OTB Rugby

Former Leinster and Ireland flanker Dan Leavy joined Nathan Murphy, 13 months after he was forced to retire from rugby. They also discuss what Leinster will have to do if they're to overcome La Rochelle in this weekend's Heineken Champions Cup final. Dan, his brother (former Ireland 7s international) Adam, and his father Doug have launched their whiskey brand Ogham. See oghamwhiskey.com.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of the latest sad chapter in Wasps' financial collapse. Ulster are set to add some much-needed depth to their front row. There's mixed injury news ahead of the World Cup for the Springboks and England. Plus, the Women's Six Nations Player and Team of the Championship are revealed.

OTB's favourite rugby statistician is back with a breakdown of all the key figures between La Rochelle and Leinster ahead of their Champions Cup showdown at the weekend. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest injury update from Munster ahead of next weekend's URC Grand Final. We hear from James Tracy on the Heineken Champions Cup final, and Beibhinn Parsons calls for time for the Women's XVs. A new smart ball is to be trialled at the U20 World Championship this summer, and Samson Lee gets a new deal.

The Irish Times' Gerry Thornley and former Leinster coach Matt Williams joined Joe Molloy to look ahead to Saturday's Heineken Champions Cup final between Leinster and holders La Rochelle. Rugby with Vodafone | #TeamOfUs

Former Leinster player James Tracy was on OTB AM to preview Leinster's Challenge Cup final against Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle this weekend and reflect on the defeat to Munster. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

Irish rugby star Beibhinn Parsons was on OTB AM after the 7s team qualified for the 2024 Olympics in Paris and discussed her love for both rugby codes and the 'dream' of making it to the Olympic tournament. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest from La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara ahead of Saturday's Heineken Champions Cup final. We hear from Steven Kitshoff and John Dobson of the DHL Stormers on their terrible pitch and the threat posed by Munster in the URC final. And there's a dire warning to Premiership clubs, with London Irish potentially a fortnight from oblivion.

Alan Quinlan and Niamh Briggs dissect Munster’s statement win over Leinster, who stood out to them to claim gold star of the week and reviewed Frank Murphy’s performance as referee.

Munster legend Keith Wood joins Ger & Shane on #OTBAM this morning after Munster ended Leinster's URC dreams in Saturday's semi-final at the Aviva Stadium. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

Grand slam winner Gordon D’Arcy and Irish Independent rugby writer Ruaidhri O'Connor join OTB’s Joe Molloy to discuss the fall out from the URC semi finals on this week’s edition of Monday Night Rugby. (01:00) - Munster deserved it (12:00) - Differences between Van Graan and Roantree (15:00) - Ben Healy going too soon? (23:00) - Stormers video celebrations (29:00) - Leinster selection mistakes (37:00) - End of an era? (44:00) - Leinster need to do something different In association with Vodafone | #TeamOfUs

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest injury update from Leinster ahead of the Heineken Champions Cup final. We hear from Josh van der Flier and Stuart Lancaster. Connacht have made a significant appointment to their backroom staff. And London Irish are given a major deadline by the RFU

Former Munster and Ireland player Alan Quinlan had a great day out on Saturday as Munster beat Leinster by a point in the United Rugby Championship semifinal in a dramatic tie. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of an encouraging start for the Ireland Women's Sevens side as they look to secure Olympic qualification in Toulouse. There's all of the team news from the three provinces involved in Saturday's URC semi-finals. Plus, we hear from Leo Cullen, Alan Quinlan, Pete Wilkins and John Dobson. Plus, the Welsh regions are to get very familiar next season as financial hardship takes hold.

International rugby referees Joy Neville & Andrew Brace join Adrian & Shane on #OTBAM after being named as part of the officiating panel for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

Cian Tracey of the Irish independent joins Will O'Callaghan to preview this weekend's URC Semi-Finals ​🏉 Rugby with Vodafone Ireland | #TeamOfUs

Munster legend Alan Quinlan joins Adrian & Shane on #OTBAM as Leinster take on Munster and Connacht travel to the Stormers for the URC semi-finals on Saturday. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

La Rochelle head coach Ronan O'Gara joins Adrian & Shane on #OTBAM as his side continue their preparations for the Heineken Champions Cup final against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium next weekend. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

In Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of an impending departure from Leinster. There's an odd spread to the URC's Elite XV for the season, and the Grand Final kick-off time has been revealed. Eddie Jones has finalised his Wallabies backroom staff for the World Cup. And the number of ex-players taking action against French authorities for head injuries is up to 20.

Chiefs player John Ryan was on OTB AM to talk about how he found out he had ulcerative colitis and raise awareness for the disease. He also discussed how much he is enjoying his rugby in New Zealand what it is like to be coached by Ronan O'Gara and Scott Robertson. www.crohnscolitis.ie/symptomchecker or call the Crohn's and Colitis Ireland Support Line on 01 5312983 (Mon/Wed/Fri, 9.30am-12.30pm) for further information. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you tons from today's Women In Rugby Progress Report as we hear from IRFU CEO Kevin Potts and Gillian McDarby, the union's Head of Women's Performance and Pathways. Joy Neville will make history in France later this year. Awards season is in full flow, with the nominees revealed for Players' Player of the Year. And Chris Farrell is extending his stay in France.

