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OTB Rugby

1,918 episodes — Page 12 of 39

S25 Ep 239Rugby Daily | Snyman commits, Lions door ajar for Owen Farrell, McCloskey's Ulster landmark

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has the latest - and pretty significant - contract news from Leinster, and we hear from Leo Cullen on the influence of their NIQ players. Rob Baloucoune is back for Ulster, who hand a 200th cap to Stuart McCloskey.Andy Farrell's left the door open for his son to be part of the Lions tour of Australia. And Ellie Kildunne reaches as landmark for England this week in the Six Nations, as Scott Bemand previews the Italian test.

Mar 27, 202514 min

S25 Ep 238The Red 78 Unlocked | Reds beaten by Glasgow, huge clash with Connacht up next | Ep. 125

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to look back on a disappointing night in Glasgow, and to preview a huge clash with Connacht in the novel surroundings of MacHale Park. 

Mar 27, 202516 min

S25 Ep 236Ireland go in search of first Six Nations victory of The 2025 Six Nations | GRACE DAVITT | OFF THE BALL BREAKFAST

Former Ireland international Grace Davitt joins Ger Gilroy & Colm Boohig on the line to look ahead to Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Italy in Parma this weekend!Off The Ball Breakfast w/ Optimum Nutrition | #unlockmoreyouCatch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/joinOff The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

Mar 27, 202520 min

S25 Ep 233Rugby Daily | Head coach Paulie, Fogarty talks Lions call, Vernier banned

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you details of Andy Farrell's Lions coaching staff, and what it means for Ireland's tests with Georgia and Portugal. We hear from two of Farrell's deputies - John Fogarty and Andrew Goodman.Gabrielle Vernier has learned of her punishment following the 20-minute red card she received in Belfast. Niamh O'Dowd explains the 'Green Wave'. Abdelatif Benazzi has landed a decent consolation job after missing out on the chairmanship of World Rugby. And Mohamed Haouas has learned how he'll pay for his latest transgression.

Mar 26, 202510 min

S25 Ep 232OTB Breakfast Bite | Jack Crowley exit talk + England's qualifying issue

This is Wednesday's OTB Breakfast Bite - a FREE bitesize sample of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, we speak to former Dublin footballer and now health & performance nutritionist Kate McDaid. Football writer Jonathan Wilson proffers the theory that there is too much football. We talk to former Munster hooker Mike Sherry ahead of a huge fixture for Munster at MacHale Park this weekend. And today's Bite checks in with Mike Sherry first, as we ponder the prospect of Jack Crowley actually leaving Munster this summer, then we speak to Jonathan Wilson as he addresses a major issue facing England en route to the World Cup. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Mar 26, 20259 min

S25 Ep 230Rugby Daily | Wilkins remains M.I.A, Munster cavalry returns, Sam's new deal

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest ahead of Saturday's novel interpro in Castlebar. We hear from stand-in Connacht coach Colm Tucker, as well as Munster skills coach Mossy Lawler and their former Connacht man Sean O'Brien on that game at MacHale Park. Sam Prendergast's signed a new deal at Leinster on another busy day for the province's biro. Rob Baloucoune's injury nightmare is finally at an end. And France centre Gabrielle Vernier faces a ban after her 20-minute red against Ireland.

Mar 25, 202510 min

S25 Ep 229OTB Breakfast Bite | James Tracy on the 20-min red card + Tommy Rooney 'bottles' Leitrim ranking

This is Tuesday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your FREE bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, former Leinster and Ireland hooker James Tracy on a lacklustre week for the Irish provinces in URC action. OTB's Dara Smith-Naughton picks his top three performers from Ireland’s opening Women's Six Nations game vs France. Tommy Rooney gives his latest updates to the Football Power Rankings. Finally, Matthew Brennan of Team OTB explains the brand new ‘Baller League’, which debuted last night on Sky Sports.But today's Bite first sees Tommy Rooney discuss his reasons behind placing Leitrim where he did in his latest Performance Rankings, and then it's James Tracy's take on the controversial 20-minute red card.Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Mar 25, 202510 min

