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 WingMunster relegated, Leinster's underrated day & who makes the Six Nations squad?
Sitting in for Will, Sinéad Kissane alongside Luke and Jonathan dissect how Munster came to find themselves relegated to the Challenge Cup after their…
The Left WingAll Blacks in crisis | How Ruaidhri O'Connor got the story
Will is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor for a special episode of the Left Wing to react to Scott Robertson's shock departure as All Blacks head coach. Ruaidhri…
The Left WingLeinster's resilience, La Rochelle throw it away & Irish rugby's discipline problem
Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley pick through Leinster's last-gasp win over La Rochelle and Munster's tough defeat away to Toulon. Leinster's mental strength…
The Left WingUlster are back, Munster's mistake and Leinster's selection dilemmas
Will and Luke are joined by Jonathan Bradley as Ulster's superb festive fixtures create a good buzz around a squad set for a trip to Amsterdam. Meanwhile…
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Leinster get revenge, Frawley's second chance & Munster's missed opportunity
Will and Luke convene for the last Left Wing of 2025 to pick through Leinster's revenge mission in Thomond Park and Ulster's strong showing against Connacht…
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Byrne vs Prendergast, Champions Cup decline & Leinster dig in
Will and Luke are joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor to review a Champions Cup weekend that saw some good contests but plenty of blowouts amid a huge number of…
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Munster's no show, Leinster can't adapt & Connacht's collapse
Will, Luke and Cian Tracey run the rule over a Champions Cup weekend which saw Munster's well beaten in Bath and Leinster win despite Luke's belief that they…
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Leinster's closing window, Nienaber's interview mistake & Champions Cup kick off
Will is joined by Luke Fitzgerald and Jonathan Bradley to look ahead to the opening weekend of Champions Cup action. Whether Leinster's Champions Cup window…
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Ireland's bleak future, discipline meltdown & Springboks attitude
Cian Tracey joins Will and Luke for a debrief of a South Africa clash where Ireland were sloppy, ill-disciplined and left themselves with the same questions as…
The Left WingPenalties and pressure get to Ireland as South Africa seal chaotic win - Reaction from the Aviva Stadium
Yellow cards, scrum problems and a general sense of whether Ireland have fallen behind in 2025 come to the boil as Sinéad Kissane, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian…
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Ireland's new options, the Prendergast dilemma & South Africa preview
Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Will and Luke in studio for the first taste of Springbok build-up after an impressive Irish victory over Australia that has left Andy…
The Left WingMack attack counts as Ireland's performance takes leap forward - Reaction from the Aviva Stadium
Sinéad Kissane, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey deliver their verdict from the Aviva Stadium as an early Mack Hansen hat-trick set the tone for a strong…
The Left WingThe view from Australia | Joe Schmidt losing grip on waning Wallabies
Will is joined by Australian rugby journalist Christy Doran to get an insight into where Joe Schmidt's Wallabies side are at ahead of Saturday's game against…
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Paul O'Connell under pressure, out-half flip flop & scary Springboks
Luke, Will and Jonathan Bradley convene for a Left Wing that covers Ireland's malfunctioning lineout, the pressure on Paul O'Connell and the changes that Andy…
The Left WingSix-try display does little to quell the question marks | Ireland 41-10 Japan | Post-match reaction 🏉
Sinead Kissane, Ruaidhri O'Connor & Cian Tracey assemble post-match at the Aviva Stadium to recap a largely patchy Ireland performance versus Japan. Rugby…
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Why Ireland lost, lineout mess & TMO controversy
Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley team up to run the rule over Ireland’s defeat in Chicago, with out-half issues, Ireland’s lack of match sharpness and Tadhg…
The Left WingClinical All Blacks close strongly to topple Ireland in Chicago | Post-match reaction | New Zealand 26-13 Ireland
Irish Independent rugby writers Cian Tracey & Rúaidhrí O’Connor convene post-match in Chicago to recap Ireland's disappointing 26-13 defeat to New Zealand at…
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Undercooked Ireland, Chicago concerns & November questions
The November internationals are here and begin with Ireland v New Zealand in Chicago this Saturday - a fixture some on our panel are 'worried about' as the…
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Munster deliver, Leinster flop and alarm bells for Ireland
It’s a fiery Left Wing podcast this week as Will, Luke and Cian Tracey run the rule over Munster’s victory in Croke Park, including how much we should see this…
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Harry Byrne's resurrection, Munster's Croke Park opportunity & Ulster's promise
Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Will and Luke in this rare Monday edition of the Left Wing podcast. The lads enter more robust debate about the Ireland 10 situation…
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Jack Crowley's attitude, Sam Prendergast's struggles & Ireland's back 3 options
Connacht and Ulster were held to the sidelines with the weather, but Leinster and Munster’s action has brought focus on each side’s out-half. Jonathan Bradley…
