The Counter Ruck

This week brought the news that Warren Gatland is no longer head coach of Wales. Given their recent 14-match losing run, that Gatland could not continue will be no surprise to many, but the timing, coming midway through the Six Nations, has raised questions. Simon Thomas is a Welsh rugby journalist. He joins Nathan Johns to explain where it all went wrong for Gatland - who of course coached Ireland as well once upon a time. We pick through puzzling tactical decisions, the lack of talent coming through the Welsh pathway plus the future of professional rugby in the country. Is Gatland’s legacy with Wales tarnished? The country’s growing apathy towards their national team also comes up for discussion, with the runners and riders for Gatland’s replacement thrown in for good measure. One name, familiar to Irish fans, will be of particular interest.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through Ireland’s comfortable victory over Scotland at Murrayfield. Are Ireland the most psychologically resilient side in the Six Nations? Will Scotland ever get over their Irish hoodoo? Might things have looked different if Finn Russell and Darcy Graham avoided injury? The panel explain how Ireland’s game plan dismantled Scotland’s dangerous attack, withstanding a handful of counter-punches to once again assert their superiority. With the Six Nations now heading into a rest week, Ireland’s impressive form under Simon Easterby is analysed, alongside their chances of securing a Grand Slam. Elsewhere, we pick through Wales’ ongoing decline after their defeat to Italy. France’s implosion in Twickenham is also up for discussion; have we finally seen Antoine Dupont show his human side? Finally, what of the Ireland U20s, who got their Six Nations campaign back on track with victory over Scotland?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland have not lost to Scotland since 2017, but it seems every year since then the Scots feel closer and closer to ending their hoodoo. Will this year finally be their time? Nigel Carolan is an Irishman on the inside of Scottish rugby. Originally from Galway, he coached Ireland U20s before becoming Glasgow Warriors’ attack coach. Working with the likes of Huw Jones, Stafford MacDowall and Sione Tuipulotu on a daily basis, he offers unrivalled insight into what makes this dangerous Scottish attack click. Alongside Irish Times sportswriter John O’Sullivan, Carolan analyses how Ireland might stop Scotland’s backline, as well as how the Irish attack, much improved against England, might break through the Scottish wall. Gerry Thornley joins us later in the podcast to react to the surprise Ireland team selection, with Peter O’Mahony named to start as he resumes his rivalry with Scottish teams. Fresh off Simon Easterby’s press conference, Thornley offers his analysis of why Ireland have picked the team they have.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an impressive, comfortable victory over England, do Ireland rival France as favourites for this year’s Six Nations? As Gordon D’Arcy points out on today’s round-up episode, do we need to wait until next week to ascertain France’s true ability after their hammering of Wales on Friday night? Still, Ireland looked both better coached and more instinctive than an England side which caused problems in the first half. How did Simon Easterby and co rise to the challenge of working without Andy Farrell to prepare this Irish side? Did we expect them to be so rampant in that second half? How important were the contributions of James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park and the returning Dan Sheehan? What does this mean for hopes of a record third title in a row?Produced by John Casey.Link: http://www.justgiving.com/team/grandtourcore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Six Nations is upon us. Momentum in this tournament is key and Ireland start with one of the harder fixtures with the visit of Steve Borthwick’s England side to Dublin. In round two, Ireland travel to Scotland while England host France. Given the difficult schedule, can either side afford to lose this weekend and if they want to hold realistic title ambitions? Will Greenwood and Gordon D’Arcy toured together on the 2005 Lions tour. We reunite the two former centres to pick through England specifically. Why has their backline not yet clicked with Marcus Smith at 10? Is Borthwick under pressure for his job? Despite their losing run, are England on the cusp of turning the corner and becoming a threat? Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley also joins us to pick through Ireland’s selection. Should we surprised that Sam Prendergast got the nod at 10? Are Ireland worried about the lineout? Can the scrum survive without Tadhg Furlong and Joe McCarthy?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Six Nations week. Ireland get their campaign underway with a tricky assignment against England next weekend. Now under the leadership of Simon Easterby, Ireland are bidding to secure an unprecedented third consecutive Six Nations title. Did the likes of James Lowe and Dan Sheehan do enough to prove their fitness for Leinster to be included? Who will start in the coveted outhalf jersey? Who should line out at centre? Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to preview the week ahead. Gordon also offers insight into how to prepare for commentating on a Six Nations match ahead of his stint in the Aviva Stadium gantry, while he details why calf injuries - of the sort which have ruled Tadhg Furlong out of the England game - are so difficult to overcome.Produce by John Casey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s that time of year when Schools rugby, the single most important development tool in Ireland, kicks into gear with the Senior Cup in all four provinces. Des Berry is the authoritative voice when it comes to covering the Leinster Schools Senior Cup. He joins John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns to look at this year’s draw. Who are the young names we should look out for? Who have been the best schoolboy players down through the years? Are Blackrock College and St Michael’s once again the favourites this year, or can another school spring a surprise?We also look at competitions in Munster and Connacht which have already gotten underway, while we chat through the decision to play an Ulster Senior Cup tie as a curtain raiser to a senior provincial game. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now we know the knockout draw for the Champions Cup, can anyone get in the way of another Leinster vs Toulouse showdown in the final? Can Noel McNamara and Bordeaux get in the way of Antoine Dupont and co on that side of the draw? Can Munster spring an upset in the first ever edition of the Ronan O’Gara derby? Would Ulster have preferred to go on a Challenge Cup run to facing Bordeaux once again? Is winning the Challenge Cup a realistic goal for Connacht? Gordon d’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss all this and more, including centres being thrown at the lineout, RG Snyman vs Dupont and the impact of the new laws on the game. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland recently named their squad for the six nations. Widely seen as a continuity selection, there are still a number of talking points. What does Tom Ahern have to do to earn a call up? Are we finally starting to see the next generation of props? Who are the younger developmental players? Is this squad a good reflection on the Emerging Ireland programme? John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to discuss all this and more, including Dan Sheehan’s apparent fast recovery from an ACL injury.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster have now beaten La Rochelle on three consecutive occasions. Is this a sign they have turned the corner against bigger French sides, or was it a smash-and-grab with worrying implications for the future?Gordon D’Arcy believes the bigger picture thinking should be placed to one side for now and that Leinster should be pleased to have come out of a difficult environment with the win. John O’Sullivan, on the other hand, points to a number of concerning trends in the Leinster performance which he thinks do not bode well for the future. Who is right in this debate? Only time will tell. On this edition of The Counter Ruck, the panel also discusses another European night in Thomond to remember for Munster, Connacht’s prospects of winning the Challenge Cup and Ulster’s implosion away to Leicester. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Cheika was the head coach who guided Leinster to their first European crown in 2009. Now, coaching Leicester Tigers, he squares off against Irish opposition with Ulster travelling on Saturday night. Alongside Gordon D’Arcy, who Cheika coached, The Counter Ruck looks back on the Australian’s time in Dublin. How did he convince the top Leinster brass to take a punt on an unproven coach? Did the Leinster players need a good kick up the backside? Are there parallels between Leinster then and Leicester now? Why is Cheika seen as ’the turnaround man’, the coach to call when a side needs an upturn in fortunes?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No provincial men’s rugby took place this weekend but Ireland U20s did play their final warm-up match before their Six Nations campaign gets underway in a few weeks’ time. Playing against a Leinster Development XV in Donnybrook, we got a chance to see how Ireland are shaping up under new coach Neil Doak. Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan both attended Saturday’s game and run through the talking points. How does this crop compare to other years? Who are the young players to watch out for? Who will most likely go on to have strong professional careers? What to make of the latest young outhalf talent?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry Byrne recently caused a bit of a shock by moving from Leinster to Bristol on a short term loan. On paper, the move makes sense, given Byrne’s lack of game time in the 10 shirt. But why don’t we see more players taking short term punts with a view to returning home an improved player? Should game time not be the primary concern? Have players become too comfortable being squad players in their home environment? Will Byrne’s move open the floodgates as a model for staying affiliated to your home side while also earning game time, or is this a once off move which only works in these particular circumstances? Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through the transfer news and its implications for the wider Irish rugby system. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster defence coach Denis Leamy recently described Leinster as ‘brilliantly boring’ due to their current style of play. After watching the weekend’s festive interpro where Leo Cullen’s side secured a dominant 28-7 win, it’s hard to disagree. As South African World Cup-winning coach Jacques Nienaber spends more and more time working with the province, a clear plan focusing on set-piece dominance, power up front and a strong kicking game is starting to emerge. But are Leinster now too brilliantly boring? The power game is good enough to beat injury-hit sides such as Munster, but can they also show the required flashes of creativity to beat better teams? Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through Leinster’s current development, as well as the issues which prevent sides like Munster form keeping pace with their provincial rivals. We also chat through Ulster’s shock win over Connacht. Have they turned a corner, or did they simply come up with a one-off game plan which cannot be replicated in the coming weeks? Gordon also tells us about the difficulties of being a player over the Christmas period, while he compares the differing, but no less complex challenges of running through Munster defences to keeping children asleep for Santa.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When news of Leinster's signing of All Black Jordie Barrett broke back in April of this year, opinion was split. Was it a fair reflection of the dominant province flexing their muscle, or an unfair benefit of the IRFU paying their best players via national contracts?This season, 10 Leinster players have their salaries paid by the governing body via central contracts, the other provinces combined have three. Is this a cycle of dominance, or a worrying portend of Leinster pulling ahead and destroying competitive balance in the provinces?Gordon D'Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss the issue, how we got here and what can be done about it. This episode was first published in April 2024.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We may only be halfway through the rugby season, but the end of the calendar year presents an opportunity to reflect nonetheless. Ireland won a Six Nations, qualified for a women’s World Cup, competed at the Olympics, beat the Black Ferns and won three out of four in November, so was this a successful year? Does the country continue to punch above its weight, and have we become spoiled as rugby fans? Or are we at a stage now when more is needed, especially at provincial level in terms of silverware?Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to look back on the year that was, while also pointing to what needs to improve for 2025 to bring more success to Irish rugby.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ireland women’s team is riding on the crest of a wave after World Cup qualification and a victory over New Zealand in 2024. How does the game look below international level, how are things under the hood? There are a number of moving parts within the domestic structure, including the AIL, provinces and Celtic Challenge. The AIL, though, remains the entry point for many women into rugby. Joining Nathan Johns to review the women’s game in 2024 is Fiona Reidy, a former international and current director of rugby at AIL champions UL Bohemian, and John Cronin, a senior coach at Railway Union. As women’s rugby looks to expand and introduce more professionalism, what needs to happen at domestic level to ensure the current national success continues?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This weekend, Sharks head coach John Plumtree made headlines for outlining the unsustainable nature of South African sides trying to compete in European competition. Both the Sharks and the Stormers sent rotated teams north to the UK and both were well beaten. This comes as Bath sent a rotated squad to Treviso and lost, Munster left behind a few regulars to take on Castres and came up short while Ulster’s policy of resting some frontliners last week failed to pay off as they lost this time around to Bordeaux. Even some of the French teams lost their home matches, ones which they are in theory supposed to take more seriously. All of which begs the question, is the Champions Cup on its last legs? Why should TV companies pay for the rights and fans pay for tickets if the early stages of the tournament only matter to a handful of teams? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to talk through the ramifications, as well as this weekend’s provincial and club rugby action.Produced by John Casey.Clips: A charging deer takes out a player / A razzle dazzle chip and chase for St Marys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob Henderson played for Munster, Ireland and the Lions. He was Brian O’Driscoll’s centre partner both during his infamous Paris hat-trick and the 2001 Lions tour of Australia. In 2002, he played twice for Munster against Castres on the province’s ultimately unsuccessful run to the final of the Heineken Cup. He was part of the group which eventually broke the European duck in 2006. With Munster returning to Castres this weekend and another Lions tour down under approaching, Henderson joins Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan. From exorbitant room service bills to praise for The Counter Ruck’s very own Gordon D’Arcy, Henderson recounts the best bits of a storied career which led up to Irish rugby’s modern era of success.