RTÉ Rugby Podcast

Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley on this week's RTE Rugby podcast, as we look back on a tough start to the URC for the four Irish provinces. Former Munster out-half Keatley reacts to some explosive comments from his former captain Peter O'Mahony on the current state of Munster Rugby, and agrees that changes are needed in the way the organisation is run if they are to get back to former glory. The ex-Ireland international also recaps the province's defeat to Glasgow Warriors last Saturday, where he was encouraged by some elements of their game, in spite of the 26-20 loss. We look at Leinster's defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg, and pick out some of the positives Leo Cullen may have taken from a game where his side picked up two losing-bonus points. We analyse how Connacht were worn down in the final quarter by a powerful Stormers side in Galway on Friday night, and we look at how Ulster face a daunting trip to Glasgow as they try to rebound from their defeat to Edinburgh. 00:00 - Hitting the panic button after four defeats for the provinces? 05:25 - Ian reacts to Peter O'Mahony's comments on how Munster Rugby is run 15:00 - Some positives in spits of defeat for Munster? 18:20 - Signs of a new style of playing with Munster? 22:50 - Caelan Doris reported to be out until the new year 24:45 - Leinster pick up two bonus-points - will Leo Cullen be satisfied with that? 33:00 - Connacht ground down by relentless Stormers 35:15 - Have Irish teams got an issue playing the South Africans? 41:10 - How much is Ian reading into Ulster's shocking 50 minutes against Edinburgh? 48:30 - WXV with Hannah O'Connor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by former Munster wing Johne Murphy on a new season of the RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we breakdown all four provinces ahead of the 2026/27 URC season. 02:03 - Leo Cullen's final season in charge of Leinster 07:45 - Is the Leinster job Felipe Contepomi's to lose? 11:30 - Leinster's season prospects 20:45 - The Peter O'Mahony and Graham Rowntree 'pen' story 28:15 - Munster's season hit by out-half injury crisis 33:30 - Will we see a change in approach from Munster? 37:30 - The vibes are high in Connacht 44:00 - Lancaster's vote of confidence 46:30 - Connacht's summer transfer activity 49:30 - Champions Cup has to be the target for Ulster 51:30 - Richie Murphy beefing up his squad 58:05 - Johne Murphy's players to watch this season See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Jonny Holland on the final RTÉ Rugby podcast of the season, as we recap Ireland's Nations Championship tour, and their 40-21 defeat to New Zealand. We look into some of the "uncharacteristic" errors that littered the opening half of their defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park, which ensured they were always chasing the game on Saturday. Jonny looks at how New Zealand out-half Ruben Love dictated the All Blacks tempo, while we look at the out-half picture in Ireland heading into a World Cup year. We put a microscope over some of the contentious refereeing decisions from Eden Park on Saturday, and ask whether Ireland have a right to feel aggrieved by the yellow card for Luke Jacobson in the first half. And we discuss which players could force their way into the Irish team next season, as Ireland look to close the gap on South Africa, France and New Zealand. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 05:00 - Have Ireland fallen behind the Big 3 in world rugby? 08:30 - Ireland's uncharacteristic errors 19:00 - Ruben Love's influence for the All Blacks 23:00 - Ireland's out-half picture after this season 27:40 - Ireland's refereeing frustrations 46:25 - How do we look back on Ireland's season as a whole? 50:50 - Who could be Ireland's breakout star next season? 56:30 - Is Jonny confident Ireland can iron out their issues? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the All Blacks Test in Auckland Hugh Cahill is joined by Bernard Jackman in studio, with Neil Treacy dialling in from New Zealand. The lads discuss Ireland's patchy performance against Japan and look ahead to the challenge of trying to snap the All Blacks' incredible winning run at Eden Park. They also consider the contrast between New Zealand's decisiveness in hiring Dave Rennie and Australia's slow handover from Joe Schmidt to Les Kiss. Finally there is an interesting exchange between Bernard and Neil regarding the latter's interview with IRFU performance director David Humphrey's last week. TIMESTAMPS 0:30 Ireland's disjointed outing against Japan. To be expected or a concern? 6:45 What is behind the lineout issues? Bernard puts it down to an inability to solve problems on the hoof. 12:00 A look at the nascent Dave Rennie All Blacks - lots of talent, lots of speed and very hard to shutdown. 14:00 Fitness update on Robert Baloucoune and Jeremy Loughman. The team will need to be rejigged but Bernard feels it is essential to get pace of Baloucoune in the XV. 20:00 What to do with back row. Can you fit two options on the bench and give Sean Jansen a chance to impact game against his native land? 22:00 Bernard confident team well placed to put it up to All Blacks. Andy Farrell gets big performances when he looks for one. All Blacks a work in progress despite Eden Park record. 