Rugby Weekly Extra

Eoin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella to look forward to a busy weekend of international rugby, including the Bledisloe Cup in Melbourne. Eoin will be there to witness Carter Gordon's first start at out-half for the Wallabies. The lads also discuss the latest from the Pacific Island nations, with Fiji looking dangerous, and they try to figure out how big a threat Scotland really are to Ireland in Pool B of the World Cup. There's also a chat about Stuart Hogg's early retirement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Eoin Toolan chat about the 2025 Lions tour schedule, Johnny Sexton's three-game ban, the influence of Joe Schmidt on the All Blacks, and Eddie Jones' worries with the Wallabies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pod returns after the summer break, with Murray Kinsella joined by Eoin Toolan to discuss the first weekend of Rugby Championship action. How good were the Boks and All Blacks? How bad were the Wallabies and Pumas? The lads also discuss Johnny Sexton's disciplinary hearing tomorrow, with potentially damaging ramifications for Ireland's World Cup plans. And there's excitement about Friday's World Rugby U20 Championship final as Richie Murphy's impressive Ireland team bid for glory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella is joined by two IRFU referees in Chris Busby and Eoghan Cross as they discuss their lives as referees, the challenges they face, and their thoughts on technology in the sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman, Eoin Toolan and Murray Kinsella join Gavan Casey to cast an eye towards Ireland's Rugby World Cup campaign. The lads assess Andy Farrell's 42-man training squad and wield their respective axes to whittle it down to a World Cup-sized 33, giving their thoughts on some key matchday 23 selection decisions along the way.Berch and Eoin give their early World Cup predictions, while Murray predicts trouble for Ireland in the shape of Ben Healy. The lads also give their favourite moments and 'Best Player' from an extraordinary season for Andy Farrell's men. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella, Eoin Toolan and Bernard Jackman join Gavan Casey to pore over each of the provinces' 2022/23 campaigns, and where each of them need to improve next term.How can Munster become European contenders? Has too much been made of Leinster's Champions Cup final defeat? How can Dan McFarland restore the feel-good factor to Ulster's dressing room? And how far can a Santi Cordero-infused Connacht go with their exciting new coaching ticket? The lads field these questions and more.Plus, Murray, Eoin and Berch give their end-of-season shouts in strictly defined categories such as Best Young Player, while there is a consensus choice for Best Signing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella, Bernard Jackman and Gavan Casey pore over a famous day in Cape Town for the mighty men from the southern province, who defied even their coaches' early-season expectations in ending their 12-year wait for a trophy. The lads also discuss Saracens' Premiership success over Sale as well as the potential capitulation of London Irish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Ireland, Melbourne Rebels, and Kintetsu Liners performance coach Eoin Toolan joins Gavan Casey to give his thoughts on the Champions Cup final, why exactly the second half became so "one-sided" in La Rochelle's favour, and what he sees as the unjust criticism of Ross Byrne as well as Leinster's coaches. The lads also look ahead to a massive day in Cape Town, where Eoin believes Munster's midfield has the minerals to call bluff on the Stormers' blitz defence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

La Rochelle have done it again and, unfortunately, so have Leinster. Murray Kinsella, Bernard Jackman and Gavan Casey break down an extraordinary final at the Aviva Stadium and how Ronan O'Gara has 'made a mockery' of the idea that the recipe to success is best kept a secret. Murray and Gavan are later joined by URC CEO Martin Anayi ahead of this weekend's final between Stormers and Munster in Cape Town. Anayi discusses the URC's efforts to find its own identity, TV revenue, the future of the Welsh regions, next-gen competitions, and how last year's final almost ended up in Cork. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Ciarán Kennedy record live from the Aviva Stadium in the immediate aftermath of Leinster's devastating 27-26 defeat in the Champions Cup final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

oin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella to profile Ronan O'Gara's impressive La Rochelle team and highlight the qualities that he thinks make them marginal favourites for Saturday. But Eoin also discusses the reasons that Leinster should be feeling confident they can beat the French side at the third time of asking. After their in-depth preview of this weekend's Champions Cup final, the lads discuss an interesting Challenge Cup decider and THAT Stormers video. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciarán Kennedy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella to break down a thrilling URC semi-final win for Munster in Dublin, with lots of chat about Jack Crowley's winning drop-goal, how Munster's ambition was rewarded, and where it got away from Leinster. Connacht missed a big chance to reach the final as they were edged out by a dangerous Stormers side in South Africa, while the lads discussed the challenge ahead of Munster in that decider.Ciarán, Murray, and Berch then get stuck into this weekend's intriguing Champions Cup final between Leinster and La Rochelle, who have beaten Leo Cullen's side for the last two years in a row.And finally, the pod gives credit to the Ireland women's 7s team for their achievement of qualifying for the Olympics in Paris next year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan and Murray Kinsella discuss the two URC semi-finals, with an injury-hit Munster heading to Dublin to take on Leinster as Connacht visit the Stormers in Cape Town. The lads discuss how Leinster manage their big squad, Munster's challenge this weekend, the fine job Andy Friend has done in Connacht, and also the strengthening of the relationship between Kiwi and Japanese rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella break down the URC quarter-finals, where Connacht downed Ulster, Leinster overcome the Sharks, and Munster beat Glasgow. That all tees up another Leinster v Munster semi-final, but Berch reckons it could be different this time. Do Connacht have a chance in South Africa against the Stormers? The lads also discuss Terenure's brilliant AIL success, both on and off the pitch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're at full complement for a special-edition Wednesday pod, as Eoin Toolan, Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella join Gavan Casey to assess Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final victory over Toulouse, La Rochelle's steamrolling of Exeter, and what the latest chapter in the finalists' great rivalry might look like. The lads give their thoughts on Toulouse's gripes over the officiating of their semi-final, the decision to move Antoine Dupont to 10, and some brilliant Leinster performances by the likes of Jamison Gibson-Park, Jack Conan, Ross Byrne and Charlie Ngatai.Murray, Eoin and Bernard also look ahead to, and give their predictions for, the URC quarter-finals this weekend.Plus, Ireland suffered their first wooden spoon since 2004 in the Women's Six Nations, and it looks as though head coach Greg McWilliams is set to depart: so what should happen next in Irish women's rugby? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciarán Kennedy and Murray Kinsella provide instant reaction to Leinster's 41-22 hammering of Toulouse in the Champions Cup semi-final at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella to look ahead to Leinster's big challenge against Toulouse in the Champions Cup semi-finals. The lads discuss Leo Cullen's interesting words as he attempted to manage the big expectations.And with Rugby Australia announcing a surplus for the financial year, Eoin outlines how they've managed to turn things around from the brink. There's also time to check in on all things Super Rugby and chat about the new All Blacks coaching ticket. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella, Bernard Jackman and Gavan Casey delve into Round 18 of the URC and how the provinces are shaping up for their respective knockout-rugby runs. The lads discuss how Munster totally subverted their expectations in South Africa, and why the impending departure of the in-form Ben Healy -- who should arguably start at out-half in Munster's quarter-final -- shouldn't be considered a mistake by either party. They look ahead to Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final with Toulouse, and the extent to which Saturday's heavy defeat to the Bulls needs to be examined. Plus: Are we wrong to 'hype' young talents like Sam Prendergast, and is he even really exposed to the hype that so many rugby fans fear? Murray and Berch examine how Connacht have transformed their season -- and the conversations around them -- as they prepare for a trip to Ravenhill in the quarters.Ulster, too, recovered well from a mid-season blip, albeit our analysts remain unconvinced by their recent performances.Plus, Ireland suffered another heavy defeat in the Women's Six Nations which shouldn't be sugarcoated, but there were tangible improvements to their performance which shouldn't be ignored. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's pod, Eoin Toolan tells Murray Kinsella about his work with Ireland, the Melbourne Rebels, and Kintetsu Liners. Eoin discusses how he got into rugby analysis, what's involved in the job, and how this area of the game has changed over the years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray and Berch get stuck into a clean sweep for the Irish provinces in the URC, with Munster and Leinster registering impressive wins on the road in South Africa.The lads also discuss Jacques Nienaber signing for Leinster and Scott Fardy being announced as the new Connacht defence coach.And there's discussion of the latest defeat for Ireland Women and whether they should have more experience in their team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Bernard Jackman join Gavan Casey to look back on Champions Cup quarter-final weekend and tentatively look ahead to the semi-finals. After analysing a brilliant second-half performance against Leicester, the lads discuss Leinster's socio-economic advantages -- a hot-button topic since Friday -- and whether or not they would be better off acknowledging their existence. Murray and Bernard also