The Left Wing

The Left Wing is back as Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald kick off another season with Leinster backs coach Felipe Contepomi.Felipe explains what drew him to coaching and why he decided to pursue a full time role instead of returning to his work as a doctor. He also discusses the areas he will focus on as Leinster backs coach as well as the transformation the club has gone on since he first joined back in 2003.Contepomi also enjoyed many battles against Munster during his time in blue, and he reveals that rather than hating Munster, he actually admired them.Will and Luke also look ahead to the new season as they welcome back listeners for another great season of rugby chat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the last Left Wing of the season, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Bristol out-half Ian Madigan to recap Ireland's series win over Australia and much more.Madigan has already done his firs t block of pre-season training with Bristol and is relishing a crack at the Aviva Premiership this year. He tells the lads how the team is getting on, the new signings he is excited about and the impact John Muldoon has made already as the defence coach.Madigan also delves into the intricacies of playing at number ten, as well as some of the common misconceptions that some fans and commentators have about the position.The lads also discuss their highlights from Ireland's historic win in Australia, as well as making the case that Johnny Sexton should be given the World Player of the Year award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Leinster and Ireland wing Fergus McFadden to discuss a historic season for Irish rugby.McFadden was part of a Leinster side that won a fourth European Cup, and he looks back on a memorable personal campaign that saw him return to top form.The veteran back also played a part in Ireland's Grand Slam triumph, and McFadden also discusses the impact Stuart Lancaster has made at Leinster as well Leo Cullen's development in the role of head coach.Luke and Will also look back at Ireland's win over Australia in the second test of their summer tour, as Luke predicts a Wallabies win in Saturday's decisive third test.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Irish Independent rugby correspondent Cian Tracey to discuss the opening weekend of the summer tests.Ireland came up short against Australia in Brisbane, and the lads break down where Joe Schmidt's men went wrong. Luke thinks that Schmidt has to make a number of changes for the second test - but still expects Australia to sneak it.The lads discuss the possible new faces in the team for Saturday, as well as the threats Ireland have to look out for. Luke thinks that Sean Cronin should be Ireland's starting hooker, and can't understand why Joe Schmidt doesn't regularly pick him in his team.There was also plenty of controversy after the All Blacks vs France game, after Sam Cane and Ofa Tu'ungafasi escaped a citing for their dangerous double hit on Remy Grosso that left the French wing with a fractured skull.Do the All Blacks get preferential treatment from referees?England's latest loss is also discussed as well as the Springboks' early resurgence under Rassie Erasmus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Simon Zebo to discuss his imminent move to Paris to play for Racing 92.Simon explains why he decided to leave Munster and make the move to the Top 14, and how much he is looking forward to playing with one of Europe's best teams.Despite being dropped by Joe Schmidt after the move was announced, Zebo is still holding out hope of making the World Cup squad, although he hasn't spoken to the Ireland head coach since his departure was confirmed.Zebo also reflects on his time at Munster and reveals the big regret he has after leaving the province.Luke and Will also discuss Joey Carbery's move to Munster, and Luke thinks that it may work out differently to how Irish rugby want it to.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Leinster legend Isa Nacewa to reflect on his remarkable career.After achieving a Champions Cup/PRO 14 double in his last season as a rugby player, Nacewa reveals his plans for the future as he prepares to return home to New Zealand. Fitzgerald discusses the qualities that made the Kiwi so indispensable to Leinster while Nacewa looks back on how Michael Cheika flew to New Zealand to convince him to move to the northern hemisphere.Luke and Isa look back on the Leinster vs Munster rivalry that was such a big part of their careers, and Nacewa explains the differences in playing Super Rugby and in the Champions Cup.Nacewa also gives his view on Ireland's chances at the World Cup, and says that Joe Schmidt's men should be targeting a win.