The Left Wing

The 2024/25 season is upon us and so is the new season of the Left Wing. Rúaidhrí O’Connor joined Luke Fitzgerald to assess where expectations lie in each Irish province ahead of the URC’s kick-off. Also: what to do about Ireland’s Number 10s; Simon Easterby announced as interim Ireland head coach; How Andy Farrell’s absence will be felt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery select their Lions team to take on Australia next summer. With Andy Farrell set to coach the team down under, the lads speculate as to how much that will benefit the Irish players. Luke think Jack Crowley could well be the starting out-half while everyone agrees that it will be a big season for Garry Ringrose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery answer readers' questions on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. How to give gametime to Ireland's U-20 talent, where Leinster should play Jordie Barrett and whether there is pressure on Paul O'Connell are all topics of discussion. The lads then finish off by asking whether Hugo Keenan should regain his Ireland place in November or if Jamie Osborne should hold onto the 15 jersey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruaidhri O'Connor joins Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery to reflect on Ireland's famous win over South Africa on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. Ciaran Frawley was the hero with a late drop goal and once again his future at Leinster is a big topic of discussion. The lads break down Ireland's stellar first half, South Africa's comeback and the key role Andy Farrell played in the victory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Will Slattery to digest Ireland's famous win in South Africa after Ciaran Frawley's late drop goal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruaidhri O'Connor joins Will Slattery to discuss the Ireland team announcement and Andy Farrell's decision to drop Peter O'Mahony for the second Test against the Springboks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland's relationship with referees is in the spotlight after the opening Test match defeat to the Springboks on Saturday. Luke Fitzgerald and Ruaidhri O'Connor joined Will Slattery on The Left Wing podcast, with Caelan Doris' interactions with referee Luke Pearce a major discussion point. South Africa's more attacking style of play also caught the eye, although Luke thinks it might be a mistake for the Springboks to move too far away from a power game. The lads finish off by looking ahead to the second Test in Durban this Saturday and discuss what changes Andy Farrell might make after a suffering a number of injuries on SaturdaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Will Slattery on The Left Wing podcast to discuss Ireland's narrow defeat to South Africa in the first Test in Pretoria. Two costly errors from James Lowe in the second half saw the Springboks score a brace of vital tries and the lads are on hand to pick through all the talking points from a dramatic encounter. There were contentious TMO calls, some strong Irish play and some areas of concern as thoughts now turn towards the second Test next weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Osborne has been handed a shock debut at fullback as Andy Farrell named the Ireland team to face the Springboks. Ruaidhri O'Connor joins Will Slattery on The Left Wing podcast to discuss the stern test the Naas youngster will face in Pretoria. Craig Casey starts at scrum-half ahead of Conor Murray while Farrell has opted for a 5/3 bench split with Garry Ringrose wearing the number 23 jersey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Fitzgerald, Ruaidhri O'Connor and Will Slattery give their verdict on Ireland's chances in South Africa on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. The lads preview the first Test, which takes place in Pretoria on Saturday, and discuss the budding rivalry between Ireland and the Springboks. Rassie Erasmus' team selection, areas of concern for Ireland and the Champions Cup draw are all up for discussion too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery look ahead to Ireland's Test series against South Africa on the latest episode of The Left Wing. Despite the club season ending on a sour note for the Irish provinces, Luke thinks that Andy Farrell can build his players up to take on the Springboks. The lads discuss some of the selection dilemmas facing Farrell such as at full back, scrum-half and the back five of the scrum. They then finish up by looking at the Leinster log-jam at out-half featuring Ciaran Frawley, Ross Byrne, Harry Byrne and Sam Prendergast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster and Munster's URC semi-final defeats and Ireland's squad announcement were up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery to pick through a very disappointing weekend for Irish rugby. Luke says Leinster have major questions to answer after a third season without a trophy while Cian says that Munster got their team selection badly wrong for the semi-final loss to Glasgow. Andy Farrell has also named his Ireland squad for the tour to South Africa, and the lads are mixed on whether it is a strong enough selection to beat the Springboks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rúaidhrí O’Connor join Cian Tracey and Luke Fitzgerald to assess the chances of a Leinster v Munster decider in the URC. Leinster have logistical headaches and altitude to contend with as they travel to face the Bulls in Loftus Versfeld - Luke remembers how playing at such heights can impact your body. Meanwhile - Munster can make most of their partnerships; who Andy Farrell may pick to face the Springboks; should Simon Zebo get a call-up? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery look ahead to the URC playoffs on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. Munster are in the box seat after securing top seeding with an exciting win over Ulster and the lads think the Thomond Park factor could see them defend their URC crown. Leinster will have to do it the hard way with a likely trip to South Africa if they beat Ulster in the quarter-finals, with the future of young out-half Sam Prendergast still a big talking point. Hugo Keenan's Sevens switch, Connacht's poor finish to the season and Ulster's resurgence under Richie Murphy are up for discussion too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery break down Leinster's dramatic Champions Cup final defeat to Toulouse on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. Poor handling, bad decision making, and some heroic Toulouse defence saw the French side triumph in extra time. The lads discuss all the major talking points after Leinster's third successive Champions Cup final loss, including the pressure on Leo Cullen and attack coach Andrew Goodman, who is now taking up a role with Ireland. The URC is still in play for Leinster, but the question is whether they can bounce back from their latest heart-breaking defeat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was more Champions Cup final heartbreak for Leinster this weekend. They were beaten 31 points to 22 after extra time by Toulouse in an epic final at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London. Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Sinéad Kissane to discuss another lost final for Leinster with Antoine Dupont producing a man-of-the-match performance to lead the French side to a sixth title.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stage is set for the first Champions Cup final between Leinster and Toulouse tomorrow in London. Leinster are going for their fifth title when they play the French side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Sinéad Kissane at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to discuss the team selections and give their final thoughts on what should be an epic game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Ruaidhri O'Connor, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery preview Leinster vs Toulouse in the Champions Cup final Leinster's record in deciders has not been good in the last few years and Ruaidhri thinks the psychological baggage they are carrying could be significant. Luke says Jacques Nienaber's defensive influence could be a deciding factor while the lads also talk through all the big team selection talking points. The URC playoff race, Simon Zebo's retirement and Sam Prendergast's possible loan move are all up for discussion too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Munster's rich vein of form is a main topic of discussion on this week's episode of The Left Wing where Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey join Will Slattery. Just like last season, Graham Rowntree's men have timed their URC run nicely, and after a big win over Connacht, their title defence looks in a great place. It's a different story for Connacht, who face a must-win game against the Stomers after an abject showing in Limerick. The lads also look ahead to Ulster vs Leinster this weekend after both teams enjoyed impressive wins last Saturday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster nervously inched their way closer to a fifth European Champions Cup, after a nail-biting finish at GAA HQ on Saturday evening. A James Lowe hat trick capped an impressive first 60 minutes in style, but why did things fall apart as the final whistle approached? Will Luke and Cian discuss how a 37 minute period without a score will be punished by a better team than Northampton. Leinster will now line up against a very tricky Toulouse team for the final, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, May 25th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster's selection policy ahead of their Champions Cup semi-final is a big topic of discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing. Luke Fitzgerald, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Will Slattery discuss whether Leo Cullen made a mistake in resting so many starters for the recent trip to South Africa and break down some of the big selection talking points for the semi-final at Croke Park. Meanwhile, Munster continued their strong record in South Africa and look primed for another URC title tilt while Ulster's form under Richie Murphy leaves them in danger of missing out on a playoff place. Plus, why Croke Park can be a hindrance for kickers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a memorable weekend for Ireland after they secured automatic qualification for next year's World Cup in England. Scott Bemand's team finished third in the Women's Six Nations table which also means they will play in Tier 1 of the WXV competition later this year. Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly joined Sinéad Kissane on the Left Wing podcast to review the campaign and discuss what needs to be done for Ireland to become World Cup ready.