The Ireland Rugby Social Podcast

Gavin and Lindsay breakdown England’s 34th consecutive win as they chase an eighth straight Six Nations title and fifth consecutive Grand Slam. They discuss Erin King Ireland’s new captain, the set piece and so much more.

Gareth Steenson and co-host for the women's six nations, Lindsay Peat, join Gavin Andrews to look back on Gareth’s career from missing out on Ulster due to a certain Mr David Humphreys, to his successful career in England with Exeter Chiefs and his move back home. Gareth discusses his role within Ireland Women’s camp and their preparations for the upcoming Six Nations campaign.

Rugby is built on huge hits and powerful collisions — but at what cost? In this special episode, we dive into the toll of head injuries, the latest science behind concussions, and the innovations reshaping player safety. From tackle height to culture‑changing protocols, Gavin sits down with David Irwin, Luke Marshall and Kenny Hooks to discuss how the sport is fighting to protect its players and safeguard its future.

Stuart McCloskey 'Le Frigo Irlandais' joins Conor and Gav to look back on Ireland’s Six Nations Championship campaign from the player's perspective. One of Ireland’s standout performers of the tournament, Stuart talks us through the championship game by game — from the reaction inside camp after big results to some of his best moments in green. He also discusses the atmosphere within the squad, the standards set by Andy Farrell, and why this may have been his most enjoyable Six Nations yet. Plus, Stu looks ahead to the rest of the season with Ulster Rugby and the challenge of building momentum with a talented squad.

Intent was the buzz word as former Ireland internationals Conor Murray and Mike McCarthy break down Ireland’s Triple Crown sealing win over Scotland. Mike shows off all this stats from the game as Conor highlights his key performers in green. Gavin also grabs a word with Ulster’s Tom O’Toole.

Andrew Trimble joins Conor and Gavin to look ahead to Ireland’s final Six Nations clash with Scotland and reflect on a dramatic championship. The trio discuss whether Ireland are really there for the taking, Scotland’s threat heading to Dublin, and how momentum across the tournament has shifted perceptions on teams. They also review Ireland’s win over Wales, debate key selection calls, discuss Ireland’s kicking game and the wider conversation around it, and look at the championship permutations heading into the final weekend — before giving their predictions for both the match and the title.

Conor, Gavin and Mike breakdown a vital Irish win at the Aviva, discussing an impressive Wales performance, Ireland's tactics and who makes the cut for a huge Triple Crown decider next week against Scotland. We also hear from Head Coach Andy Farrell on Ulster scrum half Nathan Doak's first cap, and from Jamison Gibson Park on his 50th cap, and what they learnt from the win.

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Jamie Roberts joins the podcast to share his thoughts ahead of Ireland’s clash with Wales. Drawing on his experience at the very highest level, he weighs in on Wales’ current transition, the challenge of maintaining standards during difficult periods, and why Ireland’s consistency has made them one of the most formidable sides in world rugby. He also reflects on midfield combinations, the psychology of Test week, and the mentality required to deliver when pressure and expectation are at their peak. Jamie offers honest insight into selection, leadership and what it truly takes to perform in the biggest international fixtures.

Ulster duo Zac and Bryn Ward join this week’s episode to reflect on their very different paths into professional rugby. Former 7s star Zac shares lessons from the Olympics, handling pressure, expectation, and social media criticism. Bryn opens up on his rapid rise this season and what it’s like being part of an Ireland camp. The brothers discuss Ulster’s ambitions, competition for places, and the dream of chasing Ireland caps together.

Conor, Gavin and Mike dissect a standout Irish performance, discussing the big moments and key players that guided Ireland to a record win at the home of English rugby. We also catch up with Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien who give their thoughts on a performance that's thrown the Six Nations wide open.

Jack Crowley gets his chance at 10 as Andy Farrell makes big calls for Ireland’s huge trip to Twickenham Stadium. Conor and Gavin break down the selection, explain why criticism could fuel Ireland’s response, highlight the key battles up front and predict a defining, emotional showdown with England.

This week on The Ireland Rugby Social, former Ireland international Mike McCarthy gives his take on a nail-biting 20-13 win over Italy in Dublin. We also catch up with Cormac Izuchukwu, who reflects on his Six Nations debut, and Stuart McCloskey following a standout performance. To wrap up, Conor Murray joins us to look at England's shock defeat to Scotland and discuss what it means for selection next week — who should be in, and who should be out?

