The Left Wing

On the latest episode of the Left Wing podcast from Tours in France, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss how the Ireland team could shape up when Andy Farrell names it tomorrow for their World Cup opener on Saturday against Romania in Bordeaux. They also discuss spying in rugby and all the other big pool matches on opening weekend including the curtain raiser of France v New Zealand in Paris on Friday night. On tomorrow’s show we’ll be analysing and discussing the Ireland team and you can 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.

Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Jonathan Bradley preview the 2023 Rugby World Cup and after all the waiting, the countdown is almost over and the lads kick things off by looking ahead to France vs New Zealand on Friday night. They then break down each pool, discussing all the major talking points and give their predictions for who they think will qualify for the knockout stage. Finally, it is time to pick their winner - and Luke thinks that Ireland will go all the way. Join us tomorrow for our next episode from France where the Left Wing team of Sinead, Rúaidhrí and Cian have all the latest news from the Ireland camp. 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.

The Left Wing team of Sinéad Kissane, Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey are up and running from the Irish base in Tours and for their first Monday update, they discuss Ireland’s purpose-built training ground, what team should face Romania and how the build-up is actually the most exciting part of a World Cup. During the Rugby World Cup, the Left Wing podcast will be bringing you daily episodes with updates on team news and injuries as well as the best interviews and analysis. Luke Fitzgerald will be joining Will Slattery and Jonathan Bradley on Tuesday’s show and you can 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.

The squad has been named, the warm-up games have wrapped, and the squad will fly to their base in Tours on Thursday. The World Cup is just around the corner. Luke Fitzgerald and Jonathan Bradley join Sinéad Kissane to discuss the closing of the long build-up and look into our World Cup future – just what are our chances going into this 10th edition of the World Cup? And how will Ireland deal with the South African bomb squad threat? During the Rugby World Cup, the Left Wing podcast will be bringing you daily episodes from France with updates on team news and injuries as well as the best interviews and analysis. Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter/X @SlatteryWill @SineadKissane @RuaidhriOC @CianTracey1 and @LukeFitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland have named their squad for the Rugby World Cup and Cian Healy misses out through injury. At the team hotel, Cian Tracey joins Rúaidhrí O'Connor on the Left Wing podcast to run through Andy Farrell's big decision, assess the fallout of Saturday night's performance against Samoa and look back on the final round of warm-up games before the main event gets going in less than two weeks' time. Join us for the next Left Wing show on Tuesday when Luke Fitzgerald will give his thoughts on the World Cup squad and Cian Healy’s absence. Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter/X @SlatteryWill @SineadKissane @RuaidhriOC @CianTracey1 and @LukeFitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

La Rochelle star, Dillyn Leyds, joins Will to discuss South Africa and Ireland's chances at the World Cup and whether the Champions Cup final defeat will have a major impact on the Irish campaign. Dillyn also chats about La Rochelle’s sensational journey to the top of European rugby, their epic Champions Cup final comeback against Leinster in Dublin and reveals what it's like having Ronan O'Gara as a head coach. Plus he talks about the famous viral video of ROG's team talk in French and why Donnacha Ryan is actually the hardest one to understand…. Join us again for Sunday’s post-match analysis show as Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey discuss Ireland’s final World Cup warm-up game against Samoa. Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter/X @SlatteryWill @SineadKissane @RuaidhriOC @CianTracey1 and @LukeFitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery is joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor to discuss the Ireland team to face Samoa. Andy Farrell's selection gives some indication as to his thinking ahead of Monday's squad announcement, and Rúaidhrí reads the tea leaves as to who he thinks will be on the plane. Ireland's out-half situation, centre partnerships and final World Cup preparations are all up for discussion too. Join us for Sunday’s post-match analysis show as Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey discuss Ireland’s performance against Samoa, plus on Friday’s Left Wing, we have an interview with La Rochelle star, Dillyn Leyds. Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter/X @SlatteryWill @SineadKissane @RuaidhriOC @CianTracey1 and @LukeFitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Rúaidhrí O'Connor discuss Ireland's ongoing World Cup build up. Will is joined by Rúaidhrí to start the show, who is currently in Biarritz with the Ireland team ahead of Saturday's Samoa clash. He gives a lay of the land as Andy Farrell prepares to select his squad on Monday. Luke and Cian then join Will and they discuss whether Ireland should bring Dan Sheehan to the World Cup even if he is carrying an injury until late in the pool stage. The Ross Byrne vs Jack Crowley debate and the continuing Owen Farrell controversy are up for discussion too. The Left Wing is back with another episode on Thursday with the team news ahead of Ireland’s final World Cup warm-up game against Samoa on Saturday so join us then. 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 @RuaidhriOC @CianTracey1 and @LukeFitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There were five tries, including a most memorable one from centurion Keith Earls, as Ireland beat England 29 points to 10 at the Aviva stadium yesterday but there is an injury concern over Dan Sheehan who picked up a foot injury and plenty of work still to do for the Ireland team. Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane on the latest Left Wing podcast to discuss where Ireland now stand as they continue their World Cup preparations and with Samoa still to come in their last warm-up game. Join Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery for their in-depth analysis on Wednesday and you can get in touch with the show with your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact them on Twitter/X @sineadkissane @slatterywill @RuaidhriOC and @lukefitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ireland team has been named for Saturday’s World Cup warm-up game against England at the Aviva Stadium and as expected Andy Farrell has gone, as expected, with a very strong team for this one and Cian Prendergast is given a big opportunity being named at number 8. Cian Tracey joins Sinéad Kissane on the latest Left Wing podcast to discuss the line-up and they also discuss World Rugby’s announcement that they will appeal the decision to overturn the red card given to Owen Farrell. Don’t forget to join Sinéad, Cian and Rud on Sunday for their post-match analysis of Ireland v England, and you can get in touch with the show with your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact them on Twitter/X @sineadkissane @slatterywill @RuaidhriOC and @lukefitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Rúaidhrí O'Connor discuss all the latest news after a busy weekend of World Cup warm-up games. Will and Rúaidhrí kick things off with a reaction to the news that Owen Farrell's red card from the weekend was overturned, meaning he won't miss any games. Luke then joins the lads as they reflect on France star Romain Ntamack's injury and look ahead to Ireland's second warm-up clash against England this Saturday. 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 @RuaidhriOC and @lukefitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey look back on Ireland's opening World Cup warm-up match against Italy. Andy Farrell's men got the win but the Ireland head coach won't be too happy with a number of aspects of the performance. Caelan Doris gave a Man of the Match display at number 7, as the debate continues about whether he should ever be moved from the number eight jersey. The lads were impressed with young second row Joe McCarthy while Jacob Stockdale's defensive lapse wasn't his best moment. The debate to back up Johnny Sexton was up for discussion too, with Jack Crowley's assured game putting more pressure on Ross Byrne ahead of the England game. 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 @CianTracey1 and @lukefitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Left Wing podcast is back for another season as Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Rúaidhrí O'Connor look ahead to Ireland's World Cup warm-up matches. First up is Italy this Saturday as the lads discuss what team they expect Andy Farrell to pick and how the coach might approach the three warm-up games. The squad selection dilemmas, Ireland's World Cup schedule and New Zealand's return to form are all up for discussion too. 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 @RuaidhriOC and @lukefitz11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It wasn’t to be for Ireland in the Under 20 World Championship final. They were beaten by a simply sensational French team, 50 points to 14, and on the latest Left Wing, Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Sinéad Kissane with the post-match analysis from Cape Town.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ireland U20s have a chance to make history tomorrow when the Grand Slam winners play France in the World Rugby U20 Championship final in Cape Town and Rúaidhrí O’Connor speaks to Sinéad Kissane from South Africa to preview the game. He also has the latest on Johnny Sexton’s disciplinary hearing as Irish rugby holds its breath in relation to the complaint of misconduct towards match officials directly after Leinster’s Heineken Cup final nearly two months ago. Don’t forget to join Sinéad and Rúaidhrí after the final whistle on Friday for the post-match reaction to the U20s final and to find out the fate for Johnny Sexton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the final episode of The Left Wing this season, Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey look back on Munster's URC triumph. After a tumultuous season, Graham Rowntree's men ended it as champions after a stunning win over the Stormers in South Africa. The lads reflect on the journey Munster took across the year, heap praise on the key players and look ahead to how the squad might fare next season. The discussion then turns to Ireland's World Cup training squad, the players who missed out and the lads finish up by giving some World Cup predictions. Thanks to everyone for listening in over the season and The Left Wing will be back after the summer break for the start of what promises to be one of the biggest seasons in Irish rugby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After twelve years, Munster have ended their trophy drought in spectacular fashion with a 19-14 win over the Stormers in South Africa. Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Sinéad Kissane from Cape Town after the final whistle with all the reaction and analysis to a momentous night for the Irish province. Don’t forget, Will and Luke are back next Wednesday for their final show of the season and if you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @RuaidhriOC and @SinéadKissane.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2,000 Munster fans have made the long trip to South Africa for their URC final against the Stormers on Saturday, but what can the Irish fans expect come the final whistle? Rúaidhrí O’Connor is in Cape Town and he joins Sinéad Kissane on the Left Wing podcast with the latest team news and insights from the camp. Calvin Nash, Malakai Fekitoa and Conor Murray have all been recalled to the starting XV with RG Snyman kept on the bench for the clash against the Stormers and despite the tough task ahead, Rúaidhrí reckons Munster have it in them to go all the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey look back on Saturday's Champions Cup final. In one of the greatest finals ever, Leinster lost out by a point as La Rochelle made it two in a row at the Aviva Stadium. Leinster blew a 17-point lead and there are plenty of questions about the squad's mental strength after another Champions Cup collapse. La Rochelle's brilliance, the impact the defeat could have on Ireland's World Cup campaign and whether Ross Byrne should have attempted a late drop goal are all up for discussion. The lads then finish up with a look ahead to Munster's URC final against the Stormers. Sinéad Kissane and Rúaidhrí O’Connor will be back on Friday to preview Munster’s URC final against the Stormers plus they’ll have the post-match analysis right after the final whistle on Saturday. 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @RuaidhriOC and @SinéadKissane.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 12 minutes of the Champions Cup final surely no one saw this coming. Leinster were 17-0 up and cruising but somehow they snatched defeat from such a strong position. Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Sinéad Kissane from the Aviva Stadium right after the final whistle to dissect where it all went wrong for Leinster who finish this season empty-handed and with more question marks over their mentality than ever before. Don’t forget to join Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery on Wednesday for their in-depth review and 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @RuaidhriOC and @SinéadKissane. Listen and follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With twelve changes to the Leinster team that were beaten by Munster in last week’s URC semi-final, Leo Cullen has named as strong a starting XV as expected, but will it be enough to depose their conquerors of the last two seasons, La Rochelle? Cian Tracey joins Sinéad Kissane on the latest Left Wing podcast to go through the Leinster team and bench and although home advantage will be huge, he cautions that this version of La Rochelle is even better than last year and thinks that might be the difference. Don’t forget to join Sinéad and Rúaidhrí O’Connor for the post-match show from the Aviva stadium tomorrow right after the final whistle while Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery will have their weekly in-depth analysis on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by former Leinster and Ireland star Dan Leavy to preview the Champions Cup final. Leinster vs La Rochelle is a rematch a year in the making and the lads discuss the key tactical battles, selection issues and coaching decisions that could dictate the outcome. They also look back on Munster's dramatic URC semi-final win over Leinster, with Luke critical of Leo Cullen's team selection. Dan also talks about his life after rugby following his retirement last year. 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @RuaidhriOC and @SinéadKissane.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Jonathan Bradley to look back on the URC quarter-finals. They kick things off with a post-mortem on Ulster's season after their disappointing home defeat to Connacht. Where do Ulster go from here and is head coach Dan McFarland the right man to lead them forward? Luke and Jonathan then pay tribute to Connacht's great win and the job Andy Friend has done as the head coach before his departure at the end of the current campaign. The lads finish things with a look ahead to Leinster vs Munster in the URC semi-finals - what team will Leo Cullen pick and can Graham Rowntree's men spring an upset? 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor with an in-depth review of Leinster's big win over Toulouse and the areas where the French giants fell short. The chat then turns to how Leo Cullen should select his team for the challenges to come ahead of the final in three weeks' time - should he rotate his squad or go with his strongest team? Luke lauds Ronan O'Gara's coaching ability after La Rochelle booked their place in a third consecutive Champions Cup final. Munster's URC quarter-final clash with Glasgow, Ulster and Connacht's showdown and Greg McWilliams' Ireland exit are all up for discussion too. 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0 points, 5 heavy defeats, and the worst points difference in their history in the Six Nations, what does the future hold for the Irish women’s rugby team? After the team’s fifth and final defeat to Scotland over the weekend, Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly join Sinéad Kissane on the latest Left Wing podcast to discuss the result and the wider issue for Irish women’s rugby. Never mind England or France, it is Wales, Scotland and Italy who must be caught up with and the 2023 Six Nations must prove to be the tipping point going forwards. On the next episode of the Left Wing on Wednesday, Will and Luke will have their in-depth discussion of the rugby week and 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Leinster team to face Toulouse in their Champions Cup semi-final on Saturday has been named and a late injury sees Robbie Henshaw joining Johnny Sexton and James Lowe on the sidelines. Rúaidhrí O’Connor is with Sinéad Kissane on the latest Left Wing podcast to go through the starting XV, he discusses why All Black Charlie Ngatai has come in for Henshaw and why he thinks the advantage now rests with Toulouse. Don’t forget to join Luke Fitzgerald for his in-depth review of the game on next Wednesday’s show, while Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly will be with Sinéad on Monday to look back on the Irish Women’s final Six Nations game against Scotland. 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look ahead to Leinster vs Toulouse. The Aviva Stadium hosts a battle between the two most successful teams in Champions Cup history on Saturday and the lads discuss what Leinster need to do to come out on the right side of the result. Leo Cullen's selection dilemmas, Leinster's heavy defeat to the Bulls and Munster's heroics in South Africa are all up for discussion too. On the next episode of the Left Wing on Monday, Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly will be looking back on the Ireland Women’s 2023 Six Nations campaign. 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re down to the final week of the Women’s Six Nations and it has been a tournament loaded with reality checks and harsh lessons for Ireland. After their 48-0 defeat to England at Musgrave Park, Ireland play Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday evening bottom of the table on zero points. Former Ireland player Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly of Scrumqueens.com join Sinéad Kissane to discuss another chastening weekend for the Irish women’s rugby team, plus they also discuss the protest at Musgrave Park and the confiscation of fliers by security staff with the image of ‘I Give an F’ on them. On the next episode of the Left Wing on Wednesday, Will and Luke will have their in-depth discussion of the rugby week and 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to pick through all the talking points from the latest round of URC action. There is the big news that Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber will replace Stuart Lancaster in the Leinster set-up next season - it's certainly a big statement but is it a good fit style wise? Munster also got their season back on track with an impressive win in South Africa - is it too late in the campaign for them to really go for silverware? The possibility of an orange card being introduced for the Rugby World Cup is also up for debate, and the lads have strong views on whether it would be a good thing. On the next episode of the Left Wing, Sinéad will be back on Monday, joined by Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly, to look back on Ireland Women’s Six Nations clash against England and 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s no end to the run of deflating defeats for Ireland in this Women’s Six Nations. They were beaten by Italy 24 points to 7 in Parma on Saturday which was just the second time that Ireland have lost to Italy in the Women’s Six Nations. It’s three games, three defeats, no points on the board and they have England up next at Musgrave Park this weekend. Former Ireland player, Anna Caplice, and Ali Donnelly of Scrumqueens.com join Sinéad Kissane to discuss how Ireland can pick themselves up and prepare for England. On the next episode of the Left Wing on Wednesday, Will and Luke will have their in-depth discussion of rugby week and 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Jonathan Bradley from the Belfast Telegraph to discuss all the latest Champions Cup action. Leinster advanced to the Champions Cup semi-final in style after thrashing Leicester on Good Friday, with Leicester coach Richard Wigglesworth making waves with his comments about the Irish side's budget. Luke and Jonathan give their view on the comments, which came a week after Ulster coach Dan McFarland made reference to Leinster's 'demographic' advantage in Ireland. Elsewhere, the South African teams' impact on the Champions Cup and Ulster's end of season chances are up for discussion too. On the next episode of the Left Wing, Sinead will be back on Monday and joined by Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly to look back on Ireland Women’s Six Nations clash against Italy and 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Rúaidhrí O'Connor look ahead to the Champions Cup quarter-finals. Leinster have named their team to face Leicester and the big talking point is Caelan Doris getting the seven jersey for the first time. That means that despite his strong form, Scott Penny has to settle for a place on the bench - what does he have to do to get a start? The pressure on Dan Sheehan to stay fit and the impressive showing by the Stormers and Sharks are topics of discussion too. On the next episode of the Left Wing, Will and Luke Fitzgerald will be back with their in-depth analysis on Wednesday and 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look back on the Champions Cup action. Leinster marched on to the quarter-finals after sweeping Ulster aside and the gap between Leo Cullen's men and the rest of the Irish provinces has never looked bigger. What can the other Irish teams do to close the gap? While Ulster didn't fire a shot against Leinster, Munster had a similarly disappointing day in South Africa after conceding 50 points to the Sharks. Can Munster turn things around between now and the end of the season? The Left Wing will be back on Thursday with the Champions Cup quarter-final team news ahead of Leinster’s Good Friday clash against Leicester, and 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the opening two-week block of the Women’s Six Nations finished with, it doesn’t make for pretty reading for Ireland. After a record margin defeat to France at Musgrave Park, 53 points to 3, Ireland are bottom of the table on points difference with zero points. They’ve a week off and then are away to Italy, home to England and finish away to Scotland. So how can Ireland pick themselves up and where do they go from here? Former international, Anna Caplice, and Ali Donnelly of Scrumqueens.com join Sinéad Kissane to discuss. Don’t forget to join Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald for their weekly in-depth rugby discussion on Wednesday, while there will also be a Champions Cup preview show on Thursday. 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s back to Europe for the Irish players and the provinces this weekend with the round of 16 in the Champions Cup and Sinéad Kissane is joined by Rúaidhrí O’Connor on the latest Left Wing podcast to go through the team news and preview the Sharks v Munster, Leinster v Ulster, and Benetton v Connacht in the Challenge Cup. Sinéad will be back on Monday to review the Ireland Women’s Six Nations clash against France with Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly while Will and Luke Fitzgerald will have their in-depth analysis on Wednesday. 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look ahead to the Champions Cup last 16. They kick things off by discussing the injury to Johnny Sexton and whether Leinster can still win the Champions Cup without the star out-half. Talk then turns towards this weekend, with Leinster taking on Ulster at the Aviva Stadium and Munster making a daunting trip to Durban to face the Sharks in South Africa. Finally, Cian and Luke give their views on the state of the Ireland women's team after their heavy defeat to Wales in the Six Nations. 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC. The Left Wing will be back at the end of the week with the team news ahead of the Champions Cup weekend, while Sinéad Kissane, Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly will have another episode on Monday looking back on the Ireland Women’s Six Nations game against France.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a pretty sobering opening Women’s Six Nations defeat for Ireland as they were over-powered by Wales losing 31-5. To discuss where the team goes from here, Sinéad Kissane is joined by former Ireland flanker, Anna Caplice, and Ali Donnelly of Scrumqueens.com. Will and Luke will also be back on Wednesday for their latest in-depth discussion of the week’s biggest talking points. If you want to get in touch with the show, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or on Twitter @SinéadKissane.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s two Six Nations down, two Grand Slams won for Ireland and this weekend is the start of the Women’s Six Nations. Ireland play Wales at Cardiff Arms Park in their opening game on Saturday with a 2.15 kick-off and previewing Ireland’s chances in the game and the rest of the tournament, Sinéad Kissane is joined by Anna Caplice, former Ireland flanker, and Ali Donnelly of Scrumqueens.com. There have been changes since Ireland finished fourth in the table in the 2022 edition after that dramatic and late win over Scotland in Belfast in round 5. There’s been the introduction of contracts for 15s players, some high-profile players turned down those contracts, there’s been a first ever summer tour with the trip to Japan, new additions to the coaching team and changes in player personnel. So, what can we expect from Ireland in this tournament? Join Sinéad, Anna and Ali on Monday as they discuss all the weekend results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look back on Ireland's Grand Slam triumph. Luke and Cian break down why Ireland won on Saturday - and why there were some nervy moments at the Aviva Stadium. The lads look back on the entire campaign, discuss the World Cup threat posed by France and ask whether there are enough opportunities for Ireland's U-20 stars at club level. 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 @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They’ve done it. After all the hype, pressure and adversity, this Ireland team overcame the last hurdle in front of them and beat England 29-16 to win the Grand Slam for the first time ever in Dublin. For this special post-match episode, Sinéad Kissane is joined by Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey at the Aviva to get their reaction and analysis in the aftermath of an emotional evening. You’ll also hear from Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier and Ross Byrne who, after the final whistle, tried to put into words what it all meant to them. Don’t forget to join Will and Luke for their in-depth review of the Six Nations Grand Slam on Wednesday and if you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by former England international Alex Corbisiero to look ahead to Saturday's Grand Slam decider. England enter into the game as massive underdogs off the back of a record home defeat to France and the pressure is mounting on new coach Steve Borthwick. Alex gives his assessment on where England are at after a poor Six Nations campaign and outlines the areas they must improve for the game against Ireland. When it comes to predictions, both Luke and Alex think Ireland will complete just their fourth-ever Grand Slam at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. Don’t forget to join Sinéad, Cian and Rud who will have a show after the final whistle from the Aviva where we’re all hoping it’s a historic Grand Slam being celebrated. If you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s three changes to the Ireland team for their final push towards a fourth Grand Slam with Caelan Doris and Dan Sheehan declared fit and Jamison Gibson-Park partnering Johnny Sexton, with Conor Murray dropping to the bench. Cian Tracey joins Sinéad Kissane to analyse the Irish starting XV and what we can expect on Saturday. On Friday, Will and Luke talk to the former England international, Alex Corbisiero while Sinead, Cian and Rud will have a show after the final whistle from the Aviva where we’re all hoping it’s an historic Grand Slam being celebrated. If you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald look back on Ireland's win over Scotland and discuss the mental preparation for Saturday's Grand Slam decider with former Ireland performance coach Enda McNulty. Luke kicks things off with his assessment of Ireland's impressive win over Scotland before Enda joins the lads to give his insights into working with Ireland under Joe Schmidt. The pressure of performing at the highest level, the difference between Schmidt and Andy Farrell's setup and the fallout to the 2019 World Cup are all topics of discussion during an interesting chat with Enda. Don’t forget to join us on Thursday for the team news announcement while the post-match show from the Aviva on Saturday will see Sinéad, Cian and Rúaidhrí analyse what one hopes will be a historic day in Dublin. If you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Andy Farrell’s team look to complete a Grand Slam when they play England at the Aviva stadium on Saturday, the Left Wing wants to celebrate another Grand Slam. It’s 10 years ago this week since the Ireland women’s team won their first ever Slam. A 6-3 win over Italy in Milan on Paddy’s Day in 2013 saw this group of players do something no Irish women’s team has done before. So this is a special podcast to celebrate that achievement. Captain of that team Fiona Coghlan, centre Lynne Cantwell and head coach Philip ‘Goose’ Doyle joined Sinéad Kissane to look back on that historic campaign. On Wednesday, Will and Luke will be joined by Alex Corbisiero and former Irish rugby team sports psychologist, Enda McNulty. There will then be a team news episode with the latest on the Ireland XV named to face England on Thursday, while the post-match show from the Aviva on Saturday will see Sinéad, Cian and Rud analyse what one hopes will be a historic day in Dublin. Join us for all the coverage throughout the week on the Left Wing podcast and if you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Garry Ringrose and Iain Henderson will be missing from the Ireland squad to face England in their Grand Slam decider this Saturday due to injuries suffered against Scotland. Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Sinéad Kissane with the latest squad update on the latest Left Wing podcast and explains that Caelan Doris (hip) and hookers Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher (both shoulder) have remained in camp and have not been ruled out of contention for the game. Andy Farrell has called up Leinster lock Ross Molony and Ulster hooker Tom Stewart as cover ahead of the England game. Don’t forget, there’s a special 10 year anniversary episode on Tuesday looking back on the Irish Women’s Grand Slam in 2013, while on Wednesday, Will and Luke will be joined by Alex Corbisiero and former Irish rugby team sports psychologist, Enda McNulty. There will then be a team news episode with the latest on the Ireland XV named to face England on Thursday, while the post-match show from the Aviva on Saturday will either be a party or a wake after Ireland’s final Six Nations game this year. Join us for all the coverage throughout the week on the Left Wing podcast and if you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s just no stopping Ireland in this Six Nations no matter what’s thrown at them. The Grand Slam is just one win away for Ireland, they’ve beaten Scotland 22 points to 7 and Cian Tracey joins Sinéad Kissane from Murrayfield with the post-match analysis. Plus, don’t miss all the build-up to the final game decider against England with Sinéad and Rúaidhrí O'Connor back on Monday with a squad update which will give some insights into all the injuries suffered from the Scottish encounter. There’s a special 10 year anniversary episode on Tuesday looking back on the Irish Women’s Grand Slam in 2013, while on Wednesday, Will and Luke will be joined by Alex Corbisiero and former Irish rugby sports psychologist, Enda McNulty. There will then be a team news episode with the latest on the Ireland XV named to face England on Thursday, while the post-match show from the Aviva on Saturday will either be a party or a wake after Ireland’s final Six Nations game this year. Join us for all the coverage throughout the week on the Left Wing podcast and if you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Farrell has named his team to play Scotland in Murrayfield on Sunday and Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Sinéad Kissane on the latest Left Wing podcast to discuss the line-up. There are six changes overall to the team that started against Italy. Johnny Sexton and Garry Ringrose return. Tadhg Furlong will make his first appearances of this Six Nations. Conor Murray starts at scrumhalf, Jamison Gibson Park is on the bench as is Robbie Henshaw who’re both set to feature for the first time in this 6 Nations. Don’t forget to join Sinéad, Rúaidhrí and Cian Tracey for the post-match analysis show from Murrayfield right after the final whistle. If you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery is joined by BBC Scotland journalist Andy Burke to look ahead to Sunday's Six Nations clash at Murrayfield. Despite overseeing a number of big scalps against England and France during his tenure, Gregor Townsend has never beaten Ireland as Scotland head coach. Andy thinks Ireland's physicality has been a major problem for Scotland and they must match up on Sunday in that area to have a chance of winning. One player who will be key for Scotland is Finn Russell; Andy breaks down his interesting relationship with Townsend, which has seen the two fall out on a number of occasions. Scotland's 'arrogance', their strong centre partnership and their use of project players is all up for discussion too. Join Sinéad Kissane and Cian Tracey with the next Left Wing on Friday when they will have the latest team news and don’t forget there’s our post-match analysis show from Murrayfield right after the final whistle. If you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing the Left Wing’s countdown to Sunday’s Six Nations game between Scotland and Ireland, Sinéad Kissane spoke to a man who played outhalf for Scotland, and also for Connacht. Dan Parks won 67 caps with Scotland and as well as playing with Glasgow and Cardiff Blues, he made 51 appearances for Connacht after which he retired from professional rugby nearly nine years ago. Dan is living in Sydney where he’s still involved in rugby and Sinéad spoke to him about his playing days, his role in Scotland’s last win over Ireland in Dublin in 2010 and why he believes the flair moments from Finn Russell could be the key to unlocking and overcoming Ireland. All week the Left Wing is bringing you more episodes as part of the build-up to the big game. Will is getting the view from Scotland on Thursday from the BBC’s Andy Burke, Sinéad and Cian will have the latest team news on Friday, and there’s also post-match analysis from Murrayfield right after the final whistle. If you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Ulster out-half Ian Madigan to look ahead to Scotland vs Ireland and discuss Ulster's season to date. Ian and Luke break down exactly what they like about how Ireland are playing at the moment, and Ian gives his out-half assessment of Scotland star Finn Russell ahead of Sunday's clash. Ulster have had a tumultuous season and Ian gives his an insight into the ups and downs as he targets a place in the match-day squad for their Champions Cup showdown with Leinster. The lads finish the show by giving their verdict on the big game - and all three are predicting an Ireland win. Join us all week for the build-up to Ireland’s clash against Scotland as we bring you additional Left Wing episodes with views from the Scotland camp, the latest team news and post-match analysis from Murrayfield right after the final whistle. And if you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to [email protected], or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.