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A Leinster horror show & apologising to Joe Schmidt | Andrew Trimble
Ulster legend and former Ireland international Andrew Trimble joins Will and Luke this week after a URC weekend where Ulster prevailed and Leinster couldn’t…
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The Left Wing is back! Lancaster's revival, Leinster's mission & Munster's new era
It's a new season (and new studio) for The Left Wing as Will, Luke and Cian break down the level of expectation and excitement in each of the four provinces…
The Left WingFrance 18 Ireland 13 | Reaction from Sandy Park as Irish World Cup journey ends in heartbreak
Anna Caplice, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Sinéad Kissane give their analysis as Ireland's strong performance was not enough to get past a France team that seized…
The Left WingIreland soundly beaten by Black Ferns in Brighton | Post-match reaction | New Zealand 40-0 Ireland
Sinead Kissane, Anna Caplice & Ruaidhri O'Connor convene post-match in Brighton to evaluate Ireland's comprehensive defeat at the hands of a clinical Black…
The Left WingSeven-try Ireland thwart Spain threat to secure World Cup quarter final berth
For a second successive week, Ireland notched a bonus-point win, surpassed their record points tally, and snagged seven tries. But a battling Spain pushed them…
The Left WingRecord points haul as Ireland open World Cup with emphatic win - Reaction from Franklin's Gardens ☘️
Anna Caplice joins Sinéad Kissane as Ireland scored six tries in an impressive 42-14 win over Japan at Franklin's Gardens. Rugby on Indo Sport is brought to…
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The Lions wrap-up | Rating the Irish players and Australia's regrets
In the final instalment of this season's Left Wing, Will, Luke and Jonathan give the grand overall view of the Lions Tour, how Australia could have made it a…
The Left WingAustralia 22 Lions 12 | Wallabies win third Test as lightning strikes Sydney
Will is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey to react to Australia's 22-12 win over the Lions in the final Lions Test. The lads break down the…
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An epic Test, a Lions comeback and a very controversial finale
Rugby fans were treated to a sensational Lions Test in Melbourne, one that has dug up a treasure trove of talking points for Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley…
The Left WingLions 29 Australia 26 | A second Test that had absolutely everything
Will Slattery, Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey break down the Lions' dramatic win over Australia in Melbourne to clinch the Test series. Hugo Keenan's try…
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Tadhg Beirne brilliance, Will Skelton lifeline & time for Owen Farrell?
Will and Luke are joined by Jonathan Bradley to break down the first Lions Test and look ahead to this weekend's showdown in Melbourne. Tadhg Beirne's huge…
The Left WingLions 27-19 Australia | First Test win as Wallabies fail to fire 🏉
Will Slattery is joined by Bernard Jackman & Cian Tracey in studio, and by Ruaidhri O'Connor from Brisbane, for live post-match reaction to the Lions first…
The Left Wing🔔 Lions Watchalong | Will Slattery, Bernard Jackman & Cian Tracey
It's Lions first Test morning and Will Slattery, Bernard Jackman and Cian Tracey are bringing you minute-by-minute reaction and analysis on the live Indo Sport…
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Lions Test week, Joe Schmidt's plan & big selection calls
Will and Luke are joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor from Australia to preview this weekend's first Lions Test. The lads start off by debating whether the glut of…
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The Lions squad imbalance, Wednesday trial match & Ireland talent emerges
Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Jonathan Bradley team up after a big weekend for both the Lions and Ireland, with both squads notching up wins but the Lions…
The Left WingLions 21 Waratahs 10 | Andy Farrell won't be happy after error-filled display
Will is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor from Sydney to react to the Lions' unconvincing 21-10 win over the Waratahs. With only two games remaining until the first…
The Left WingLions emergency pod | The Owen Farrell bombshell & what comes next
Will Slattery is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor from Sydney to react to Owen Farrell's shock call-up to the squad. While we were all sleeping in Ireland, news…
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Lions Test team takes shape & Crowley v Prendergast starts again
In a rare Monday switch-up, Cian Tracey dials in from Tbilisi as he, Will and Luke preview Ireland's fixtures in Georgia and Portugal. But first - there's…
The Left WingLions 54 Western Force 7: Joe McCarthy leads the charge for impressive Irish
Will Slattery is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor from Perth to discuss the Lions' emphatic 54-7 win over the Western Force. Joe McCarthy's outstanding outing…
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Not everyone happy with 'green' Lions, Farrell vs Schmidt and the Irish advantage
Will and Luke are joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor before his departure to Australia to do a deep dive into the next six weeks of Lions action. The atmosphere in…
The Left WingArgentina 28 Lions 24: the winners & losers from shocking opener
Will Slattery is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey to reflect on the Lions' shock loss to Argentina at the Aviva Stadium. Despite a packed crowd and…
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Leinster's glory day, Ryan Baird's new role & was the season a success?