World Cup winner in 2003, former England captain Martin Johnson joined Joe Molloy on Wednesday Night Rugby from Limerick's International Rugby Experience. Riugby with Vodafone | #TeamOfUs A variety of World Cup winners, British & Irish Lions legends and Irish Rugby stars including Bryan Habana, Francois Pienaar, Jonathan Sexton, Joy Neville, Danielle Waterman, Keith Wood, Paul O’Connell, Jeremy Guscott, Matt Dawson, Sean Fitzpatrick, Martin Johnson, Peter Stringer, Ciara Griffin and Rory Best were among today’s inaugural visitors to the six-storey “Home of Legends”. Inspired by World Rugby’s values of Passion, Discipline, Integrity, Solidarity and Respect, visitors will hear the stories, feel the passion and test their own skills as they move through six, awe-inspiring stages inside the state-of-the-art building. Using leading, custom-made, real-time software coupled with the expert knowledge of Jock Peggie, Head of Education, Laws and Compliance at World Rugby, the interactive experience delivers a truly authentic and exciting reflection of the game, with visitors having hands-on fun every step of the way. Stunning 360-degree views of Limerick city centre ensure that the sixth floor Legends Gallery will be a jaw-dropping end to this unique, interactive, experience. Walk in visitors are welcome from tomorrow morning with tickets available to pre-book from May 15th online at www.internationalrugbyexperience.com.

Former Leinster player James Tracy joined OTB AM to talk about the deep-seated rivalry that exists between Leinster and Munster ahead of their URC face-off at the weekend. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest injury news from Leinster ahead of their URC semi-final with Munster. The latter give an update on Peter O'Mahony's availability. Gregor Townsend's put speculation regarding his future to bed. And the Worcester Supporters Trust voice Wasps concerns.

Alan Quinlan and Niamh Briggs pick through Munster's impressive URC Quarter-Final win against Glasgow, preview Saturday's Semi-Final with rivals Leinster, and discuss if making the last four is bonus territory for Munster after a tough start to the season.

Joe Molloy was joined by journalist Gerry Thornley and Grand Slam winner Fiona Hayes on this week's edition of Monday Night Rugby. (01:00) Ulster's season ends on a whimper (11:00) Player exodus might help with rebuild (13:00) Andy Friend's Indian Summer continues (21:00) Extra sheen by the week for Munster (35:00) Double still on for Leinster (43:00) AIL Final review In association with Vodafone | #TeamOfUs

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the awful injury update from Munster ahead of their URC semi-final with Leinster. We hear from Mack Hansen and Pete Wilkins ahead of Connacht's semi-final jaunt to Cape Town. The Women's Sevens squad is named for their fateful weekend in Toulouse. And Montpellier have made a final call on their move for Luke Cowan-Dickie

Alan Quinlan was on OTB AM to review the weekend's United Rugby Championship action which saw Connacht, Leinster and Munster progress to the URC semifinals while Ulster put in a disappointing performance. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

On Friday's Rugby Daily, we have news of Greg McWilliams' departure as Ireland Women's Head Coach, and details of the new WXV competition. We've team news from Munster and Leinster ahead of their URC quarter-finals tomorrow. And we hear from Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe ahead of the final leg of the Women's Sevens side's attempt at Olympic qualification.

Former Ireland and Munster player Alan Quinlan was on OTB AM with Adrian Barry and Shane Hannon to act as a mediator in their ongoing debate about whether fans from the other provinces should support Leinster in their bid for European glory. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

La Rochelle coach Ronan O'Gara joined Adrian Barry and Shane Hannon following his side's win in the Champions Cup semifinal vs. Exeter. He talked about how they're preparing to face Leinster again and explained why they are no longer the underdogs. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of ten players confirmed to be leaving Ulster in the summer. A decent chunk of them will actually start in tomorrow night's URC quarter-final - we have the team news in full for you. Declan Kidney has spoken out about the financial crisis engulfing his London Irish club. And the England Women's team has a new head coach.

Ger and Shane were joined on OTB AM by Off The Ball's resident Connacht man to preview their URC clash with Ulster on Friday Night. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news of three Leinster players shortlisted for EPCR Player of the Year. The nominees of TikTok Women's Six Nations Player of the Championship have also been revealed. The Springboks have given an update on Siya Kolisi's availability for the World Cup, while major doubts now hover over a Scotland lock's availability. The sad tale of Worcester enters its final chapter. And tributes paid to a former World Rugby chairman.