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Munster's performance in Loftus, can their win over the Bulls be the catalyst for a URC defence and what about the difference RG Snyman makes? Cian Tracey and Luke Fitzgerald join Rúaidhrí O’Connor on this week’s Left Wing podcast to discuss all the big talking points for Irish rugby from the weekend. After Leinster’s uncharacteristic loss to Lions are they repeating past mistakes as the coaches fly home to prep for Saints? There’s also been a lot of talk about central contracts and the panel asks is the model working and does it need tweaking or wholesale change? Plus, selling out Croke Park - what it means for Leinster, Irish rugby and what it's like to play in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England dished out a 88-10 hammering to Ireland in the Women's Six Nations at Twickenham last weekend. The world number one-ranked team completely overwhelmed Ireland as they ran in 14 tries. Scott Bemand's side will play Scotland in Belfast in next Saturday's final round with an automatic place in next year’s World Cup up for grabs for the team that finishes third in the table. Former Ireland player Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly of scrumqueens.com joined Sinéad Kissane to go through last weekend's demolition and look ahead to the biggest game of the year for Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster's emphatic win over La Rochelle and their blockbuster signing of Jordie Barrett are up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing. Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery break down the key moments behind Leinster's victory and single out the key performers like Will Connors and Joe McCarthy. Jacques Nienaber's influence on Leinster is also discussed before talk turns to the signing of All Blacks star Barrett. The lads debate whether the signing should have been signed off by the IRFU and the worrying gulf that has emerged between the provinces. Ulster and Connacht's heavy European defeats are also on the agenda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland have jumped to third in the Women's Six Nations table after their excellent bonus point win over Wales at Musgrave Park on Saturday. Ireland scored five tries as they won 36-5 to record their first win in the championship since April 2022. Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly joined Sinéad Kissane to talk through this very impressive performance and look ahead to Ireland's daunting task against England at Twickenham next weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster's showdown with La Rochelle and Munster's Champions Cup exit are both up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing. Cian Tracey, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery look back on the round of 16 clashes that saw Leinster beat Leicester and Munster go down to Northampton. La Rochelle now loom for Leinster, and the lads break down where the game will be won and lost. Ulster and Connacht's Challenge Cup victories and the Moment of the Week are on the agenda too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery look ahead to the Champions Cup last 16 on the latest episode of The Left Wing. Leinster and Munster take on Leicester and Northampton respectively this weekend, while Ulster and Connacht also face French opposition in the Challenge Cup. The lads preview all four games as well as looking back on another interesting weekend of URC action. Rúaidhrí also breaks down the documentary looking at South Africa's recent World Cup win, while Luke thinks Peter O'Mahony should hold off on retirement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland suffered their second defeat of this season's Women's Six Nations after a 27-21 loss to Italy in front of a record attendance at the RDS on Sunday. Next up for Scott Bemand's team is Wales in Cork on April 13. Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly join Sinéad Kissane on the latest episode of the Left Wing to discuss the factors that cost Ireland and what they need to improve when they face Wales.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The return of the URC and the downside to playing rugby in Croke Park is up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing. Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald discuss what Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht need to do to ensure a strong finish to the season with some big games to come over the next few weeks. The lads also discuss Ireland's opening Women's Six Nations game against France and with Leinster set to return to Croke Park later this season, Luke Fitzgerald explains why he didn't think the atmosphere in GAA HQ was great when he was a player.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland opened their 2024 Women's Six Nations with a 38-17 defeat to France in Le Mans but there were some improvements on last year's performance against the French with Aoife Wafer and Aoife Dalton scoring tries with the Irish defence also a plus. Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly join Sinéad Kissane on The Left Wing podcast to discuss the improvements and the areas of concern going into the first home game of the campaign against Italy at the RDS on Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 Women's Six Nations kicks off this weekend with Ireland facing France in Le Mans on Saturday. After finishing bottom of the table last year, Ireland - under new head coach Scott Bemand - will hope for a much better showing in this year's edition.  Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly joined Sinéad Kissane on the latest edition of The Left Wing to discuss where Ireland are at going into this tournament, the absence of co-captain Sam Monaghan from the team and the importance of getting the culture right in a team environment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland are Six Nations champions once again as Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery look back on another memorable campaign. The final victory over Scotland failed to hit the heights as Luke and Cian pick out areas where Ireland will look to improve ahead of two tests against South Africa this summer. However, there were also plenty of positives as Andy Farrell's men secured back-to-back titles. Peter O'Mahony's swansong, Italy's impressive showing and an awful few weeks for Wales are all on the agenda too. Head to www.mypodcastfeedback.com pop in code WING and fill out the short survey to be in with the chance of winning a €500 OneforAll voucher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland are back to back Six Nations champions. They beat Scotland 17-13 at the Aviva stadium today.  Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Sinéad Kissane after the game to discuss the big talking points including the possibility that it could be O'Mahony's last game in an Ireland jersey. ­ Head to www.mypodcastfeedback.com pop in code WING and fill out the short survey to be in with the chance of winning a €500 OneforAll voucher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Farrell has named an unchanged team for Saturday's Six Nations game against Scotland at the Aviva stadium. Farrell has gone with a 5/3 bench split with Garry Ringrose among the subs. On today's episode of The Left Wing, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Sinéad Kissane to discuss the team and bench that Farrell has named as they chase a Six Nations title in the championship finale. Head to www.mypodcastfeedback.com pop in code WING and fill out the short survey to be in with the chance of winning a €500 OneforAll voucher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland's shock defeat to England at Twickenham is up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing. Cian Tracey joins Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery to break down where things went wrong for Andy Farrell's men. A passive defence, poor kicking strategy and a questionable use of the bench all contributed to the Ireland defeat. Italy's surprise win over Scotland, Antoine Frisch's France call up and the Moment of the Week are all up for discussion too. Head to www.mypodcastfeedback.compop in code WING and fill out the short survey to be in with the chance of winning a €500 OneforAll voucher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was heartache for Ireland after they lost to England and a drop goal with the last kick of the game but in the end the better team won. Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey give their immediate post-match analysis from Twickenham and reflect on why Ireland played below par and what it means for their final Six Nations game against Scotland next weekend. And join Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald for their deep dive and reaction to the England defeat on Wednesday’s Left Wing podcast. Listen & follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Head to www.mypodcastfeedback.com pop in code WING and fill out the short survey to be in with the chance of winning a €500 OneforAll voucher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fit-again Hugo Keenan is back in the Ireland team for Saturday's Six Nations game with England with no place for Garry Ringrose in the squad. ­ Andy Farrell has once again gone with a 6:2 split on the bench which includes Ciarán Frawley and Ian Henderson while James Ryan has been ruled out with a bicep injury he picked up in training yesterday. ­ Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane on The Left Wing podcast to go through the big talking points and we also hear from Farrell on his selection as Ireland look to take another step towards the Grand Slam in London this weekend. ­ Don’t forget to join Sinéad, Rúaidhrí and Cian after the final whistle on Saturday for their post-match analysis show. ­ Head to www.mypodcastfeedback.com pop in code WING and fill out the short survey to be in with the chance of winning a €500 OneforAll voucher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland's Twickenham showdown against England is up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. Jonathan Bradley joins Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery to break down the big talking points as Andy Farrell's side continue their march towards another Grand Slam. England's stuttering attack, Ireland's bench selection and Jack Crowley's performance to date are all on the agenda as well as plenty more. Head to www.mypodcastfeedback.com pop in code WING and fill out the short survey to be in with the chance of winning a €500 OneforAll voucher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery assess Ireland's dominant start to the Six Nations on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. The lack of a World Cup hangover, navigating the post-Johnny Sexton era and a stingy defence have all been impressive hallmarks of Ireland's three bonus-point victories to date. There are two games to go but already it looks like another Grand Slam is on the cards for Ireland. France's implosion, Italy's near miss and the latest crisis in Ulster are all up for discussion too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland have made it three bonus point wins in a row in the 2024 Six Nations. Andy Farrell’s team beat Wales 31-7 at the Aviva stadium and Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey joined Sinéad Kissane after the game to discuss the big talking points from Ireland’s win. And don’t forget to join Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery on Wednesday for their in-depth analysis of Ireland’s win.