25:45 The contrast between Dave Rennie and Les Kiss situations - why did Australia not give Kiss these three Tests to get up to speed ahead of the World Cup? 31:45 David Humphreys interview. Bernard’s comments have been noted by travelling press pack. Neil rejects notion it was a soft interview just because people don’t like the answers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hugh Cahill presents this week's RTÉ Rugby Podcast and is joined by Bernard Jackman in studio, while Neil Treacy dials in from his Sydney hotel room. The lads dissect Ireland's opening Nations Championship win over Australia and look ahead to Japan this weekend. They also take a look at the All Blacks' win over a weakened France and South Africa's ruthless display of force against England. TIMESTAMPS 0'10" Rugby in July - is it strange? How are Ireland feeling at the end of a very long season. 3'20" How did Australia lose that game? Hugh reckons, like the Cork hurlers, winning isn't a habit yet. 8'20" Should Australia have taken that late kick at goal amid ongoing issues at half-back? 12'45" Neil assesses Sam Prendergast's performance as the out-half rebuilds his confidence away from the intense scrutiny of a Six Nations. 17'10" Ciarán Frawley likely to start against Japan as Andy Farrell set to make an unusual number of changes. 18'50" All Blacks remain a work in progress under Dave Rennie. 20'30" England not getting better under Steve Borthwick. Bernard has heard Johann van Graan being sized up as his replacement. 27'10" Springboks' excellence built on battle stats. 34'10" Update on Jeremy Loughman and Irsh health ahead of Japan Test. 36'00" Neil's packing technique versus Moss Keane See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson as we preview the start of Ireland's Nations Championship campaign against Australia in Sydney. We discuss whether or not the new Nations Championship format will be a success, and discuss some of the travel challenges facing teams in 2026. The panel break down a couple of the key selection calls Andy Farrell will be dealing with this week ahead of meeting the Wallabies. And we also pay tribute to former Ireland women's head coach Philip Doyle, who died last week, while also discussing the new tweaks to the Champions Cup for next season. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Will the Nations Championship improve the game? 07:45 - Too much travel for teams? 11:10 - Can Ireland win the Nations Championship? 20:40 - Who starts at out-half against the Wallabies? 33:50 - What will the back row look like with Caelan Doris out? 39:35 - How will the new maul refereeing interpretations affect Ireland? 44:55 - Philip Doyle RIP 48:40 - Tweaks to the Champions Cup See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman, Jake White and Ian Keatley on this week's pod as we recap Leinster's URC title win, Leo Cullen's departure in 2027, and the upcoming Nations Championship. Jake joins Neil and Bernard to discuss where things went so right for Leinster and so wrong for the Bulls in Friday night's URC final at Croke Park, as the province produced a dominant 36-7 win against their South African opponents. We also discuss Cullen's announcement this week that he would be leaving his role as Leinster head coach in 2027, after 12 years in charge. And we ask Jake if he will be throwing his CV into the mix! Later in the pod, Ian comes on to take an early look ahead at Ireland's Nations Championship campaign, which gets under way against Australia in Sydney on 4 July. We discuss how Sam Prendergast has hit form at the right time as the Test window arrives, as well as running through some of the selection calls faced by Andy Farrell. And we also pay tribute to Munster prop Oli Jager, who confirmed his retirement from rugby on medical grounds last weekend. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Deja vu for Leinster and the Bulls 05:25 - Costly mistakes from high profile Springboks 13:55 - Leinster's scrum held its own 18:25 - Leo Cullen's Leinster legacy 21:00 - Is Jake White interested in the job? 23:30 - The risks and possible rewards by announcing Cullen's departure so early 30:00 - Sam Prendergast grabs the Bull by its horns 37:30 - How will the Ireland back row look against Australia? 41:15 - Billy Bohan set for his debut? 44:42 - Sam Illo's rise in 2025/26 51:28 - Oli Jager's retirement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy and Bernard Jackman are joined by a special guest this week, as former South Africa and Bulls head coach Jake White helps us look ahead to the BKT United Rugby Championship Grand Final between Leinster and the Bulls. White, who brought the Bulls to three URC finals during his time in charge (22:00), explains why Leinster remain the "benchmark" for others to follow in the URC, and why the South Africans are better equipped to get the better of Leo Cullen's side in Friday's final at Croke Park (12:15). The ex-Springboks coach gives us the South African perspective on where this week's final will be won and lost, with a big focus on the scrum (30:35) and the first quarter. And we also get White thoughts on some of the changing trends in rugby (04:00), as well as putting some listener questions for the World Cup winner (50:30). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Ireland number 8 Aoife Wafer, as she discusses a record breaking Six Nations for Ireland's women, winning a second successive Player of the Championship, and and her belief that Ireland can become the best team in the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson, as we look back on Leinster's URC semi-final win against the Stormers, and break down the big stories of the week in Irish rugby. We start this week's podcast by discussing two great losses to the game in Ireland, paying tribute to former Ireland captain Fergus Slattery, and long-term chief executive of the IRFU, Philip Browne, both of whom passed away in the last week. The panel breaks down a gritty URC semi-final win for Leinster against the Stormers (06:10), which sets up a Grand Final rematch against the Bulls at Croke Park on Friday, 19 June. We also react to the confirmation from the province that James Lowe is set to leave Leinster and Ireland at the end of the season (31:17), and ask how both the province and the union allowed this to happen. Bernard and Gareth give their take on the news that Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has agreed a new four-year contract to lead his side all the way to the Rugby World Cup in 2031 (44:00). And we also discuss the two recent coaching appointments at Munster (55:30), and Jimmy Duffy and Jared Payne come into Clayton McMillan's coaching ticket for next season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland to recap a week of high drama in Irish rugby, and the URC quarter-finals. We discuss a couple of heated media exchanges between Leinster head coach Leo Cullen and senior coach Jacques Nienaber in the last week, and ask why Nienaber feels he isn't "valued" in Irish rugby. Bernard also follows up on his own comments around Leinster's coaching decisions during the Champions Cup final, after Cullen took exception to them at the weekend (27:40). We ask whether there is any chance James Lowe will be remaining at the province next season (46:00), and ponder what Andy Farrell must be thinking of how the situation has played out. The panel also looks at Munster and Connacht's URC quarter-final defeats (46:00), and ask why no province has made a move to bring Glasgow Warriors attack coach Nigel Carolan back to Ireland (55:10). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we look back on a pair of disappointing Champions and Challenge Cup final defeats for Leinster and Ulster. We kick the show off on a positive note, with Gareth giving us his quick run through of his time with Ireland during the Women's Six Nations, before we discuss the brilliant scenes of celebrations after Bordeaux's Champions Cup victory. The panel break down just where things went wrong for Leinster in the first half of their 41-19 defeat in Bilbao, as they gave up five tries and 35 points in the opening 40 minutes, while Bernard also takes a closer look at the big contrast in how the two coaching teams operated on the day. We discuss Ulster's painful Challenge Cup final defeat to Montpellier, and how this season will be viewed after Richie Murphy's side missed out on a play-off spot and Champions Cup qualification. And we take a quick look at how Connacht and Munster are shaping up for their URC quarter-finals this weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to look ahead to this weekend's Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup finals in Bilbao, while Hannah O'Connor recaps Ireland's big finish to the Guinness Women's Six Nations. The panel break down the key talking points ahead of Leinster's latest shot at winning the Champions Cup (02:50), with Leo Cullen's side taking on defending champions Bordeaux-Begles on Saturday afternoon. We look at how Ulster face a season-defining Challenge Cup decider against Montpellier on Friday night, while Bernard also brings us up to speed on the province's new forwards coach, Clarke Dermody (21:45). The podcast goes back over Munster's vital win against the Lions last Saturday (37:50), which has secured Clayton McMillan's side a play-off spot and Champions Cup qualification. Connacht, meanwhile, will have to wait to see if their top-half finish is enough for Champions Cup rugby next season (49:15), although Stuart Lancaster's side did secure their play-off spot, as they continue their impressive form. Later, Hannah O'Connor joins Neil to discuss Ireland's comprehensive 54-5 win against Scotland to mark an impressive finish to their Women's Six Nations campaign (56:45). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to discuss the URC play-off picture as we head into the final round of the regular season, while Hannah O'Connor looks ahead to Ireland's Women's Six Nations finale against Scotland at Aviva Stadium on Sunday. Both Bernard and Johne have strong opinions on the independent governance review commissioned by Munster, as the fallout of the Roger Randle saga continues (11:55). The pair also look ahead to the province's meeting with the Lions at Thomond Park, where they may need to win to secure Champions Cup rugby for next season. We discuss Connacht's continued growth under Stuart Lancaster (29:40), and how the province are heading in the right direction, whether or not they make the URC play-offs. The panel recap Ulster's madcap 38-38 draw with the Stormers (38:12), as Richie Murphy's