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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Was 2024 a successful year for Irish rugby?
We may only be halfway through the rugby season, but the end of the calendar year presents an opportunity to reflect nonetheless. Ireland won a Six Nations…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Irish women’s rugby: ‘there are loads of structural issues that are really difficult to address’
The Ireland women’s team is riding on the crest of a wave after World Cup qualification and a victory over New Zealand in 2024. How does the game look below…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Is the Champions Cup on its last legs?
This weekend, Sharks head coach John Plumtree made headlines for outlining the unsustainable nature of South African sides trying to compete in European…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Irish lions - Rob Henderson
Rob Henderson played for Munster, Ireland and the Lions. He was Brian O’Driscoll’s centre partner both during his infamous Paris hat-trick and the 2001 Lions…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Why can't Irish rugby produce players with genuine pace?
As this year’s European action kicked off with a mostly positive weekend for the provinces, one difference between Irish sides and those they squared off with…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Leinster’s Champions Cup opener brings a meeting with a familiar face
When Leinster square off against the Bristol Bears, Pat Lam, once in charge of Connacht but now bedded in with the Premiership side, once again finds himself…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Where do Ireland go after the Autumn Nations Series?
After a narrow win over Australia wrapped up a mix bag of an Autumn Nations Series, The Counter Ruck pores through where Andy Farrell’s side finds itself…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Is Joe Schmidt the right man for Australia?
Former Leinster and Ireland boss Joe Schmidt looks to have begun a miraculous turnaround with the Wallabies. From failing to get out of their poor group at…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Are Ireland back to their best after thrashing Fiji?
Ireland put in their best display of this November window with a 52-17 thumping of Fiji. Was this a return to the good form of old or was it a case of…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Are Fiji now capable of beating Ireland for the first time in their history?
Everyone seems to love to watch Fiji, but what is it about the Pacific Island nation that is so endearing? Is it their thrilling style of play, nostalgia for…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Have teams figured out Ireland's attack?
Ireland won ugly against Argentina while England once again produced an at times scintillating performance, only to lose to South Africa. Whose camp would you…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
The Felipe Contepomi interview
In a wide ranging chat, Contepomi joins host Nathan Johns and former teammate Gordon D’Arcy to look back at their time playing together at the RDS, Contepomi’s…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Why Ireland won’t push the panic button after All Blacks defeat
How worried should Irish rugby be after a disheartening defeat to the All Blacks? Is it time to make significant changes to the team? Are sides starting to…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Are New Zealand underdogs against Ireland?
Andrew Mehrtens was the New Zealand outhalf before Dan Carter. A 70-cap All Black, he joins Nathan Johns and Gordon D’Arcy to preview Ireland’s clash with New…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
When did the All Blacks lose their aura?
It’s All Blacks week. At the beginning of his career, Gordon D’Arcy never felt like Ireland could get close to New Zealand. Towards the end, Joe Schmidt’s…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Does Munster’s new coach need to be Irish?
After Tuesday’s shock announcement that Graham Rowntree is no longer Munster’s head coach, many questions remain. The most pressing: where does the province go…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Munster part ways with Graham Rowntree
Munster shocked the rugby world on Tuesday with the news that Graham Rowntree will no longer be their head coach, ending a five year stay with the province…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
How a search for game time forced Ed Byrne to leave Leinster
Ed Byrne recently moved from Leinster to Cardiff after making over 100 appearances for the province. He was also capped 6 times by Ireland. In the week that…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Who will be named in Ireland’s November squad?
On Wednesday, Andy Farrell names his Ireland squad for the November internationals. But who will see their names included? How will Ireland resolve their…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Should rugby's bomb squads be outlawed?
In the coming weeks, World Rugby will decide on the implementation of the controversial 20-minute red card. The proposed disciplinary law change will have a…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
How Leinster overcame Munster in absorbing URC battle at Croke Park
On Friday night, Ireland women worked past the USA to finish second in their WXV1 group. With next year’s Six Nations and World Cup to come, Scott Bemand’s…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Inside the Irish women’s rugby team
Stacey Flood is currently with the Irish team out in Vancouver for their WXV1 campaign. Lining out at fullback, Flood played an integral role in the side’s…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Leinster vs Munster- the history of a bitter rivalry
Gordon D’Arcy remembers his first interpro game for Leinster against Munster for all the wrong reasons. As an 18-year-old, he was mercilessly stepped by Keith…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Is rugby set to change forever?
Last year, the IRFU introduced a law trial to lower the tackle height in amateur rugby. In a bid to make the game safer, the permitted tackle height was…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Have we just seen Ireland’s greatest ever win?
While you were sleeping on Sunday night, Ireland women beat New Zealand for just the second time in their history, opening their WXV campaign in style in…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
How did the Top14 become rugby’s answer to the Premier League?
As news reports emerge of English rugby once again being in dire financial straits, while some URC teams continue to live on the edge of their means, a rival…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Is a new crop of Irish scrum halves coming of age?
As the provincial season gets underway, Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to pick through the opening weekend of action. We look at…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Does the Emerging Ireland tour actually benefit Irish rugby?
When Emerging Ireland first toured South Africa in 2022, the news caused controversy as provinces were left without important players at an early stage of the…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Is the Champions Cup set to be devalued?
Host Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to pick apart Ireland’s win over Australia and highlight the best rugby action you missed over…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
The Counter Ruck end-of-season special!
To wrap up what has been a long rugby season filled with extreme highs and at times crushing lows, host Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
How do Ireland counter new-look Springboks?
