster rugby star Cian Healy has resumed his Six Nations Diary on www.berocca.ie so rugby fans can log on to read his exclusive insider updates after each match. The Clontarf native has announced his extended partnership with Berocca Performance, to promote the high performance vitamin. ]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Cian-Healy-6N-Diary.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Franks-Heineken-Round-up-(1).aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Franks Heineken Round-up]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[And the Oscar goes to...Munster, Kings on the Road, the No 1 team.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Franks-Heineken-Round-up-(1).aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Last-chance-in-the-Heineken-saloon.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Last chance in the Heineken saloon]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Heineken Cup – last chance in the January saloon by Frank Quinn]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Last-chance-in-the-Heineken-saloon.aspx]]></link>     
</item>
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Heineken-Cup-Rnd-3-review.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Heineken Cup Rnd 3 review]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes: Pride of place after this round goes to Ulster; they did what they had to do and took 5 Points with five tries against Aironi at Ravenhill in Pool 4]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Heineken-Cup-Rnd-3-review.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/RLI/Rugby-League-World-Cup-is-coming-to-Limerick.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Rugby League World Cup is coming to Limerick]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Shannon Development and the Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau are delighted to announce that Limerick has been named as a host venue for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/RLI/Rugby-League-World-Cup-is-coming-to-Limerick.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/O-Brien---We-did-no-dwarf-throwing.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[O Brien - We did no dwarf throwing]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Thomas Rooney writes: Ireland international Sean O’Brien has brushed off suggestions that he and his team-mates partied harder than England during the Rugby World Cup in South Africa]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/O-Brien---We-did-no-dwarf-throwing.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Heineken-Cup/Franks-Heineken-Cup-roundup.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Franks Heineken Cup roundup]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[The next two rounds in December (9th &16th) are the back to back home and away games and it is ironic that the top two contenders in each pool are all playing each other.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Heineken-Cup/Franks-Heineken-Cup-roundup.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Franks-Heineken-round-up.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Franks Heineken round-up]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes: Of the 24 teams competing in round one – 4 teams failed to get a point from the encounters, Aironi, Treviso, Castres and Connacht, such was the closeness of the games.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Franks-Heineken-round-up.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Murphy-ponders-retirement-plans.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Murphy ponders retirement plans]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Pete South writes: Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy is expected to announce his retirement from international rugby after the Leicester captain hinted he would not be around to take part in his country’s 6 Nations campaign early next year.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Murphy-ponders-retirement-plans.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Franks-RWC-round-up.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Franks RWC round-up]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn gives us his Rugby World Cup roundup]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Franks-RWC-round-up.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Two-left-standing.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Two left standing]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn Writes: At the end of a six week tournament we are left with a New Zealand V. France final in Eden Park, Auckland at 9 am Irish Time on Sunday the 23rd October 2011.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Two-left-standing.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/World-Cup/RWC-Ticket-revenue-exceeds-11-times-the-2005-Lions.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[RWC Ticket revenue exceeds 11 times the 2005 Lions Tour]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Ticket revenue for Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) has reached a significant milestone, exceeding by 11 times the revenue of the previous largest grossing event in New Zealand history as the event closes in on its Tournament end target.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/World-Cup/RWC-Ticket-revenue-exceeds-11-times-the-2005-Lions.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Ireland-s-Murphy-ready-to-battle-Leicester-team-ma.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Ireland’s Murphy ready to battle Leicester team-mate]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Tom Rooney writes: Ahead of this weekend’s crucial Rugby World Cup contest between Ireland and Italy, Geordan Murphy has spoken of the banter he has been having with Leicester team-mate and Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni ]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Ireland-s-Murphy-ready-to-battle-Leicester-team-ma.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/O-Gara-dismisses-retirement-talk.