Shows / The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
A rugby podcast from The Irish Times, presented by Nathan Johns with regular panelists John O'Sullivan, Gordon D'Arcy and Gerry Thornley.
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Episodes
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Casey and Timoney to start against Argentina
Jameson Gibson Park being on the bench is the headline revelation in Andy Farrell’s team announcement. On today’s podcast, former Leinster and Scotland Rugby…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Will new Leinster coach bring French winning chaos to Ireland?
Noel McNamara will join Leinster as head coach from next season, bringing a 12 year era under Leo Cullen to a close. On today’s podcast, Nathan Johns asks John…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Exclusive look inside O'Gara's La Rochelle
Its not often journalists get an access all areas pass inside a top flight rugby club. On today’s Counter Ruck rugby podcast, Irish Times rugby writer John…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Could Tadhg Furlong miss the Nations Championship over alleged genital grab?
Following Tadhg Furlong’s citing for an alleged groin grab on Gavin Coombes during Saturday’s clash between Leinster and Munster, the question looms about…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Can this Ireland squad make an impact on the Nations Champsionship?
Andy Farrell announced a very familiar looking extended squad for Ireland’s Nations Championship campaign, save for the inclusion of Ulster’s Jamie Benson. On…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Are the provinces fortunes turning after a clean sweep in Europe?
It’s not long since we were talking about a weekend of four defeats for all four provinces. The weekend’s action in round one of the European competitions was…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Steven Kitshoff: World Cup glory, the Rassie factor, and his time at Ulster
Steven Kitshoff, the former South Africa and Ulster prop, joins Nathan Johns on The Counter Ruck. Kitshoff has won two World Cups with South Africa and has…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
First interpro excites while Leinster return to winning ways at the RDS
Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend’s interpro action. Friday night saw Connacht struggle away in Glasgow with the…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
A new era for Munster?
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…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Irish 10s steal the limelight on an encouraging URC weekend
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…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Is Irish and British domestic rugby broken?
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…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Historic opening weekend ends in defeat for all Irish provinces
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…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Big URC preview and how did Ireland throw away victory vs the USA?
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…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Leinster's RDS bump and Munster's outhalf crisis
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…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
As Leo Cullen prepares for his final season in charge, why haven't Leinster strengthened?
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…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Why are New Zealand embarking on their own Lions tour?
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…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
The AFL comes for Irish rugby
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…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Where do Ireland go from here?
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…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Reaction: New Zealand ease to victory over Ireland
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…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Underdog Ireland gear up for All Blacks test
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…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Irish rugby's state of the union down under
Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns on the line from Auckland to give his take on being at Ireland’s victory over Japan on Saturday. We also delve into David…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Reaction: Ireland run in five tries as they beat Japan
After a 36-20 victory over Japan, Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns analyse Ireland’s performance in their latest Nations Championship action…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
What to make of Ireland's rotation for Japan?
Former Leinster and Scotland analyst Brett Igoe joins Nathan Johns to pick through the facts, figures and trends of last weekend’s Nations Championship action…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Where do Ireland now stand in the Nations Championship?
Fresh off Ireland’s victory over Australia in Sydney, Gerry Thornley dials in from Australia to discuss that win as well as the weekend of Nations Championship…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Reaction: Ireland squeeze home against Australia
Ireland squeezed home against Australia after a Thomas Clarkson try and a missed kick from Ben Donaldson with the clock in the red. Was this a gutsy, narrow…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Can Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies upset Ireland?
Andy Farrell and Ireland begin their latest bloc of fixtures with a clash against Australia in Sydney. Jonathan Drennan of the Sydney Morning Herald joins…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Ireland come up short against England in Under-20s World Championship
Ireland U20s began their Under-20s World Championship campaign with defeat in Tbilisi, and it was déjà vu as Toulouse secured another Top14 title. It’s also…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Who to look out for in Ireland U20s at the World Cup
No Irish senior rugby this weekend but Ireland U20s do get their World Cup campaign underway in Georgia on Saturday. John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to pick…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Why is Leo Cullen leaving Leinster?
Monday saw Leinster announce that Leo Cullen will leave the province once his contract expires at the end of next season. Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Leinster win back-to-back URC titles
Reaction: Leinster outclass the Bulls to win URC crown Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns pick through Leinster’s URC final victory over the Bulls. After Champions…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
What to make of Andy Farrell's Ireland squad to tour Australia and New Zealand
Shorn of multiple players due to injury, Andy Farrell has named his group to tour Australia and New Zealand this summer. Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Why is James Lowe leaving Leinster?
With confirmation arriving that James Lowe will leave Leinster, in theory ruling him out of Ireland’s World Cup bid next year, Irish Times rugby writer John…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Leinster into another final, but are their fans buying into their URC run?
Leinster beat the Stormers on Saturday to secure another URC final appearance as they once again meet the Bulls in the final. Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Are Leinster being set up tactically for success?
A number of narratives have emerged in an attempt to explain Leinster’s European malaise under the current coaching staff. Is Jacques Nienaber’s new system the…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Have Leinster hit their ceiling this season?