delve into Toulouse and La Rochelle's quarter-final victories and look ahead to a massive weekend in the URC for Connacht and Munster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray and Eoin are joined by former England and Lions lock Geoff Parling, who is now an assistant coach with the Melbourne Rebels.The lads discuss the tactical challenge Leicester will throw at Leinster in the Champions Cup on Friday, with Leo Cullen's men heavy favourites to advance.Geoff also discusses how Super Rugby is looking to speed up the game, as well as how the Fijian Drua are providing a totally new test for teams.And there's a chat about Eddie Jones' first Wallabies squad as the Aussies look to build towards the World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gav, Berch, and Murray discuss what was a tough weekend for everyone in Irish rugby except the magnificent Leinster, who played brilliant wet-weather rugby to beat Ulster.The lads discuss how the other provinces might look to close the gap to Leinster, with Connacht having crashed out of the Challenge Cup against a superb Benetton team.Meanwhile, there was more misery for Irish women's rugby on a weekend when the 15s and 7s both struggled. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciarán Kennedy and Gavan Casey look ahead to a massive European weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gav is joined by Berch and Murray to discuss a URC play-off race that has become even spicier after wins for Connacht and Ulster, a draw for Leinster, and a chastening home defeat for Munster. The lads try to pick their top eight with two rounds left to go. There's also analysis of Ireland Women's disappointing start to their Six Nations campaign away to Wales, with Bernard pointing out that things could get worse before they improve. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Murray to continue basking in the afterglow of Ireland's Grand Slam success, with Eoin providing more detailed analysis of where Andy Farrell's team got it right and where they still need to get better.The lads dig into the mailbag to answer some brilliant questions from members, including the task of picking Ireland's four best players of all time. There's also discussion of the nominees for player of the Six Nations, as well as the pathways for Irish coaches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella dig into an incredible weekend in Dublin and Cork. They discuss Andy Farrell's impressive leadership of Ireland, how Johnny Sexton has changed, and the players who have stepped up in a big way to help their team towards the Grand Slam. The lads also reflect on the Ireland U20s' back-to-back Slams, talking about how these talented young players need opportunities and what's going on in the pipeline underneath. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey give their immediate reaction to Ireland's Grand Slam victory against England in the Aviva Stadium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Sunday Times' rugby correspondent, Stephen Jones, joins Eoin Toolan and Murray Kinsella to preview this Saturday's showdown in Dublin. Stephen waxes lyrical about Andy Farrell's Ireland team and declares them the best Irish side ever as he says England would do well to keep their losing margin to less than 20 points this weekend.The lads dig into what went wrong for England against France last weekend, with Eoin delivering cutting analysis on the lack of clarity and execution in the English game. There's also talk of the great Johnny Sexton's last Six Nations game, James Lowe's rise to world-class level and why Farrell's men should be able to seal the Grand Slam.Eoin also looks forward to the other two Six Nations games and hails a huge win for the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Bernard Jackman join Gavan Casey to dissect one of the great Irish victories -- and one of the most bizarre games in recent memory. 'Berch' felt the game was lost when both Dan Sheehan and Rónan Kelleher were struck down, so just how did Ireland wind up winning it so convincingly? And how did Scotland manage to pass up such a golden opportunity for a landmark win?Plus: Steve Borthwick's England fell foul of 'The David Clifford of rugby', Antoine Dupont, and one of the best French performances in the Six Nations era. The lads assess both side's markedly different levels of performance and the challenge England will still pose to Ireland in next weekend's Slam decider. And Italy paid the price for thinking they automatically had the beating of Wales, but Berch reckons Warren Gatland's men haven't turned a corner even in avoiding the spoon in Rome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella joins Gavan Casey from Murrayfield to give his thoughts on Ireland's extraordinary win over Scotland which keeps their Grand Slam bid alive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scottish journalist and commentator Jamie Lyall joins Eoin Toolan and Murray Kinsella to take a deep dive into the challenge Ireland face on Sunday. The lads discuss Finn Russell's form and his relationship with Scotland boss Gregor Townsend, whose future remains unclear. Eoin and Jamie also outline the dangers that the Scottish attack poses this weekend.There's chat about the doubts surrounding the Scots' mentality, while the panel highlight several other key players in Townsend's side. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gav, Berch, and Murray tee up another huge week for Ireland as they get set to visit Scotland in the Six Nations. How big a threat are Finn Russell and co.?The lads discuss the other two fascinating Six Nations games ahead, as well as giving their views on Ardie Savea's throat-slitting gesture during last weekend's Super Rugby action.Berch speaks about Tom Tierney's funeral and how Munster managed a difficult week, while there is also chat about the other three provinces' URC wins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella to discuss how Ireland will review their win over Italy, with a big focus on the details of the Irish defence. The lads also chat about Andy Farrell's much-boosted selection options for the Scotland game. With the NZR confirming they'll name the next All Blacks coach before this year's World Cup, Eoin analyses whether it's Scott Robertson's job or whether there might be a surprise.Murray and Eoin also touch on Marcus Smith being left out of England's training camp, Owen Farrell's place-kicking, and an injury for Italy star Ange Capuozzo, while they finish the pod with a wrap of the opening round of Super Rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella, Bernard Jackman and Gavan Casey pour over a job pretty well done by Ireland in Rome in the circumstances.The lads discuss Ross Byrne's performance at 10, the makeshift midfield and who should start at 13 in the event that Garry Ringrose becomes unavailable again, and the importance of James Lowe to Ireland's attack.Berch also makes a bold call on Scotland's attack, and Murray explains why he was impressed by England in a game that virtually nobody else in the world enjoyed.Plus, the Ireland U20s remain on course for a Grand Slam, while Ulster made a bit of a statement with a fine victory over the Sharks in South Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciarán Kennedy gets Murray Kinsella's live reaction from Rome as Ireland secure another bonus-point win to keep the Grand Slam dream alive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Gavan Casey for a bumper chat as Ireland prepare for their trip to Rome, Connacht and Leicester Tigers make their head coaching appointments, and the southern hemisphere gears up for Super Rugby season with renewed enthusiasm.Eoin gives his insights into the movers and shakers in OZ -- where Taniela Tupou has left the Reds for Toolan's old club, the Rebels -- and tells us which young players to keep an eye out for this season.Also, his old pal Dan McKellar has been appointed head coach at Leicester: Eoin tells us what Tigers should expect from the ex-Brumbies man.Closer to home, Connacht have named Pete Wilkins as their 'new' head coach, and the lads assess fans' somewhat underwhelmed reaction to the appointment. Eoin also explains why he believes Wilkins' hiring is a step clear of one of Irish rugby's biggest failings: establishing pathways for coaches within the Irish game.The lads also discuss Italy-Ireland, the 'storm in a teacup' that is Scott Penny's call-up to Andy Farrell's squad, and France-Scotland as well as the ongoing Welsh rugby dispute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gavan Casey is joined by Bernard Jackman and Murray Kinsella to take a deep dive into the chaos in Welsh rugby. Berch gives detailed insight into the state of play and what needs to happen to sort this mess out.Murray and Bernard pick the players they'd like to see come in for Ireland against Italy, and the lads also discuss a member's interesting question about a hypothetical all-Leinster Irish team.There's also room for a chat about the worrying sounds coming out of Connacht right now, as well as Ulster's latest defeat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella to discuss the latest Super Rugby law tweaks - yellow card upgrades, reducing TMO interactions, and an interesting one around the scrum. The lads dig into Ireland's performance against France last weekend in the Six Nations, with Eoin outlining the tactical approach that impressed him so much. There's also discussion of the French frustrations after defeat in Dublin.Eoin gives his verdict on England, Wales, Scotland, and Italy, as well as answering an intriguing question about the Englishmen coaching in Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Jackman and Ciarán Kennedy join Murray Kinsella to dive deep into Ireland's brilliant performance in an incredible Six Nations win over France.The lads discuss how Ireland limited the French threat and their four excellent tries. There's discussion of Caelan Doris' dominant performance and the more unsung contributions from players in green.After Scotland's second win, we ask if they are the real deal. There's also chat about England getting off the mark under Steve Borthwick against Italy, as well as the latest thrilling Ireland U20s win. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey live from the Aviva Stadium in the aftermath of Ireland's brilliant win over France in the Six Nations, as they add to their unbeaten record at home. The Grand Slam is still on! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special live podcast, Sean O'Brien joined Gav, Murray and Berch in Tullow RFC, for a truly compelling chat across a number of topics, which includes how Ireland must approach the French challenge and Sean's coaching career with club and province.Sean speaks openly about what drove him to confound the many doubters who said he would never have a career in professional rugby. He explains how social media and smartphones have led to inhibited players who are slow to express themselves, and emphasises the value of honest, forthright communication between teammates. The former Lion and Six Nations winner also tells us how his love of farming sometimes got in the way of his rugby career, leading to some amusing exchanges with Joe Schmidt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Eoin Toolan are joined by Paris-based journalist Illtud Dafydd, who gives us the inside view on how France are shaping up for Saturday's showdown with Ireland. Illtud discusses injuries in the French squad, their brilliant 9-10 combination, and how Andy Farrell's team are viewed in France.Eoin breaks down the key tactical, physical and mental challenges ahead of this massive Six Nations clash, as well as discussing the losses of Tadhg Furlong and Jamison Gibson-Park.The lads also touch on the other two Six Nations games this weekend, with Scotland hosting Wales and Italy visiting England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gav, Berch, and Murray discuss a thrilling opening weekend in the Six Nations. Ireland racked up a bonus-point win over Wales despite a wobble in the second half, while Italy pushed France all the way in Rome. The lads discuss what it all means ahead of _les Bleus' _visit to Dublin on Saturday.They also chat about Scotland's latest Calcutta Cup success against an England team who still have plenty of worries despite the change in coaching. Finally, there's time for discussion of the Ireland U20s' win in Wales, where Sam Prendergast caught the eye. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella joins Gavan Casey on the line from the Principality Stadium to give his immediate reaction to a 34-10 victory for Andy Farrell's men. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan and Murray Kinsella are joined by Steffan Thomas, the rugby correspondent for Wales Online, to discuss why the Welsh Rugby Union has been accused of having a 'toxic culture' amid allegations of sexism and racism. The lads then break down Warren Gatland's team selection for Wales' Six Nations opener against Ireland this weekend. There are more than a few veteran players but also a sprinkling of exciting young guns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Portugal-bound Murray Kinsella and former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman join Gavan Casey for a big Six Nations preview. The lads field members' questions about this year's tournament, giving their assessments of each of the teams along the way.One listener also unearths a potential 'Lions curse' on Ireland, and perhaps even the other pertinent nations, at World Cups. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Toolan joins Murray Kinsella to start building up to the Six Nations, with the lads discussing Johnny Sexton's fitness and how Andy Farrell should pick in his 23 for the opening clash against Wales.With Scotland boss Gregor Townsend saying that John Cooney wants to play for them, Eoin outlines his reservations about the change in World Rugby's eligibility rules.Eoin and Murray also chat about the RFU's announcement that the legal tackle height will be lowered to the waist at community levels of the game. Eoin worries that it is a reckless decision and the lads agree that it has been very poorly communicated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murray Kinsella and Bernard Jackman join Gavan Casey after a huge European weekend for the provinces which yielded mixed results. The lads discuss Munster's stirring efforts in Toulouse, where Murray says French journalists have already made peace with, as they see it, Leinster's inevitable Champions Cup success.How realistic a prospect is it that we see Bundee Aki in Munster red next season? 'Berch' and Murray give their thoughts.Ulster's performance -- and the individual upturns of players like Duane Vermeulen, Jacob Stockdale and John Cooney -- bore all the hallmarks of a side which has turned the corner. The lads look ahead to a last-16 clash with Leinster in Dublin.And Connacht blew a chance for a home run as far as the Challenge Cup final: our analysts give their thoughts on the western province's selection against Newcastle, as well as Connacht's coaching future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's midweek pod recorded in the aftermath of a hugely intriguing Six Nations squad announcement by Ireland, former Munster out-half and current Cork Con head coach Jonny Holland joins Gavan Casey to run the rule over Andy Farrell's big calls. There were none bigger than that made in Holland's former position: he gives his thoughts on Joey Carbery's form and Ross Byrne's 'fully deserved' call-up, and offers a behind-the-scenes insight into Jack Crowley whom he has coached at Con in recent seasons.Holland also provides his perspective on Ben Healy's upcoming move to Scotland, which has resulted in his call-up by Gregor Townsend for this year's Six Nations.Plus, all of the other Ireland-squad talking points: the inclusions of Keith Earls, Jacob Stockdale and Conor Murray; the exclusions of Kieran Treadwell and Nick Timoney; and why Mike Haley might be almost a victim of his own form in the Munster fullback jersey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.