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[O’Gara dismisses retirement talk]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Thomas Rooney writes: Ireland fly-half Ronan O’Gara has revealed that he has no intention of retiring from international rugby after the Rugby World Cup comes to a close.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/O-Gara-dismisses-retirement-talk.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Four-years-on.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Four years on]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes:  It has take four years to erase my memory of RWC 2007 – France.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Four-years-on.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/The-glass-is-much-more-than-half-full.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[The glass is much more than half full]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Manus Lappin writes: So the opening weekend of the 2011 Rugby World Cup  is gone, but not without a hitch. The so called minnows of the game providing much of the entertainment not least Japan against France and the USA against Ireland (more on that later).]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/The-glass-is-much-more-than-half-full.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Nobody-is-shouting-stop.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Nobody is shouting stop]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes: After the 2007 RWC, I wrote a piece, entitled as the above as Ireland stuttered and stumbled to a disastrous tournament result.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Nobody-is-shouting-stop.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/D-Arcy-misses-World-Cup-flight.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[D'Arcy misses World Cup flight]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Pete South writes: Gordon D’Arcy has stayed behind as his Irish team-mates fly off to the World Cup in New Zealand as a precaution over a minor calf injury]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/D-Arcy-misses-World-Cup-flight.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/So-why-did-Ireland-lose-.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[So why did Ireland lose?]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Manus Lappin writes: Even an optimist like myself must admit that 4 losses on the trot is not the ideal buildup to a World Cup however I still believe there isn’t much wrong with the Irish rugby team, if they can engage their rugby brains.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 28 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/So-why-did-Ireland-lose-.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Ireland-name-squad-for-RWC.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Ireland name squad for RWC]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Ireland coach Declan Kidney today announced the 30 man squad for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Ireland-name-squad-for-RWC.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/Has-Kidney-Got-It-Right-.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Has Kidney Got It Right?]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[So we now know the 30 players that will carry Ireland’s hopes into the 2011 Rugby World Cup. No doubt Kidney et al didn’t sleep too well over the weekend knowing that they would have to cut their squad and inform the players who weren’t making the grade this time around.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/Has-Kidney-Got-It-Right-.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Making-of-a-squad.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Making of a squad]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn asks: What now for Declan Kidney?]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Making-of-a-squad.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/The-Second-String-.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[ The Second String?]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes: It was all attention on Declan Kidney, flanked by Mike McCarthy and Leo Cullen, as he announced the Irish Team with Leo as Captain to play Scotland in Murrayfield in the plush surroundings of Carton House, Maynooth]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/The-Second-String-.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/No-trophy-at-end-of-summer-series.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[No trophy at end of summer series]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Manus Lappin writes: from an Irish perspective it is mission accomplished from Murrayfield visit.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/No-trophy-at-end-of-summer-series.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/MagnersNews/Kickoff-times---dates-released-for-Pro12.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Kickoff times & dates released for Pro12 ]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[RaboDirect PRO12 organisers, today (Wednesday 3rd August) announced the fixtures, dates, kick-off times and host broadcasters for the opening twelve rounds of the 2011/2012 competition.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/MagnersNews/Kickoff-times---dates-released-for-Pro12.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/D-Arcy-running-out-of-time-for-World-Cup-spot.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[D’Arcy running out of time for World Cup spot]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Pete South writes; Gordon D’Arcy’s participation in the World Cup hangs in the balance because of an ankle injury, according to Ireland’s head coach Declan Kidney.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/D-Arcy-running-out-of-time-for-World-Cup-spot.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Back-to-basics.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Back to basics]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Pete South writes: Back takes charge at Rugby. Neil Back has returned to management with minnows Rugby Lions.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Back-to-basics.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/All-Blacks-Tri-Nations-Test-tickets-sales-update.