Former Ireland, Leinster and Lions back row Seán O’Brien joins The Ireland Rugby Social to share his thoughts on Ireland’s selection ahead of the Six Nations clash with Italy. Seán weighs in on back-row balance, what coaches really look for at Test level, and why some players thrive in games while others struggle to translate training form. Drawing on his experience as both an elite international and a coach, he discusses mindset, physicality, and the psychology behind selection calls. Seán also talks about stepping into coaching, the key differences between the current Irish team and past squads, and what young players must work on to make it to international level.

What went wrong for Ireland in Paris? Conor and Gavin are joined by Rob Kearney to review Ireland’s bruising 36-14 defeat to France. The panel look at where the game was won and lost, try and explain why Ireland have fallen off, and suggest what needs to happen ahead of Italy next week.

Andy Farrell names his starting XV for the blockbuster opener in Paris against France - so many big calls - Prendergast x2, Stockdale over Lowe, Loughman at loose-head and Jamie Osborne at fullback. Conor and Gavin review the Ireland team, look at where the game will be won and lost and make a bold prediction for Thursday night.

Recorded in front of a full house at City of Armagh RFC, this special episode features Andrew Trimble and Rory Best alongside Conor and Gavin as they look ahead to the Six Nations. The panel explore what sets the Championship apart, the pride of winning it, Ireland’s key selection decisions, and the teams to watch. Expect sharp insight, strong opinions, and no shortage of great anecdotes from the three icons of Irish rugby.

With Conor on a beach getting some winter sun, Gavin travels solo to Edinburgh for the 2026 Six Nations launch. At a noisy press launch, he gets a word with Ireland captain Caelan Doris and speaks with Andy Farrell about being back coaching in green after his successful year away leading the Lions. Gavin also chats with the Daily Telegraph's Chief Rugby Correspondent, Gavin Mairs and gets his thoughts on one of the most eagerly anticipated Championships in years.

On this week’s episode, Conor and Gavin sit down with Ireland and Ulster star Jacob Stockdale to unpack the highs, lows, and hard lessons of life at the top of rugby. From breaking through with Ireland and the magic of 2018 to injuries, online abuse, and rebuilding confidence, Jacob speaks honestly about pressure, fame, family, and finding perspective. He also brings the lighter side — including a few questionable impressions — while reflecting on Ulster’s season, future ambitions, and what rugby has given him.

This week, Conor and Gavin sit down with current Ireland international Bundee Aki to trace a remarkable journey from New Zealand to the centre of Irish rugby. From lifting silverware with Connacht to earning the green jersey, Bundee reflects on the moments that shaped his career and his identity as a player. He opens up on the pressure, pride, and scrutiny that comes with representing Ireland, the heartbreak of the World Cup, and the honour of being selected for the British & Irish Lions — sharing never-before-heard stories of the craic and friendships along the way.

What does it take to come back from the impossible? Ian McKinley was a rising rugby star whose career was shattered by a freak accident that left him blind in one eye. Most would have walked away—but Ian didn’t. In this episode, we explore his extraordinary journey from despair to determination, reinventing himself as a professional player with protective goggles and becoming a symbol of resilience worldwide. Ian shares the highs, the lows, and what it means to redefine your limits when life changes in an instant.

This week, Conor and Gavin sit down with Ireland international Lindsay Peat to chart an extraordinary sporting journey defined by late beginnings, fierce competitiveness, and breaking boundaries. From discovering elite sport later than most to excelling across multiple codes, Lindsay opens up about the moments, mindsets, and mentors that shaped her path—on the rugby pitch and far beyond it. Honest, powerful, and full of heart, this episode dives into what it really takes to defy expectations and keep showing up, relentlessly.

In this Christmas special, Conor revisits the defining moments of his career—one jersey at a time. This episode uses a shirt from Murray’s storied journey as a storytelling spark, opening the door to untold stories, pivotal matches, proud highs, painful lows, and the personalities who shaped his path.

In this episode, Conor and Gavin sit down with Willie John McBride to hear about his remarkable life and legacy. The towering Ulsterman, came to define the very spirit of the British & Irish Lions. From a late introduction to the sport, to becoming one of rugby’s most revered figures, McBride’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and unshakeable team spirit.