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As this year’s European action kicked off with a mostly positive weekend for the provinces, one difference between Irish sides and those they squared off with became apparent: pace. For some time now, Ireland has not produced game-breaking wingers with top end speed. Why is this the case? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join host Nathan Johns to pick through this issue which could become all the more pressing. One Irish wing did stand out from the weekend. Connacht’s Chay Mullins finally debuted after a lengthy stint playing Sevens. Could he be the answer? The panel also discuss how Europe no longer comes with the fanfare of years gone by, the quality of officiating from the weekend as well as the best of the provincial action.Produced by John Casey.Clips: A worldie from Shane Daly / Genius from Brian O’Driscoll / Lightning pace from Louis Bielle-Biarrey.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Leinster square off against the Bristol Bears, Pat Lam, once in charge of Connacht but now bedded in with the Premiership side, once again finds himself in the Irish rugby bubble. Lam was an immensely popular figure during his time with Connacht, guiding them to a stunning Pro12 victory back in 2016. Famous for his attack-heavy philosophy, Lam’s teams are always fun to watch, with the man himself saying those tuning in this weekend can expect to see a lot of similarities between Bristol and his Connacht side. In a wide-ranging interview on The Counter Ruck, Lam explains his rugby philosophy and why he thinks it will ultimately bring Bristol trophies, reminisces on his time with Connacht including the signing of Bundee Aki, while he also looks back on his friendship with Anthony Foley, the former Munster coach who tragically died back in 2016.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a narrow win over Australia wrapped up a mix bag of an Autumn Nations Series, The Counter Ruck pores through where Andy Farrell’s side finds itself heading into the new year. How can the attack return to its world leading status? Are Ireland evolving to stay in the pack? What is the latest in the current outhalf debate? Does Jack Crowley once again have the upper hand? What are Ireland actually doing differently, and are enough young players being blooded to ensure exciting times are ahead? All these questions and more are answered by Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns. We also look at the mental challenges of being involved in what promises to be a never-ending outhalf debate, while delving into the worrying financial picture currently facing the sport.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Leinster and Ireland boss Joe Schmidt looks to have begun a miraculous turnaround with the Wallabies. From failing to get out of their poor group at last year’s World Cup and finishing bottom of the Rugby Championship, Schmidt has taken his side to the Northern Hemisphere this November and earned wins over England and Wales. But are his methods conducive to long term Australian success? Towards the end of his time on these shores, he became renowned for prescriptive rugby, for instructing his players to minimise risk. Does this chime with the historical Aussie penchant for attacking flair? Gordon D’Arcy used to play under Schmidt at Leinster and Ireland. Alongside Nathan Spooner, the former Leinster and Australia outhalf, we talk through Schmidt’s philosophy. Is he as one-dimensional a coach as people might think? Can he adapt his own methods to stay ahead of the game? What is Schmidt doing differently with Australia to what he implemented with Ireland? Does rugby’s move to a more unstructured game plan suit Ireland or Australia better? We also look back at the 2001 Celtic League Cup final, where D’Arcy and Spooner combined in the Leinster backline to secure a famous victory over Munster at Lansdowne Road.Produced by John Casey.Email the pod on [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland put in their best display of this November window with a 52-17 thumping of Fiji. Was this a return to the good form of old or was it a case of achieving the bare minimum against a Fijian side which flattered to deceive? Was Sam Prendergast fortunate to not be sent off? Where does his display leave the ongoing outhalf debate? Host Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to pick through the positives of Ireland’s performance.Andy Farrell was largely vindicated in his squad rotation, but what does that mean for the matchday squad ahead of the final match of this window? What is the Joe Schmidt effect of next Saturday’s visit of the Wallabies?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone seems to love to watch Fiji, but what is it about the Pacific Island nation that is so endearing? Is it their thrilling style of play, nostalgia for larger than life characters of years past, or simply the fact that they have improved to be a genuine threat at rugby’s top table? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to chat through their memories of Fijian rugby. Gordon recalls a difficult day marking Sevens legend Waisale Serevi, while John points out his fondness for a number of Fijian payers he has covered. The panel also analyses Fiji’s structural improvement under former Leinster assistant coach Mick Byrne. Are they now a genuine threat to beat Ireland for the first time in their history?