Jordan Conroy, the celebrated Irish rugby player, has announced his retirement from rugby 7s after a decade-long career with the national team. The 31-year-old made this emotional revelation through an Instagram post, expressing his surprise at the difficulty of saying goodbye to a sport that has shaped his identity for the past ten years.

In his statement, Conroy reflected on his journey, stating, “I didn’t think it would be this difficult writing this, saying goodbye to something that’s been a part of your life the last 10 years.” He emphasized the emotional weight of stepping away from a sport that has provided him with numerous experiences, both challenging and rewarding.

Conroy’s rugby career began at the age of 18, when he played for Tullamore and Buccaneers before making his debut for the Ireland 7s team in 2016. During his tenure, he became a standout player, notably becoming the highest try scorer at the 2020 World Series. His remarkable performance contributed to Ireland’s qualification for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the upcoming 2024 Olympics. Over his career, he played in 171 World Series games, scoring an impressive 123 tries.

In his farewell message, Conroy expressed gratitude towards his teammates and friends, describing them as “brothers” who supported him throughout his career. He said, “We were more than just a team, we were a bunch of lads who believed in each other when others laughed at us.” His heartfelt thanks extended to those who had played vital roles in his journey, both on and off the field.

Conroy’s retirement announcement elicited an outpouring of tributes from the rugby community. Renowned Springboks legend Bryan Habana praised Conroy’s contributions to the sport, stating, “Mad respect @jordan_conroy19 thanks for all the entertainment!!!!” Former teammate Greg O’Shea reminisced about their shared experiences, saying, “What a journey brother. From living together in a tiny hotel room to watching you become one of the best players in the world.”

Reflecting on his career, Conroy acknowledged that the sport has taught him invaluable lessons and has been instrumental in shaping who he is today. He concluded his statement with a note of appreciation for his journey, saying, “I wouldn’t be the Jordan I am today if it wasn’t for this sport.”

As Conroy embarks on the next chapter of his life, his legacy in rugby 7s remains firmly established, marked by his dedication, skill, and the friendships forged along the way.

Raymond van Barneveld is gearing up to demonstrate his enduring competitiveness as he prepares to face Michael van Gerwen in the first round of the World Matchplay on July 21, 2025. The match, which will take place at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, has generated significant anticipation among fans, particularly given the history between the two Dutch players. Van Gerwen, a three-time World Matchplay champion, is currently ranked third in the world, while Van Barneveld holds the thirty-sixth position.

The upcoming clash is not just another match for Van Barneveld; it represents an opportunity to reclaim his status among the elite players in darts. “First of all, it’s the crowd that always kept me going. It’s fantastic if they sing your song, you know, like Barney Army,” Van Barneveld shared during an interview on the Love the Darts podcast. He emphasized the importance of the audience in energizing his performances, particularly in venues across Germany and the UK.

Despite his current ranking, Van Barneveld remains determined to prove that he can still compete at a high level. He acknowledged the challenges of facing multiple defeats each week, stating, “It’s not always great, you have to handle defeats sometimes three, four days a week. No one sees this.” The mental toll of consistent losses has been a struggle for him, yet he is resolute in his desire to return to winning form.

The World Matchplay is known as a critical stage for top players, and Van Barneveld is acutely aware of his past struggles. “It is not a secret that in the majors I’m doing pretty badly and losing first rounds all the time,” he admitted. His focus is on adjusting his game to improve his results at major tournaments, where success is essential for his morale and career longevity.

Former player Paul Nicholson believes this matchup will showcase Van Barneveld’s determination. “Raymond is going to turn up in this game because he is going to want to beat Michael on this stage,” Nicholson remarked, highlighting the intensity of competition that often arises in high-stakes matches. He noted that Van Gerwen will need to be at his best to overcome the challenge presented by Van Barneveld, who is expected to elevate his performance for the occasion.