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Munster and Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray to discuss his eventful season and his career to date.Murray talks about breaking into the Ireland team unexpectedly at just 22, and how he was able to rise up the levels while taking things in his stride. The number nine has formed a formidable partnership with Johnny Sexton and he gives an interesting insight into their on-pitch relationship and how it works so well.He also discusses the possibility of moving abroad in the future, and the tough process of Rassie Erasmus leaving Munster midway during the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Irish Independent rugby correspondent Cian Tracey to recap Leinster's Champions Cup final win against Racing 92.Leo Cullen's side sealed a fourth European Cup win, and Luke reflects on what it was like watching his former team win the trophy for the first time without him. The lads discuss the reasons why the future is bright for Leinster, from James Ryan's emergence to their massive strength in depth.Next up is Munster at the RDS in this Saturday's PRO 14 semi-final and Luke warns that Leinster must be on their guard to avoid an upset defeat.The lads also give their choice for European Player of the Year and look ahead to the summer tour to Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Ireland and Ulster wing Tommy Bowe to discuss his legendary career as he prepares to retire.Tommy talks about the criticism he got early on in his career and how he overcame some tough seasons to thrive for both club and country.Bowe decided to move to Wales and play for the Ospreys in 2008, where he developed into one of the world's best wings. He explains what the move did for his career as well as talking about how much he enjoyed his time with the Ospreys.As well as an illustrious Ireland career, Bowe played on two Lions tours. He explains the great lengths that he went to in order to get fit during the 2013 tour to Australia, and the satisfaction he took in winning the series.Luke and Will also preview Leinster vs Racing in the Champions Cup final.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by recently retired Springboks legend Bryan Habana.Habana has won almost every single honour in the game but the lads start out by asking about one particular part of his CV - his losing record against Ireland!Luke and Bryan both played in the famous Lions test series in 2009, and Bryan explains why those games were so important to him in his career.He also reflects on the most important coach he had during his time playing rugby, and opens up on the unique experience of playing with so many stars in Toulon - including feeling the wrath of mercurial owner Mourad Boudjellal.The lads also ask Bryan about winning World Player of the Year, when he peaked as a player and how Luke could have been his team-mate in Super Rugby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald recap all the Champions Cup action as well as discussing the retirement of Isa Nacewa.Luke hails Nacewa’s contribution to Leinster and ranks his best players to line out for the province. The lads dissect Munster’s disappointing defeat to Racing and while they agree it was a bad performance, outline some reasons for positivity heading into next season.As for Leinster, Will can’t see them being beaten again this season while Luke analyses why they were so dominant against the Scarlets.The lads also discuss their recent holidays and cover the possibility of Ross Byrne or Joey Carbery moving to Ulster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by former Leinster and Connacht second row Damien Browne to discuss his epic 4,800km solo row across the Atlantic ocean.Damian set off from the Canary Islands and 63 days later set foot on dry land in Antigua. He tells Luke and Will of the tough fitness regime he underwent to prepare for his marathon feat, and how his first day turned into a disaster.He also reveals the mental and physical struggles of navigating across the ocean on your own, and opens up on the challenges of acclimatizing back to normal life after spending so long at sea.Luke also talks about his toughest ever training session and match as a professional rugby player.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Ireland and Munster star Keith Earls to discuss Ireland's Grand Slam win and his scintillating form.Luke and Keith discuss what it is like working under Joe Schmidt, with Earls describing the impact the Ireland boss has had on his career.Earls also opens up on how he struggled for confidence early in his career, his recent surge in form and how he decided to focus on his strengths rather than his weaknesses as he got older.The Munster star also discusses his time with the Lions in 2009 and how that setback helped shape the rest of his career. Earls has recently been working with Keith Barry, and the Ireland wing reveals why he has used the mentalist as his sports psychologist.The lads are also given an update on Earls' injury, and he is hoping to return to action before the end of the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Leinster and Ireland flanker Dan Leavy to discuss his season to date.Leavy won Man of the Match against Saracens last Sunday and he discusses his brilliant performance - as well as his excellent inter-play with James Ryan that led to a try. Leavey also reveals that he didn't always think he would make it as a rugby player when in school.The Leinster star also talks about Ireland's recent Grand Slam win as well as his relationship with fellow young gun Ryan.Luke and Will also talk about Easter eggs, Luke's appearance on a rival podcast and Munster's epic win over Toulon.The lads agree that Andrew Conway is hitting his peak after his sensational match-winning try.