The Counter Ruck

Not for the first time this year, Welsh rugby is awash with speculation of the downfall of one of its clubs. The Ospreys, four-time winners of the URC in its various guises over the year, are the latest team which could be on the chopping block, according to various media reports. With high profile players leaving the club, word that owners are looking to jump ship and the CEO taking to his personal social media accounts to defend the club’s lack of talk offering clarity, there is plenty going on. Welsh rugby journalist Simon Thomas joins Nathan Johns to discuss the latest crisis engulfing Welsh rugby. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster won on their travels but looked far from convincing against Leicester. Munster also flattered to deceive albeit they got a winning bonus point at home to Gloucester. Ulster rotated their side with one eye on an interpro against Leinster and lost in the dying embers against Cardiff while Connacht won easily against Black Lion of Georgia. Should we be overly concerned about dicey performances at this stage of the season, or is winning all that matters this side of Christmas before the business end of the season? Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to discuss.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Leinster and Leicester squaring off in Europe this week, Jimmy Gopperth - a former outhalf for both sides - joins ex-teammate Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns. We look back at an interesting time in Leinster’s history, the years when they were coached by Matt O’Connor. We also chat about Irish rugby’s tactical evolution in the last 10 years, as well as the direction of travel of the sport more generally, given Gopperth’s experience playing for 10 different clubs across the world.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Round one of European action has been and gone as Leinster won in unconvincing fashion over an understrength Harlequins side, Munster fell away to Bath, Connacht lost to Ospreys and Ulster hammered Racing at home in Belfast. Are Leinster leaving it till too late in the season to kick into gear? Is Munster’s defeat terminal to their European ambitions? Were Ulster the only Irish province to actually impress across the opening weekend? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss all the action.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two years out from the World Cup, Ireland now know who they are playing after Wednesday’s draw. The fixture dates come next February as World Rugby look for spikes of ‘hype’, a tactic which divides the opinion of our panel. Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to look at Ireland’s draw and preview the upcoming European action. Leinster may well have a chance to blood a few newer faces due to injury, while Munster face a fascinating trip to take on old friend Johann van Graan in Bath. In the Challenge Cup, Ulster and Connacht will look to continue their strong league form against Racing and Ospreys respectively. We preview all the action as European matches return.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the November window, the IRFU released their financial accounts for the previous year. Inevitably, they were asked about rising ticket prices for games at the Aviva Stadium. Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley reported that the cost of a ticket has increased by 80 per cent in the past 12 years. Why does rugby charge more for the in-ground experience, compared to other sports? There’s a lot in this: the financial health of the sport, ticket vs TV revenue, how tickets are sold through clubs, the corporate nature of the audience and a new Nations League competition which is supposed otherwise boost broadcast income. Gerry joins The Counter Ruck to discuss it all.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There have been postmortems aplenty on the state of Irish rugby after the November window. But what of the international window as a whole. Officiating is arguably a hot a topic as it ever has been - and not in a good way. Stylistically, law tweaks have more and more teams striving for efficiency and playing in similar styles, ones which are not always popular among the crowds. Whatever about results and Irish fortunes, as a spectacle, is international rugby still a good watch?Host Nathan Johns is joined by Irish Times ruby writer John O’Sullivan.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saturday was shambolic. Chaotic. Insert your choice of adjective here. A rugby match took over 130 minutes to complete. Seven cards were handed out - one rescinded. Somewhere in between, South Africa bullied Ireland, Andy Farrell’s side ultimately doing well not to lose by a heavier margin. What to make of all the chaos, and of Ireland’s November window as a whole? John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to discuss.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Africa come to town this weekend with two World Cup winners’ medals in the back pocket of plenty of squad members. Yet one of the few frontiers this side under Rassie Erasmus has yet to cross is winning in Dublin. Daniel Gallan is a South African journalist for Rugbypass and the Guardian. He joins Nathan Johns to explain just how Rassie has done it for so long. How does he keep his players motivated? How does socio-economic and cultural realities back home play into the rugby psyche? Is to be a Springbok akin to following a cult?