The Counter Ruck

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.

As they prepare to face Leinster this weekend in the URC quarter-finals, this week’s podcast reflects on Ulster’s uptick in fortunes since bringing in Richie Murphy as head coach. In turmoil after a poor league run and an early exit from Europe, Ulster parted ways with previous head coach Dan McFarland. Now under Murphy, the province has recovered somewhat to make the URC playoffs. Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns discuss how Ulster have improved and what constitutes success in Murphy’s rebuilding project.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to break down Leinster’s third consecutive Champions Cup final defeat. We analyse Leinster’s midfield attack, their decision making around penalties, what could have been done at the breakdown and assess where Leinster go from here domestically and in Europe.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the week of an Irish province playing in a European final, there has been plenty of news stories away from Leinster's clash with Toulouse. Simon Zebo announced his retirement, the IRFU revealed that it will tweak its controversial central contracts system while it even emerged that Hugo Keenan will return to Sevens in a bid to make Ireland's Olympics squad. Joining host Nathan Johns to pick through the news as well as the actual rugby taking place on Saturday is former Ireland international Gordon D'Arcy.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come July 1st, a number of changes to rugby's laws come into effect. A number of trials will also be seen over the summer as World Rugby continues to grapple with the balance of preserving the sport's values and attracting new audiences. Have they got that balance right? Are they alienating traditional fans? Is there an irreconcilable difference between attitudes towards the game in the northern and southern hemispheres? Former referee Owen Doyle joins host Nathan Johns to talk through the changes. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's podcast is a detailed preview of Saturday's Champions Cup semi-final between Leinster and Northampton Saints at Croke Park. Nathan Johns, Gordon D'Arcy and John O'Sullivan look back at the last time Leinster played in Croke Park, when one member of the panel scored a memorable try. They also discuss whether the venue has a bearing on the game and what sort of game we can expect on SaturdayPart two is an interview with Northampton's head coach Sam Vesty, focusing on the Saints' defensive improvements, recruitment strategy, attacking philosophies, and the key role of players like Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell in their game plan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the coming weeks, World Rugby will decide on a proposal to implement a new 20-minute red card. Already seen in the southern hemisphere and Super Rugby, the proposal allows sides to replace a red carded player after 20 minutes in order to preserve the spectacle of a contest, to not kill off games when teams are reduced to 14 players. Critics of the move say that the measure risks admitting defeat in the battle to change player behaviour and eradicate high tackles as a result of poor technique. The impending decision has been pitted as a battle of philosophies, of attitudes of leniency towards high shots both sides of the equator. Owen Doyle, a former international referee and an Irish Times columnist, joins Gordon D'Arcy and Nathan Johns to discuss the potential new law and what impact it could have.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News of Leinster's recent signing of All Black Jordie Barrett has split opinion. Is this a fair reflection of the dominant province flexing their muscle, or an unfair benefit of the IRFU paying their best players via national contracts? Next season, 10 Leinster players will 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. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few things get the Irish rugby public as excited as a young talent at outhalf. Dannah O'Brien has been on the scene for a while now, making her debut against Japan in 2022. Fresh off starting in Ireland's defeat to Italy last weekend, O'Brien joins The Counter Ruck to talk through her career to date, the first two rounds of this year's Six Nations and how Ireland are trying to progress from last year's wooden spoon. Gordon D'Arcy also joins host Nathan Johns to talk through the best of the weekend's rugby action including Leinster's win, sickly Munster's defeat and some eye-catching moments from the southern hemisphere. Produced by John Casey. https://twitter.com/jimhamilton4/status/1776276230632787982?s=12https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5aRgq9y7J2/?igsh=MWNzdXRnajExeWpjbA%3D%3Dhttps://twitter.com/i/status/1776965041125728521 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Ireland, Leinster and Leicester backrow Shane Jennings joins Gordon D'Arcy and host Nathan Johns. The historical links between Leinster and Leicester, opponents this weekend in the Champions Cup, are profound. In 2005, Jennings and current Leinster head coach Leo Cullen left the province for a two-year stint at the English club. When they returned, they played a significant role in a culture shift that saw the province transition from perennial underachievers to European champions. Also on this episode of The Counter Ruck, John O'Sullivan breaks down Ireland women's defeat to Italy in the Six Nations. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns talk through Ireland's defeat to France to begin the women’s Six Nations. We also pick through the best of the action following a mixed weekend for the provinces in the URC. A week on from the Six Nations, we look at which fringe internationals, now playing before the return of European action, have the best chance of forcing their way into Andy Farrell’s reckoning ahead of the summer tour to South Africa.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland begin their Six Nations campaign a number of months after winning the first edition of the WXV3 competition. It was a much-needed confidence boost in an era largely defined by governance controversy off the field and spiralling performances off it. John Cronin was director of rugby at Railway Union RFC, coaching a number of current and former Ireland internationals. He has been a prominent voice in the media and on social media advocating for change in the women's game. He joins John O'Sullivan and host Nathan Johns to preview the upcoming tournament, assess the balance between Ireland Sevens and 15s, debate the introduction and omission of certain key players and assess if Ireland can avoid once again finishing at the bottom of the table. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gordon D’Arcy and Gerry Thornley join host Nathan Johns to pick through the final round of the Six Nations championship.  Ireland weren’t perfect, but had enough to get over the line against Scotland to earn back-to-back titles for just the third time. Given the way the final matches unfolded, have teams started to figure out the Irish attack? Was this the last we will see of Peter O’Mahony in a green jersey? How will the other teams look to progress after a very competitive tournament? Our panel picks through these issues and more in the latest episode of The Counter Ruck. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scotland and Ireland have seen plenty of animosity in their contests in recent years. Yet the Scots have not won since 2017, while they haven't been victorious in Dublin since 2010. Can such a one-sided fixture truly be a rivalry, or do the two sides simply not like each other? Gordon D'Arcy and John O'Sullivan join host Nathan Johns to preview this weekend's Six Nations title showdown.Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England’s best performance in recent memory sent Ireland to a narrow defeat in London. Hopes of back-to-back Grand Slams are gone, offering a timely reminder of just how difficult it is to win it all. Gordon D’Arcy and Gerry Thornley join host Nathan Johns to pick through where it all went wrong for Ireland, where England excelled and why a Six Nations title, even without a Grand Slam, is not to be sniffed at.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 preview Ireland's upcoming clash with England. Where are England in this transition period? Will their blitz defence cause problems? Have we learned anything new from the Ireland team selection? All this is and more is discussed as the panel predict a strong England performance that will test Ireland's Grand Slam ambitions.Produced by John Casey and Suzanne Brennan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this extended chat with England’s World Cup-winning number eight, Nathan Johns and Gordon D’Arcy preview this week’s Six Nations clash at Twickenham. We also discuss how Dallaglio could have declared for Ireland, his memories of touring for the Lions with D’Arcy as well as England’s muddled thinking in this year’s championship. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Ireland’s current crop of U20s training against the senior side today at the Aviva Stadium, we took a deep dive into the underage structures in Irish rugby. John O’Sullivan has covered age grade international sides for a number of years, and he joins host Nathan Johns to recall his memories of following Irish teams around the world. From dramatic penalty shoot-outs vs South Africa to meeting players’ parents, John has plenty of stories regarding Ireland’s young players. We also look at the efficacy of the system. Does Ireland bring their U20 graduates through to senior level quickly enough? Do our young players get enough game time? Can the provinces alone offer the best youth talent an outlet to grow? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland were not at their fluid best on Saturday but they did not have to be, beating Wales 31-7 at the Aviva Stadium.  How did Wales stilt the Irish attack somewhat? Just how good is Ireland’s defence? Does Andy Farrell have a replacement bench to rival the South African bomb squad? The panel chats through all the talking points from the Irish victory, as well as the other notable games from the weekend. England, Ireland’s next opponents, come in for some heavy criticism after their defeat to Scotland, while France’s downfall under Fabien Galthié brings to mind memories of the end of the Joe Schmidt Ireland era in 2019.  Produced by John Casey  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.