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Irish Independent rugby correspondent Cian Tracey to preview this weekend's Champions Cup quarter-finals.Leinster vs Saracens and Munster vs Toulon headline the quarter-final line-up, and the lads feel that it will take two huge performances to see both Irish teams into the semi-finals. Injuries will be key for both Leinster and Munster, as the provinces sweat on the fitness of key players, and Luke thinks that whether both sides have a full deck to choose from could decide the outcome.The lads also discuss whether players should take holidays during the season, Connacht's Challenge Cup quarter-final and whether Clermont can turn their increasingly poor season around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Johnny Sexton to discuss Ireland's Grand Slam win.Sexton talks about the work that went into the big victory over England, including the set-piece move that saw prop Tadhg Furlong handle the ball like a back in midfield.Johnny also talks about a possible future as a coach, his reaction to Eddie Jones' comments about his parents and his relationship with Ireland coach Joe Schmidt.There has been talk that Ireland should rest Sexton for the summer tour to Australia, but the out-half is adamant that if he is fit, he wants to play. Sexton also chats about Leinster's preparations for their crunch Champions Cup quarter-final clash against Saracens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of The Left Wing, live from Kennedy’s Pub, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined by Robbie Henshaw and Scott Fardy to preview England vs Ireland.Robbie discusses the impact Bundee Aki has made in the championship while playing with three different centre partners while Scott discuses the evolution of 21-year-old second row James Ryan.Luke assess’ whether Eddie Jones can turn things around while the panel react to the Australian’s ‘scummy’ comment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined by David Wallace to look back on Ireland's Grand Slam-winning season of 2009.Wallace had been in the team for a number of years and had come up just short of glory, with Declan Kidney then steering Ireland to Six Nations success in his first season in charge.Luke was just starting his international career, and remembers the famous training camp where Rob Kearney stood up to challenge the squad ahead of the Six Nations campaign.The championship culminated in a dramatic final day against Wales with Ronan O'Gara winning Grand Slam with a drop goal at the death - a moment that both David and Luke admit was extremely nerve-wracking!The lads also have news about the first ever live Left Wing podcast, next Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey of the Irish Independent to discuss all the latest Six Nations action.Ireland are three from three and with Scotland to come at home, could well be on course for a Grand Slam when they play England on St Patrick's Day. The lads discuss Ireland's performance against Wales and whether Garry Ringrose is the right player to replace the injured Chris Farrell.After Jacob Stockdale improved his try-scoring record to eight in seven tests, Will asks Luke about his own try-scoring record and whether the ability to cross the whitewash is a skill.England's stuttering display against Scotland, Wales' cause for optimism and Huw Jones' potential is also up for discussion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Bristol out-half and former Leinster star Ian Madigan.Ian talks about the importance of sports psychology to his preparation, and in particular how it helps him in dealing with the pressures of goal-kicking. The lads also discuss how Ian is getting on in Bristol, as well as how it feels to watch the Ireland team play in the Six Nations now that he is no longer a part of it.Also, Will and Luke go through listener questions to determine who will win the inaugural Left Wing mug competition, and they also have some listener questions for Ian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman.Jackman fills the lads in on how his project in Wales is coming along, as he looks to lay the foundations for lasting success at the Dragons. They also discuss his time in charge of Grenoble in the Top 14, from how the language barrier prevents French players from getting access to top coaches from around the world to the problems that occurred when he tried to impose restrictions on desserts! Ireland vs Wales is also on the agenda. Joe Schmidt has only beaten Wales once in four attempts in the Six Nations - why have Ireland struggled against Warren Gatland's men?There's also talk of Pancake Tuesday, and Will gets Luke's thoughts on a new Left Wing competition he wants to run.