Fans can look forward to an exciting spectacle when these two rivals meet. The match not only reflects the rich history of darts but also the ongoing rivalry that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Viewers can catch the action live on Sky Sports from July 19-27, 2025, as the tournament unfolds and the best players vie for the prestigious title.

The 153rd Open Championship kicks off this week at Royal Portrush, bringing together the world’s top golfers. Among those capturing attention are Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, who are set to lead the Irish challenge. With fans eagerly anticipating their performances, the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement as the tournament unfolds.

On Wednesday, players took to the practice range, where McIlroy was spotted fine-tuning his game. His arrival at the venue was met with a flurry of speculation regarding his current form and readiness for the competition. Observers noted that McIlroy, a local favorite, is under significant pressure to perform well on home soil.

The Open Championship, which runs from July 18 to July 21, 2024, is renowned for its challenging conditions and storied history. As players prepare, weather forecasts indicate potential challenges ahead. A warning was issued for Thursday, suggesting that conditions may impact play.

In addition to McIlroy’s practice sessions, Shane Lowry has been making headlines as he prepares for the competition. The 2019 champion is looking to replicate his success, and his presence on the course has been a source of inspiration for many fans. Lowry’s consistent performance leading up to the tournament suggests he could be a strong contender.

As the day progressed, McIlroy’s absence from specific practice sessions raised eyebrows. Rumors circulated about his schedule and whether he would make a later appearance. Golf enthusiasts are keenly watching for any updates regarding his participation and performance.

New names also emerged on the leaderboard as the tournament approaches, adding to the intrigue. The competition promises to be fierce, with seasoned players and newcomers alike vying for the coveted title. Golf analysts predict that the dynamic between experienced players like McIlroy and Lowry and younger competitors could shape the outcome of this year’s championship.

The excitement surrounding the Open Championship is palpable, and fans can expect a week filled with thrilling golf action. With the stage set at Royal Portrush, the world will be watching as these top athletes take on one of the most prestigious events in the sport.

Donal Lenihan, the former Irish rugby player and celebrated commentator, has recently expressed his thoughts on the upcoming Lions Tour. While many expected him to be in Australia for the event, circumstances have prevented his attendance this year.

As fans eagerly await the Lions Tour, which will see the British and Irish Lions face formidable opponents, Lenihan’s absence has sparked discussions about the future of the tour and its potential destinations. He emphasizes that if the Lions were to take their talents to France, it would undoubtedly capture the imagination of rugby enthusiasts worldwide.

Rugby’s Exciting Future

In his reflections, Lenihan notes the growing interest in rugby across various regions, particularly in France, where the sport continues to thrive. The prospect of the Lions competing in such a vibrant rugby culture excites many fans and players alike. Lenihan believes that this could elevate the Lions’ profile and attract a larger audience, enhancing the overall experience of the tour.

The anticipated matches could also create significant financial implications for the sport. According to industry insights, hosting the Lions in France could generate substantial revenue, enhancing the economic landscape of rugby in the country.

Despite not being able to attend the tour himself, Lenihan remains optimistic about the potential for rugby to unite fans and players across the globe. He encourages the rugby community to embrace these opportunities, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and competition.

Anticipation Builds for the Tour

As the date for the Lions Tour approaches, discussions around ticket prices and availability have gained traction. Current estimates suggest that annual subscriptions for rugby content could range from €130 to €65, with monthly plans available at €12. These prices reflect the growing demand for exclusive rugby content, particularly as fans seek to stay connected to their teams and the sport.

Lenihan’s insights serve as a reminder of the evolving landscape of rugby and the excitement that upcoming events can bring. As the Lions prepare for their matches, the anticipation continues to build, with fans eager to witness the high-stakes encounters that lie ahead.

In summary, while Donal Lenihan may not be traveling to Australia this time, his reflections on the Lions Tour underline the sport’s vibrant future and the opportunities that await in destinations like France. As rugby continues to grow, so too does its potential to engage a broader audience, ensuring that the spirit of the game remains alive and well.