OTB Rugby

On a bumper Friday edition of Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack takes you into Ireland camp as we hear from Paul O'Connell. Dan Sheehan is back for Leinster after his ACL injury, and we hear from Leo Cullen on the hooker's recovery and those rumours regarding Rabah Slimani. Ben O'Connor is to make his first start for Munster, with their CEO providing an update on their search for a new head coach. John Cooney will make a landmark appearance for Ulster on Sunday. And Pete Wilkins calls for consistency from his Connacht side.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you more of Simon Easterby's media briefing at the Six Nations launch, where he talked about Jonathan Sexton's role among the coaching set-up, and the gap in philosophy between Leinster and Ireland. Richie has the latest on Rabah Slimani's contract status at Leinster. We hear from Stormers head coach John Dobson on the club's link to their home city of Cape Town. Netflix has cut the cord on the Six Nations documentary 'Full Contact'. Another key player has added to Scotland's injury list. And Nicolas Sanchez has called time on a storied career.

In case you missed it, here is episode one from our Settle In Series, as a bonus listen for all of our GAA Fans!Former Ireland international and coach Linda Gorman joined Eoin Sheahan to discuss how she’s tackling ageism in sport by encouraging more people to take up walking football and she also discussed how much support for the women’s game in Ireland has changed since she played on the first ever WNT over 50 years ago.‘Settle in’ in partnership with Guinness 0.0.

Welcome to Thursday's Rugby Daily, I'm Cameron Hill. Coming up today, the Munster team is out for tomorrow's game against the Dragons. Fiona Hayes makes the case for why Tadhg Beirne's discipline issues could see him play a different role in Ireland's Six Nations campaign. And more uncertainty for the Ospreys, after a big announcement by the Welsh Rugby Union today. Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of the dates and kick-off times for the last-16 fixtures in the Investec Champions Cup. We hear from Dan Soper, Pete Wilkins and Alan Quinlan on the road ahead for three of the provinces. Six Nations organisers have confirmed several rule trials will be in place for this year's competition. Two of the players jailed as part of the Grenoble rape trial are seeking their release. And Bill Sweeney refuses to step down as RFU CEO.

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to discuss the cracking contest between the Reds and Northampton, facing La Rochelle in France, their Star of the Week and this weekend's clash with the Dragons. 

Welcome to Tuesday's Rugby Daily, where Richie McCormack takes us to the Six Nations launch in Rome. We hear from interim Ireland head coach Simon Easterby, as well as captain Caelan Doris. England are the latest country hit by the injury plague doing the rounds, and we speak to their new captain Maro Itoje. Another Scotland player has succumb to injury too. Ulster assistant coach Dan Soper explains his new role with the province. And three Munster youngsters have signed new deals.

In case you missed it, here is episode four from our Settle In Series, as a bonus listen for all of our Rugby Fans!Nathan Murphy sat down with Tham & Nhat Nguyen to talk about their incredible journey from Vietnam to Ireland to performing on the world's biggest stage.While they once thought they'd never see each other again, they're now supporting each other through this new stage of life.Settle In is brought to you by Guinness 0.0.

In case you missed it, here is episode Three from our Settle In Series, as a bonus listen for all of our Rugby Fans!Nathan Murphy sat down with Tham & Nhat Nguyen to talk about their incredible journey from Vietnam to Ireland to performing on the world's biggest stage.While they once thought they'd never see each other again, they're now supporting each other through this new stage of life.Settle In is brought to you by Guinness 0.0.Eoin Sheahan was joined by former long distance runner Catherina McKiernan who has won marathons across Europe as well as medalling at World and European Cross County Championships.She dives into whether she has any regrets when reflecting on her illustrious career and what life post-competing has been like.Settle In is brought to you by Guinness 0.0.

Welcome to Tuesday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. This morning on the show, The Athletic's Matt Slater joined us to discuss Manchester United's lack of spending power as part of a wider INEOS trend. Finn Harps' manager and CEO joined us to share their ambitious plans for the Donegal club. And after facing his former side at the Aviva on Saturday, Ross Molony dialled in from Bath. And that's where we take our Bite this morning, with the start of that Ross Molony chat, and then into a discussion around the social media abuse that's forced Leinster to take action. 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

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of a double blow to Scotland's Six Nations hopes. We also get the Leinster view of their Investec Champions Cup draw to play Harlequins. Yet another frontline Munster player succumbs to injury. And Pete Wilkins on Connacht's familiar route to a potential Challenge Cup final.

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the all-important team news for Munster and Leinster's final pool fixtures in the Investec Champions Cup. We hear from Leinster head coach Leo Cullen on his decision to start Garry Ringrose on the wing against Bath. Conor Murray on the enmity that's built up between Munster and Northampton. Plus, Munster are making a move for an England international centre.

Welcome to 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 joined Colm on hosting duties this morning, with Andy Mitten reflecting on Amad Diallo's win over Southampton in the Premier League.Nathan was at Ipswich-Brighton last night and gave his view of the Irish performances on show at Portman Road.And we speak to Peter Ryan - talented hurler turned Paralympic cyclist.But this morning's Breakfast Bite gives you a sample of this morning's rugby coverage - first, Ronan O'Gara reflects on La Rochelle's defeat to Leinster, and then Alan Quinlan gives his view of the Ireland Six Nations squad.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

Welcome to Friday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill. Coming up today, the team news from the Irish provinces ahead of their final pool games in this season's European competition. The case FOR Jacques Nienaber's style - from one of his former players at Munster. And what to watch this weekend - I'll set your rugby calendar later in the pod. Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest team news from Ulster ahead of their Investec Champions Cup clash with Exeter Chiefs. We also hear from prop Eric O'Sullivan in the week he extended his stay at the province. Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins keeps changes to a minimum for their Challenge Cup trip to Cardiff. And Les Kiss appears to rule himself out of potentially replacing Joe Schmidt as Wallabies head coach later this year.

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack tells you who's in, and who's out, of Simon Easterby's squad for the upcoming Six Nations. There's a recall after five-and-a-bit years to the France squad for Leinster's Rabah Slimani. We hear from Gregor Townsend who has named two uncapped players in his Scotland squad. Ulster have formalised the return to the province of a former player, as two more of their current squad extend their stays. Plus, we hear from Ulster forwards coach Jimmy Duffy on what needs doing against Exeter.Plus, the 'Hail Mary' call that's brought Michael Hooper out of retirement in Japan.

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to look back on the win over Saracens in the Investec Champions Cup, and to look ahead to a massive clash with old rivals Northampton. Get in contact on Twitter @rugbychannel15 or email [email protected] to The Rugby Channel for new episodes every week! #TheRed78

Welcome to Wednesday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your FREE bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast.This morning, Gavin Cooney looked back on an important night in the Premier League.With Simon Easterby naming his Ireland Six Nations squad this afternoon, Matchsense's Derek McNamara assessed the runners and riders for inclusion.And Marty Duffy gives the referee's view of the new Gaelic football rules.But this morning's Breakfast Bite takes us back to the morning papers where Ger, Adrian and Arthur discuss Maro Itoje's chances of the Lions captaincy, the unique edge that comes with Wales fixtures, and their early predictions for this season's Six Nations.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

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings news of a massive boost for both Leinster and Ireland. And we hear from James Ryan ahead of their meeting with Bath,Ian Costello provides Richie with an update on their head coach's vacancy ahead of their Investec Champions Cup trip to Northampton - a game you can hear live an exclusive on Saturday's Off The Ball. Conor Murray also shares the latest on his future.Neil Doak has named his Ireland squad for the U20 Six Nations.And Steve Borthwick explains his decision to switch up the England captaincy.

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you all the reaction to yesterday's pulsating Investec Champions Cup clash of La Rochelle and Leinster. We hear from both head coaches - Leo Cullen and Ronan O'Gara. Richie has the latest on Peter O'Mahony's fitness ahead of Munster's trip to Franklin's Gardens, a game you can hear live and exclusive on Off The Ball. Wales coach Warren Gatland explains his Six Nations squad, which does not include some experienced and notable names. The IRFU have taken another step towards building front row depth across the country. And a former Cheetahs prop is murdered in South Africa.

Welcome to Monday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your bitesize sample of this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, Jonathan Wilson rounded up the weekend's FA Cup 3rd round action, including Manchester United's shootout victory away to Arsenal. Tommy Rooney reflected on a huge weekend of GAA Club Championship fixtures. And Alan Quinlan looked back on a largely positive weekend for the Irish provinces in Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup action. And that's where we take our Bite this morning - firstly, Leinster's victory away to La Rochelle is discussed as part of the Performance Rankings, and then we get the expert view of Alan Quinlan. 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

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has all of your team news for this weekend's Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup action. We hear from Leinster head coach Leo Cullen, who can recall Tadhg Furlong for Sunday's trip to La Rochelle. Ronan O'Gara explains the gap between his instructions and La Rochelle's recent performances.Conor Murray and Iain Henderson both return to bolster the selections of both Munster and Ulster this weekend. And could Michael Milne be swapping Leinster for Munster?

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you all the details of Mack Hansen's suspension following his post-match outburst over the Christmas. Two more of his teammates have committed their next two years to Connacht. Oyonnax have sacked Chris Farrell following his conviction as part of the Grenoble rape trial. And La Rochelle will be without Tolu Latu for Sunday's Investec Champions Cup date with Leinster.

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of two more contract extensions at Connacht. We hear directly from the horse's mouth as Mike Prendergast provides an update on Munster's ten-week (and counting) hunt for a new head coach. La Rochelle could face Leinster without their first-choice hooker on Sunday. The club v country tussle that's delaying Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's potential shoulder surgery. And Italy the latest country to suffer a Six Nations-ending injury to a key player.

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan joins Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to discuss the defeat to Leinster, and the upcoming clash with Saracens at Thomond Park.Get in contact on Twitter @rugbychannel15 or email [email protected] to The Rugby Channel for new episodes every week! #TheRed78The first twenty minutes of this week's podcast is unlocked, but to listen to the full podcast, get on over to the Off The Ball app, or become a member at offtheball.com/join.

Welcome to Wednesday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill. Coming up, did the dismantling of Connacht last weekend show that Leinster are in fact back to their best?The case for - and against - an exciting Ulster star making Ireland's Six Nations squad, France sweating over the fitness of a key player for their Six Nations opener against Ireland, And a strange bit of taunting between the Sharks ahead of this weekend's Champions Cup clash.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest on a busy day at Connacht where head coach Pete Wilkins addresses Mack Hansen's looming disciplinary hearing. One of Wilkins' backroom team is out the gap at the end of this season, but two of his players have committed their futures. A pair of Munster Academy products have also signed new deals, and we hear from one of them - Tom Ahern. There's mixed injury news from Ulster, while Tadhg Furlong is nearing a Leinster comeback. France, England and Italy will all be without key players during the Six Nations. And Jeremy Davidson's moved upstairs at Castres ahead of schedule.

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Will O'Callaghan brings you news of Tom O'Toole's suspension for his ugly clearout on Munster centre Alex Nankivell. Ronan O'Gara says La Rochelle's Invested Champions Cup date with Leinster will be a wake-up call for his players.Samoa's head coach has been forced to resign following sexual assault allegations involving members of his own family. And Camille Chat's Racing 92 contract has been torn up after he turned up to training drunk.

On a special festive episode of the Red 78, Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to discuss the win over Ulster, and to look ahead to Friday's huge clash with Leinster at a sold out Thomond Park. And we ask the two biggest questions - is Quinny on the nice list and just what is Fiona getting off Santa?

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the team news for Saturday's URC interpro at the Aviva, where Jordie Barrett will get his first taste of Irish derby action. The CEO of the URC discusses a potential merger with the English Premiership. Richie has the latest on Stuart Lancaster's job security at Racing 92. And the turmoil at the top of English rugby continues.

Welcome to Friday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast.On this morning's show, a double shot of rugby with Ronan O'Gara and Alan Quinlan.Following another dramatic night at the World Darts Championship, we speak to Glen Durrant from Alexandra Palace.Nathan Murphy joins us from London to reflect on Shamrock Rovers' Conference League defeat at Stamford Bridge.And Catherine Murphy brings us her 'You Had To Be There'.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

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of Ulster's decision to tie down Zac Ward to a three-year contract. Ulster and Munster have named their teams for tomorrow night's URC interpro at Kingspan Stadium, and we hear from both camps. Plus, Chris Farrell will not appeal his sentence as part of the Grenoble rape trial.

Welcome to Thursday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your free sample of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast.On this morning's show, none other than former All Blacks captain Kieran Read joins us. We talk to MMA fighter Will Fleury regarding his positive drugs test earlier this year. And the Limerick v Kilkenny Celebrity Deathmatch... But this morning's Breakfast Bite sees our own Dara Smith-Naughton examine the real cost of attending one of next year's Six Nations fixtures at the Aviva. 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

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest line on Stuart Lancaster, who apparently "wants out" of his deal at Racing 92.Lancaster's had to put the foot down with two hookers taking their Christmas party too far. Jean Kleyn has gone under the knife. Ulster centre Ben Carson has signed a new long-term contract. And the UK government counts the cost of London Irish, Wasps and Worcester going under.

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster greats Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to discuss just what went wrong for the Reds in France against Castres, and to look ahead to Friday night's interpro clash with Ulster.(0.00) Intro and comments(4.42) Castres 16-14 Munster review(27.55) Star of the week(28.49) Ulster previewGet in contact on Twitter @rugbychannel15 or email [email protected] to The Rugby Channel for new episodes every week! #TheRed78The first twenty minutes of this week's podcast is unlocked, but to listen to the full podcast, get on over to the Off The Ball app, or become a member at offtheball.com/join.****

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of the two latest central contracts to be extended, We hear from Munster skills and assistant attack coach Mossy Lawlor on the day he signed a new two-year deal with the province, plus the latest on their crippling injury list. Leinster coach Jacques Nienaber's revealed they were essentially running in-game trials of new lineout laws last week. And Connacht stalwart Paul Boyle is targeting a scalp at the Aviva this weekend.

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of two Ireland props signing extensions to their central contracts. Former Ulster prop Steven Kitshoff reveals how close his neck injury brought him to death. Pete Wilkins reflects on Connacht's impressive Challenge Cup win away to Perpignan. The latest on Chris Farrell's future in French rugby. And another England international commits their future to their club.

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the team news ahead of another busy weekend of Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup action. We speak to Leinster head coach Leo Cullen as he hands a first start to Jordie Barrett for tomorrow's Investec Champions Cup clash with Clermont at the Aviva. Rob Herring and Cormac Izuchukwu look ahead to Ulster's latest daunting task at home to Bordeaux. Cian Prendergast is back in the mix for Connacht's Challenge Cup trip to Perpignan, and we hear from Scott Fardy. Plus, Felix Jones is now a free agent...

Breakthrough player of the year Erin King joined Colm and Aisling to talk a momentous year in her career and what is next.Off The Ball Breakfast with UPMC Ireland | #orthopaediccare | #getbackinaction

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the team news for Munster's Investec Champions Cup tie away to Castres.We hear from Mike Prendergast and Calvin Nash regarding tomorrow night's trip to France.Stade Francais' would-be pro wrestling prospects have gotten off lightly following their red cards at Thomond Park last week. French prosecutors have recommended lengthy prison sentences for the Irish ex-Grenoble players accused in a rape trial. And English police have found a body following the disappearance of ex-England full-back Tom Voyce.

Off the Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster greats Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to discuss the impressive 33-7 win over Stade Francais, the upcoming trip to France to face Castres and the continuing search for the province's new head coach. 

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of the new Ireland U20 head coach. We check in with Ulster assistant Dan Soper ahead of what he's called their "must-win" Investec Champions Cup fixture with Bordeaux. Rugby Australia CEO reveals their contingency plans should Joe Schmidt walk away from the Wallabies job next year. And Lawrence Dallaglio pays a touching tribute to his missing former teammate Tom Voyce.

Welcome to Wednesday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your amuse bouche for today's Off The Ball Breakfast.On this morning's show, Rafa Honigstein looks at the task ahead of Jurgen Klopp with the Red Bull group, as their sides falter in Europe.We check in with Vikki Wall, as she added an AFLW title with North Melbourne to her All Ireland football title with Meath.And Feargal O'Rourke - author of 'From Rags To Riches: The Irish Men's Team In The Professional Era - joins us in studio.Catch 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/join

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of Mike Prendergast putting forward his case to be the next Munster head coach. We also hear from Munster wing Calvin Nash on what would make Prendergast an excellent head coach. Ulster's worst fears regarding Ben Moxham have been confirmed. Leinster's full-back options have been depleted still further, and we speak to new signing Jordie Barrett. Shayne Bolton's rotten luck with injuries continues. And the France duo accused of rape in Argentina have seen their charges dropped.

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of two Munster players who have put pen-to-paper on new two-year contracts at the province. The Ulster winger that's the latest to try their hand with the NFL. Jack Conan looks set to stay with Leinster, plus we hear from Leo Cullen following their win away to Bristol in the Investec Champions Cup. And Mohamed Haouas is blowing his second chance at Montpellier.

Welcome to Monday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your little taster of all that went on on this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast. This morning, The Athletic's Manchester-based Mark Critchley discussed another rough weekend for both the red and the blue halves of the city. James Tracy looks back on a mixed weekend for the Irish provinces. And Aisling O'Reilly was on the ground for yesterday's Ulster Club Football final. But today's Breakfast Bite takes a look back on the weekend's Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup action. In the Performance Rankings, Ger, Will and Dara ponder if Munster have turned a corner, and James Tracy analyses the performance of their pack against Stade.

On a packed Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of one (almost) definite Irish departure to France, and one potential other. There's the team news from all four provinces as the Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup get underway this weekend. We hear from Leo Cullen on Jordie Barrett's debut, Stuart McCloskey on trying to stop Toulouse, Ian Costello on the brilliant early impression made by Alex Codling, and Caolin Blade ahead of his 200th Connacht appearance. Dragons flanker Shane Lewis-Hughes discusses having his finger amputated in an effort to save his career. And Lyon have replaced Jono Gibbes.

Leinster today announced a renewal of their sponsorship deal with Just Eat, and to mark the occasion Off The Ball's Aisling O'Reilly caught up with three of their stars at the Aviva. Hooker Dan Sheehan gave us an update on his recovery from an ACL injury. Tommy O'Brien discusses his international ambitions, and his speed over the hurdles on the track. And centre Leah Tarpey on representing Ireland, and the Laois footballers too.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest from Leinster ahead of their Investec Champions Cup opener away to Bristol - a game you can hear live and exclusively on Sunday's Off The Ball. Dan Sheehan gives us an update on his ACL injury, and when he expects to return. Former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg is sentenced following his domestic abuse court case. Referees have joined the heave against the English RFU's top brass. Lyon have identified one of their former players to return as head coach. And the Springboks first post-apartheid head coach has died.

On this week's episode of The Red 78, Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes join Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan to discuss Chris Boyd's arrival as performance consultant, Munster's win over the Lions and the Investec Champions Cup clash with Stade Français.(0.00) Intro and comments(3.14) Chris Boyd as performance consultant(10.45) Review of the win over the Lions(23.02) Stade Français previewGet in contact on Twitter @rugbychannel15 or email [email protected]