Will and Luke are joined by Cian Tracey to break down Leinster's emphatic URC final win over the Bulls. Jack Conan's big performance, the emergence of Ryan…
The Left WingLeinster 32 Bulls 7 Instant Reaction: URC title sealed by electric start
Leinster’s emphatic win over the Bulls in Croke Park has put an end to their trophyless spell. Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey give their live reaction from…
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Should Sam Prendergast be dropped? | Bob Skinstad on how Bulls can target Leinster
Will and Luke get the view from South Africa from former Springbok Bob Skinstad ahead of the URC final while Cian Tracey checks in from Portugal as Andy…
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Leinster's bad vibes, Munster's heartbreak & the return of Stuart Lancaster
Will and Luke Fitzgerald are joined in studio by Leinster legend Reggie Corrigan to discuss a dramatic URC quarter-final weekend and Stuart Lancaster's return…
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The magic of the Champions Cup final - and why a Club World Cup would kill it
Jonathan Bradley joins Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald for another round-up of the week's rugby talking points - led off by the Champions Cup final ... and…
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The problem with Thursday night 6 Nations, Leinster's URC concern & end of Sevens
Cian Tracey joins Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald as the URC season nears its playoffs, where the pressure will be on Leinster to end their trophy drought…
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Irish rugby's lost year, undercooked Leinster and Lions intrigue
Jonathan Bradley joins Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald to spin through some of Irish rugby's major talking points in a season that is starting to feel a…
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Leinster fail again, the Jordie Barrett blunder and Sam Prendergast's defence
A result so shocking, Will had to cancel (some of) his holiday to break it down. On this week's Left Wing, Cian Tracey, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery…
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Andy Farrell's 'green' Lions, the Owen Farrell dilemma and bleak URC weekend
Will Kelleher, The Times Deputy Rugby Correspondent and co-host of The Ruck Podcast, joins Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald to give the English view on Andy…
The Left WingLeinster's Galactico policy | Sexton's coaching risk | Munster's referee blunder
Cian Tracey joins Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery in a Left Wing packed with talking points - including how the greening of the Lions Tour may actually be…
The Left WingAre Leinster better than Ireland? | Munster malfunction | Rugby's diving problem
Will Slattery is joined by Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey to reflect on another Leinster annihilation, Munster's Champions Cup exit and Connacht's Challenge…
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Munster's famous day, Craig Casey's Lions case and Leinster's statement
Will Slattery's good vibes from his visit to La Rochelle carry through to this week's Left Wing with Luke Fitzgerald and Jonathan Bradley. The team break down…
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Jack Crowley on facing ROG, his future and Munster's La Rochelle battle
Will Slattery is joined by Munster out-half Jack Crowley ahead of this weekend's blockbuster Champions Cup showdown against La Rochelle. Jack's contract…
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ROG's biggest challenge, Frawley's fall and Munster's French opportunity
Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and Jonathan Bradley team up ahead of a seismic Champions Cup weekend which sees Leinster call Croke Park home and Munster play…
The Left WingPlayer management madness, Gavin Coombes' special skill and provinces back with a bang
Will and Luke are joined by Jonathan Bradley to discuss a wild weekend of URC action that saw all four provinces involved in dramatic encounters. Jack…
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Ireland's weak finish, importance of summer tour and Lions talk begins
The Six Nations is over and has left Ireland - and its potential Lions - with questions to answer ahead of the return to club action. Will Slattery and Luke…
The Left Wing'The attack was worryingly flat' | Reaction from Rome | Ireland 22 Italy 17
Sinéad Kissane, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey deliver their verdict from the Stadio Olimpico as Ireland end the Six Nations with a hard-fought victory…
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Are Ireland too reliant on the schools rugby production line?
Will is joined by Bernard Jackman for an extra episode of The Left Wing to discuss the place the schools game has in the Irish rugby production line and to…