The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast by The Irish Times | Podcast Rankings & Episodes

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Latest episodes

A new era for Munster?

October 9, 2026 · 28 min

Following Munster’s appointment of former Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee as CEO, can the province build towards former glories? In today’s Counter Ruck rugby podcast Nathan Johns and Gerry Thornley look back at an era for the province…
Irish 10s steal the limelight on an encouraging URC weekend

October 6, 2026 · 38 min

After round one saw all four Irish provinces lose to kick off the URC season, this weekend brought a more encouraging set of results spearheaded by impressive outhalf displays. Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to review all the action as…
Is Irish and British domestic rugby broken?

October 2, 2026 · 1 hr 4 min

Andrew Trimble and London Irish chairman Daniel McKeown want to examine rugby’s governance. Looking at the money flowing in at a the international level, they want to know why so many clubs are still struggling. Worcester, Irish themselves…
Historic opening weekend ends in defeat for all Irish provinces

September 29, 2026 · 42 min

For the first time since 2009, all four Irish provinces started their domestic campaign with defeat. With Connacht and Ulster both losing at home on Friday night, Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan reflect on the teams they selected as…
Big URC preview and how did Ireland throw away victory vs the USA?

September 25, 2026 · 39 min

On Sunday, international rugby returned to these shores as Ireland women took on the USA in Tallaght. Despite an impressive first half showing, not to mention pulling 19 points clear after half-time, Ireland nevertheless succumbed to…

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Leinster's RDS bump and Munster's outhalf crisis

September 18, 2026 · 38 min

As the rugby season continues to draw closer, Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to talk Leinster’s return to the RDS, Munster’s outhalf crisis, optimism for Connaht and Ulster ahead of the new campaign plus World Rugby’s continuing bid to…
As Leo Cullen prepares for his final season in charge, why haven't Leinster strengthened?

September 11, 2026 · 34 min

John O'Sullivan joins Gordon D'Arcy and host Nathan Johns to discuss his recent chat with Leo Cullen as he heads into his final season as Leinster head coach. Several successors have been discussed on this podcast and elsewhere, but is…
Why are New Zealand embarking on their own Lions tour?

August 7, 2026 · 25 min

As world rugby moves away from multi match tours, instead preferring the nations championship, two of its biggest brands are going the other way. Ditching traditional southern hemisphere competitions, New Zealand are embarking on a lions…
The AFL comes for Irish rugby

July 31, 2026 · 16 min

Noah Byrne, a member of the Irish U20s, recently opted to move to Aussie rules instead of taking a Leinster academy contract. Is a move like this, often seen in GAA circles, going to become more prevalent in rugby, or are we dealing with…
Where do Ireland go from here?

July 21, 2026 · 47 min

After defeat to the All Blacks wrapped up Ireland’s season, Nathan Johns, Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan talk through Ireland’s ups and downs. Firmly ranked below the world’s top sides, where do Ireland go from here as they look to…
Reaction: New Zealand ease to victory over Ireland

July 18, 2026 · 19 min

What to make of Ireland’s 40-21 defeat to New Zealand on Saturday? A chastening, worrying performance or simply a fair reflection of Ireland’s place in the current global pecking order? Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to analyse the…
Underdog Ireland gear up for All Blacks test

July 17, 2026 · 24 min

Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan pick through Andy Farrell’s team selection ahead of this weekend’s clash with the All Blacks. Are Ireland deservedly underdogs or are we gearing up for another famous win on Kiwi soil? Produced by John…

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About the show

A rugby podcast from The Irish Times, presented by Nathan Johns with regular panelists John O'Sullivan, Gordon D'Arcy and Gerry Thornley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.