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ciarán Frawley has been named at full-back in the Ireland team to play Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday at the Aviva stadium. The rest of the team is the same as the one that started the opening round win over France in Marseille while the uncapped Oli Jager is on the bench. Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane on The Left Wing to discuss the big talking points of Farrell's team selection. Join Sinéad, Rúaidhrí and Cian again on Saturday after the final whistle when they will give their thoughts and post-match analysis on the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland's clash with Wales on Saturday is the main topic of discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. Jonathan Bradley joins Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery to look forward to round three of the Six Nations and pick through the major talking points ahead of the Ireland team announcement. The lads also discuss Ireland's formidable record at the Aviva Stadium despite criticism of the atmosphere, and chat about Ulster's latest defeat to the Ospreys.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Left Wing, Ireland and Leinster prop Andrew Porter joined Sinéad Kissane in studio where he spoke openly about his self-doubt and his questions over whether he was cut out for professional rugby after he returned home from Ireland’s World Cup exit last October. Porter - an ambassador for the Irish Cancer Society - talked about the help he got from coaches to help him recover as Ireland look to make it back to back Grand Slams in the Six Nations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hugo Keenan's replacement at fullback is a big topic of discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing. Cian Tracey joins Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery to go over all the main talking points after round two of the Six Nations. Jack Crowley's performance, the major TMO controversy and the standard of this year's competition are all on the agenda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland recorded their second consecutive bonus point win in the 2024 Six Nations scoring six tries - including a brace from Dan Sheehan and a first ever international try from Jack Crowley - in a 36-0 over Italy. Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey joined Sinéad Kissane after the game at the Aviva Stadium to discuss the performance whilst we also get the views of Andy Farrell, captain Caelan Doris and man of the match James Lowe. Don’t forget to join Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery for their weekly deep-dive on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made six changes to the team that started the record-breaking win over France and he's selected Caelan Doris as captain for Sunday's Six Nations game with Italy at the Aviva stadium. Some of the changes to the team were injury-enforced. On today's episode of the Left Wing, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to go through all the big talking points from Farrell's selection. Join us again after the final whistle on Sunday when Sinéad, Rúaidhrí and Cian will be back with their post-match show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery break down Ireland's record-setting win over France on the latest episode of The Left Wing. Andy Farrell's men were ruthless in Marseille on Friday night and the lads pick out a number of areas where they felt Ireland got the upper hand. Luke and Cian heap praise on the Irish attack and say that France head coach Fabien Galthié faces serious questions after an awful performance. Scotland's near-collapse against Wales, England's win over Italy and Ireland's latest U-20 triumph are all up for discussion too. Join The Left Wing again on Friday for our team news episode as well as the post-match special on Sunday with Sinéad, Rúaidhrí and Cian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland produced their best ever victory in France with a stunning 38-17 win over Les Bleus in the opening game of the 2024 Six Nations in Marseille. Andy Farrell's team scored five tries with Joe McCarthy producing a man of the match performance. Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Sinéad Kissane after the game at the Stade Velodrome to reflect on one of the all-time great Six Nations displays from an Irish team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Left Wing podcast comes to you from inside the Stade Velodrome on the eve of Ireland's Six Nations opener against France in Marseille. Sinéad Kissane and Rúaidhrí O'Connor were at the captains’ run and Peter O'Mahony's press conference today for the final build-up to a game that's been billed as the championship decider. Join us again on Friday after the final whistle when Sinéad, Rúaidhrí and Cian Tracey will be giving their thoughts on the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.