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[All Blacks Tri Nations Test tickets sales ]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes: The Super 15 Final is between New Zealand (Canterbury) and Australia (Queensland Reds) and this will set the tone for the Tri Nations and give us some idea of what to expect when we meet Australia in the 2nd pool match in the RWC on 17th September.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/All-Blacks-Tri-Nations-Test-tickets-sales-update.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Stormers-snap-up-Brits---is-it-the-right-move-.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Stormers snap up Brits - is it the right move?]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Pete South writes: The Stormers have raised more than a few eyebrows with their sensational swoop for Saracens hooker Schalk Brits on a short-term loan deal.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Stormers-snap-up-Brits---is-it-the-right-move-.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/What-you-should-know-about-betting-in-the-ERC-Hein.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[What you should know about betting in the ERC Heineken Cup]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn gives us the sure bet]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/What-you-should-know-about-betting-in-the-ERC-Hein.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Heineken-Cup/Aviva-to-host-2013-Heineken-Cup-final.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Aviva to host 2013 Heineken Cup final]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Tournament organisers, ERC, announced (9 June, 2011) that the Heineken Cup final will be returning to Dublin in 2013 following the selection of the Aviva Stadium as the venue for European club rugby’s 18 thshowpiece occasion.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Heineken-Cup/Aviva-to-host-2013-Heineken-Cup-final.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Sexton-fuels-Heineken-Cup-fire-with-6-Nations-hear.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Sexton fuels Heineken Cup fire with 6 Nations heartbreak]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Pete South writes: Cast your mind back to the winter and you would find Irish fly-half Jonathan Sexton in an altogether mood.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Sexton-fuels-Heineken-Cup-fire-with-6-Nations-hear.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/The-blue-moon-will-continue-to-rise.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[The blue moon will continue to rise]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Manus Lappin writes:  I’m remaining positive, despite my serious concerns about referee Romain Poite’s ability (or lack thereof) to marshal a game of Rugby, I believe that we are in for a classic Heineken Cup final in Cardiff this Saturday]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/The-blue-moon-will-continue-to-rise.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Leinster-through-with-casualties.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Leinster through with casualties]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes: Leinster made it to their second final by defeating Ulster at the RDS 18-3 in the Magners League]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Leinster-through-with-casualties.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/Poite-could-be-fly-in-European-ointment.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Poite could be fly in European ointment]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Manus Lappin writes: It would be fair to say my heart sank when I read the press release from the ERC stating that Romain Poite would be taking charge of the Heineken Cup final.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/Poite-could-be-fly-in-European-ointment.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Ireland-can-feed-off-Leinster.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Ireland can feed off Leinster ]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Pete South writes: It’s fair to say that the 2011 Six Nations were a mixed bag for Declan Kidneys Ireland.  Glimpses of brilliance were marred by strictly average performances all too often, but the year isnt a right off just yet with the World Cup right around the corner. ]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Ireland-can-feed-off-Leinster.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Retirements-and-Player-Welfare.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Retirements and Player Welfare]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes: Have you noted the number of professional player retirements from injury which have occurred at the end of this busy season?]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Retirements-and-Player-Welfare.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Diack-confident-of-Ulster-comeback.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Diack confident of Ulster comeback]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Pete South writes: Ulster back row Robbie Diack believes his side can comeback strongly from their Heineken Cup exit last weekend, starting with their game against Leinster this weekend.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Diack-confident-of-Ulster-comeback.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frankies-Blog/Frankies-European-thoughts.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Frankies European thoughts]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frankie Sheahan writes: I have just arrived in Brive, to commentate on the match tomorrow for Sky Sports. It is a lovely intimate, quaint town and the Munster supporters should have a very pleasant stay.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frankies-Blog/Frankies-European-thoughts.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Glasgow-throw-in-the-towel.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Glasgow throw in the towel]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes: Glasgow rest international players or the remainder of  the Magners Leagu... is this the start of a worrying trend?