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland secured a record victory over Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies on a wet Saturday night at the Aviva Stadium. It was comfortably the best display of this November window from Andy Farrell’s side, but where does it leave them ahead of next week’s Springbok challenge? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan once again join Nathan Johns to discuss, amongst other things: Sam Prendergast’s impressive starting display; Ireland’s kicking supremacy; return of the Mack; Gibson-Park’s continuing excellence and Australia’s fall from grace.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After beating the Lions in the last Test and running them close in the series as a whole, Australia have gone downhill. They started this November window with a scare against Japan while last weekend saw a damaging defeat to Italy. Where did it all go wrong? Joe Schmidt is in the twilight of his tenure in charge, finishing up next July. After the Lions recovery but subsequent demise, how will his time with the Wallabies be remembered? Jonathan Drennan of the Sydney Morning Herald joins Nathan Johns to discuss.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland 41 Japan 10: back on track after the Chicago disappointment or a worrying, laboured victory? Did Ireland get what they needed from returning players? Did newer faces step up? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to give their thoughts. Meanwhile over in Spain, Ireland’s second string impressed against the tier two nation. Can anyone from that group force their way into senior Irish reckoning any time soon?Produced by John Casey and JJ Vernon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two Irish sides take to the pitch on Saturday; Andy Farrell’s senior outfit takes on Japan before a second-string side play Spain. Plenty of interesting selection calls have been made, while a number of high-profile players - Caelan Doris included - return to starting roles. What are the storylines and performances to watch? Who needs a big display to keep their spot, and who might force their way into first choice reckoning?John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where does Ireland’s defeat to the All Blacks leave them in world rugby’s hierarchy? After a solid if unspectacular opening hour, Ireland collapsed to a two-score defeat in the final quarter. The Irish kicking game brought plenty of joy, but New Zealand’s bench ultimately turned the contest. Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the action from Ireland’s Chicago trip.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is this the most undercooked an Irish side has been heading into an international window? Is Andy Farrell picking on form? What to make of Jack Crowley at outhalf, Stuart McCloskey at centre and Caelan Doris on the bench? Do Ireland stand any chance of upsetting a New Zealand side which has yet to convince under Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson? Gerry Thornley is our man on the ground in Chicago. He joins Nathan Johns to build up to Ireland’s Chicago clash with the All Blacks.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a slightly different episode, Gordon D’Arcy has gone digging around his attic for career memories. A teammate feedback sheet from his aged 21 season prompts today’s discussion. In these anonymous submissions, D’Arcy was given both praise and constructive yet strong criticism about his early days with Leinster. In his own words, it was the sheet which “changed everything.” What was said by his peers, how did it affect his behaviour and how did he go on to achieve what he did?Plus, a review of the opening five rounds of the URC as attention turns to the international stage.Produced by John Casey and JJ Vernon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan Fanning has just published a book on the modern history of Irish rugby. Looking at recent successes, he speaks to the heavy hitters involved to figure out if we are set-up to continue growing, stay still or go backwards. Brendan joins The Counter Ruck to discuss his book, Touching Distance, to analyse the biggest issues that have affected the game since 2007. What is Stuart Lancaster’s relationship with Andy Farrell like? What does David Nucifora think of Munster? Are the good times here to stay or already gone?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster battered their provincial rivals for the first time in a long time, potentially igniting this derby match for the future. Were Leinster simply undercooked as they continued to bring back their Lions or has the tide turned on this previously one-sided grudge match? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to recap the weekend’s action and look ahead to the ramifications of this game for Ireland’s November series.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Farrell named a settled Ireland squad for the upcoming November internationals this week. With just one uncapped player - Leinster’s Paddy McCarthy - has he taken the opportunity to regenerate the side halfway through a World Cup cycle? Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to pick through the more interesting selections. Why has McCarthy risen so quickly up the depth chart? Can Tommy O’Brien force his way in? Why are there so many Leinster players? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time this season, Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan are back together on The Counter Ruck to pick through the weekend’s rugby action. Leinster returned to winning ways, Munster won an ill-disciplined affair against Edinburgh, Ulster picked up a statement win over the Bulls while Connacht fell away to Cardiff. With Harry Byrne impressing for Leinster, will he be included in Wednesday’s Ireland squad announcement? Will he or Sam Prendergast start against Munster? After Mike Haley picked up a head injury thanks to a high tackle, what, if anything, can rugby do to fix a discipline issue which won’t go away? How are Leinster and Munster stacking up ahead of their first meeting of the season?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another provincial preview but this one is a little different. After going through things at senior level, Nathan Johns is joined by John O’Sullivan to look at the new players entering the four provincial academies across Ireland. Which players that impressed at U20 level have earned an opportunity? What names should we look out for? Is Ireland still strong at producing younger talent? A deep dive into the provincial academy structure. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The weekend’s provincial action took a hit as Connacht and Ulster both saw their games postponed courtesy of Storm Amy. Munster managed to get their game in as they saw off Cardiff while Leinster finished up their South African trip with another defeat. It’s the first time they’ve lost their first two fixtures of a campaign since 2003. Is there genuine room for concern or is this just a continuation of their difficult relationship with South African trips? Do Munster look a more cohesive unit as the Croke Park clash looms into view in two rounds’ time? And what does all of this mean for Ireland selection in the coming weeks? Former Ireland international Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four years after failing to qualify for the World Cup, few would argue that a valiant quarter-final defeat to France represents progress for the Irish women’s side. How do they keep that going, capitalising on the support which followed them for a month over in England? Lynne Cantwell is the IRFU’s head of women's strategy. A former player, she is tasked with making the sport more visible, helping to improve the standard of player while increasing the commercial viability of the game. With better domestic structures needed, the chance for players to develop both at grassroots and professional level, funding is a necessity for the future of the sport. But how is it all paid for? The financial success of women’s sport more generally is a question plenty of people are grappling with. Lynne Cantwell explains how Irish rugby is doing just that.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The opening weekend of the URC season has been and gone with three out of the four Irish provinces recording victories. Stuart Lancaster and Clayton McMillan opened their accounts with victories for Connacht and Munster respectively, while Ulster saw off the Dragons with their attack impressing under the influence of Richie Murphy’s assistant Mark Sexton. Leinster, though, turned in a horror display down in South Africa. Could they be staring into a 10-point deficit to their rivals just two weeks into the season? How did the other provinces impress after round one? John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our province-by-province preview series concludes out West and in the capital. Connacht have a new coaching staff led by Stuart Lancaster while Leinster have extended their group spearheaded by Leo Cullen and Jacques Nienaber.Can Connacht bring through their young players into Ireland contention? Will Leinster finally break their European curse?John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The return of the URC is upon us as all four provinces gear up for the new campaign. New coaches, new players, teams looking to improve on a down season for Irish rugby as a whole domestically, there are plenty of storylines to keep an eye on. Joining host Nathan Johns to pick through Munster and Ulster’s prospects is Irish Times rugby writer John O’Sullivan. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland came close to upsetting France in the World Cup quarter-final, only for an improved display to come up short. How did they nearly pull off the unthinkable? What to make of the bite on Aoife Wafer and subsequent punishment? Where does this Irish team go from here? John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland’s green wave came crashing back down to earth after a 40-0 defeat to New Zealand in Brighton. The saving grace is that, after defeating Japan and Spain in their opening games, a quarter-final spot has still been secured. They play Six Nations foe France in Exeter next weekend. After attending the match on Sunday, Nathan Johns and Gerry Thornley pick through the talking points.Where did it go wrong for Ireland? Did they play into New Zealand’s hands with their game plan? Will Aoife Wafer play any time at this tournament? What are their prospects for the French showdown? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland have qualified for a Women’s World Cup quarter-final for the first time since 2014 having beaten Spain. Whether they win the pool, and their knockout opponent, will be decided on Sunday when taking on the Black Ferns. Across their first two games, Ireland have scored 13 tries and 85 points. All seems well, but were there cracks in the performance against two lower ranked teams? How do we balance critiquing displays while acknowledging the achievements of this side? Irish Times contributor Louise Lawless joins Nathan Johns to discuss.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland returned to the World Cup stage with a dominant win over Japan. Given the day that’s in it, a first World Cup match for all bar one of the squad, all at Franklin’s Gardens left in a positive mood. Even with a second half struggle which allowed Japan to get back into the game. What made the day a successful one, who impressed and how could Ireland improve ahead of their next game with Spain? Nathan Johns and Louise Lawless discuss after being in Northampton.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland’s last Women’s World Cup appearance came in 2017. It was supposed to be a crowning moment, a global tournament hosted on Irish soil. Instead, results on the field precipitated a decline off it. Eight years later - with one failed qualification attempt in between - Ireland finally return to the world stage. What has changed in the last eight years? Are there lessons to be learned from the 2017 disappointment? How important a moment is it that Ireland are now back competing at World Cups? Former player Lindsay Peat, current assistant coach Larissa Muldoon and Ireland hooker Clíodhna Moloney-MacDonald were all involved in 2017. They join host Nathan Johns to look back at the last eight years.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland’s World Cup campaign is fast approaching. Yet perhaps due to Lions fatigue, the build-up has been somewhat muted. Maybe the bandwagon won’t get going until Ireland play New Zealand on September 7th, or is it a case of the women’s game being in a strange place? Much of the chatter around this Ireland group has been positive in recent years, thanks to improving Six Nations results and a famous win over the Black Ferns. Yet with key players injured, last-minute call-ups from England and questions on the future of the domestic game, this World Cup build-up doesn’t scream a team about to take off. Irish Times contributor Louise Lawless joins Nathan Johns to preview the campaign. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After missing out on the 2021 edition, Ireland are back in World Cup action as they prepare for the upcoming campaign in England. Matches against Japan, Spain and New Zealand - who they memorably beat last autumn - await in Northampton and Brighton respectively.Ahead of the campaign, Nathan Johns is joined by players Aimee Leigh Costigan and Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald to get an insight into camp. We chat World Cup preparation and the future of the women’s domestic game in Ireland which is set for an overhaul in the coming years. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lions failed in their bid of a Test whitewash but still travel home from Australia as series winners. It seems that this series took a while to kick into gear but once it did, the final two Tests provided entertainment aplenty. Not least due to a dramatic lightning delay in Sydney on Saturday. How did Australia come back to salvage some pride? Was it inevitable human nature that the Lions took their foot off the gas once the series was secure? Where does this Lions tour rank in the annals of tours to the southern hemisphere? Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns all discuss. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nine Irish players start in the Lions Test side in back-to-back weeks. But will this be remembered as a vintage tour, even with all the Irish representation? Is it difficulty to get up for the third test after last week’s series-winning drama? And with Tadhg Furlong in line for his ninth consecutive start for the Lions in Test matches this Saturday, is he in the conversation of greatest ever Irish lion?John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns preview the third test between the Lions and the Wallabies.Read about the Lions tour: irishtimes.com/sport/rugby Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As expected, the Lions are series winners having secured a 2-0 lead heading into the final Test against the Wallabies in Sydney. But, Melbourne’s second Test victory wasn’t without its drama. A Wallaby counterpunch, a thrilling fightback, refereeing controversy, a last-minute try and plenty of Irish involvement. The second Test had it all and the tour as a whole badly needed such a shot in the arm. Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the match; how did Australia give Andy Farrell’s side a bloody nose? How did the Lions recover? Read about the Lions tour: irishtimes.com/sport/rugby Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year’s Lions tour has been laden with negative coverage of how the tourists have endeared themselves to (or otherwise) to the Australian public. With disputes on the strength of touring sides, blocking players from lining out and the general negativity surrounding the standard of the Wallabies, it feels this tour has been as memorable for off-field storylines as much as on-field ones.Do the Lions need to be popular in their host country? Does any of this matter so long as the Lions win? Are we really talking about the demise of tours to Australia?Host Nathan Johns is joined by sportswriter at the Sydney Morning Herald, Jonathan Drennan.Read about the Lions tour: irishtimes.com/sport/rugby Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As was widely expected, the Lions were too strong for Australia during Saturday’s first Test in Brisbane. How did Andy Farrell’s side go about working past Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies?A fast start gave way to a middling if not average second half display. Does this give Australia hope of a series comeback, or did the Lions simply take their foot off the gas?Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick analyse where the game was won and lost. We also conduct a postmortem on the year for Ireland U20s after they just about avoided a World Cup wooden spoon with a narrow victory over Spain.Read about the Lions tour: irishtimes.com/sport/rugby Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The teams have been named for Saturday’s first Lions Test and Australia are missing a number of big names. With Will Skelton, Rob Valetini and Taniela Tupou among those on the sidelines, concerns abound for Joe Schmidt’s ability to put together a competitive gameplan. Will wily Joe have something up his sleeve? Will Saturday turn into a uncompetitive drubbing, a nightmare scenario for the tour as a whole? Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley is on the ground in Brisbane. He joins Nathan Johns to preview the first Test between the Lions and the Wallabies.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join host Nathan Johns to recap the weekend’s action: South Africa’s hijinks, Ireland’s century and the Lions’ final warm-up game are all up for discussion. What, if anything, did we learn about an Irish side which scored 100+ points against a poor Portuguese side? Is this Lions side genuinely world class, or are they just playing against bad opposition? Will this slow build-up be worth it once the Test series gets underway?Fancy joining us for our live show? Head to irishtimes.com/events to join Gordon, John, Nathan and Irish Lion Sean O’Brien as we preview the first Test vs Australia. Got a question for the panel on the night? Email [email protected]. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rugby action continues to come thick and fast. John O’Sullivan is in Portugal to preview Ireland’s clash in Lisbon, and he joins host Nathan Johns for today’s episode. We chat Ireland’s selection of fast wings, Jamie Osborne’s Lions call-up, Andy Farrell’s selection conundrums and take a deep dive into the disappointing U20s campaign at the World Championships. Like what you hear? Join Nathan, John, Gordon D’Arcy and Seán O’Brien in the Harcourt Bar on July 16th for a Lions preview live show.Tickets and information here: http://irishtimes.com/eventsProduced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rugby action continues at full steam ahead. The Lions struggled against the Waratahs in Sydney while Ireland’s second string impressed in Tbilisi. Meanwhile the U20s continued their struggles against Italy. All this before you mention Wales losing to Japan, France’s B team putting it up to the All Blacks and Fiji giving Australia a bit of a bloody nose.What to make of it all? John O’Sullivan is on his travels following Ireland as he dials in alongside Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns.The upcoming live Lions podcast will take place Wednesday July 16th at the Harcourt Bar, with special guest Seán O’Brien.Tickets and information here: http://irishtimes.com/eventsProduced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While the Lions tour continues on its merry way, Ireland are back in action for the first time since the Six Nations. John O’Sullivan is in Tbilisi for their game against Georgia and he joins Nathan Johns for a detailed breakdown of the tour opener. It’s pelting it down in the days leading up to kick off. Good look facing a Georgian pack in the rain.Which players are we expecting big things from as plenty look to impress with the frontliners away in Australia? In what positions do Ireland need to build depth? Results aside, what do we need to see to constitute a successful tour? Over in Australia, Owen Farrell has been called up to replace the injured Elliot Daly. This is no like for like in terms of a positional replacement, so what are the implications for Ireland’s Hugo Keenan as he starts his battle with Blair Kinghorn for the Test 15 shirt?We’d love to find out what you think of The Counter Ruck podcast and to understand a little more about our listeners.Please take our survey and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a €100 One4All gift card:https://www.research.net/r/CounterRuckWebAppProduced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A busy weekend of rugby action saw plenty of Irish involvement in the Lions win over the Western Force, a Top14 final for the ages in France, Peter O’Mahony and Cian Healy bow out with the Barbarians, while the Ireland U20s finally returned to winning ways in their World Cup opener. Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join host Nathan Johns to chat through all the action while also looking forward to Wednesday’s Lions clash with Queensland, where a familiar face in Les Kiss will be coaching the Reds. Which Irish players are starting to look Test ready in Australia? What impact did Kiss have on Irish rugby? Have structural issues in the Irish schools game continued to hamper the 20s?We’d love to find out what you think of The Counter Ruck podcast and to understand a little more about our listeners.Please take our survey and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a €100 One4All gift card:https://www.research.net/r/CounterRuckWebAppProduced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lions tours are full of stories of players being called up last minute, dashing across the world to get an opportunity to pull on the red jersey. Former Ireland prop Tom Court has as good a story as anyone, tucking into a takeaway in his native Queensland before being summoned to Melbourne as the 2013 Lions faced a mini-propping crisis. Given it’s 12 years on from that tour, this is as good an opportunity as any to hear from Court. As much as this is a Lions chat, though, it turns into a fascinating analysis of Irish props and scrums. How did Court, who didn’t play rugby until the age of 23, play for Ireland A within 16 months of first touching a rugby ball? Was this an indication of his unique athleticism, or an indictment on Ireland’s ability to develop front rows? Or a bit of both? Given he experienced the system, Court gives his take on how we as a country develop props. What needs to be done to avoid reliance on one man in a certain position (a la Tadhg Furlong) for an extended period? How do Australia compare in their athlete development? Are we on the way to fixing the problem?We’d love to find out what you think of The Counter Ruck podcast and to understand a little more about our listeners.Please take our survey and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a €100 One4All gift card:https://www.research.net/r/CounterRuckWebAppProduced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine Irish rugby had to compete with a professional GAA and a thriving League of Ireland for talent. Would the country still be so successful?That is the picture facing Australia at the moment and then some, given the popularity of Rugby League, AFL, cricket, soccer, basketball and countless other codes down under. Yet just over 20 years ago, Australian rugby defied this sporting competition to produce a side good enough to win the 1999 World Cup, beat the Lions in 2001 and narrowly miss out on back-to-back global crowns in 2003. What has changed?Jonathan Drennan is a Belfast-born journalist working for the Sydney Morning Herald. He joins host Nathan Johns to explain Australian rugby’s recent demise.Will this Lions tour, combined with hosting duties at the 2027 World Cup, give the sport the injection of eyeballs it needs, or will it bankrupt a once great rugby nation?We’d love to find out what you think of The Counter Ruck podcast and to understand a little more about our listeners.Please take our survey and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a €100 One4All gift card:https://www.research.net/r/CounterRuckWebAppProduced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a lengthy build-up, the Lions tour is finally upon us. Andy Farrell and co come to Dublin on Friday night to take on Argentina before travelling down under.The last time the Lions faced Los Pumas, our own Gordon D’Arcy started at 12 back in 2005.He joins Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan to reminisce on his own Lions experiences, look ahead to Friday and analyse the place of the Lions in the public psyche. Is it an event which captures the everyday fan’s imagination or simply a corporate juggernaut?We’d love to find out what you think of The Counter Ruck podcast and to understand a little more about our listeners.Please take our survey and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a €100 One4All gift card: https://www.research.net/r/CounterRuckWebAppProduced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After weeks of criticism, Leinster have answered their Champions Cup disappointment in the best way possible.A first trophy since 2021 was secured by beating the Bulls on Saturday, Leinster climbing the steps of the Hogan Stand in Croke Park to lift a first URC title since the South African sides joined.What does this mean for the province going forward? Have they cured their mental problems in big games? How will they replace the influence of Jordie Barrett? Is this a side ready to win European titles once again?Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend’s action.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster have played the Bulls twice in knockouts since 2022. Both times, they lost. The South African game plan has been clear: beat them up front. But are Leinster better equipped this time? Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns discuss. Plus, how will Sam Prendergast shape up in his first final? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After weeks of consistent (yet fair) criticism, Leinster turned in a performance to silence the critics. At least for now, their ultimate test for this season still to come. A convincing win against Glasgow showed a side touching top form again while offering a window into their unusual ‘us against the world’ mentality. What to make of it all? Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns discuss. Will Leinster disappoint in another final? What does D’Arcy think are the mental improvements for a side with all the talent in the world? Are Leinster back at their best? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.