Gordon D’Arcy joins host Nathan Johns to pick through Ireland’s series opening defeat to South Africa. Do tactical changes need to be made? Did South Africa’s…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Luggage, player bingo and leaving certs - Ireland in South Africa
John O’Sullivan joins The Counter Ruck from South Africa where he is covering Ireland’s upcoming Test series - minus his luggage. As he avoids borrowing…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Adam Foy - the Belvo boy with a Super Rugby medal
Irish winners of Super Rugby are somewhat of a rarity. Adam Foy is the head of performance analysis with the Blues, the Auckland based franchise which just won…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Provincial demise ends domestic season
Leinster and Munster both crashed out of the URC semi-finals in what was a bitter blow to Irish rugby. John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns chat through the…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Nigel Carolan, the Galway man plotting a hole through Munster's defence
Nigel Carolan, the former Connacht academy manager and Ireland U20s head coach, joins The Counter Ruck from Glasgow. Now the Warriors' attack coach, Carolan…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Ulster’s turnaround under Richie Murphy
As they prepare to face Leinster this weekend in the URC quarter-finals, this week’s podcast reflects on Ulster’s uptick in fortunes since bringing in Richie…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Third time’s not a charm - Leinster fall in Europe once more
Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to break down Leinster’s third consecutive Champions Cup final defeat. We analyse Leinster’s midfield attack, their decision…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Zebo retires, Keenan to the Olympics and Leinster's Champions Cup showdown
For the week of an Irish province playing in a European final, there has been plenty of news stories away from Leinster's clash with Toulouse. Simon Zebo…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Rugby's new laws explained with Owen Doyle
Come July 1st, a number of changes to rugby's laws come into effect. A number of trials will also be seen over the summer as World Rugby continues to grapple…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Northampton head coach Sam Vesty on meeting Leinster at Croke Park
This week's podcast is a detailed preview of Saturday's Champions Cup semi-final between Leinster and Northampton Saints at Croke Park. Nathan Johns, Gordon…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Does rugby need the 20-minute red card?
In the coming weeks, World Rugby will decide on a proposal to implement a new 20-minute red card. Already seen in the southern hemisphere and Super Rugby, the…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Is Ireland's central contract system broken?
News of Leinster's recent signing of All Black Jordie Barrett has split opinion. Is this a fair reflection of the dominant province flexing their muscle, or an…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Interview - Dannah O'Brien, Ireland's great outhalf hope
Few things get the Irish rugby public as excited as a young talent at outhalf. Dannah O'Brien has been on the scene for a while now, making her debut against…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
How Leicester inspired Leinster's drive to the top
Former Ireland, Leinster and Leicester backrow Shane Jennings joins Gordon D'Arcy and host Nathan Johns. The historical links between Leinster and Leicester…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Ireland show green shoots in France defeat
Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns talk through Ireland's defeat to France to begin the women’s Six Nations. We also pick through the best of the action following…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Women's Six Nations - can Ireland avoid another wooden spoon?
Ireland begin their Six Nations campaign a number of months after winning the first edition of the WXV3 competition. It was a much-needed confidence boost in…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Ireland win the Six Nations - Gordon D’Arcy and Gerry Thornley assess the campaign
Gordon D’Arcy and Gerry Thornley join host Nathan Johns to pick through the final round of the Six Nations championship. Ireland weren’t perfect, but had…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Ireland vs Scotland - Grudge match or rivalry?
Scotland and Ireland have seen plenty of animosity in their contests in recent years. Yet the Scots have not won since 2017, while they haven't been victorious…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Ireland's Grand Slam dream dies at Twickenham
England’s best performance in recent memory sent Ireland to a narrow defeat in London. Hopes of back-to-back Grand Slams are gone, offering a timely reminder…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Ireland's Twickenham Test
Gordon D'Arcy and John O'Sullivan join host Nathan Johns to preview Ireland's upcoming clash with England. Where are England in this transition period? Will…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
The Lawrence Dallaglio interview
In this extended chat with England’s World Cup-winning number eight, Nathan Johns and Gordon D’Arcy preview this week’s Six Nations clash at Twickenham. We…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
The history of Ireland U20s
With Ireland’s current crop of U20s training against the senior side today at the Aviva Stadium, we took a deep dive into the underage structures in Irish…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Wales walloping leaves Ireland one win away from the Six Nations title
Ireland were not at their fluid best on Saturday but they did not have to be, beating Wales 31-7 at the Aviva Stadium. How did Wales stilt the Irish attack…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Ireland vs Wales preview
Is fullback Ciarán Frawley’s best position? How much of a loss will Hugo Keenan be? What to expect from debutant Oli Jager? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Youthful Wales show signs of life ahead of Ireland game
Despite being tipped by some as wooden spoon contenders for this year’s Six Nations, Wales have lost their opening two matches by a combined margin of just…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Rugby's culture war - Mike Ross on the state of Ireland's scrum
For all the positivity surrounding Ireland’s two wins to open up this year’s Six Nations, a concern for the concession of scrum penalties remains simmering in…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Italian demolition job with Gerry Thornley and John O'Sullivan
After Ireland put Italy to the sword in the Aviva Stadium, the panel discusses standout performances form Jack Crowley and James Lowe, Ireland's impressive…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
The Italian Job with Felipe Contepomi and Gordon D'Arcy
Former Leinster out-half and current Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi joins his old teammate Gordon D'Arcy on today’s podcast. Italy's new head coach…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Ireland's magic night in Marseille
Fresh off covering Ireland's win over France, Gerry Thornley joins host Nathan Johns and John O'Sullivan to review the victory that sets up Andy Farrell’s team…
- The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
Gerry Thornley in Marseille ahead of France vs Ireland
Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley previews Friday night’s clash from the Stade Velodrome in Marseille. With both teams exiting last year’s World…