OTB Rugby

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.

Former Ireland international rugby player and former Leinster head coach, Tania Rosser, joined Eoin Sheahan to discuss her time as a player, her coaching inspiration and the challenges she faced as a female player and coach in a male dominated profession. ‘Settle in’ in partnership with Guinness 0.0.

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]

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest from Ulster ahead of their daunting Investec Champions Cup opener away to Toulouse. We hear from head coach Richie Murphy on Ulster's injury crisis in the back-three, and the old boy they've welcomed back to the fold this week. Jack Crowley discusses the competition for the starting out-half berth with Ireland. And the English RFU is in revolt over bonuses paid to their top brass.

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of a Super Rugby-winning coaching appointment at Munster.We hear from Jordan Larmour and Robin McBryde on Leinster's Investec Champions Cup pool opener away to Bristol, and the latest on the confusing timeline around Tadhg Furlong's hamstring injury, and hopes for a Jordie Barrett debut.Pete Wilkins discusses Connacht's potential outing in Mayo in the spring.Plus, there's bad news for La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara.

Welcome to this morning's OTB Breakfast Bite, your FREE sample of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show, the Gaelic football power rankings return - this time in the hands of Tommy Rooney. The Wayne Rooney Experiment at Plymouth seems to be failing - Chris Errington will tell us why. And the latest on Munster's search for a new head coach with the Irish Daily Mail's Rory Keane. This morning's Breakfast Bite focuses on rugby, and the tradition of respecting the kicker - Ger, Colm and Arthur ponder if that tradition is in fact a nonsense. 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 Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest from Munster where centre Alex Nankivell is the latest to commit their next two years to the province. There's interest from France in not one, not two, but three Ireland internationals. We hear for the first time from new Leinster signing Jordie Barrett. Plus, a rape trial is underway in Bordeaux where ex-Ireland centre Chris Farrell, and former Connacht prop Denis Coulson are among the accused.

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest ahead of Ireland's test with the Wallabies. Captain Caelan Doris pays tribute to record-breaking Cian Healy, and calls on the players to make for a smooth transition as Andy Farrell steps away from Ireland duty. There's a debut in the Munster front row for tomorrow's URC visit of the Emirates Lions to Thomond Park. And Connacht's injury problems are starting to ease as the Vodacom Bulls come to Galway. Plus, there's a big update on the redevelopment of the RDS.

Welcome to Friday's OTB Breakfast Bite, your bitesize version of this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast.On the show this morning, Olympic rowing bronze medalist Daire Lynch joins Shane, Colm and Arthur in studio.We're also joined from Cardiff by Kathleen McNamee ahead of the Republic of Ireland WNT's first leg Euro playoff with Wales.And ahead of tomorrow's clash at the Aviva, we're joined by Ronan O'Gara and Wallabies legend David Campese.And it's there we take our Breakfast Bite, as both men share their personal memories of Ireland-Australia games.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 Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has the team news for Ireland's final test of the autumn with the Wallabies. We hear from head coach Andy Farrell on his reasons for selecting Sam Prendergast to start on Saturday, as well as his message to the young fly-half. There's details on the IRFU's significant financial loss in their latest accounts. Leinster are still able to recall a host of internationals for tomorrow's URC interpro with Ulster. Steven Kitshoff provides an update on his health following neck surgery. And two major names are leaving Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle in the summer.

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of the retirement of Ireland Men's Sevens captain, Harry McNulty. We hear from James Ryan on the influence of Joe Schmidt on his career, and Irish rugby as a whole. Richie Murphy explains the signing of Juarno Augustus, and provides an update on Jacob Stockdale's hamstring injury. New Zealand let slip details of a Chicago rematch with Ireland. And Joe Marler is done with rugby.

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to discuss the new contracts for Mike Prendergast and Denis Leamy, the rumours about the head coach position, the upcoming clash with the Lions and more.Get in contact on Twitter @rugbychannel15 or email [email protected] 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 Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest from Munster as they raid the Ireland Women's staff to temporarily fill the vacancy of forwards coach. We hear from Leinster head coach Leo Cullen ahead of their interpro with Ulster, and he provides an update on the fitness of the incoming Jordie Barrett. Will Connors on his rugby-related PHD. The career of former Ulster prop Steven Kitshoff sadly hangs in the balance. Joe Schmidt looks ahead to being 'love-bombed' this weekend at the Aviva. And Antoine Dupont goes full 'Golden Cleric' as World Rugby reveal their award winners.

Welcome to OTB Breakfast Bite - your bitesize taster of this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast.On this morning's show, Jonathan Wilson reflects on the dawn of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, and their draw at Ipswich. Plus, Matt Williams and Alan Quinlan talk rugby, as attention for Ireland turns to Joe Schmidt's Wallabies. This morning's Bite takes you to the Performance Rankings, and Sam Prendergast's display against Fiji on Saturday. Ger, Colm and Arthur discuss Ireland's new-found depth at out-half, and the road still to be travelled by Prendergast. 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 Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack helps set the table for the penultimate test of Ireland's autumn.We hear from captain Caelan Doris on the unexpected needle that Frank Lomani's comments have added to tomorrow's fixture with Fiji. Andy Farrell offers some clarity regarding Jonathan Sexton's role with the coaching staff, and whether he's a bad influence on their out-halves. Bundee Aki addresses those rumours of a move to France.Plus Warren Gatland receives backing from no less a source than Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.

In this special episode of Inner Drive, Off The Ball give the floor to five of Ireland's best athletes (fresh from Paris 2024) in Philip Doyle, Orla Comerford, Thomas Barr, Colin Judge and Stacey Flood.No interviewer, no restrictions, just athletes talking to each other about experiences only they can truly understand. Inner Drive, with Allianz, proud sponsors of Paralympics Ireland and Team Ireland.#StopTheDrop

Welcome to Friday's Breakfast Bite - your FREE treat-sized sample of this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast.This morning on the show, we look ahead to Ireland v Fiji with Ronan O'Gara and Alan Quinlan.We're joined by just the third ever Irish winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award, Conor Niland for his excellent book 'The Racket'.Keith Treacy previews the start of the Ruben Amorim regime at Manchester United.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/joinAnd this morning's Breakfast Bite has three separate nibbles - with Ronan O'Gara seeking greater consistency at La Rochelle, Keith Treacy ruminating on Ireland's avoidable second half against England, and everyone's favourite ex-Kildare minor star Paul Mescal in Gladiator II.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the Ireland team news for Saturday's test with Fiji - the debutants, the recalls, the first home starts, and the surfeit of tightheads. Andy Farrell gives his expectations of Sam Prendergast and Ciaran Frawley this week. Jamie Osborne discusses switching between centre and full-back. Jordie Barrett looks set to miss his start date at Leinster, as tributes paid to departing All Blacks Sam Cane and TJ Perenara. Plus, England's RFU's record deficit.

Fiona Hayes and Ruairi O'Hagan from the Red 78 sit down with former Ireland and Munster star Eimear Considine to talk about her recent retirement announcement, her beginnings in the sport, and the highs and lows of her rugby career.The 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 Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest from Leinster, where Leo Cullen has - as expected - signed a new two-year deal with the province. Richie speaks to Leinster CEO Shane Nolan, who also provides an update on the redevelopment status of the RDS. It's been a big day of contract news at Ulster. Warren Gatland addresses his future as Wales boss ahead of their test with the Springboks. And Sergio Parisse makes more history for Italy.

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest from the Ireland camp ahead of Saturday's test with Fiji. Scrum coach John Fogarty addresses Ireland's discipline, the threat posed by Fiji, and speaks in glowing terms about history-maker Cian Healy. Jean Kleyn's been handed a start for the Springboks against Wales, as Rassie Erasmus goes with the brothers Hendrikse. Steve Borthwick's been forced into some alterations to his England squad. There's been a change in itinerary for the Lions tour of Australia. And Antoine Dupont's nomination as World Rugby Men's Sevens Player of the Year has been described as "disrespectful".

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest on Warren Gatland's future as head coach, which hangs in the balance following their defeat to the Wallabies. Leicester have joined the list of clubs hunting Leinster out-half Ross Byrne. Jack Crowley has been accused of cheating against Argentina by a former All Black. Ulster tie a versatile back down with a new two-year deal. And Irish nominees galore, as World Rugby reveals its shortlists for their annual awards in Monaco.

Welcome to Monday's OTB Breakfast Bite - your FREE sample of this morning's Off The Ball Breakfast.On this morning's show...Brian Barry Murphy reflects on the Republic of Ireland's second half horror show at Wembley.We look at Katie Taylor's huge win over Amanda Serrano in Texas with Kevin Byrne, with an eye on what's next for the Bray fighter.Alan Quinlan on another edgy Ireland performance in the Autumn Nations Series.And there's our weekly Performance Rankings - which is where our Breakfast Bite takes us today, as we ponder - are the Ireland rugby team underperforming because Andy Farrell's out the gap in the new year?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 takes you inside the Ireland camp as they prepare for Joe Schmidt's Wallabies. James Ryan marks Ireland's November so far, and Paul O'Connell discusses the influence of Joe Schmidt on his own coaching methods. The appointment of a new head coach at Munster now appears to be imminent, with one contender definitively out of the running. Plus, Ulster swoop to snatch Augustus away from Northampton.

On a special edition of Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the reaction to Ireland's three-point win over Argentina at the Aviva. We hear from Andy Farrell on Ireland's ill-discipline, and debutant Sam Prendergast. Felipe Contepomi reacts to what so nearly was a famous win for his Pumas side. On top of that, there's news of a surprising change for the Wallabies, two Scotland internationals are on the move, and the Byrne brothers performing off Broadway.