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by former England and Lions star Alex Corbisiero. The lads look back on an exciting weekend of Six Nations action as Alex weighs in on how Eddie Jones' England side are progressing as they look for a third championship in-a-row. Ireland required a sensational Johnny Sexton drop goal to beat France, and the former loosehead prop says he was disappointed with how 'tentative' Ireland looked.The lads also discuss the impact Stuart Lancaster has had at Leinster, with Alex sharing his memories of being coached by him at England. And with Andy Farrell currently coaching the Irish defence, Corbisiero thinks the Lancaster/Farrell ticket could be very effective at Ireland.Luke and Will also share the experience of attending the game in Paris, including a harrowing story of Will having to leave the Stade de France immediately after Sexton's drop goal cleared the bar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Ulster centre Darren Cave to look ahead to the Six Nations.Ireland are being tipped by a lot of people to win the tournament this year, and Darren and Luke are in agreement that having Joe Schmidt as coach gives the team an edge over their competitors.The lads look back to the 2015 World Cup and remember how Schmidt got them focused to take on Romania in a way that few coaches could match.It has been a difficult season for Ulster but Cave is hopeful that the province isn't far from turning the corner.Will and Luke are travelling to Paris this weekend for the big game - and Luke reveals that the last time he was in Paris was for a secret meeting with Michael Cheika over a move to Stade Francais.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing in association with Laya Healthcare, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined in studio by Irish Independent rugby correspondent Cian Tracey to recap an exciting final weekend of Champions Cup action.Leinster booked a home quarter-final and possible home semi-final after winning in Montpellier, and the lads discuss the performances of Jordan Larmour and James Lowe on the wing. Munster joined Leinster in the knockout stages after a big victory against Castres, and the lads were in agreement that Keith Earls was the star of the show.For Ulster, it was a disappointing exit at the hands of Wasps while Connacht will play Gloucester in the Challenge Cup quarter-final.Luke, Cian and Will also discuss Leinster vs Saracens in the quarter-final, the Player of the Year nominees and Will's New Year's resolution to take up golf.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's podcast, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined by Leinster and Ireland star Rhys Ruddock.The flanker is currently recovering from a nasty hamstring injury and he tells the lads how his rehab is going - as well as giving Irish fans some positive news on his return.Ruddock's dad Mike is a Grand Slam-winning coach with Wales, and Rhys talks about the influence his father has had on his rugby career, as well as explaining how he came to the decision of playing his rugby in Ireland.Also, Will and Luke discuss the recent debate surrounding Munster second row Gerbrandt Grobler as well as going over the weekend's Champions Cup action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Leinster and Ireland star Jamie Heaslip.The back row is currently on the sidelines with a back injury and the lads try their best to extract as much information as possible on when Heaslip might be back on the field.The 100-cap international has one of the most impressive CVs in world rugby, and gives an insight into the meticulous off-field preparation that has helped him win so many honours.Despite his success, there is a section of fans who have never warmed to Heaslip, and Luke and Will ask him whether it bothers him that he doesn't get the same affection from supporters as some other Irish stars.Heaslip is also involved in a number of businesses away from rugby, and he explains how he is preparing for life away from the game.And finally, Will confronts Jamie about an urban legend regarding a pre-match meal he may have eaten before the 2011 PRO 12 final.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor of the Irish Independent to recap all the festive action.The lads agree that Leinster have pulled substantially ahead of the rest of the provinces, but will Jordan Larmour and James Lowe be able to force their way into the team for the Champions Cup?Luke thinks that the 20-year-old Larmour still has a bit to learn before he makes the step up to Europe, while Ruaidhri analyses whether youngsters Dan Leavy and Josh van der Flier can usurp Sean O'Brien and Peter O'Mahony in the Irish team.As for Munster, indiscipline has become a big problem for them after getting another player sent off against Ulster.Connacht's resurgence, Ulster's comeback win and the top ten rugby players in the world are also up for discussion on the first Left Wing episode of 2018.