Shows / The Left Wing
The Left Wing
The biggest stories in Irish rugby with our team of writers and experts, including Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Cian Tracey, Will Slattery, Sineád Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, expert opinion and post-match comment we have every position covered. From in-depth analysis to team news and post-match analysis we have every position covered.
Episodes
The Left WingWhy there’s too many Indians and not enough Chiefs and big selection calls to make for Schmidt
The record defeat to England was a dark day for Irish rugby and the issues that were in evidence are still there. Ireland needs to find its form and find it…
The Left WingThe 'hell' of World Cup training camp, Ireland's half-back dilemma and All Blacks uncertainty
The Left Wing is back for another season and Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are on hand to discuss all the latest news around Ireland's World Cup…
The Left WingLeinster show steel in Glasgow, Heineken Cup final reunion and Ireland's summer check-list
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Alan Quinlan to review the 2018/19 season. Leinster saw off Glasgow in…
The Left WingLeinster's succession plan, Munster's missing piece and the art of contract negotiations
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald look ahead to the PRO 14 final and discuss last weekend's semi-final. The lads start…
The Left WingWhere Leinster went wrong, Saracens power and looking ahead to RDS showdown
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to discuss the Champions Cup final. Saracens clinched a…
The Left WingChampions Cup final preview - What Leinster must do to overcome Saracens
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald preview the Champions Cup final with Cian Tracey and Ruaidhri O'Connor of the Irish…
The Left WingMunster's trophy ambitions, Leinster's underrated young gun and why mid-week games could work
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald discuss the PRO 14 knock-out stage and Munster's trophy ambitions. Johann van…
The Left WingJack Conan on Toulouse win, Leinster's drive for five and his rugby journey
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Leinster back row Jack Conan to discuss the Champions Cup…
The Left WingThe James Lowe dilemma, Munster's tough task and Croke Park classic revisited
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Munster and Ireland legend Denis Leamy to preview the Champions Cup…
The Left WingIreland 7s qualify for World Series, PRO14 heats up and the Champions Cup looms large
Cian Tracey fills the sizeable boots of Will Slattery, and he is joined by Luke Fitzgerald ahead of another busy week. Ireland Sevens made history by…
The Left WingJacob Stockdale's finishing, Jack McGrath goes north and the future of the breakdown
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined on the line by Tommy Bowe to discuss a cracking weekend of European…
The Left WingChampions Cup Quarter Finals Preview, Paul O'Connell's coaching future and Bloodgate remembered
The Champions Cup is back after the post-traumatic stress suffered from the Six Nations campaign and with all four provinces in action this weekend there’s a…
The Left WingWhy we all need to keep believing and how Joe Schmidt will figure this one out
It may have been a disappointing Six Nations campaign but on this week’s Left Wing podcast, Luke Fitzgerald believes everyone should just calm down and catch…
The Left Wing'An absolute war of a game' as we approach the end of an era
It’s the end of an era as Ireland face Wales in Cardiff this Saturday. In the last Six Nations game for both Joe Schmidt and Warren Gatland, the winner decides…
The Left WingIre v France preview, criticism of Johnny Sexton and Bernard Jackman on life after the Dragons
Bernard Jackman joins Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery on this week’s Left Wing to preview Ireland’s Six Nations clash against France, plus Jackman discusses…
The Left Wing'The lads need to go for a few drinks and relax a bit’ Trying too hard and unrealistic expectations
Are Ireland really as bad as some pundits are making them out to be or have expectations for Irish rugby just risen to insane heights? Luke Fitzgerald, Will…
The Left WingExclusive: Paul O'Connell on Ireland's World Cup chances, the Six Nations and coaching in France
In a Left-Wing podcast exclusive, Ireland legend, Paul O'Connell, joined Will and Luke to talk all things rugby. The former Ireland captain opened up on the…
The Left WingIreland waiting to hit top form and Luke McGrath on what he has learned at Leinster
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald and joined in studio by Leinster and Ireland scrum-half Luke McGrath to discuss his…
The Left WingWho cares about the Six Nations? This is about the World Cup
The mood may have been sombre in the aftermath of the comprehensive defeat to England in the Six Nations at the weekend, but for Luke Fitzgerald, it's about…
The Left WingSix Nations Preview: Ireland's chances, Eddie Jones pressure and Wales decider?