The season has come to a close for Connacht and Munster after their respective URC quarter-final defeats. Leinster meanwhile beat a lacklustre Lions side to…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
How Bordeaux outfoxed Leinster and URC quarter-finals preview
Former Leinster and Scotland analyst Brett Igoe joined Nathan Johns for a deep dive into the tactics Bordeaux used to outthink Leinster in the Champions Cup…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Where do Leinster and Ulster go from here?
After sobering defeats for both Leinster and Ulster in European deciders, Nathan Johns and Gordon D’Arcy look back at the weekend. Analysis of where things…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Leinster suffer Champions Cup humbling at the hands of Bordeaux
Both Leinster and Ulster struck early in their respective finals, only to be pegged back soon after as both sides suffered chastening defeats. Is this…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Can Leinster break their European hoodoo?
Cautious optimism has started to build as Leinster bid to break their finals losing streak in European action. Underdogs against Bordeaux, is this the year…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
How Leinster and Ulster warmed up for their European showdowns
In front of a record-breaking crowd, Ireland women powered past Scotland to finish their Six Nations campaign. Meanwhile Connacht and Munster secured their top…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
How all four Irish provinces can make the URC knockouts
John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to preview the weekend’s rugby action. How can all four Irish provinces make the URC top eight? Are Ulster prioritising the…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
How Connacht are proving a stark contrast to reeling Munster
Did Connacht’s stability off the field manifest itself in their dominant victory over Munster, given the chaos engulfing their provincial rivals? What of a…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Is rugby’s TMO process fair?
Controversy surrounded the weekend’s Champions Cup action after a number of head contacts were supposedly missed by the officials. Was this genuine error…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Leinster reach a record ninth Champions Cup final
Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to review the weekend’s action. Leinster and Ulster are both heading to European finals but with varying…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Leinster out to heal Champions Cup trauma; and is Aviva Stadium fatigue creeping in?
During the week, it was announced that Leinster’s Champions Cup semi-final with Toulon had sold 30,000 tickets. Now, closer to kick-off, that figure is likely…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
How concerned should Leinster be for Europe after Benetton defeat?
Provincial action, women’s Six Nations and the business end of the AIL club season - this weekend had plenty. Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to review it…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Could injuries derail Ulster's stellar season?
John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to preview the weekend’s rugby action. From Munster’s key interpro with an injury-ravaged Ulster to Ireland’s Six Nations…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Leinster dismiss pretenders Ulster, Connacht find consistency and Ireland women crush Italy
Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend’s rugby action. Did Ulster let themselves down against a Leinster shorn of first choice players?…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
URC preview, women’s Six Nations and Munster’s controversial new appointment
John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to talk through Ireland’s home start to their Six Nations campaign against Italy this Saturday after defeat to England last…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Leinster have yet to fully find their mojo heading into a Champions Cup semi-final – when will it all click?
Leinster are in the Champions Cup semi-finals after beating Sale while Ulster find themselves in the Challenge Cup last four thanks to victory over La…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
What’s gone wrong in Munster?
Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to pick through the wreckage of Munster’s European campaign. The rot on the pitch appears to stem from deeper lying issues…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Are Leinster champions cup contenders/how have things gone this badly wrong for Munster?
After Leinster impressed but confounded in equal measure in their latest Champions Cup outing, what to make of their tournament hopes? How have Munster found…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Are we living in rugby's good old days?
Rugby is experiencing a wave of positivity after the recent Six Nations. We saw a record number of tries scored in the competition as attacking rugby was on…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Transfer rumour mill runs hot as Irish provinces gear up for Europe
With word on Ireland eyeing up an Australian rugby prospect, Nathan johns and Gordon D’Arcy look at Ireland’s prop development pathway. Plus, how did Jamie…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Leinster Schools thriller + Munster's concerning financials
Plenty of rugby news warrants further discussion as a thrilling conclusion to the Leinster Schools Cup warranted a replay. Munster are also in the headlines…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Leinster’s outhalf dilemma
A week after the conclusion of the Six Nations, the provinces returned to action. Bundee Aki headlined a statement win for Connacht over Ulster while Sam…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Are Ireland trending in the right direction? What we learned from their Six Nations campaign
The Six Nations finished with a bang with Ireland’s Triple Crown win over Scotland and France’s thrilling escape act against England, a late affair that just…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Ireland denied the title by France's late act
Heartbreak for Ireland as England’s late penalty concession and Thomas Ramos’ right boot cost Andy Farrell’s side a Six Nations title. Gerry Thornley joins…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Do Scotland have a genuine chance at breaking their 11-match losing run to Ireland?
Mark Palmer, Scottish rugby correspondent at The Times, joins Nathan Johns to preview Ireland’s clash with Scotland. The winner takes home the Triple Crown and…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Are Scotland primed to finally beat Ireland?
A sensational weekend of Six Nations action leaves us anticipating a bumper Super Saturday to decide the title. Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick…