The Left Wing

The Ireland team to play France in Friday's Six Nations opener in Marseille has been named. On today's episode of the Left Wing podcast, Rúaidhrí O'Connor joins Sinéad Kissane from Ireland's pre-Six Nations base in Portugal before they leave for France to discuss the big talking points of Andy Farrell's selection, including starts for Joe McCarthy and Calvin Nash, Garry Ringrose's absence through injury, Crowley’s start at outhalf and the 6/2 forwards/backs split on the bench. Join us again on Thursday when Sinéad and Rúaidhrí will be back with more news and updates from the Ireland and France camps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ronan O'Gara breaks down France vs Ireland on the latest episode of The Left Wing ahead of Friday's Six Nations showdown. The La Rochelle head coach joined Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery to look ahead to the blockbuster opening game as well as delve into his coaching journey in France. Luke and Will then preview the Six Nations along with Jonathan Bradley, starting with whether Ireland will suffer from a World Cup hangover. England's dark horse potential, Ireland's out-half situation and the lads' Six Nations predictions are all on the agenda too. Join us again on Wednesday and Thursday as we bring you new episodes with the latest from the Ireland and France team camps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final round of the Champions Cup pool stage and round of 16 ties are up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. Jonathan Bradley joins Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery to pick through Ulster's heavy defeat to Harlequins and to assess whether the northern province is better off in the Challenge Cup. Munster's collapse against Northampton, Leinster's win in Leicester and Joe Schmidt's move to Australia are all on the agenda too, and the lads give their moment of the week in association with Bank of Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The launch of the 2024 Six Nations took place at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin today. Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Dave Kelly joined Sinéad Kissane on the Left Wing podcast to discuss the big talking points of the day as Peter O'Mahony spoke for the first time since he was announced as Ireland captain. And head coach Andy Farrell discussed the debrief he'll have with the squad at Carton House as Ireland get ready for the opening game of their Grand Slam defence against France in Marseille on Friday week. Join the Left Wing again on Tuesday as Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery give their weekly deep dive on the main rugby stories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the final weekend of pool games in the Champions Cup and on today's episode of the Left Wing podcast, Rúaidhrí O'Connor joins Sinéad Kissane to go through the team announcements from the provinces including the selection of the fit-again Harry Byrne at outhalf for Leinster against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road. Munster host Northampton at Thomond Park, Ulster are away to Harlequins - all on Saturday - while Connacht play Bristol on Friday. Rúaidhrí also discusses the confirmation today that former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt will take over from Eddie Jones as the head coach of the Wallabies. We’ll be back on Monday for a special episode from the Six Nations launch in Dublin so do join us then.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Peter O'Mahony named as the new Ireland captain for the 2024 Six Nations and Andy Farrell naming the 34-man squad for the upcoming tournament, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane on the latest Left Wing to talk about O'Mahony's promotion and the squad make-up. They also discuss the players who've missed out on selection in Farrell's squad and the likely make-up of the team to play France in the opening game in Marseille in just over two weeks’ time. And join us again on Friday for our special Champions Cup team news episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Munster's big win, Ulster's collapse and all the Champions Cup talking points were up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing with Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey joining Will Slattery. Jack Crowley's man of the match performance helped Munster beat Toulon and Cian says it was ideal preparation for Ireland's Six Nations opener against France. The lads then discuss Peter O'Mahony's future as his contract discussions drag on. Leo Cullen's future, Ulster's heavy defeat to Toulouse and Bundee Aki and Finlay Bealham being unavailable for Connacht are all up for discussion too. Join us again during the week when Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss the Ireland Six Nations squad that is being named.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big weekend of Champions Cup action is coming up with all four provinces taking on French opposition in round three. Munster have Peter O'Mahony back for their trip to Toulon while James Lowe and Tadhg Furlong returns for Leinster who have Ciaran Frawley starting at 10 for the visit of Stade Francais at the Aviva stadium. Ulster are in one of the games of the weekend as they welcome Toulouse while Connacht are away in Lyon. Cian Tracey joins Sinéad Kissane to discuss all the big talking points ahead of a huge weekend in the competition. Don’t forget, Luke Fitzgerald joins Will Slattery on next Tuesday’s episode for their weekly in-depth discussion of the week’s rugby stories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The identity of Ireland's new captain is up for debate on the latest episode of the Left Wing. Luke Fitzgerald, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Will Slattery go through all the candidates ahead of next week's announcement, and also discuss who might make the cut for the Six Nations squad. Andy Farrell is set to be named Lions head coach later this week, but is it good for Irish rugby if he takes a sabbatical to do it? The lads finish things up with a look ahead to round three of the Champions Cup this weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Year's Day inter-pro derbies are up for discussion on the first Left Wing podcast of 2024. Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald digest Ulster's shock win against Leinster at the RDS and Connacht outlasting Munster in a rain-soaked Sportsground. Luke was impressed with Billy Burns' kicking display and thinks that Jacob Stockdale could be making a push for Ireland inclusion. Meanwhile, Connacht finally ended their losing streak but it was double disappointment for Munster - not only did they lose again but also suffered two more serious injuries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another dramatic weekend of Champions Cup rugby is up for discussion on the final Left Wing podcast of the year. Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery look back on Munster's collapse against Exeter, Leinster's sloppy win over Sale, Ulster's impressive victory against Racing 92 and another heavy defeat for Connacht. RG Snyman's controversial switch from Munster to Leinster, Andy Farrell's new contract and the prospect of 15s players competing at the Olympics are all on the agenda too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It could be one of the biggest moves in Irish rugby. It's been reported that RG Snyman will join Leinster next season when his contract finishes with Munster. Rúaidhrí O'Connor and CianTracey join Sinéad Kissane on the Left Wing podcast to discuss the response and ramifications of this possible move. They also go through the teams announced by the provinces ahead of the second weekend of the Champions Cup. Listen & follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster's big win in La Rochelle was up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast with Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and Rúaidhrí O'Connor. James Ryan's performance and the importance of getting over the La Rochelle hurdle were two big talking points after the game. Munster, Ulster and Connacht all failed to win while Jack Crowley's game time with Munster got particular attention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's opening weekend of the new Champions Cup season and there are some big talking points around team selection with, in particular, Harry Byrne being named at outhalf for Leinster's game away to defending champions La Rochelle on Sunday. It is Byrne's first Champions Cup start while Ciaran Frawley has been named on the bench. Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane on the latest Left Wing to discuss the teams announced by Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht ahead of their games this weekend and which of the provinces can start the season with wins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Fitzgerald, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Will Slattery preview the Champions Cup on the latest episode of The Left Wing. The tournament kicks off on Friday night and the Irish provinces look poised to make a big impact. Leinster's opening clash away to La Rochelle sets things up nicely, while Munster can also be confident of making a deep run in the competition. The new format, Owen Farrell's decision to step away from international rugby and Connacht and Ulster's chances are all up for discussion too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery is joined by referee Wayne Barnes to look back on his eventful career. The Englishman recently called time on his refereeing career after taking charge of the World Cup final, and Barnes gives a fascinating insight into what it's like officiating the biggest game in rugby. The life of a top official, the TMO bunker and what it's like refereeing Johnny Sexton is all up for discussion too. ‘Throwing the Book’ by Wayne Barnes is out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster's win over Munster is up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing as Jonathan Bradley joins Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery. Leinster got the win but there were plenty of reasons for Munster to be positive as their attack continued to shine. Luke thinks Ciaran Frawley has a big chance in the coming weeks after Ross Byrne's injury while Simon Zebo reminded people of his quality. Jonathan also gave an update from Ulster after their loss to Glasgow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster got their revenge result with a 21-16 win over Munster victory in the URC at the Aviva stadium on Saturday and Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey joined Sinéad Kissane on the Left Wing podcast straight after tonight’s game to go through the main talking points from tonight’s derby. Don’t forget to join Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery for their deep dive on next Tuesday’s show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster and Munster have named their teams for Saturday's URC game at the Aviva Stadium and Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Sinéad Kissane on the Left Wing podcast to discuss what to expect. Robbie Henshaw, Tadhg Furlong and Jack Conan make their first starts of the season in a very strong Leinster team. The injured Peter O'Mahony has been ruled out for Munster with Diarmuid Barron captaining Munster and World Cup winner Jean Kleyn also featuring for the first time this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and Rúaidhrí O'Connor look ahead to Leinster vs Munster on the latest Left Wing podcast. With Johnny Sexton and Stuart Lancaster both gone, are Leinster a worse version of themselves heading into this season? Garry Ringrose's missed tackle stats are a concern for Luke and Rúaidhrí. Meanwhile in Munster, Peter O'Mahony has stepped down as captain - does this pave the way for him to take over the Ireland role? The question of whether 15s players should switch to Sevens for the Olympics is also up for discussion too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Humphreys' to-do list as the new IRFU Performance Director was a big topic of discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. With the Ulster legend set to replace David Nucifora next summer, Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery discussed the big challenge in ensuring young Irish talent get sufficient game time in the coming seasons. The weekend's provincial action was also on the agenda, with Graham Rowntree unhappy with Munster's showing against Ulster while Connacht suffered heartbreak against Edinburgh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and Jonathan Bradley preview the provincial rugby season. As the dust settles on the World Cup, thoughts turn to what the provinces can achieve in the URC and the Champions Cup. Can Munster back up last season's success? Can Leinster end their trophy drought? Can Connacht and Ulster upset the pecking order? All that and plenty more is up for discussion on our provincial season preview.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Africa's World Cup final win over New Zealand is up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast as Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery give their verdict on the big match. Despite winning back to back world titles, Luke thinks the Springboks got a little fortunate with some of their coaching decisions en route to glory. The lads break down the big talking points from the final and also reflect on the World Cup as a whole while summing it up from an Irish perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rúaidhrí O'Connor joins Will Slattery on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast to preview the World Cup final between the All Blacks and South Africa. It is a clash of the titans with both teams looking to win a record fourth William Webb Ellis Cup, and there are so many subplots to look forward to. South Africa's 7/1 bench split, their record win over New Zealand before the tournament and referee Waynes Barnes are all up for discussion. Having tipped New Zealand on Tuesday, Rúaidhrí gives a final prediction and is leaning towards changing his mind to Rassie Erasmus' Springbok side. Join us again on Tuesday when Luke Fitzgerald will be giving his review of the final and the 2023 Rugby World Cup overall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The issue of scrum dominance was a big talking point on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast as Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery, Jonathan Bradley and Rúaidhrí O'Connor discussed its place in the game. South Africa used the scrum as a real weapon against England to book their final place, but is that good for the game? Meanwhile, the lads further discussed Ireland's World Cup exit and previewed the final clash between the All Blacks and the Springboks. Don’t forget to join Will and Rúaidhrí again on Friday for another Left Wing show as they look ahead to the World Cup final.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Cup moves on without Ireland this weekend and on the latest episode of the Left Wing podcast, Rúaidhrí O'Connor dials in from Paris and joins Cian Tracey and Sinéad Kissane to go through this weekend's World Cup semi-finals. Argentina play New Zealand on Friday night and England play South Africa on Saturday night at the Stade de France for a place in the World Cup final as the post-World Cup comeback continues for Ireland. Don’t forget to join Will, Luke and Rúaidhrí on Tuesday’s show as they analyse the semis and look ahead to the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland's latest quarter-final heartbreak is up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing as Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Jonathan Bradley pick through Saturday's defeat to New Zealand. Why did Andy Farrell's men come up short in another last-eight tie? The lineout, missed chances and a huge effort from the All Blacks all contributed to a dramatic defeat in Paris. The lads dive into some of the key moments from Saturday's game as well as look into the future as Andy Farrell faces a rebuilding job with a number of star players unlikely to be involved at the next World Cup. The Left Wing will be back again on Thursday to preview the weekend semi-finals so don’t forget to join us then.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's another World Cup quarter-final exit for Ireland. Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane at the Stade de France after Ireland's 28-24 defeat to New Zealand to discuss the regrets Ireland will have in what was Johnny Sexton's last game for Ireland. The Left Wing Live The Left Wing is coming to the 3Olympia Theatre on Thursday 19th October ahead of the World Cup semis and with Ireland potentially playing for a World Cup final place, it promises to be a great night of rugby discussion and banter with Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery being joined by Bernard Jackman and Stephen Ferris. Tickets priced from €29.90 including booking fee and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/venueartist/198239/5433842See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the eve of Ireland's World Cup quarter-final against New France, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane on the latest episode of the Left Wing at the Stade de France ahead of one of the biggest games ever in Irish rugby history. Mack Hansen has been passed fit to play, they talk about the bizarre suggestion of spying at New Zealand training that was aimed at Ireland and where tomorrow's game will be won or lost. And don’t forget to join Sinéad, Rúaidhrí and Cian on Sunday morning for their special post-match show. Will we be looking forward to a semi-final game or will it be another quarter-final heartache? Listen and follow on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. The Left Wing Live The Left Wing is coming to the 3Olympia Theatre on Thursday 19th October ahead of the World Cup semis and with Ireland potentially playing for a World Cup final place, it promises to be a great night of rugby discussion and banter with Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery being joined by Bernard Jackman and Stephen Ferris. Tickets priced from €29.90 including booking fee and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/venueartist/198239/5433842See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the Left Wing podcast we look ahead to the other huge World Cup quarter-final at the Stade de France this weekend as France take on South Africa on Sunday night. Sinéad Kissane is joined by Illtud Dafydd - a Welsh journalist who lives in France - who's been following France and the Boks this week. We also hear from former New Zealand Maori coach Colin Cooper who's coached Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe in the past and he gives some insights into the drive and ambition of the players at the time. The Left Wing Live The Left Wing is coming to the 3Olympia Theatre on Thursday 19th October ahead of the World Cup semis and with Ireland potentially playing for a World Cup final place, it promises to be a great night of rugby discussion and banter with Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery being joined by Bernard Jackman and Stephen Ferris. Tickets priced from €29.90 including booking fee and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/venueartist/198239/5433842See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the outskirts of Paris, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss the team named by Andy Farrell to play New Zealand in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final. Plus we also get the view from New Zealand with former Ulster and Ireland flanker Sean Reidy. Join us again tomorrow when Sinéad, Rúaidhrí and Cian will be at the New Zealand team hotel for the naming of their team. The Left Wing Live The Left Wing is coming to the 3Olympia Theatre on Thursday 19th October ahead of the World Cup semis and with Ireland potentially playing for a World Cup final place, it promises to be a great night of rugby discussion and banter with Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery being joined by Bernard Jackman and Stephen Ferris. Tickets priced from €29.90 including booking fee and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/venueartist/198239/5433842See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland's showdown with New Zealand is up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing as Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery look ahead to the big game with Jonathan Bradley and Justin Marshall. Luke, Will and Jonathan kick off by looking back at the win over Scotland before All Blacks legend Justin Marshall drops in to give the view from New Zealand. The lads then preview the quarter-final, assess Joe Schmidt's legacy and give their final predictions for Saturday night. Join us again on tomorrow’s show when Sinead, Rúaidhrí and Cian will be discussing the Ireland team to face New Zealand. The Left Wing Live The Left Wing is coming to the 3Olympia Theatre on Thursday 19th October ahead of the World Cup semis and with Ireland potentially playing for a World Cup final place, it promises to be a great night of rugby discussion and banter with Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery being joined by Bernard Jackman and Stephen Ferris. Tickets priced from €29.90 including booking fee and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/venueartist/198239/5433842See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Left Wing podcast, from Paris, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to start the build-up to Ireland's World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand on Saturday. They talk about the legacy of Joe Schmidt, the latest on the injuries to Ireland players and will fatigue be an issue for this team with Andy Farrell largely keeping the same team since the start of this tournament? Listen and follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. The Left Wing Live The Left Wing is coming to the 3Olympia Theatre on Thursday 19th October ahead of the World Cup semis and with Ireland potentially playing for a World Cup final place, it promises to be a great night of rugby discussion and banter with Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery being joined by Bernard Jackman and Stephen Ferris. Tickets priced from €29.90 including booking fee and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/venueartist/198239/5433842See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Stade de France, Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane for their post-match show after Ireland booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals following their 36-14 win over Scotland to top Pool B. Already thoughts are turning to New Zealand in the last 8 of the tournament for the second time in a row. Join us all week as we continue the build-up to Ireland’s make or break clash with the All Blacks. The Left Wing is coming to the 3Olympia Theatre on Thursday 19th October ahead of the World Cup semis and with Ireland potentially playing for a World Cup final place, it promises to be a great night of rugby discussion and banter with Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery being joined by Bernard Jackman and Stephen Ferris. Tickets priced from €29.90 including booking fee and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/venueartist/198239/5433842See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Stade de France, Cian Tracey and Sinéad Kissane are joined by Rob Roberston from the Scottish Daily Mail to give the inside track from the Scotland camp ahead of tomorrow's World Cup pool game with Ireland. We also hear from James Lowe as Ireland go for a 17th test win in a row and if Ireland have been bitten by the bed bugs! Join Sinéad, Cian and Rúaidhrí again on Sunday morning for a special post-match show as they discuss the result and (hopefully) the quarter-final to look forward to. The Left Wing is coming to the 3Olympia Theatre on Thursday 19th October ahead of the World Cup semis and with Ireland potentially playing for a World Cup final place, it promises to be a great night of rugby discussion and banter with Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery being joined by Bernard Jackman and Stephen Ferris. Tickets priced from €29.90 including booking fee and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/venueartist/198239/5433842See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane at Ireland's new team hotel on the outskirts of Park to discuss the two changes Andy Farrell has made to the team to play Scotland. Iain Henderson and Dan Sheehan come into the team and James Ryan and Ronan Kelleher are on the bench. They also discuss Robbie Henshaw's hamstring injury which could end his World Cup participation. The Left Wing is coming to the 3Olympia Theatre on Thursday 19th October ahead of the World Cup semis and with Ireland potentially playing for a World Cup final place, it promises to be a great night of rugby discussion and banter with Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery being joined by Bernard Jackman and Stephen Ferris. Tickets priced from €29.90 including booking fee and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/venueartist/198239/5433842See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Left Wing podcast – and the last from Tours - Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss the news that Robbie Henshaw has picked up a suspected hamstring injury in training which makes him a big doubt for Ireland's final World Cup pool game against Scotland. They discuss the team Andy Farrell will name tomorrow and we also hear from former Scotland and Connacht outhalf, Dan Parks, on this weekend's game, plus the situation in Australia with the Wallabies on the verge of not making the knock-out stage for the first time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland's final World Cup pool clash is up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing with Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Jonathan Bradley. Scotland's confident comments in the media are up for debate first, before talk turns to Andy Farrell's selection decisions. Rassie Erasmus and Ian Foster's mind games, a possible Rugby World Cup expansion and the final prediction for Ireland vs Scotland are all up for discussion too On tomorrow’s show, Sinéad catches up with Dan Parks, and she gets the latest from the Ireland camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Left Wing podcast from Tours, Cian Tracey and Rúaidhrí O'Connor join Sinéad Kissane to go through the pool permutations ahead of Ireland's final pool game with Scotland at the Stade de France on Saturday. They also review New Zealand's win over Italy and we hear from Conor Murray and team nutritionist Emma Gardner. Join Will Slattery, Jonathan Bradley and Luke Fitzgerald on tomorrow’s show for their in-depth discussion and if you want to get in touch with questions or comments send them through via Spotify, YouTube or contact the show via email at [email protected], or on X/Twitter @SlatteryWill @JBradleyBT @SineadKissane @RuaidhriOC @CianTracey1 and @LukeFitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Left Wing, we've got an interview with former Ireland, Leinster and Toulouse player Trevor Brennan. Sinéad Kissane went to Toulouse a few days ago to meet Trevor at his bar, Brennan's, just outside the city. Trevor took some time out of the lunch-hour rush to talk about life in Toulouse, his rugby-playing sons, his support of France and why he's backing Ireland to go all the way in this World Cup. Join us again on Monday as we build up to the final pool game against Scotland next Saturday and have the latest from the Ireland camp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Left Wing podcast from Tours, Rúaidhrí O'Connor joins Sinéad Kissane to discuss the Ireland players coming back into camp after their few days off earlier this week after the win over South Africa. They look at possible changes in the Ireland team to play Scotland on Saturday week, the return of Jack Conan and the need for Tier 2 nations to be given more support. Listen out for tomorrow's show when Sinéad meets Trevor Brennan in his bar in Toulouse to discuss Irish and French rugby and 21 years of life in the south of France.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England's World Cup win of 2003 is now 20 years old and Will Slattery chats to UK sports writer, Owen Slot, looking back on that famous triumph on the latest episode of The Left Wing. Owen has written a new book with Lawrence Dallaglio, The Boys of Winter, chronicling England's march to glory and catching up with the entire squad to see where they are 20 years later. From Jonny Wilkinson's meticulous preparation to Clive Woodward's 'mad professor' reputation, there are so many interesting stories to unpack from one of the legendary international teams. We’ll have another show tomorrow with Sinéad and Rúaidhrí in Tours, bringing you the latest from the Ireland camp as well as previewing the weekend games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A down-week for the Ireland squad so it's a chance to answer some listener and viewer comments and questions on the Left Wing podcast. Cian Tracey joins Sinéad Kissane in Tours to go through various topics including if Ireland is over-celebrating their win over South Africa and what changes Andy Farrell might make for the final pool game against Scotland? If you have any questions about the Irish rugby team or the Rugby World Cup in general, send them through via Spotify, YouTube or contact the show via email at [email protected], or on X/Twitter @SlatteryWill @JBradleyBT @SineadKissane @RuaidhriOC @CianTracey1 and @LukeFitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and Jonathan Bradley look back on Ireland's epic win over South Africa on the latest episode of The Left Wing. Although it was billed as the world's best attack vs the world's best defence, Luke and Jonathan were more impressed with Ireland's rearguard action against the reigning champions. However, there was plenty of criticism for some of Rassie Erasmus' selection decisions and tactics as South Africa came up short. Ireland's preparations for Scotland, their bench options and Eddie Jones' Australia debacle are all up for discussion. If you want to get in touch with the show, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @JBradleyBT @SineadKissane @RuaidhriOC @CianTracey1 and @LukeFitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Tours, Cian Tracey joins Sinéad Kissane to look back on Ireland's 13-8 win over South Africa along with the post-match reaction from Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Beirne. Plus Cian and Sinéad discuss the travel chaos in Paris and the benefits of the down week for the players ahead of their final pool game with Scotland in a fortnight. Don’t forget to join us for tomorrow’s show with Luke Fitzgerald, Jonathan Bradley and Will Slattery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a game that lived up to its billing and on the Left Wing podcast recorded hours after Ireland's 13-8 win over South Africa, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss an epic game that went right down to the wire. Ireland's resilience, Bundee Aki's stunning form, lost line-outs, Boks missed place-kicking and how this sets Ireland up for rest of tournament are all discussed on the pod. And don’t forget to join us all week as we go more in-depth on the key learnings from the game, bring you the latest injury updates and start to look ahead to the clash with Scotland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest Left Wing podcast from the Stade de France, Rúaidhrí O'Connor joins Sinéad Kissane on the eve of the big match. They talk about the injury to Antoine Dupont, we hear from Paul O'Connell on the tactical battle and we've an interview with former Ulster and South Africa scrum-half Ruan Pienaar on tomorrow's showdown. Join us again on Sunday morning for a full post-match breakdown from the Stade de France with Sinéad, Rúaidhrí and Cian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Ireland team hotel on the outskirts of Paris, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss the team and replacements that Andy Farrell has named to play South Africa on Saturday including the return of Dan Sheehan to the bench. Farrell’s press conference was dominated by questions about the Springboks 7/1 split and they also talked about the traps that the Boks could set for Ireland in defence. Join us again tomorrow for more from the South African camp as the build-up to the big game continues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Tours, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss the Boks 7/1 split on the bench for Saturday's World Cup pool game against Ireland and how it’s not expected to change Ireland's traditional 5/3 split when the Ireland squad is named tomorrow. Plus, what would an Ireland bomb squad look like? And we hear from former Ireland and Leinster hooker Richardt Strauss on the gambles that South Africa are taking with their bench formation. Don’t forget to join Sinéad, Rúaidhrí and Cian on tomorrow’s show when they will discuss the Ireland team and bench that will be named.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and Jonathan Bradley preview Ireland's World Cup showdown with South Africa on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. Ireland made it two World Cup wins from two against Tonga on Saturday night and the lads agree that Andy Farrell couldn't have scripted a better opening to the tournament. Jonathan and Luke look at the areas that would be key to an Ireland victory on Saturday - and where the Springboks could come out on top. Fiji's win over Australia is up for discussion too before the lads end the show with their predictions for Ireland vs South Africa. Sinéad, Rúaidhrí and Cian are back tomorrow with another episode from France continuing the build-up to the crunch game. Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter/X @SineadKissane @RuaidhriOC @CianTracey1 @SlatteryWill @JBradleyBT and @LukeFitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.