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland won ugly against Argentina while England once again produced an at times scintillating performance, only to lose to South Africa. Whose camp would you rather be in? Host Nathan Johns argues that England’s superior attacking game means it’s more likely everything else will click in time, while former Ireland international Gordon D’Arcy prefers to be developing a winning habit, even if it isn’t pretty. Who is right will become evident during next year’s Six Nations. For now, Nathan, Gordon and John O’Sullivan pick through Ireland’s win over Felipe Contepomi’s Argentina. Why is the formerly potent attack stalling? Are the forwards providing enough ballast? What to make of the ongoing outhalf merry-go-round? Will widespread changes be made for the visit of Fiji?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a wide ranging chat, Contepomi joins host Nathan Johns and former teammate Gordon D’Arcy to look back at their time playing together at the RDS, Contepomi’s relationship with Michael Cheika - who he worked with at both Leinster and Argentina - and reflect on how the sport has evolved, both for the better and the worse, since his playing days. Now in the middle of their November tour of Europe, the former Leinster outhalf has called on his charges to back up last week’s thumping win over Italy with another stellar performance at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night. Produced by John Casey.Clip: Felipe’s delightful chip and chase against Munster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How worried should Irish rugby be after a disheartening defeat to the All Blacks? Is it time to make significant changes to the team? Are sides starting to figure out Ireland’s famed attack? Does this result already render the November window a disappointment? John O’Sullivan returns to The Counter Ruck alongside Gordon D’Arcy and host Nathan Johns to conduct the post mortem on what was a bitterly disappointing Friday evening. Featuring reaction from Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, the panel looks at what can change ahead of the visit of Argentina.Produced by John Casey.Clip: Fiji’s Josua Tuisova with a handoff for the ages (from 3.53). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Mehrtens was the New Zealand outhalf before Dan Carter. A 70-cap All Black, he joins Nathan Johns and Gordon D’Arcy to preview Ireland’s clash with New Zealand. We look back at when Mehrtens played in Lansdowne Road in 2001, swap debut stories and tales of jersey hunting while previewing where Friday night’s clash will be won and lost.Produced by John Casey.Clip: Some Mehrtens magic against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in 2001 (from 48.15). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s All Blacks week. At the beginning of his career, Gordon D’Arcy never felt like Ireland could get close to New Zealand. Towards the end, Joe Schmidt’s Irish side began to see themselves as equals. Regardless, the last chance for a number of Ireland players, including D’Arcy, O’Driscoll and O’Connell, ended in an agonising defeat. Joining host Nathan Johns on The Counter Ruck is D’Arcy himself as he looks back on the emotion of coming so close to turning New Zealand over. Featuring tears, defensive mistakes and shaved beards, stories of Ireland and the All Blacks will never be short of intrigue. We also look back on New Zealand’s narrow win over England, picking apart what Ireland can learn ahead of Friday night’s showdown.Produced by John Casey.Clip: Adam Hastings with the outrageous backdoor pass. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Tuesday’s shock announcement that Graham Rowntree is no longer Munster’s head coach, many questions remain. The most pressing: where does the province go from here? Joining host Nathan Johns on today’s episode of The Counter Ruck is Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley. We chat the potential options on Munster’s shortlist and why none of them would be straightforward immediate hires. Is the Munster job actually that attractive? What are the pitfalls as well as the allurements of Thomond Park? Does the new boss have to come from within? And do they need to be Irish?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster shocked the rugby world on Tuesday with the news that Graham Rowntree will no longer be their head coach, ending a five year stay with the province. After this weekend’s defeat to the Sharks in South Africa, they find themselves in 12th in the URC table thanks to three consecutive losses. Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns react to the news, analysing why the move reflects a difficult time ahead for the province. What next for Munster and interim boss Ian Costello? We also react to the rest of the weekend’s action including a thumping win for the All Blacks as they gear up for their trip to Dublin.Produced by John Casey.Clip: Opeti Helu marks his Japan debut with a sensational try (11:20). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Byrne recently moved from Leinster to Cardiff after making over 100 appearances for the province. He was also capped 6 times by Ireland. In the week that Cardiff host Ulster in the URC, Ireland also named their squad for the Autumn Nations Series. Only five props were picked, with the likelihood being a 37-year-old Cian Healy will once again line out as second choice loosehead. Byrne joins The Counter Ruck to talk through his life in Cardiff, why he decided to move and how he’s adapting to the challenge of more consistent game time. He also gives his take on why Ireland aren’t consistently developing international props, as well as the practice of players moving province in a bid to amplify their international career. We also chat through the two young Leinster props named to the Ireland training panel. Having trained with them over a number of years, does Byrne think Jack Boyle and Thomas Clarkson add much needed depth?Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesday, Andy Farrell names his Ireland squad for the November internationals. But who will see their names included? How will Ireland resolve their hooker crisis? Will we see any fresh faces? Gordon D’Arcy joins host Nathan Johns to discuss the main talking points ahead of this week’s announcement.We also discuss RG Snyman’s impact at Leinster, the merits of artificial pitches, Jacob Stockdale’s rise back up the pecking order and a growing sense of optimism at Ulster.Produced by John Casey.Clips: RG Snyman’s try (2.31) and Windy Wexford Wanderers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the coming weeks, World Rugby will decide on the implementation of the controversial 20-minute red card. The proposed disciplinary law change will have a drastic effect on how high tackles and head contact is officiated. France have criticised the new measure, which could well be implemented in time for next year’s six nations while the IRFU is still considering its position.Equally, outgoing World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont caused a stir last week when he said rugby’s replacement culture - adding extra forwards to the bench akin to South Africa’s bomb squad - is a danger in the game.Former referee and current Irish times columnist Owen Doyle joins The Counter Ruck host Nathan Johns to discuss the merits of the new laws, as well as to debate other potential measures which should be considered.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday night, Ireland women worked past the USA to finish second in their WXV1 group. With next year’s Six Nations and World Cup to come, Scott Bemand’s side have taken a significant step forward. On Saturday, over 80,000 people travelled to Croke Park to take in Leinster’s win over Munster, before Ulster beat Connacht in another thrilling intepro clash.Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the main talking points of the weekend’s action. Is the international pecking order at scrumhalf being threatened? What to make of the mess at scrum time? Will Ireland have any hookers left standing for November?Produced by John Casey.Get in touch by emailing [email protected]: https://x.com/danielhussey2/status/1845169009966318057?s=46&t=BInxBHpWIntFtvZxGyrssg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stacey Flood is currently with the Irish team out in Vancouver for their WXV1 campaign. Lining out at fullback, Flood played an integral role in the side’s recent win over New Zealand. Formerly a regular on the Sevens circuit, Flood took part in the recent Paris Olympics before switching back to 15s ahead of next year’s World Cup. She joins host Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan to give an insight into Ireland’s recent good form.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gordon D’Arcy remembers his first interpro game for Leinster against Munster for all the wrong reasons. As an 18-year-old, he was mercilessly stepped by Keith Wood before he got on the wrong end of Peter Clohessy at the bottom of a ruck. In the years after, Leinster and Munster have enjoyed many a memorable battle.Alongside host Nathan Johns and Irish Times rugby writer John O’Sullivan, D’Arcy charts the history of this provincial rivalry through the professional era. We also chat through which players have impressed so far on the Emerging Ireland tour while recapping Ireland women’s defeat to Canada. Produced by John Casey.Have a question for the panel? Get in touch at [email protected]: Leinster v Munster, 2001 Celtic Cup Final, Gordon’s try at 5.29”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, the IRFU introduced a law trial to lower the tackle height in amateur rugby. In a bid to make the game safer, the permitted tackle height was lowered from the shoulder to the sternum. One year on, is the sport safer? Have players adapted? Is the sport better to watch? Caithriona Yeomans from the IRFU and Terenure College RFC’s Seán Skehan explain how these new laws have changed the grassroots game.Produced by John Casey.You can get in touch with The Counter Ruck at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While you were sleeping on Sunday night, Ireland women beat New Zealand for just the second time in their history, opening their WXV campaign in style in Vancouver. This victory over the world champions confirms that Scott Bemand’s side is on the rise. Yet it still comes just 18 months after Ireland won the dreaded wooden spoon in the Six Nations. John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to pick through the game and where Ireland can go from here. We also talk through Gordon’s record-breaking weekend and a mixed bag of results for the provinces.Produced by John Casey.Clip: Ireland’s last-gasp winner against New Zealand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As news reports emerge of English rugby once again being in dire financial straits, while some URC teams continue to live on the edge of their means, a rival competition across the water offers a positive example. France’s Top14 has a lucrative TV deal, record crowds and a thriving second division. How has France cracked the domestic rugby code, what is it about the Top14 which makes it commercially viable? French rugby journalist James Harrington joins The Counter Ruck to talk through the league’s development, and to pick out what, if anything, other leagues can learn.