side aim to lock in their play-off spot at home to Glasgow. Later, Hannah joins Neil as we turn our attention towards the final round of the Guinness Women's Six Nations (48:00), as well as the controversial plans to introduce size 4.5 balls by World Rugby in the women's game (1:11:55). To learn more about Johne Murphy's Marathon for MND, visit the link below: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXXU0zvDZ9Y/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Brett Igoe and Jonny Holland as we look back on Leinster and Ulster's Champions and Challenge Cup semi-final wins, while Hannah O'Connor looks ahead to Ireland's Guinness Women's Six Nations meeting with Wales. We start by recapping Leinster's 29-25 win against Toulon which has booked them a Champions Cup final date with Bordeaux-Begles in Bilbao, with Leinster's attack looking as sharp as it has all season, but question marks still remain about their discipline, with two more yellow cards picked up. The panel also discusses Ulster's impressive Challenge Cup semi-final win against Exeter Chiefs (29:40), as Richie Murphy's side go in search of their first silverware for 20 years, with particular praise for Jude Postlethwaite and Jack Murphy. And we preview a huge Interpro in Galway on Saturday night, as Connacht host Munster with a play-off spot on the line (42:20). Later, Neil is joined by Hannah O'Connor (55:35) as Ireland return from the Women's Six Nations fallow week against Wales in Belfast on Saturday evening, with Scott Bemand's side looking to finish their campaign on a high across the next two weekends. Want to get in touch with the RTÉ Rugby podcast? Give us an email on sportpodcasts@rte.ie See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to preview Leinster's Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon, as well as recapping the rest of the provincial action, while Hannah O'Connor looks back on Ireland's Guinness Women's Six Nations defeat to France. The panel discuss the 'scar tissue' carried by Leinster into another Champions Cup semi-final, as well as their surprise defeat to Benetton in Italy last week, which will at least guard against any complacency. We look ahead to Ulster's Challenge Cup semi-final with Exeter Chiefs on Saturday (20:50), as Richie Murphy's side continued to fall further down the URC table with a heavy defeat to Munster. Meanwhile, that win for Munster (31:30) came at a big cost with multiple injuries, but Clayton McMillan's side look within touching distance of confirming Champions Cup qualification, ahead of next week's trip to Connacht (38:10), who will need a big finish to the season. The panel also discuss the finals weekend in the Energia All-Ireland League, as St Mary's ended their long wait for a Division 1A title (41:20). Later (57:50), Hannah joins Neil to recap a pulsating Women's Six Nations clash between France and Ireland in Clermont, as Scott Bemand's side paid for wasting multiple first half chances in a 26-7 defeat. To learn more about Johne Murphy's Marathon for MND, visit: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXXU0zvDZ9Y/ Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, and email us at sportpodcasts@rte.ie See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland to discuss a seismic weekend of URC rugby, while Hannah O'Connor recaps Round 2 of the Guinness Women's Six Nations. We start the show by breaking down Connacht's incredible comeback win away to the Stormers, which has given their play-off hopes a major boost, and had a ripple effect right across the league. Bernard and Jonny break down Leinster's impressive away win at Ulster (15:02), which now gives Leo Cullen's side a great chance of securing one of the top seeds. We look at how Ulster are heading for a nervous final few weeks after their defeat (23:55), and a spate of injuries have put pressure on them to consolidate their play-off spot, with a treacherous run of fixtures ahead. The podcast discusses a much needed win and performance for Munster away to Benetton (31:45), as well as the fallout from their controversial appointment of Roger Randle. And we also cast an eye ahead at the Energia All Ireland League Division 1 final on Sunday afternoon (50:25), as defending champions Clontarf face St Mary's at Aviva Stadium. In part two of this week's podcast, we take a detailed look at Ireland's impressive Guinness Women's Six Nations win against Italy on Saturday with Hannah O'Connor (01:00:57), as attention now turns to a huge away trip to France on Saturday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to discuss another busy week for the Irish provinces in the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup. We look at how Leinster's road to Bilbao is shaping up after their 43-13 win against Sale Sharks secured them a home semi-final against Toulon next month, while we discuss Harry Byrne's influence in the side as they show signs of clicking. We discuss Ulster's comfortable night in uncomfortable weather conditions as they defeated La Rochelle to book a Challenge Cup semi-final against Exeter Chiefs, while we also cover Connacht's elimination at the hands of Montpellier. Munster weren't in action last week, but there is still plenty to talk about after as they return to the URC this weekend, not to mention more rumours of coaching changes. And in part two of this week's podcast, Hannah O'Connor joins Neil to look back at Ireland's Guinness Women's Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Hannah O'Connor as we recap the big talking points from the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cups, while also taking a look ahead at Ireland's Guinness Women's Six Nations campaign. We look at the positives and negatives from Leinster's chaotic 49-31 win against Edinburgh on Sunday, where their attack finally started to click, but also contributed to a messy win. We try to pick apart Munster's horrendous first half performance in Exeter as they fell to a 31-21 defeat to the Chiefs, while we also discuss wins for Connacht and Ulster as they march through to the Challenge Cup quarter-finals. Hannah and Bernard cast their eye ahead to the Women's Six Nations, as Ireland open their campaign up against world champions England at Twickenham on Saturday. And we finish this week's podcast with some listener questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy on the RTÉ Rugby podcast as attention turns to the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup. As Leinster lead the way for Ireland in the Champions Cup, we take a temperature check on where Leo Cullen's side are as they head into the business end of the season, with their discipline and cards the major focus point. We look at the importance of Jack Crowley to Munster's fortunes, as the out-half showed his class in Pretoria, in spite of another defeat for the province. We ask whether Connacht can make it six wins in a row for just the third time ever, with Stuart Lancaster's in-form side hosting Sharks in the Challenge Cup on Friday. And we take a look at Ulster's efforts to bulk up their squad for next season, after their bonus-point win away to Zebre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast as we look back on a mixed week for the Irish provinces in the URC. We discuss Connacht's best performance of the season as they fronted up on defence to secure a bonus-point win away to Ulster, led by the brilliant Bundee Aki. The panel also discuss Jack Carty's legacy at Dexcom Stadium after the out-half confirmed he would retire at the end of the season. We analyse how Ulster can pick up the pieces and finish what has been a promising season on a high, and we dig into two miserable outings for Munster and Leinster in their heavy defeats to the Sharks and Glasgow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast as we recap the incredible final round of the Guinness Men's Six Nations. We look back on France's dramatic 48-46 win against France to snatch the title from Ireland's hands, sealed with a last-second kick from the nerveless Thomas Ramos. The podcast discusses how Ireland finished their championship with their best performance of the campaign, defeating Scotland 43-21 in Dublin to seal the Triple Crown. We also try to guess how the Irish squad will look heading for their Nations Championship tour this summer, as well as discussing the future of head coach Andy Farrell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy and Bernard Jackman and joined by former Scotland international Rory Lawson on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we look ahead to Saturday's Triple Crown decider. We look back on Scotland's sensational 50-40 win against France last weekend, which has blown the competition open and given both sides an outside chance of winning the championship this weekend. Rory brings us up to speed on how Scotland have flipped their fortunes around after their opening round defeat to Italy, where there had been calls for head coach Gregor Townsend to be sacked. The panel preview Saturday's final round at Aviva Stadium, where Ireland will be hoping to extend their 11-game winning run against the Scots and finish their own campaign off with a ninth Triple Crown since 2004. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined in studio by Bernard Jackman and Brett Igoe as we look ahead to Ireland's Guinness Six Nations meeting with Wales at Aviva Stadium on Friday. Brett has been digging through some of his favourite stats and facts through the opening three rounds of the championship, and we discuss how these paint the picture of the tournament so far. We look at France's ability to score from both setpieces and broken play, and we also take a deep dive into Ireland's lineout, both in terms of how they are winning the ball and what they are doing with that possession. Bernard discusses the main area of improvement Ireland need to focus on after their opening three games, while we also discuss Andy Farrell's future at Ireland, with reports linking him with Saracens after the World Cup in 2027. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson to reflect on Ireland's historic victory over England in London. The doom and gloom dissipated over 80 minutes at Twickenham as the visitors beat their hosts by a record margin. The victory gets the campaign back on track and sets the team up for a crack at the Triple Crown over the next two games. Can this be a turning point ahead of a World Cup year in 2027? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hugh Cahill is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland to preview Ireland's crucial Six Nations clash with England. With the England team already named, Andy Farrell and his coaching staff can start planning for Twickenham, with Jonny saying it is crucial Ireland take England out of their comfort zone. Henry Pollock's inclusion for England could spell bad news for Ireland, but a fascinating back row battle awaits. An improved scrum performance is critical, especially as Steve Borthwick preaches the brilliant basics of the England approach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hugh Cahill and Bernard Jackman dive deeper into the state of Irish rugby as the senior men's team face into a critical Six Nations clash with a resurgent Italy on Saturday. Bernard has had a lot of correspondence in recent days from people who are very engaged and concerned about the future of Irish rugby (2:00), even if there is a feeling of disconnect among others. He cites the small crowd at the Ireland XV game in Limerick on Friday night. Hugh asks Bernard for his take on the theory that Jacques Nienaber is to blame for Ireland's poor form... Spoiler alert, he isn't buying it (10:00). Ireland are the only team in the world chasing a high phase count, believes Bernard, when the game now requires a different, less draining approach. Has closing the foreign project player pathway impacted Ireland negatively (18:00)? The IRFU can't be surprised given the rule change so the onus is on the provinces to identify the talent. Looking ahead to Italy, Bernard believes Andy Farrell will drop some frontliners this weekend (21:00), whatever the risks involved against an Azzurri unit who have their tails up. Bryn Ward being promoted from the XV bench to the senior 23 at the Aviva would be a remarkable rise, with Bernard also making a case for Edwin Edogbo. The loss of leadership from retirements of Cian Healy, Conor Murray and Peter O'Mahony is being felt but Bernard says that shortfall has to come from the new generation of players, rather than coach Johnny Sexton (25:00). But are the new generation cut from the same cloth? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Andy Farrell names his XV to play France Hugh Cahill is joined in studio by Bernard Jackman, with Neil Treacy dialling in from Paris. The lads react to the Ireland head coach's personnel choices, as Cian Prendergast and Jacob Stockdale are rewarded for their recent form with starting positions for Thursday's Six Nations opener against France. The younger Prendergast brother, Sam, gets the nod at out-half. It's no real surprise, even if his defence remains a talking point - particularly given France's lightning quick back three. With the team and matchday squad now named, focus must turn to Ireland's discipline and how they can remain on the right side of the officials in the Stade de France. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy and Bernard Jackman are joined on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast by journalist Simon Thomas, as we take a deep dive into the latest controversy in Welsh rugby. Simon, one of the most respected rugby writers in Wales, brings us up to speed on the WRU's plans to reduce their professional programme from four teams to three, with the Ospreys looking most likely to be disbanded after their current owners were revealed to be the preferred bidders to take over Cardiff. As well as looking at what this means for the Ospreys in the immediate future, we also find out how it has come to this, and the wider implications in both Welsh rugby and the URC. Later in the podcast (31:50), we react to the latest injury setback for Ireland ahead of the Six Nations, with Jack Boyle ruled out with an achilles injury, and Connacht's 20-year-old loosehead Billy Bohan called up. And we also discuss the concerns Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will have around his players' relationships with referees, who appear to be losing patience with the amount of backchat in games. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast as we give our instant reaction to the Ireland squad for the opening rounds of the Guinness Six Nations. We look through all of the big calls made by head coach Andy Farrell, including the call-ups for uncapped pair Edwin Edogbo and Nathan Doak. With injury ruling out a number of players, including Andrew Porter and Robbie Henshaw, we discuss the opportunity ahead for some players who are back in the squad after time away, including Harry Byrne, Rob Baloucoune and Tom Stewart. Neil and Bernard examine Munster's shock exit from the Investec Champions Cup, and look ahead to this weekend's big Interpro between Connacht and Leinster. Also this week, Neil is joined by Ireland and Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan (49:55) to get his perspective ahead of the 2026 Six Nations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, where there is a packed schedule of transfer news and Champions Cup action to get through. We discuss the reports from New Zealand this morning which are suggesting Ardie Savea could be the latest All Blacks star to make a move to Leinster, although Bernard isn't convinced it's more than a wild rumour. The podcast also breaks down where Joey Carbery fits with Leinster, as the Ireland international looks set to return to his home province next season. Bernard and Jonny look through the options at loosehead prop