It’s Joe Schmidt’s last Six Nations with Ireland and he’s sure to want to go out on a winning note, but should one eye be on the World Cup and our chances…
The Left WingBonus Ep: Schools Rugby Preview
The Six Nations may be fast approaching, but so are the Schools Rugby cup competitions and in a special bonus episode on the Left Wing, Tony Ward joins Will…
The Left WingIan Madigan on life in the Premiership, Ireland hopes and another bumper European weekend
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Ian Madigan to discuss his first season in the Premiership with…
The Left WingClean sweep for the provinces, sensational Stockdale and Simon Zebo abuse
On this week’s episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by the Irish Independent’s Cian Tracey to look back on a cracking weekend…
The Left WingBig weekend for the provinces, Tom Farrell's Ireland potential and Leinster's huge playing pool
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Irish Independent rugby correspondent Ruaidhri O'Connor to…
The Left WingLeinster vs Munster fallout and Johnny Sexton’s captaincy
On this week’s episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Irish Independent rugby correspondent Cian Tracey to look…
The Left WingRugby Christmas parties and Jordi Murphy on why he decided to leave Leinster
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Jordi Murphy to discuss his move from Leinster to Ulster and his…
The Left WingTadhg Beirne on his Munster journey, Scarlets experience and 2019 goals
On this week’s episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Munster and Ireland second row Tadhg Beirne to discuss his unique…
The Left WingThe Andy Farrell era, Leinster’s backlog and Joey Carbery’s development
On this week’s episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Irish Independent rugby correspondent Cian Tracey to discuss…
The Left WingUSA on the rise, All Blacks vulnerable and Ireland charging
On this week’s episode of the Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by USA Eagles Head Coach Gary Gold and USA attack coach Greg McWilliams…
The Left WingJames Ryan on beating the All Blacks, his dream year and looking ahead to 2019
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Ireland second row James Ryan to discuss the huge win over…
The Left WingIreland vs All Blacks preview, 2013 heartbreak and tough selection decisions
On this week's epsiode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Wasps and former Leinster out-half Jimmy Gopperth to preview Ireland's…
The Left WingCian Healy on getting back to his best, injury struggles and developing as a prop
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Leinster and Ireland prop Cian Healy to discuss the November…
The Left WingIreland's hooker situation, centre selection dilemma and Joe Schmidt's coaching future
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined Irish Independent rugby correspondent Ruaidhri O'Connor to preview the…
The Left WingJames Tracy and Rory O'Loughlin on their Leinster journey and Ireland experience
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Leinster duo James Tracy and Rory O'Loughlin to discuss…
The Left WingUnbeaten provinces, the fall of the superpowers and why you should never celebrate early
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Cian Tracey of the Irish Independent to discuss the first…
The Left WingChampions Cup preview - Leinster the team to beat, Munster's tough task and the Cipriani dilemma
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Irish Independent rugby correspondents Ruaidhri O'Connor and…
The Left WingJames Lowe on life at Leinster, Super Rugby experience and unique route to the top
On this week’s episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by James Lowe to talk about his time at Leinster and his career to date…
The Left WingPlayer privacy, Carbery’s journey and controversial new tackle laws
On this week’s episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Irish Independent rugby correspondent Cian Tracey to discuss…
The Left WingRoss Byrne on his Ireland experience, staying with Leinster and developing as a ten
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Leinster out-half Ross Byrne to discuss his career to date…
The Left WingUltan Dillane on his journey from Paris to Tralee to Ireland international
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald is joined by Ireland and Connacht second row Ultan Dillane to discuss his journey…
The Left WingJohn Cooney on new era in Ulster, leaving Leinster and proving people wrong
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Ulster scrum-half John Cooney to discuss his breakout season last year…
The Left WingFelipe Contepomi on his Leinster return, his coaching journey and Munster rivalry
The Left Wing is back as Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald kick off another season with Leinster backs coach Felipe Contepomi. Felipe explains what drew him to…
The Left WingIan Madigan on out-half play and why Johnny Sexton should be World Player of the Year
On the last Left Wing of the season, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Bristol out-half Ian Madigan to recap Ireland's series win over Australia…
The Left WingFergus McFadden on Leinster's historic season and Grand Slam glory
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Leinster and Ireland wing Fergus McFadden to discuss a historic season…
The Left WingJoe Schmidt's selection policy, the Sean Cronin mystery and the All Blacks get away with one
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Irish Independent rugby correspondent Cian Tracey to discuss the…
The Left WingSimon Zebo on his Paris adventure, World Cup prospects and Munster memories
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Simon Zebo to discuss his imminent move to Paris to play for Racing…
The Left WingIsa Nacewa on winning the double, why he came back to Leinster and post-rugby plans
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Leinster legend Isa Nacewa to reflect on his remarkable career. After…
The Left WingConor Murray on his Munster ambitions, Sexton partnership and whether he would move abroad
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Munster and Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray to discuss his eventful…
The Left WingFuture is bright for Leinster and a must-win game for Munster
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Irish Independent rugby correspondent Cian Tracey to recap Leinster's…
The Left WingTommy Bowe on retirement, his vital move to Wales and his miraculous Lions recovery
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Ireland and Ulster wing Tommy Bowe to discuss his legendary career as…
The Left WingBryan Habana on his Toulon experience, retirement and the toughest moments of his career
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by recently retired Springboks legend Bryan Habana. Habana has won almost…
The Left WingThe Byrne/Carbery dilemma and why Munster can take some positives
On this week’s episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald recap all the Champions Cup action as well as discussing the retirement of Isa…
The Left WingDamian Browne on the highs and lows of his epic 4,800km row across the Atlantic
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by former Leinster and Connacht second row Damien Browne to discuss his…
The Left WingKeith Earls on Grand Slam glory and the changes he made to produce his best form
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Ireland and Munster star Keith Earls to discuss Ireland's Grand Slam…
The Left WingDan Leavy on his breakout season plus Munster's latest miracle
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Leinster and Ireland flanker Dan Leavy to discuss his season…
The Left WingChampions Cup preview - Leinster's blockbuster battle and Munster's toughest test
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Irish Independent rugby correspondent Cian Tracey to preview…
The Left WingJohnny Sexton on Ireland's Grand Slam win and a possible future in coaching
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Johnny Sexton to discuss Ireland's Grand Slam win. Sexton talks about…
The Left WingLuke Fitzgerald, Robbie Henshaw and Scott Fardy on Ireland’s Grand Slam chances
On this week’s episode of The Left Wing, live from Kennedy’s Pub, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined by Robbie Henshaw and Scott Fardy to preview…
The Left WingLuke and David Wallace on what it takes to win the Grand Slam and 2009 Cardiff memories
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined by David Wallace to look back on Ireland's Grand Slam-winning season of…
The Left WingIreland's centre dilemma, off-form England and Grand Slam potential
On this week's episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey of the Irish Independent to discuss all the latest Six…