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the provincial season gets underway, Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to pick through the opening weekend of action. We look at how Felipe Contepomi has turned Argentina around, how Ireland took the number one world ranking back from South Africa, and which halfbacks impressed in the provinces. Monday clips: How to kick five points from the tee / Commentators curse Halfpenny / Contepomi classicProduced by John Casey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Emerging Ireland first toured South Africa in 2022, the news caused controversy as provinces were left without important players at an early stage of the URC season. This time around, with another squad recently named, has the IRFU gone about things in a better way? On this episode of The Counter Ruck host Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to talk through the merits of the tour, pick out the players to watch, a few head scratching calls and lay out what will constitute success.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to pick apart Ireland’s win over Australia and highlight the best rugby action you missed over the weekend.We also talk through provincial recruitment while analysing why the Irish provinces are so appetising for English rugby.Clip - Fiji's Peni Ravai succumbs to an invisible tackle: https://x.com/WorldRugby/status/1834931315763802437Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To wrap up what has been a long rugby season filled with extreme highs and at times crushing lows, host Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan in this end of season special. Having returned from covering the recent tour of South Africa, John regales us with tales of lost luggage and close shaves with the local wildlife. We also chat through the history of famous Irish drop-goals, with Gordon throwing one of his own efforts into the ring, while we hand out some end of season awards to the players involved.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gordon D’Arcy joins host Nathan Johns to pick through Ireland’s series opening defeat to South Africa. Do tactical changes need to be made? Did South Africa’s new attacking philosophy catch Ireland on the hop? What to make of David Humphreys implementing new restrictions on provincial recruitment?All this is discussed on more on the latest episode of The Counter Ruck. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John O’Sullivan joins The Counter Ruck from South Africa where he is covering Ireland’s upcoming Test series - minus his luggage. As he avoids borrowing clothes from players - for now - John joins Gordon D’Arcy and host Nathan Johns to look back on Irish tours of old, pick apart the South African hype machine and analyse if this series is a step too far for Ireland in what has been a very busy year. Gordon also recalls the time he picked his Leaving Cert over a trip to South Africa - in hindsight a wise choice. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish winners of Super Rugby are somewhat of a rarity. Adam Foy is the head of performance analysis with the Blues, the Auckland based franchise which just won the southern hemisphere’s most prestigious club competition last weekend. Having previously worked with Munster and Ireland under Joe Schmidt, Foy moved to New Zealand two years ago. As well as number crunching in rugby, he previously did analysis work for the Dublin footballers. What exactly is the role of the analyst? Is it all numbers and nerds? How do these video boffins get buy in from players and coaches? Has rugby as a sport undergone an analytics revolution previously seen in other sports? Adam gives us his thoughts in the aftermath of a successful season with the Blues.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster and Munster both crashed out of the URC semi-finals in what was a bitter blow to Irish rugby. John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns chat through the implications of the defeats, as well as Ireland’s squad for their tour of South Africa. Is Leo Cullen’s job under pressure? How did Munster let things slip at home? Why does Andy Farrell see his players differently to the provincial pecking order? Tune in to find out.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Carolan, the former Connacht academy manager and Ireland U20s head coach, joins The Counter Ruck from Glasgow. Now the Warriors' attack coach, Carolan faces off against Munster this weekend in the URC semi-final. He talks through his own coaching journey, his attacking philosophy as well as his own experience coaching a number of current Irish internationals at underage level. Also on the podcast, Gordon D'Arcy joins host Nathan Johns to preview Leinster's trip to South Africa to take on the Bulls as well as that Munster vs Glasgow clash.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.