What’s it like to spend over a decade at the heart of Leinster and Ireland rugby? This week, Devin Toner joins Conor and Gavin to share the inside story of his extraordinary career. From towering over classmates to lifting European trophies, unforgettable tour tales, and the heartbreak of missing the 2019 World Cup. This is a conversation full of insight, honesty, and great stories you won’t forget.

One of Irish Rugby's most decorated players, Rob Kearney, joins Conor and Gavin to discuss some of his favourite memories on and off the pitch. A sporting career that started on the Gaelic football pitches of Louth, and ended on the Western Coast of Australia, Kearney recalls all the craic along the way, and shares his views on how to fix the game.

Conor reveals his Ultimate XV — the dream team of players he’s shared the pitch with for Munster, Ireland, or the British & Irish Lions. From rugby legends to all-time heroes, who makes the cut?

Conor and Gavin review Ireland's defeat to the Springboks, ask did the ref get the five card calls right, why this South Africa side might be the best team ever and why there might be Six Nations hope for Ireland with the character they showed in the chaos.

Rob Herring on making the move to Ireland, having to wait for his chance, his greatest moments in green, facing South Africa and his love of snacks.

Former Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray and Gavin Andrews discuss Ireland's win over Australia. Why Mack Hansen is so good, how Paul O'Connell got the line-out back firing, concerns over maul defence and why next week's match against the Springboks is massive for Ireland's future.

A Captain for every team he’s played for, Peter O’Mahony joins Conor Murray and Gavin Andrews, speaking about breaking through at Munster, what it takes to be a leader in the dressing room, and all the craic and characters along the way

Conor Murray and Gavin Andrews review Ireland's win over Japan, discuss the massive influence of Paul O'Connell and outline the big calls to come ahead of the Tests against the Wallabies and the Springboks.

Bonus Pod - Japan Head Coach, Eddie Jones, chats to Gavin about his admiration for Andy Farrell, his views on Ireland’s current ‘sticky period’, and the recently retired Munster player who he thinks is irreplaceable (and spoiler.. it’s not Conor..)

Former Ireland winger, Andrew Conway, on having to tell Joe Schmidt he was moving from Leinster to Munster, resilience, his debut for his country, his favourite game in green, and the top players he faced in his rugby career.

Conor and Gavin reflect on Ireland’s defeat to New Zealand. Murray breaks down the key moments from the match, including the controversial red card shown to Tadhg Beirne and its impact on the game. He highlights the players who stepped up and assesses how Ireland responded to the challenge posed by the All Blacks. With the Autumn Series still unfolding, Murray explores what this loss means for Ireland’s campaign and how the squad can regroup ahead of the remaining fixtures. Plus, he tackles listener questions in the ‘Get Involved’ segment, responding to fan opinions and offering his take on what’s next for Andy Farrell’s side. Expert analysis, honest reflection, and a look ahead to what promises to be a pivotal few weeks for Irish rugby.

In this episode, Conor Murray and Gavin Andrews sit down with former Ireland captain Rory Best for a powerful and insightful conversation. They revisit that unforgettable day in Chicago when Ireland toppled the All Blacks for the first time in history, and explore the tactical genius of Joe Schmidt and the evolving leadership of Andy Farrell. Rory shares his thoughts on what makes a great coach, how the current Ireland squad stacks up, and whether they have what it takes to go all the way. Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, honest reflections, and expert analysis, this is a must-listen for rugby fans.

Starting on October 28th. Step into the world of elite rugby with The Ireland Rugby Social, a compelling new podcast hosted by former Ireland and British & Irish Lions scrum half, Conor Murray and BBC Sport NI’s Gavin Andrews. With 125 caps for Ireland, Murray brings unmatched experience, insight, and authenticity to every episode—offering fans a rare glimpse into the mindset of a professional athlete who’s lived the highs and lows of international rugby. Each week, Conor sits down with fellow players, coaches, and rugby insiders to unpack the biggest stories in the sport. From Six Nations rivalries and World Cup memories to the evolving tactics of the modern game, The Ireland Rugby Social goes beyond the headlines to explore what really happens on and off the pitch. Expect honest conversations, tactical breakdowns, and the kind of behind-the-scenes stories only a seasoned pro can tell.