Will O'Callaghan was joined by journalist Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Irish Grand Slam winner Fiona Hayes for Wednesday Night Rugby on Off The Ball. (00:40) Greg McWilliams expected to leave - what next for Irish Women's rugby? (17:00) Plenty for Irish provinces to play for on URC quarter-finals weekend. In association with Vodafone | #TeamOfUs

Ger Gilroy and Shane Hannon were joined by legendary South Africa captain Francois Pienaar and former Ireland captain Keith Wood as they attended the launch of the International Rugby Experience in Limerick. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

A variety of World Cup winners, British & Irish Lions legends and Irish Rugby stars including Bryan Habana, Francois Pienaar, Jonathan Sexton, Joy Neville, Danielle Waterman, Keith Wood, Paul O’Connell, Jeremy Guscott, Matt Dawson, Sean FitzPatrick, Martin Johnson, Peter Stringer, Ciara Griffin and Rory Best were among today’s inaugural visitors to the six-storey “Home of Legends”. Inspired by World Rugby’s values of Passion, Discipline, Integrity, Solidarity and Respect, visitors will hear the stories, feel the passion and test their own skills as they move through six, awe-inspiring stages inside the state-of-the-art building. Using leading, custom-made, real-time software coupled with the expert knowledge of Jock Peggie, Head of Education, Laws and Compliance at World Rugby, the interactive experience delivers a truly authentic and exciting reflection of the game, with visitors having hands-on fun every step of the way. Stunning 360-degree views of Limerick city centre ensure that the sixth floor Legends Gallery will be a jaw-dropping end to this unique, interactive, experience. Walk in visitors are welcome from tomorrow morning with tickets available to pre-book from May 15th online at www.internationalrugbyexperience.com. Aisling O'Reilly caught up with some of the rugby legends, including Johnny Sexton, Rory Best, Bryan Habana, Matt Dawson, Paul O'Connell as well as legendary jockey AP McCoy at the launch in Limerick.

On Tuesday's star-studded Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest on Greg McWilliams' status. We hear from Jonathan Sexton in his groin injury, and we also chat to Paul O'Connell and Bryan Habana. There's mixed news on the injury front for Munster ahead of their URC quarter-final. London Irish's financial problems continue. And a French great is retiring.

Alan Quinlan and Niamh Briggs preview the URC Quarter-Final against the Glasgow Warriors this weekend and discuss the lessons that need to be learned from their last outing in Thomand Park. Quinlan & Briggs are also optimistic that some important players could return from injury in time for the clash.

Brian O'Driscoll joined OTB's Will O'Callaghan for a look back at Heineken Champions Cup semi-finals wins for Leinster and Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle. (01:40) Leinster flourished and Toulouse floundered in Dublin. (27:00) Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle secure another Champions Cup final spot. In association with Vodafone | #TeamOfUs

Former Leinster & Ireland hooker James Tracy joins Ger & Shane on #OTBAM after Leinster booked their place in the Heineken Champions Cup final with a 41-22 victory over Toulouse. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

OTB's Joe Molloy is joined by the Irish Independent's Cian Tracey and travel writer and Golf Weekly co-host Fionn Davenport to discuss the biggest stories hitting the backpages and beyond on this Sunday morning. The panel will look at Paul Kimmage's latest piece on the state of horse racing, Joe Brolly's thoughts on GAA coverage in 2023 and how Leo Cullen's Blues keep marching on no matter how tough the obstacle in their way.

Former Leinster fly half Andy Dunne joined OTB's Johnny Ward to discuss the Blues booking their spot in the Heineken Champions Cup final with a 41-22 win over Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium. Also, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen and captain James Ryan speak to Connor Morris as they go in search for that elusive fifth star on the jersey. Rugby on Off The Ball is with Vodafone, main sponsor of the Irish rugby team. We all belong to the Team Of Us.

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you team news ahead of both of this weekend's Heineken Champions Cup semi-finals. We hear from Leinster head coach Leo Cullen and captain James Ryan on their meeting with Toulouse. We'll have live commentary on Off The Ball on Saturday, with Connor Morris and Andy Dunne at the Aviva. Siya Kolisi is in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup. And there's an important new appointment at Munster.

Former Ireland international Anna Caplice assessed how Ireland might be able to get a win vs. Scotland on the last day of the Six Nations and gave her opinion on who might win the battle between France and England at a sold out Twickenham. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

Former Ireland and Munster player Alan Quinlan was in the OTB AM studio to preview the Champions Cup semifinals this weekend and looked at how important it is for Irish rugby that Andrew Goodman wasn't lured to New Zealand. Catch OTB's sports breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for OTB AM and get the podcast on the OTB Sports app or wherever you listen to yours. SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW the OTB AM podcast. #OTBAM is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball, in association with Gillette | #EffortlessFlow

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you team news for Ireland's final TikTok Women's Six Nations outing of the season. Plus we hear from head coach Greg McWilliams. There are changes afoot for future World Cup draws. And Connacht have made a pair of loan signings.

Keith Wood joins Nathan Murphy to preview the upcoming Champions Cup semi-finals this weekend. Vodafone Ireland #TeamOfUs

Cian Tracey and Fiona Hayes join the Women’s Six Nations Show this week, looking ahead to Ireland’s final round vs Scotland. Vodafone Ireland #TeamOfUs

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest ahead of Ireland's final TikTok Women's Six Nations date with Scotland. We hear from Deirbhile Nic a Bháird and John McKee from the Ireland camp. Scott Robertson explains his incoming All Blacks coaching staff. And a Scotland great bows out of the game.