Rugby Weekly Extra

Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella join Gavan Casey to look back on an eventful, sun-drenched weekend of rugby.The lads discuss the AIL Division 1A semi-finals and the growth of the domestic game overall after a heartening play-off weekend.Berch expands upon his Sindo column which 'energised' an online cohort of Munster fans in particular.There's a review of the provinces' URC games, as Munster became the first European team to beat the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld and Ulster rode their luck against Cardiff.Plus, after a dark day for the Ireland women's team, can they write off Twickenham and pick up against Scotland where they left off against Wales? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Tracy joins Murray and Gav to give his thoughts on Jordie Barrett's move to Leinster. The lads discuss Leinster's ability to add a world-class All Black as well as RG Snyman to their already brilliant squad while the other three provinces, with three central contracts between them at the moment, are forced to think outside the box.James also reviews his former side's victory over La Rochelle, a team with whom he says Leinster share a mutual hatred -- but one rooted in respect. Maul defence, scrummaging, and Tadhg Furlong's return to career-best form were among the topics of conversation as Tracy ran the rule over Leinster's quarter-final success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Bernard Jackman join Gavan Casey to reflect on a day on which Leinster showed their teeth and banished demons from the Aviva Stadium as they overwhelmed La Rochelle.There are transfer rumours -- and we stress, they are just rumours -- with Berch giving a steer on Andrew Goodman's potential replacement as Leinster attack coach, and the lads discussing the eastern province's potential signing of an All Black centre.There were annoying days for Ulster and Connacht in the Challenge Cup: Berch and Murray try to make sense of two deflating defeats as well as the provinces' diminishing returns in Europe, Leinster aside.Plus, a year after suffering a debilitating defeat to the same opposition, Ireland women blew away Wales in Cork to change the complexion of their Six Nations campaign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey are joined by French journalist Benjamin Deudon, who covers La Rochelle for the Sud Ouest newspaper. Benjamin gives us his impressions of a below-par and disjointed season for Les Rochelais, the view on Ronan O'Gara from within the city and outside of it, and the keys to a La Rochelle victory in Saturday's quarter-final against Leinster.Murray then covers every blade of grass and picks a winner for Saturday's fifth instalment of the rivalry.The lads also discuss how Munster's defeat to Northampton was due to areas of under-performance as well as the large caveats of injury and illness, but why there remains plenty of cause for optimism as the southern province attempt to defend their URC crown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Bernard Jackman join Gavan Casey to discuss the provinces' fortunes in Europe over the weekend.A sickly and injury-ravaged Munster fell to defeat in Northampton, but with such a turnover of their squad expected in this off-season, where does that leave them as they head into Year 3 of the Graham Rowntree era? Does it become Year 1 again?After Leinster's victory over Leicester, the lads begin the big build-up to La Rochelle -- again. What will be the difference if Leinster are to end their knockout hoodoo over ROG's back-to-back European champions?And Connacht and Ulster went away to France and kept their respective European seasons alive with victories that might change the complexion of their campaigns. The lads discuss their victories and their away quarter-finals in the Challenge Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With an exciting Champions Cup round of 16 ahead this weekend, Gav and Murray discuss the challenges facing Leinster and Munster, while they also flag how big an opportunity Connacht and Ulster have in the Challenge Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman joins Gavan Casey to look back on Leinster's top-of-the-table victory over the Bulls, Munster's labouring win over Cardiff, and tougher days at the office for Connacht and Ulster which he believed took on very different complexions.Berch also gives his thoughts on a poor Irish defeat in the Women's Six Nations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gavan Casey is joined for the final time — for the moment, anyway — by new Wallabies coach Eoin Toolan on his short visit home.Later, Ciarán Kennedy dials in from Ireland camp ahead of their Women’s Six Nations clash with Italy on Sunday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh off the Irish showjumping team's brilliant victory at the League of Nations, Bernard Jackman joins Gavan Casey from Florida to discuss the provinces' fortunes in the URC and Antoine Dupont's return to action -- at out-half -- for Toulouse.Berch reckons Connacht's defeat to the 14-man Lions was the worst result in Irish rugby this season, and he's starting to wonder whether some of Ulster's players understand the significance of wearing the province's jersey.And with Connacht set to travel to Treviso without Bundee Aki and Finlay Bealham for a pivotal game with Benetton, the lads discuss whether the IRFU's approach to player management is fit for purpose or requires a rethink under David Humphreys Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray and Gav are joined for the first time by former Leinster and Ireland hooker James Tracy, who gives his detailed thoughts on Ireland's Six Nations campaign, how their scrum has become a 'weapon', and how their lineout isn't the issue that many believe it to be. James and Murray also discuss the next steps for Ireland's attack ahead of the summer tour to South Africa and beyond.The lads also chat about Ulster's signing of Werner Kok, the departure of Billy Burns for Munster, and how the northern province are shaping up for the rest of the season.Plus, with the 20-minute red card looming larger, James and Murray give their thoughts on rugby's latest law-change proposals and their potential consequences, good and bad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray and Berch join Gav to reflect on Super Saturday in Dublin as Ireland were crowned Six Nations Champions.The lads also review the tournament as a whole and discuss the international futures of some of Ireland's elder statesmen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray and Gav give their immediate reaction from Lansdowne Road after Ireland retain the Six Nations championship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan is challenged to REVEAL ALL about his Friday spent alongside Joe Schmidt watching the Waratahs play the Highlanders in a box at Allianz Stadium.He joins Gavan Casey to also give his take on Ireland's defeat to England, look ahead to their championship decider with Scotland, and review another thrilling round of Super Rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey discuss Antoine Frisch's call-up by France, the potential ramifications for Munster, and whether or not it should be Andy Farrell's remit to ensure the provinces keep players like Frisch, Ben Healy and Jean Kleyn.Per listener Mick's request, the England-Ireland chat takes place between 11:30 and 42:30, so skip that part if you're not in the form for it. Italy-Scotland discussion follows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rumours of England's demise -- many of them spread by us -- were greatly exaggerated. Murray Kinsella joins Gavan Casey from Twickenham after England killed Ireland's Grand Slam dream in a pulsating Six Nations encounter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray and Gav are joined for a special episode by St Michael's College DOR and head coach Andy Skehan, as well as Presentation Brothers College boss Ger Burke, ahead of their schools' respective provincial finals.The coaches discuss their rugby programmes in Dublin and Cork, the balance between talent production and giving players some of the best days of their lives, the supposed gap between the Leinster schools comp and that of the other three provinces, and why past pupils still care about schools rugby long after they leave their school for the final time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Eoin Toolan join Gavan Casey to preview and predict Ireland's visit to Twickenham this Saturday.The lads also look ahead to Italy-Scotland and Wales-France, as well as discussing a thrilling Super Rugby round in Melbourne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella, Bernard Jackman and Gavan Casey review the provinces' victories in the URC. Rhys Carré presented Leinster with a test that they ultimately passed, but without impressing Murray. RG Snyman was head, shoulders and hands above everyone else on the pitch for Munster against Zebre, albeit Mike Haley also impressed. Ulster didn't push the boat out in their first game without Dan McFarland, and Connacht -- while deserving winners -- were the beneficiaries of some strange calls by the officials.The lads also look ahead to Twickenham, with The Telegraph reporting that some England players are fed up with spending so much time on Felix Jones' defensive plan. Plus: Ireland go close but Dupont inspires France to their first tournament win on the Sevens circuit since 2005. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan, Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey reflect on a dramatic opening weekend of Super Rugby Pacific and begin to look ahead to Twickenham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella joins Gavan Casey to review the Six Nations weekend.The lads discuss Ireland-Wales after a TV rewatch, Italy's turnaround from their 60-7 defeat to France just four months ago, Les Bleus' lack of a mission after their home World Cup while Antoine Dupont explodes onto the Sevens circuit, and Scotland's 30-21 victory over an England side who look like they're still caught between two minds. There's also U20s chat, Tadhg Furlong appreciation, and everybody's favourite topic: the laws Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey give their immediate thoughts from the Aviva Stadium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Gavan Casey to discuss Dan McFarland's departure from Ulster and look ahead to the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, which looks like it could be the most interesting edition of the competition in several years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella look ahead to the next step in Ireland's Grand Slam bid as Wales visit Dublin on Saturday. The lads also discuss wins for Leinster, Connacht, and Munster, as well as a worrying defeat for Ulster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Gavan Casey to analyse the weekend's three Six Nations games and look ahead to Ireland's meetings with Wales and England in the coming weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciarán Kennedy joins Gavan Casey to discuss the Six Nations weekend that was.The lads chat about Jack Crowley's critics, James Lowe's elevation to a world-class wing, and Ireland's backup plan -- or lack thereof -- at fullback.They also discuss the flat atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday and the controversies in both the Scotland-France and England-Wales games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gavan Casey and Ciaran Kennedy give their immediate post-game impressions from the Aviva Stadium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Gavan Casey to look ahead to Ireland's game with Italy as well as Scotland-France and England-Wales this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman joins Gavan Casey to discuss Ireland's victory over France in Marseille, Richie Murphy's greatest win as Ireland U20s coach, and Scotland's unlikely -- but kind of likely -- title tilt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Ciarán Kennedy joins Gavan Casey from the stands in Marseille for your immediate post-match pod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Gavan Casey to preview Ireland's Six Nations opener in Marseille.The former Ireland and Melbourne Rebels performance analyst also gives his assessment of Joe Schmidt's appointment as Wallabies head coach, and the news that the Rebels have entered voluntary administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Berch joins Gav to look ahead to France-Ireland in Marseille and the Six Nations as a whole. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman joins Gavan Casey to pore over the provinces' vastly different fortunes over the Champions Cup weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella joins Gavan Casey to provide his thoughts on Peter O'Mahony being named captain of an 34-man Ireland Six Nations squad which includes no new caps outside of three development players.Later, the lads are joined by Eoin Toolan to look ahead to preview the provinces' final pool games in the Champions Cup, analyse their opponents, and predict their respective fates this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gav, Murray, and Berch dig into a busy weekend in the Champions Cup, with Munster delivering a stirring win on the road in Toulon, Leinster beating a second-string Stade Français, Ulster disappointing against Toulouse, and Connacht struggling against Lyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Gavan Casey ahead of a Champions Cup weekend in which the four provinces face French opposition. The lads discuss Ireland's back-three picture in light of injuries to Mack Hansen and Jimmy O'Brien, and narrow down who should start at right wing against France in Marseille in just over three weeks' time.Eoin gives his thoughts on Joey Carbery's departure from Munster next summer, and what the southern province might do at out-half having lost Jake Flannery, Ben Healy and now Carbery in the space of two years.Plus, there's analysis of the four provinces and their French opponents ahead of a pivotal weekend in Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a weekend when the provinces were resting up, Gavan Casey is joined by Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella to discuss what's going on elsewhere in the rugby world. The lads also answer a listener email about central contracts and player movement between the provinces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first pod of 2024, Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella discuss the recent inter-pros, touching on a happy few weeks for Dan McFarland's Ulster, defensive adjustments for Leinster, Connacht's revival, and Munster's misery. The lads also glance towards the Six Nations and Berch is a little worried about some of the Ireland players' form. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special, standalone episode, Dr Peter Tierney joins Murray and Gav to delve into the world of sports science and its application to professional rugby.Peter was previously a sports scientist with Leo Cullen's Leinster who later moved to the FA, where he worked with a range of England's national football teams.He joins the lads from Vancouver to discuss how his field has evolved over the past 10 years, Ireland's squad management at the World Cup, and how the provinces and Ireland communicate behind the scenes to ensure the maximum performance -- and welfare -- of their players. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in the warmth of home after his St Stephen's Day trip to a sodden Thomond Park, Ciarán Kennedy joins Gavan Casey to look back over the two Christmas interpros. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Gavan Casey to look ahead to the Christmas interpros as Ulster host Connacht and Leinster travel to URC champions Munster.The lads discuss the confirmation of RG Snyman's summer move to Leinster and whether the current rules around non-Irish-qualified players are fit for purpose, or if more leeway should be afforded to the provinces.Eoin gives his thoughts on Joey Carbery's future as well as the future of his former employers, the Melbourne Rebels, who have run into financial trouble -- at least according to the Australian media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman joins Gavan Casey to discuss the weekend's Champions Cup action which saw two wins and two defeats of very varying kinds for the four provinces.Berch also gives his thoughts on RG Snyman's move to Leinster next summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan and Murray Kinsella join Gavan Casey to preview the provinces' Champions Cup fixtures this weekend.Eoin also provides his analysis of Leinster's big win in La Rochelle, and Mark Nawaqanitawase's switch to rugby league. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Bernard Jackman join Gavan Casey for a review of a mightily impressive Leinster victory over Ronan O'Gara's European champions at the Stade Marcel Deflandre.The lads also dissect poor defeats for Connacht and Ulster, and a Munster draw at home to Bayonne which felt like a defeat and is the talk of French rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Give the gift of The 42 this Christmas with our exclusive subscriber-only offer. Buy a year's access for the sports fan in your life for the special discounted price of €35. See the42.ie/gift for more details. This special offer is exclusive to subscribers, and ends on Monday 11 December. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray and Gav look ahead to the provinces’ opening fixtures and the tournament as a whole. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella review a busy weekend in the URC and look towards some exciting Champions Cup clashes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan and Murray Kinsella look towards another interesting weekend of games for the Irish provinces. Connacht host a Leinster team look for more rhythm, Munster's clever attack has a good challenge against Glasgow, and Ulster's young back rows make a big impression. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gavan Casey chats with Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella about another thrilling clash between Leinster and Munster in the URC, while the lads also reflect on tough away days for Ulster and Connacht. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan jumps on the line from Sydney to bring Murray Kinsella up to speed on all the latest from Australian rugby before the lads discuss the big Leinster v Munster game this weekend, as well as away days for Connacht and Ulster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman joins Murray Kinsella to discuss all the action from the URC as the four Irish provinces win. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.