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Dublin star Cian O'Sullivan to discuss his All-Ireland-winning inter-county career and how he balances work with top level sport.Luke and Cian are friends from their time in school, and discuss the challenges they faced in working their way to the top of rugby and Gaelic football. Cian reveals that battling back from a serious injury to play in the 2015 All-Ireland final was his proudest moment in a Dublin jersey, and he sheds some light on how Dublin are able to snatch victory from the jaws of the defeat so often.Luke and Will also discuss the weekend's Champions Cup action, whether Ross Byrne is a viable alternative to Johnny Sexton, Leicester's indiscipline, Kyle Sinckler's antics and Ian Keatley's resilience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Des Berry of The Herald and Cian Tracey of the Irish Independent to discuss all the Champions Cup action.After Leinster's impressive win in Exeter and Saracens' heavy defeat, Will argues that Leinster are now the Champions Cup favourites. Simon Zebo stood out during Munster's big win against Leicester - but will that be enough to get into Joe Schmidt's Six Nations squad?Luke thinks that one of the reasons for Zebo's departure is that he doesn't enjoy playing in Schmidt's regimented set-up.The panel also discuss Matt O'Connor's outburst after Leicester's defeat, as well as why his dealings with the media led to his Leinster downfall. The lads also discuss Ulster's win in a blizzard, why everyone loves Clermont and why certain players enjoy speaking to the media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by former Ulster and Ireland star Stephen Ferris to preview the Champions Cup back-to-back fixtures.Despite a decent set of results so far this season, Ferris paints a gloomy picture of the state of Ulster rugby as they prepare to face Harlequins. It is Les Kiss' third season as Director of Rugby and Ferris thinks that an upturn in performance level is needed for him to get a fourth.It is Ireland vs England in the Champions Cup with all three Irish provinces taking on Premiership sides this weekend. The panel are predicting a successful weekend for the Irish sides, but are wary of an in-form Exeter.And Ferris also gives some insight into Saracens' massively successful Director of Rugby Mark McCall, who gave him his debut at Ulster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by in studio by Irish Independent rugby correspondents Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey to review the November internationals. O'Connor discusses Jacob Stockdale's big contribution to Ireland's three wins while Tracey analyses the team's midfield options heading into the Six Nations. The panel then debate whether Leinster youngster Jordan Larmour could soon be called up to the Ireland squad, while Fitzgerald says that Joe Schmidt has a tendency to make 'odd' selections, but is such a good coach that he can overcome them.Scotland enjoyed a strong November, but are they really a Six Nations threat? The lads discuss Gregor Townsend's Scottish revolution and ask whether or not the All Blacks have come back to the pack after losing two games in a calendar year for the first time since 2011.There is also some provincial discussion as the panel talk about the likelihood of Peter O'Mahony leaving Munster and Ulster's struggle for form.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by former Leinster centre Eoin O'Malley.Like Fitzgerald, O'Malley was forced into retirement through injury when he was just 25. The talented centre was just emerging as a contender for Brian O'Driscoll's 13 jersey when he was forced to step away, and O'Malley discusses what it was like battling Ireland's greatest player for a place in the Leinster team.O'Malley also talks about how Joe Schmidt managed to keep the whole squad happy while rotating players, while Fitzgerald reveals a nightmare encounter he had against the Scarlets when he was just 18.Fitzgerald and O'Malley also open up on how tough it can be when you are forced to hang up your boots prematurely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Leinster wing Fergus McFadden to discuss the province's season so far, Ireland's demolition of the Springboks and their rivalry as team-mates.Fitzgerald and McFadden discuss the performances of Jacob Stockdale and Andrew Conway against South Africa, while McFadden talks about the competition for places in the Leinster back three.The duo had a healthy rivalry during their time with Leinster and Ireland, and the good friends reveal that they were able to help each other on the pitch despite competing for places.Fitzgerald also reveals the time that Joe Schmidt cut Brian O'Driscoll down to size in a training session and McFadden looks ahead to Leinster's upcoming back-to-back Champions Cup fixtures against Exeter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery is joined by Irish Independent rugby columnist Tony Ward, Irish Independent rugby correspondent Ruaidhri O'Connor and Des Berry of The Herald to preview Ireland's upcoming November series.The panel debate the key selections issues facing Joe Schmidt, including whether centre Bundee Aki will make his debut, and look ahead to the challenge posed by South Africa this Saturday.Tony Ward also weighs in on Sean Cronin's surprise omission from the Ireland squad and the lads look discuss Warren Gatland's poor record with Wales against southern hemisphere opposition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Bristol out-half Ian Madigan.The lads hear what life has been like under Pat Lam in the English championship, and look back at his career with Leinster as well as the crushing 2015 World Cup defeat to Argentina.And as someone directly impacted by the IRFU's stance on players playing abroad, Madigan gives his take on Simon Zebo's recent move and his own international future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Connacht flanker Jake Heenan.In a wide-ranging interview, Heenan opens up on his tough teenage years in New Zealand, how Pat Lam convinced him to go to Connacht and the changes out west under new coach Kieran Keane.Luke and Jake, who is now Irish qualified through the residency rule, also have an interesting discussion on the use of project players.