]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Glasgow-throw-in-the-towel.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Why-Only-England-.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Why Only England?]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Brian donnelly asks why is it that Ireland can get themselves up for an encounter against England?]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Why-Only-England-.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Bernard/Getting-the-head-in-the-right-place.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Getting the head in the right place]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Bernard Jackman writes: There was a bit of controversy in the media in the UK last week regarding comments made by Ulster and Ireland winger Andrew Trimble after the win over England.Because Irelands performance was so much better than we had seen over the previous two months and the victory was so comprehensive Journalists were looking for an obvious answer as to what caused this improvement.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Bernard/Getting-the-head-in-the-right-place.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Kidney-rewarded-for-keeping-the-faith.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Kidney rewarded for keeping the faith]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes:  The hidden Ireland was in full glare in the Aviva stadium against England, the crowd sensed it early, the drummers got the message and lashed it out and the players had come to deliver their first 100% performance in round five of the 2011 RBS 6N championship.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Kidney-rewarded-for-keeping-the-faith.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frankies-Blog/Invigorated-by-the-prospect-of-Earls-at-fullback.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Invigorated by the prospect of Earls at fullback]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frankie Sheahan writes: The Ireland team to play England in the final game of the RBS 6 Nations Championship at Aviva Stadium on Saturday has been named. There are two changes in personnel in the backline and also a positional switch.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frankies-Blog/Invigorated-by-the-prospect-of-Earls-at-fullback.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/Where-do-we-go-from-here-.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Where do we go from here?]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[OK, so the triple crown and Six Nations championship dream is gone for another year and you know what, the earth is still spinning and the birds are still singing so it’s not the end of the world as we know it.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/Where-do-we-go-from-here-.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Cardiff-Calling.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Cardiff Calling]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes: “Our achievements clouded over” – Brian O’Driscoll 
Declan Kidney is hoping for the roof to opened “a little fresh air never did anyone any harm” for the game with Wales in the Millennium stadium. ]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Cardiff-Calling.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Bernard/Social-media-and-the-sports-star.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Social media and the sports-star]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Bernard Jackman writes: Tweets and tweeps have their place but guidelines need to be established to ensure their correct use.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Bernard/Social-media-and-the-sports-star.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frankies-Blog/Kidney-sticks-to-his-guns.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Kidney sticks to his guns]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frankie Sheahan gives his views on Declan Kidneys team selection to play Wales on Saturday 12th March]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frankies-Blog/Kidney-sticks-to-his-guns.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/No-more-Mr-Nice-Guy.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[No more Mr Nice Guy]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[There are two trains of thought when looking at Ireland’s opening game against Italy and their recent outing against Scotland. ]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/No-more-Mr-Nice-Guy.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frankies-Blog/Several-players-can-feel-hard-done-by.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Several players can feel hard done by]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frankie Sheahan gives his reaction to Declan Kidneys team selection to play Scotland]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frankies-Blog/Several-players-can-feel-hard-done-by.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Kidneys-Selections---a-bit-of-a-view.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Kidneys Selections - a bit of a view]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frank Quinn writes: In the last six games, 4 in November 2010 and 2 in February 2011, Head Coach Declan Kidney has started 31  players in the Irish shirt. A review of the starters shows that only two players played in all six games - Captain Brian O'Driscoll and Donnacha O'Callaghan.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frank-Quinn/Kidneys-Selections---a-bit-of-a-view.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Ireland-look-to-impress-against-Scotland.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Ireland look to impress against Scotland]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Thomas Rooney writes: Ireland were originally third favourites for the Six Nations and harboured hopes of surprising England and France, both of whom they were to play in Dublin.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Ireland-look-to-impress-against-Scotland.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frankies-Blog/Frankie-Sheahan-s-Ireland-V-France-match-post-mort.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Frankie Sheahan’s Ireland V France match post-mortem]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Frankie Sheahan writes: “What a game! Hugely disappointing but 100% better than last week, outscoring France 3 trys to 1 and taking opportunities this week. Scrum is still king...conceded 6 points as a direct result...on the balance if we deserved  to lose last week, we deserved  to win this week...1 win from 2 matches is probably fair... Poor Sean Cronin...”]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Frankies-Blog/Frankie-Sheahan-s-Ireland-V-France-match-post-mort.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/Dont-be-blind-to-home-improvements.