S25 Ep 227Ireland's Top Three Performers vs France | Women's Six Nations | Dara Smith-Naughton | OTB Breakfast Rugby

OTB’s Dara Smith-Naughton shares his top three Irish performers with Ger & Colm from Ireland’s opening Six Nations game vs France.Off The Ball Breakfast w/ Optimum Nutrition | #unlockmoreyouCatch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/joinOff The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

Mar 25, 202511 min

S25 Ep 224Rugby Daily | Bemand on France defeat, Lions coaches latest, Grizz Wyllie RIP

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you reaction to Ireland's W6N loss to France at Kingspan Stadium, as we speak directly to head coach Scott Bemand. Richie has the latest on the stories linking Irish coaches to the Lions staff, and what that means for Ireland's summer Tests. The latest too on Antoine Dupont's knee injury. Plus, tributes are paid to an All Black (and Clontarf) great.

Mar 24, 202512 min

S25 Ep 223AOIFE WAFER | Reaction to France game | Codling praise | OTB Rugby

Ireland's number 8 Aoife Wafer joins us to talk about the beginning of the Women's Six Nations, the defeat to France, and preparations going forward. Rugby on off the ball with Bank of Ireland #NeverStopCompeting

Mar 24, 202517 min

S25 Ep 219LINDA DJOUGANG: 'Go for it!... Don't give up!' | Advice for young athletes | Realising the dream

Aer Lingus ambassador and 42-cap Ireland international Linda Djougang speaks with John Duggan on the eve of the Women's Six Nations, with a crucial clash in Belfast against France first up on Saturday.Rugby on Off The Ball w/ Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Mar 21, 202522 min

S25 Ep 220Rugby Daily | Djougang speaks to OTB, Snyman back for Munster, Ulster strengthened

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack puts the final touches to Ireland's Women's Six Nations preparations. We hear from Linda Djougang and Fiona Tuite on the test that awaits in Belfast against France.RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett are back to reinforce Leinster in Pretoria. Ulster are getting stronger as they prepare to slay the Dragons. While Connacht shuffle their pack for their trip to the Ospreys.

Mar 21, 202514 min

S25 Ep 218Women's Six Nations Preview | Ireland Take On France | Who To Watch | The Six Nations Show

It's Fiona Hayes and Anna Caplice on the #SixNationsShow this week as they preview Ireland's opening round of the Women's Six Nations against France this Saturday. From rising stars like Aoife Wafer and new captain, Amee-Leigh Costigan, to dark horses across the tournament, they name the players to watch out for, analyse the French team, and give insight into the Irish camp. #Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Mar 20, 202542 min

S25 Ep 217Rugby Daily | Bemand goes with settled side, Munster ring changes, Mauvaka banned

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has the team news ahead of Ireland's Women's Six Nations opener with France in Belfast. Eve Higgins discusses what success looks like for Ireland in this year's tournament, plus head coach Scott Bemand shares his reasons for picking a new captain. Munster have rung the changes for their URC trip to Glasgow.Peato Mauvaka has received a ban for his headbutt against Scotland.And former Ulster lock Jeremy Davidson has a new job.

Mar 20, 202513 min

S25 Ep 216The Red 78 Unlocked | Glasgow preview | Ep.124

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to look ahead to a huge clash away to reigning URC champions Glasgow Warriors.

Mar 20, 202516 min

S25 Ep 214OTB Breakfast Bite | Eddie Jordan tribute + Women's Six Nations preview

This is Thursday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your FREE bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, Nathan Murphy joined Kathleen and Colm from Plovdiv where he previewed the Republic of Ireland's Nations League playoff with Bulgaria. They, of course, aren't the only international teams in action this week, and football writer Graham Hunter examined the state of play elsewhere. We previewed the Women's Six Nations with former Ireland player Grace Davitt & The Telegraph’s Fiona Tomas. Plus, there was live reaction to the death of former F1 boss Eddie Jordan. And it's there we take our Bite this morning, with former Jordan F1 designer Gary Anderson reacting to the passing of his former boss, and then we check in on that W6N chat with Grace and Fiona. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Mar 20, 202512 min

S25 Ep 213What can we expect from Ireland in this year's Women’s Six Nations? | GRACE DAVITT & FIONA TOMAS | OFF THE BALL BREAKFAST

Former Ireland international Grace Davitt & reporter Fiona Tomas join Kathleen McNamee & Colm Boohig on the line to look ahead to Ireland’s upcoming Six Nations campaign!Off The Ball Breakfast w/ Optimum Nutrition | #unlockmoreyouCatch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/joinOff The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

Mar 20, 202525 min

S25 Ep 221IRELAND 15-27 FRANCE: Scott Bemand, Edel McMahon, Erin King & Niamh O'Dowd reaction

Meghann Scully was in Belfast on Saturday as Ireland were defeated 15-27 to France in the opening round of the Six Nations. She spoke with head coach Scott Bemand as well as squad captain Edel McMahon, and players Erin King and Niamh O'Dowd following the match.Rugby on Off The Ball w/ Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Mar 20, 202512 min

S25 Ep 212Rugby Daily | Parsons blow, Galthié still whinging about Ireland, Leinster duo extend

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has the latest injury news ahead of the start of Ireland's Women's Six Nations campaign, and it's fair to say France have the worst of it. France men's head coach Fabien Galthié continues to moan about Ireland, despite their Six Nations title. Two more Leinster backs have extended their stays with the province. Another England winger has his Lions hopes dashed. And the RFU want a relaxation of the licensing laws around Twickenham.

Mar 19, 20256 min

S25 Ep 208Rugby Daily | Leinster trio extend, Ireland narrowing gap to France in W6N

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack checks in with Ireland's preparations for the start of the Women's Six Nations. Defence coach Hugh Hogan believes Ireland can ask questions of France in Belfast on Saturday. Three Leinster players have extended their stays with the province, and we hear from Jacques Nienaber ahead of their double bill in South Africa. There's also contract news from Connacht today, with assistant coach Colm Tucker providing a squad update. Georgia head coach Richard Cockerill renews calls for promotion/relegation playoff from the Six Nations.Peato Mauvaka could be in hot water following his yellow card against Scotland. And the English Premiership remains a closed shop to Ealing.

Mar 18, 202513 min

S25 Ep 207OTB Breakfast Bite | Alan Quinlan on 6N, Barry Murphy tackles abysmal Bohs

This is Tuesday's OTB Breakfast Bite, your FREE bitesize sample of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, we got the full Six Nations debrief from Alan Quinlan, while OTB's Dara Smith-Naughton provided his team of the tournament. Barry Murphy looked ahead to Thursday's Nations League playoff with Bulgaria, and assessed the League Of Ireland Premier Division after half a dozen games. Plus, OTB’s GAA Correspondent Tommy Rooney rounds up the weekend’s Gaelic football action. But today's Bite checks in with Alan Quinlan's 6N post-mortem, and then we take a look at the LOI with Barry Murphy. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Mar 18, 202510 min

S25 Ep 202Rugby Daily | Crowley latest, Free-to-air 6N, Elsom wins appeal

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has the latest from the Ireland camp ahead of their Six Nations closer away to Italy tomorrow. We hear from Ronan O'Gara on the enemy of complacency, and Alan Quinlan discusses those Jack Crowley links to Leicester. The Six Nations is set to remain on free-to-air television. Connacht lock down an out-half to a new two-year deal. The World U20 Championship is going back to Italy for the first time in a decade, and the draw's been kind to Ireland. Plus, Rocky Elsom has his prison sentence in France reduced on appeal.

Mar 14, 202510 min

S25 Ep 199OTB Breakfast Bite | ROG & Quinlan on Italy-Ireland + Chris Hughton talks Italia 90

This is Friday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your FREE bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. Former Republic of Ireland winger Keith Treacy was in the co-presenter's chair alongside Shane Hannon this morning, and they were joined by both Ronan O'Gara and Alan Quinlan to help look ahead to Ireland's game away to Italy. Ex-Ireland full-back Chris Hughton walked us down memory lane with the 35th anniversary of Italia 90 on the horizon. We previewed day 4 of the Cheltenham Festival with OTB's John Duggan. And we looked back at Manchester United's Europa League win over Real Sociedad with Daniel Harris. But this morning's Bite takes us first to Cagliari, Palermo, Genoa and Rome with Chris Hughton. Then we preview Italy-Ireland with Ronan O'Gara, and Alan Quinlan discusses those Jack Crowley links to Leicester. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Mar 14, 202511 min

S25 Ep 197Rugby Daily | Easterby fires back at Galthié, Crowley returns

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the final batch of team news from this year's Six Nations. Jack Crowley is back in the Ireland no.10 jersey for Saturday's game away to Italy, and we hear Simon Easterby's explanation behind the changes he's made. The interim Ireland head coach has also fired back at France boss Fabien Galthié. Matt Sherratt's made a couple of tweaks to his Wales team as they look to extinguish any lingering England hopes of the title. Plus, Gregor Townsend names the Scotland team that Ireland hope will do them a massive favour in Paris.

Mar 13, 202516 min

S25 Ep 195OTB Breakfast Bite | Mirco Bergamasco + European gold medalist Sarah Healy

This is Thursday's OTB Breakfast Bite, your FREE bitesize sample of this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show we looked ahead to Ireland's Six Nations game away to Italy with former Azzurri back turned truck driver, Mirco Bergamasco. Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival was previewed from Prestbury Park by John Duggan. Leitrim senior men’s football manager Steven Poacher chats about his first season in charge of the team. And we were joined by European Indoor gold medalist Sarah Healy following her sensational 3000m victory. And that's where we take this morning's Bite, as Ger and Colm catch up with Healy. But first, Mirco Bergamasco gives his view of this Saturday's game in Rome. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Mar 13, 202511 min

S25 Ep 192Rugby Daily | Ntamack vents more Ireland vitriol, Porter mounts defence

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of Romain Ntamack pouring more petrol on the fires of last week's clash of Ireland and France at the Aviva. Andrew Porter defends himself after Fabien Galthié attempted to get him cited for his part in the injury sustained by Antoine Dupont. Rabah Slimani is among the Leinster players extending their stay at Leinster. And Ronan O'Gara's refresh of the La Rochelle squad continues.

Mar 12, 202512 min

S25 Ep 188Rugby Daily | Premiership interest in Crowley, Furlong fitness latest

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest from the Ireland camp as attentions turn to Saturday's trip to Italy. We hear from attack coach Andrew Goodman and loosehead Andrew Porter as the inquest into the defeat to France continues. There's Premiership interest in Jack Crowley. Munster and Leinster have both been signing members of their existing squads to new contracts. And New Zealand Rugby secure the services of one of their top prospects.

Mar 11, 202510 min

S25 Ep 187OTB Breakfast Bite | European medalist Kate O'Connor + Mike Sherry on France defeat

Welcome to Tuesday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your FREE bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, we were honoured to be joined by European Athletics bronze medalist, Kate O'Connor. We continued our inquest into Saturday's Six Nations defeat to France with Mike Sherry. John Duggan set the table for the first day of the Cheltenham Festival. Newstalk's Jess Kelly joined us to discuss her involvement in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon, which is supporting the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.And Football Pod host Tommy Rooney provided the latest update on his Football Power Rankings.Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Mar 11, 202511 min

S25 Ep 184Rugby Daily | Ireland fitness latest, FFR president seethes, Slimani future

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest on the health of an Ireland squad still licking their collective wounds after Saturday's defeat to France. FFR president Florian Grill seethes over their treatment at the hands of match officials. England's Ollie Lawrence is now a doubt for the Lions tour this summer. And Richie has the latest on Rabah Slimani's status as a Leinster player.

Mar 10, 202511 min

S25 Ep 183OTB Breakfast Bite | Alan Quinlan on France defeat + Cheltenham preview

Welcome to Monday's Off The Ball Breakfast Bite - your FREE bitesize sample of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. You can listen to that here. On this morning's show, Alan Quinlan joined us for the post mortem on Ireland's Six Nations defeat to France. Football writer Jonathan Wilson reviewed the weekend's Premier League action, and the further dwindling of Arsenal's title hopes. Sarah O'Donovan and Jamie Wall looked back on the weekend's hurling. And John Duggan began our coverage of this week's Cheltenham Festival.And, as ever of a Monday, we brought you the Performance Rankings. But this morning's Bite takes in some of Quinny's dissection of the Ireland loss on Saturday before we cross to Prestbury Park for the first time this week. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Mar 10, 202510 min

S25 Ep 179Rugby Daily | Dupont flags Ireland's ruck, Doris on Alldritt, Italy make changes

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack completes your build-up to tomorrow's titanic battle between Ireland and France at the Aviva. We speak to Caelan Doris and Simon Easterby at today's captain's run, plus Antoine Dupont piles further pressure on tomorrow's referee Angus Gardner. Ronan O'Gara, Alan Quinlan and Andy Dunne all have their say on tomorrow's crunch clash. Plus Italy make half a dozen changes for their test with England on Sunday.

Mar 7, 202513 min

S25 Ep 177OTB Breakfast Bite | Quinlan on Ireland-France, Quirke on football rules

Welcome to Friday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your bitesize, and FREE, taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, we've a bumper preview for Ireland v France in the Six Nations with both Ronan O'Gara and Alan Quinlan. Former Kerry player, and ex-Laois manager Mike Quirke joined us to discuss football's new rules. Plus, football writer Mark Critchley reflected on last night’s 1-1 draw between Man United & Real Sociedad in the Europa League. This morning's Bite begins with Quinny's take on tomorrow's game at the Aviva, and then we check in with Mike on football's new era.Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Mar 7, 202511 min

S25 Ep 178The Best Rivalry in Rugby? | FRANCE vs IRELAND | Brian O'Driscoll, Mike Ross, Gordan D'Arcy & Devin Toner | Settle In | Off The Ball

As we approach the Guinness 0.0 Six Nations showdown of France V Ireland, OTB's own Brian O'Driscoll joined us for an exclusive event at the Open Gate Brewery, where we previewed the big game as well as looking back on his last ever game for Ireland - against France 11 years ago! He was joined by his former team mates, Mike Ross, Gordan D'Arcy & Devin Toner, who recounted their memories in the green jersey.  Settle in is brought to you by Guinness 0.0. 

Mar 7, 202558 min

S25 Ep 173Rugby Daily | Hansen out, Galthié piles pressure on referee

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has your team news ahead of that huge meeting of Ireland and Scotland. Mack Hansen is out of that game, and Simon Easterby explains why. He also discusses his bench composition, Tadhg Furlong's progress and more. Fabien Galthié has begun piling the pressure on Saturday's referee Angus Gardner + he discusses Thierry Henry's visit. And we hear from Gregor Townsend and Matt Sherratt on Saturday's meeting of Scotland and Wales.

Mar 6, 202513 min

S25 Ep 174The Red 78 Unlocked | Munster's poor performance against Edinburgh | Ep. 123

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to discuss the disappointing defeat to Edinburgh in Cork, Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray's impending departures and Ireland v France. 

Mar 6, 202519 min

S25 Ep 170OTB Breakfast Bite | French special with Philippe Saint-André & Jean-Philippe Leclaire

Welcome to Thursday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your FREE bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, we were joined by the one and only Danny Dyer for a very special edition of 'You Had To Be There'. We previewed the Six Nations clash of Ireland and France with Les Bleus legend Philippe Saint-André. And Jean-Philippe Leclaire reviewed Liverpool's smash-and-grab win away to Paris Saint-Germain. And this morning's Bite has a distinctly French flavour as we check in with Saint-André, and first we look back on last night's events at the Parc des Princes. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Mar 6, 202510 min

S25 Ep 166Rugby Daily | Alldritt fitness latest, Rassie on Jones 'spy' rumours, Smith dropped

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest from the France camp ahead of their departure for Dublin. And there's an update on the fitness of Gregory Alldritt. We hear from Mack Hansen and John Fogarty on France's deployment of a 7-1 bench. Marcus Smith has been sensationally dropped by England for the visit of Italy to Twickenham. And Rassie Erasmus addresses chatter that Felix Jones was sent to 'spy' on England.

Mar 5, 202512 min

S25 Ep 164Rugby Daily | France's injury concern, Furlong winning fitness battle, new Connacht coach

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest from the Ireland camp ahead of Saturday's showdown with France. We hear from scrum coach John Fogarty on Tadhg Furlong's battle to be fit, plus Mack Hansen on the desire to send Ireland's retiring trio out on a high. France have injury concerns over an experienced member of their scrum. Les Bleus have reopened old wounds ahead of their trip to Dublin. Connacht have a new senior assistant coach. And we hear from Jamie George as he craves comfort against Italy.

Mar 4, 202513 min

S25 Ep 161Rugby Daily | 2 new central contracts, Furlong fitness latest, ROG help at La Rochelle?

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of two players moving to IRFU central contracts in the summer. There's an update on the health of the squad ahead of Saturday's crunch with France. The FFR have made contact with World Rugby over the discrepancies in the bans of Garry Ringrose and Romain Ntamack. And could Ronan O'Gara be given a new voice in the La Rochelle coaches room?

Mar 3, 20259 min

S25 Ep 159Rugby Daily | Soroka family affair, Hume reveals injury lows, Murray on leadership

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you team news from the three provinces in action in the URC tomorrow. It's a Soroka family affair for Leinster who welcome Cardiff to the Aviva, and we hear from Leo Cullen. Ulster centre James Hume outlines the extent of his injury lows as Ulster prepare to entertain the Scarlets. And Connacht's Paul Boyle provides insight into the challenge posed by Benetton this week. We hear more from Conor Murray following his decision to retire from international action. Plus, the latest ins and outs at Leicester.

Feb 28, 202513 min

S25 Ep 157Rugby Daily | Ringrose banned, trio retire, Munster's new man, Jones back with Boks

On a PACKED edition of Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you reaction to the news that Cian Healy, Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray are all retiring. We hear from Murray himself, who still has road to travel on the club front, as well as Ireland forwards coach Paul O'Connell. Alan Quinlan and Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis react to the appointment of Clayton McMillan as the next Munster head coach. There's team news for Ireland's Six Nations showdown with France, including the latest on Tadhg Furlong. Felix Jones is back in a very familiar job. A clutch of players are to return to action for Munster tomorrow night in Cork, as Denis Leamy discusses the visit of Edinburgh. And a France prop is in more trouble with the law.

Feb 27, 202516 min

S25 Ep 156Reaction to Cian Healy, Conor Murray & Peter O'Mahony's international rugby retirement | OFF THE BALL

OTB's Ger Gilroy, Adrian Barry & Richie McCormack react to the news that Cian Healy, Conor Murray & Peter O'Mahony will retire from international rugby at the end of the Six Nations. Rugby on Off The Ball, with Bank of Ireland.

Feb 27, 202527 min

S25 Ep 152The Red 78 Unlocked | Munster all in on McMillan | Ep. 122

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to discuss the appointment of Chiefs boss Clayton McMillan as their new head coach from July. There's also a preview of the clash with Edinburgh at Virgin Media Park, as the Reds look to maintain their decent URC form. 

Feb 27, 202520 min

S25 Ep 151Guinness & Field of Vision | Transforming The Game For Visually Impaired Fans | Brian O'Driscoll

Brian O'Driscoll speaks to Off The Ball's Alanna Cunnane as Guinness partners with Field of Vision, the pioneers of fan inclusivity, to bring a revolutionary sensory experience to visually impaired fans at this year's Men and Women's Six Nations Championships. "Thanks to a cutting-edge device which uses a touch-based technology and a bespoke haptic language, visually impaired fans can now feel every tackle, try and kick instantly, as well as knowing precisely where the play is happening on the pitch, transforming the game of rugby." Brought to you by Guinness and Guinness 0.0.

Feb 26, 202510 min

S25 Ep 150Rugby Daily | Hansen's new deal latest, Keenan hails Brian Fenton influence

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest regarding Mack Hansen's new deal. We hear from Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins regarding Hansen's return to form, and the process of tying down his out-halves to new deals. Hugo Keenan has given an insight into Brian Fenton's influence on Ireland's win in Cardiff. Brian O'Driscoll has his say on Garry Ringrose's 20-minute red card. And English plans to cap a South African-born centre look to have been scuppered.

Feb 26, 20259 min

S25 Ep 148Rugby Daily | Ringrose to learn fate, Daly injury latest, Nonu returns

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has the latest on Garry Ringrose's disciplinary hearing. Munster count the cost of that ill-fated Ireland 'A' game at Ashton Gate, and we speak to John Ryan. Pete Wilkins also has injury concerns at Connacht, and he's provided an update on their out-half depth chart with JJ Hanrahan departing. Rob Russell is back for Leinster, and we hear from their attack coach Tyler Bleyendaal. And Ma'a Nonu is back in top level rugby at the age of 42.

Feb 25, 202510 min

S25 Ep 145BONUS: DAVID GOUGH: Coming out in the GAA | Promoting a culture of inclusion | Settle In

In case you missed it, here is episode seven of our Settle In series, a bonus listen for our Rugby fans!In this week's episode of 'Settle In,' Eoin Sheahan sat down with Gaelic football referee David Gough to discuss the anniversary of his own coming out story and the culture of inclusion he wants to promote in the GAA. 'Settle In' on Off the Ball brought to you by Guinness 0.0 – Proud Partner of Croke Park Stadium and Proud Partner of the GAA.

Feb 25, 202539 min

S25 Ep 144OTB Breakfast Bite | James Tracy's scrum analysis + Tommy Walsh's padel passion

Welcome to Tuesday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your FREE bitesize sample of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, Kilkenny legend Tommy Walsh looked back over the weekend's Allianz Hurling League action. Former Ireland hooker James Tracy analysed Ireland's scrum performance in Cardiff. OTB's own Kathleen McNamee helped preview this evening's Women's Nations League game away to Slovenia for the Republic of Ireland. Plus, Saipan, Leeds and the never-ending downfall of Manchester United were all covered by Ger, Colm and Arthur. But this morning's Bite first checks in with Tommy Walsh, and his new-found love of padel. Then it's the turn of James Tracy. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Feb 25, 202511 min

S25 Ep 141Rugby Daily | Ringrose latest, Ulster's short-term prop cover, Lancaster's next stop

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you up to date with the Ireland news following an eventful weekend for both the men's sides that were in action. We have the latest on Garry Ringrose, and hear from Alan Quinlan on the centre's red card challenge in Cardiff. Ulster have been forced into signing short-term injury cover for their front row. Two Munster forwards have extended their stays with the province. Stuart Lancaster is a man in demand. The latest from France's crisis club, Stade Francais.And Benetton are to part company with their head coach.

Feb 24, 202510 min

S25 Ep 140OTB Breakfast Bite | 3 Men & A Principality | Wales v Ireland reaction

Welcome to Monday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, Alan Quinlan reviewed the weekend's Six Nations action, including Ireland's nervy win in Wales. We look back on a weekend when Liverpool moved 11-points clear at the top of the Premier League with Jonathan Wilson. OTB GAA Correspondent Tommy Rooney wraps up the weekend’s Gaelic football action. But this morning's Breakfast Bite looks back on the OTB 3 inspiring Wales on Saturday, and we take some of Quinny's view of things as well. Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Feb 24, 202510 min