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Irish and Sunday Independent columnist Neil Francis to discuss how the Irish provinces fared in the first weekend of Champions Cup action, and look ahead to this weekend's games.Neil isn't overly pleased with Leinster's performance while Luke thinks that the errors made by Leo Cullen's men can be rectified ahead of Glasgow on Saturday.The lads also discuss JJ Hanrahan's role at Munster, the cynicism on show in their draw against Castres, what Ulster need to do to take the next step, and Warren Gatland's response to Sean O'Brien's Lions criticism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by former Ireland and Leinster scrum-half Eoin Reddan to discuss whether the PRO 14 gets the respect it deserves.The league often comes in for criticism, in particular for the amount of games that the frontline Irish internationals are rested for, but Reddan argues that having played in the Premiership, he knows that the PRO 14 is every bit as good.The former number nine thinks that the standard of the competition comes in for unfair criticism and thinks that fans and the media should study the league a little closer rather than just slagging it off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald preview the Champions Cup with Irish Independent rugby correspondent Ruaidhri O'Connor.The lads do a pool-by-pool guide, with all three tipping the Irish provinces to make the quarter-finals.They also make their tournament winner prediction, and Luke gives a surprising answer when asked whether the current Saracens team are better than the Leinster side he played on under Joe Schmidt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Irish Independent rugby correspondent Ruaidhri O'Connor and Kitman Labs CEO Stephen Smith.Will, Ruaidhri and Luke look ahead to Leinster vs Munster this Saturday and discuss how the provinces are shaping up after five games of the PRO 14 season.The lads then chat to Stephen Smith about the future of technology in sport and how his company work with professional teams from around the world, and across multiple sports, to help them minimise injury risk through the use of innovative software.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined by Munster captain Peter O'Mahony.The back row looks back on his eventful summer with the Lions that saw him captain the side in the first test, before he was dropped from the squad for the remaining two tests with the All Blacks.And with Munster currently looking for a replacement for Rassie Erasmus, O'Mahony talks about the state of his team after a strong start to the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined in studio by Sunday Independent columnist Paul Kimmage. Kimmage takes Fitzgerald up on a tweet where the former Ireland international referred to the ex-pro cyclist's use of amphetamines, while Fitzgerald was unhappy with Kimmage characterising Dublin pulling down Mayo players late on in the All-Ireland final as 'cheating'.The trio also tackled the topic of pain-killer use in rugby, and whether players are going over the line in the quest to take the field - with Kimmage and Fitzgerald having different views on the matter.Having played for ten years in the professional game, Fitzgerald was also vehement that he had never seen any doping in rugby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Slattery talked to Jamie Heaslip and Tony Ward at last week's National Ploughing Championships for a special episode of The Left Wing recorded in front of a live audience.Heaslip admits that he still isn't sure when he might return from a back injury while Ward says Irish fans must be patient as the PRO 14 continues to take shape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by former Ireland and Leinster second row Mike McCarthy.McCarthy discusses how he came to terms with the end of his career after a move to France was scuppered by an injury - something that Fitzgerald can relate to having been forced out of the game at 28.The former lock also looks back on his career, including his memorable time playing under fiery defence coach Shaun Edwards at Wasps.Also, Irish Independent rugby columnist Ruaidhri O'Connor joins the show from South Africa to discuss Leinster's eventful tour to South Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the first ever Left Wing podcast, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined in studio by Ireland international Sean O'Brien.The Tullow Tank gives plenty of insight into the successful Lions tour to New Zealand, including what they got right - and wrong.He also discusses how he bounced back from his recent injury trouble as well as the influence that Michael Cheika and Joe Schmidt have had on his career.Also, Irish Independent rugby correspondent Ruaidhri O'Connor joins the lads to talk about Leinster PRO 14 trip to South Africa, including the visa issues that saw two of their players forced to return home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.