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Dont be blind to home improvements]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Manus Lappin writes: I’m not for one second going to suggest that Ireland will or should be happy with the result against France yesterday. We lost the game, and it was ours for the taking. But by the same token we should not be blind to the marked improvement in the Irish performance.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/Dont-be-blind-to-home-improvements.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Sexton-the-man-for-Kidney.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Sexton the man for Kidney]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Pete South writes: Ireland will hope to put their first round game against Italy behind them with a much improved performance against France on Saturday. ]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/Sexton-the-man-for-Kidney.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/The-Rugby-World-Cup,-why-bother-.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[The Rugby World Cup, why bother?]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Irish rugby fan Brian Donnelly writes: Lets face it and get it out of the way straight away. Its not really a World Cup at all is it. There are only a dozen or so serious rugby playing nations. ]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Blog2/The-Rugby-World-Cup,-why-bother-.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/Will-Kidney-s-faith-be-returned-.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Will Kidney's faith be returned?]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Declan Kidney has named his starting team to face France this Sunday in the Aviva Stadium electing to show faith in the players who so drastically underperformed against Italy the previous week]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Blogs/Manus/Will-Kidney-s-faith-be-returned-.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/O-Garas-boot-saves-day-for-the-Irish.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[O'Garas boot saves day for the Irish]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[It was the boot of Ronan O’Gara that once again sealed the victory for Ireland in Rome this afternoon. As he has done on numerous occasions in the past, O’Gara entered the game late on in the second half as a replacement for Jonny Sexton to slot over a neat drop goal with two minutes left on the clock.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/O-Garas-boot-saves-day-for-the-Irish.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Munster-News/Foley-names-Munster-B-I-Cup-game-v-Esher.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Foley names Munster B&I Cup team v Esher]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Anthony Foley keeps the same forward pack that battled to victory against Nottingham while making a number of changes to his backline for Friday's British & Irish Cup clash with Esher at Garryowen FC (7.30pm). ]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Munster-News/Foley-names-Munster-B-I-Cup-game-v-Esher.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Heineken-Cup/ERC-New-Player-Registrations-ahead-of-round-5.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[ERC New Player Registrations ahead of round 5]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[ERC can confirm that the following players have been nominated by their clubs as their “Additional Player” for the Heineken Cup 2010 / 2011 tournament. The players they are replacing in the squads (maximum 38 players at any time) are de-registered. (Please see NOTE TO EDITORS below)]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Heineken-Cup/ERC-New-Player-Registrations-ahead-of-round-5.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Heineken-Cup/Amlin-Challenge-Cup-Teams.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Amlin Challenge Cup Teams]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[The teams have been named for the Amlin Challenge Cup Round three]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Heineken-Cup/Amlin-Challenge-Cup-Teams.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Leinster-News/Dempsey-set-to-hang-up-the-boots.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Dempsey set to hang up the boots]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Leinster and Ireland fullback Girvan Dempsey has announced that he will retire from the game at the end of the current season]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Leinster-News/Dempsey-set-to-hang-up-the-boots.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Ireland-romp-to-victory-over-Wales.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Ireland romp to victory over Wales]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Declan Kidney had opted to stick with the same starting XV that had done the business against England in Twickenham on Ireland’s previous outing. On the bench, Rob Kearney returned from his injury enforced layoff but Geordan Murphy, after a stunning performance against England, held onto the number fifteen shirt.
Wales would be without the services of Ryan Jones who was replaced in the back row by Gareth Delve who was into the team to earn his 10th cap since debut in 2006.
]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Ireland-romp-to-victory-over-Wales.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Ireland-excel-in-griping-encounter.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[Ireland excel in griping encounter]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[
England 16 - 20 Ireland

If ever the weight of expectation was pressing down on two teams it was these too as they prepared to go head to head at Twickenham in round three of the RBS Six Nations. 
Martin Johnston’s men had been under siege from the British media who one feels were quietly sharpening their blades. 
]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/Ireland-excel-in-griping-encounter.aspx]]></link>     
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     <guid isPermaLink="true"><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/No-Love-In-The-Parisian-Air.aspx]]></guid>
     <title><![CDATA[No Love In The Parisian Air]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Gay Paris, may be the eternal city of love, and this may be Valentines eve but no love was lost when Ireland and France went head to head in the French capital. The Baltic conditions paved way for the frosty reception Ireland received especially from French scrumhalf Parra who it is alleged accused the Irish of cheating, adding an extra edge to this occasion... as if it was needed.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.emeraldrugby.com/News/Ireland-News/No-Love-In-The-Parisian-Air.aspx]]></link>     
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