for Ireland in the upcoming Six Nations, as injuries to Andrew Porter and Paddy McCarthy create a blend of crisis and opportunity for head coach Andy Farrell. We run through Leinster and Munster's Investec Champions Cup games last weekend, with Leinster defeating La Rochelle and Munster coming up just short away to Toulon, with poor discipline a running theme through both of those games. And we discuss the legacy that Jean Kleyn leaves in both Munster and Irish rugby, with the South African lock departing for Gloucester at the end of the season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson on the first RTÉ Rugby podcast of 2026, as we look back on wins for Ulster and Leinster in the New Year Interpros. First up, we take a look at another impressive Ulster win, as they enjoyed an emphatic 28-3 win against Munster. It continues a fine start to the season for Richie Murphy's side, who have undergone a complete rebuild in the last two seasons. We also look at which Ulster players may have caught the eye of Ireland coach Andy Farrell as the Six Nations looms. The podcast also discusses Munster's recent struggle for form, and how head coach Clayton McMillan looks set to make some ruthless calls as he begins to settle on his best team. We break down an impressive Leinster performance as they hammered Connacht at Aviva Stadium, with the same old failings for Stuart Lancaster's side. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Winterpro season on the RTÉ Rugby podcast, as Neil Treacy and Bernard Jackman break down the key points from this week's URC Irish derbies. We look back at Leinster's win against Munster at Thomond Park, which was full of blood and thunder, but light on quality. Munster's Tadhg Beirne is the latest player to voice his frustration with the way rugby is currently being played, but Bernard is growing frustrated at how it only seems to be people in Irish rugby who are struggling to adapt to the current trends. We look at the big news from Connacht, who confirmed the signing of Ciarán Frawley for next season, and we ask whether more players will follow the versatile Leinster back in making a cross-province transfer this season. And we also give Ulster their credit, as Richie Murphy's side continue their impressive start to the season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Brett Igoe on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast to recap the big rugby news of the week. We look back at a pair of wins for Leinster and Munster in the Investec Champions Cup, both of which had a common thread of Irish sides struggling to convert from inside the 22. We discuss how Leinster can better utilise the skills of their All Black signing Rieko Ioane, and whether the glass is half full or half empty for Leo Cullen's side after their dogged win at Welford Road. The panel looks at Ulster's chances in this Friday night's big Interpro at Aviva Stadium, and ask whether Ulster out-half Jack Murphy could make a play for an Ireland call-up. Off the back of Conor Bartley's impressive cameo for Munster at the weekend, we wonder whether the provinces are starting to put more stock in using the All Ireland League as a development tool. And we look ahead to an important run of games for Connacht under new head coach Stuart Lancaster. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast to discuss a mixed week of results for the Irish provinces in the Investec Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup. We start this week's pod with a long conversation about the impact the kicking game currently has in rugby, sparked by recent criticism of how rugby has become kick and stoppage-heavy as a result of World Rugby's clampdown on 'escorting'. We then look back on the weekend's opening block of games in Europe, starting with how Munster capitulated in the opening quarter against Bath at The Rec (25:45). Attention then turns to Leinster, who Gareth believes are steadily building their season, after a 45-28 win against Harlequins (36:05). We pick out some of the Ulster players who impressed in their 61-7 hammering of Racing 92 in the Challenge Cup (43:55), while we also look over a deeply frustrating afternoon at the office for Connacht, who lost 24-21 away to Ospreys, despite leading the game 21-0 (49:00). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland to recap the big stories of the week in the world of rugby. We discuss the major news of the day from the Rugby World Cup 2027 draw, where Ireland will face Scotland, Portugal and Uruguay in Pool D, and we break down how Ireland's path through the tournament could look, depending on where they finish in the pool. We also discuss Even Etzebeth's red card for eye-gouging from South Africa's win against Wales last weekend, while we talk through another frustrating injury layoff for Mack Hansen, who has undergone surgery on a foot issue. Bernard and Jonny speak up in defence of Jacques Nienaber, after the Leinster senior coach was criticised for leaving the door open around a potential return to the Springboks for the World Cup. And we take a look ahead at the start of the Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cups, which begin this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Mike Ross on this week's RTE Rugby podcast to give a full breakdown on how South Africa dominated Ireland's scrum in Saturday's meeting at Aviva Stadium. The former Ireland international front rows look through various scrum examples from Saturday's game where Ireland gave away six penalties and four other advantages, as well as two red cards. We also discuss how Ireland can address these scrum issues both in the short and long term. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy and Bernard Jackman are joined by South Africa's 2007 World Cup winning captain John Smit ahead of this week's game between Ireland and the Springboks. We get the South African perspective on Ireland from Smit, and discuss what has become one of the biggest rivalries in rugby in recent seasons. The panel look back on Ireland's impressive 46-19 win against Australia last weekend, and discuss some of the key selection decisions facing Andy Farrell this week. And we discuss the issues facing the current disciplinary processes in the game, after straight red cards in consecutive games for the Springboks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and the Sydney Morning Herald's Jonathan Drennan to look ahead of Ireland's meeting with the Wallabies on Saturday. Jonathan, an Irish journalist based in Sydney, brings us up to speed on the comings and goings in Australian rugby since the Lions tour, with Joe Schmidt's side experiencing some major highs and lows in that period. We recap Ireland's 41-10 win against Japan last Saturday, and pick apart another frustrating day at the lineout, which Australia will be sure to go after this weekend. And we also look at some of the changes both sides are likely to make, with Andy Farrell dealing with a number of injury concerns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to pick through the bones of Ireland's 26-13 defeat to New Zealand in Chicago. We react to the news that Tadhg Beirne's red card from the game has been rescinded, and discuss how the TMO confusion added to a poor spectacle at Soldier Field. The panel also looks at how Ireland's attacking game struggled to make a dent in the New Zealand defence (18:45), and the errors that saw them wilt in the final quarter. We discuss the changes Andy Farrell is likely to make this week against, and ask whether or not those performances are likely to be rewarded later in the Quilter Nations Series window (33:45). Bernard also looks at the continuing issues around Ireland's lineout (47:30), which lost five of its 16 throws on Saturday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we recap Round 5 of the URC, and begin to look ahead at Ireland's meeting with the All Blacks in Chicago. As the United Rugby Championship takes a break for the Autumn Nations Series, we give our early season reports for Munster (1:40), Connacht (9:15), Ulster (18:15) and Leinster (24:15), after what's been a mixed start to the season for the provinces. In particular, we discuss how Harry Byrne's return to form has been a big positive in an otherwise poor start for Leinster (26:30). We then turn our attention to the Autumn Nations Series, as Ireland begin their difficult four-game slate against New Zealand in Chicago on Saturday night (36:50). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast by Bernard Jackman and journalist Brendan Fanning to look back on a huge week in the BKT United Rugby Championship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland on this week's RTE Rugby podcast to discuss the major news of the week in Irish Rugby. The panel looks ahead to the first big Interpro of the season in the BKT United Rugby Championship, as Leinster host Munster at Croke Park on Saturday evening. We break down wins for both sides at the weekend, and look at where Munster need to get things right if they're to end their four-game losing run in this fixture. The podcast also cover the highly anticipated first head-to-head meeting of Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley (28:50), and ask how much stock Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will be placing on it. Bernard and Jonny discuss how Ulster clicked in their impressive 28-7 win against the Bulls (38:45), and debate whether or not Jacob Stockdale could make a claim for the Ireland 15 jersey this November. And we also break down where things went wrong for Connacht as they fell to a disappointing 14-8 loss away to Cardiff (48:00). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson on this week's RTE Rugby podcast. We look back on a mixed weekend for the Irish provinces in the URC, with a win for Munster and another defeat for Leinster, while we also take an early look ahead at Ireland's Autumn Nations Series campaign in November. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, to recap the opening round of the United Rugby Championship season. We look at Leinster's chastening defeat to Stormers to begin their campaign, and how there doesn't appear to be any quick fix for their performance issues in Cape Town. The podcast also breaks down impressive wins for Connacht, Munster and Ulster on the opening weekend, with all three recording bonus-point victories. We discuss the rude health of the women's game after England lifted the World Cup last weekend, and we also finish this week's pod with a look at the rebel R360 franchise league. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.