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 Wing
Henshaw a big doubt for Saturday and Dan Parks on Scotland’s chances
On the latest Left Wing podcast – and the last from Tours - Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss the news that Robbie Henshaw has…
- The Left Wing
Scotland's confidence, New Zealand mind games and should the World Cup expand?
Ireland's final World Cup pool clash is up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing with Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Jonathan Bradley…
- The Left Wing
The permutations ahead of the Scotland game
On the latest Left Wing podcast from Tours, Cian Tracey and Rúaidhrí O'Connor join Sinéad Kissane to go through the pool permutations ahead of Ireland's final…
- The Left Wing
Trevor Brennan is tipping Ireland to win the RWC but he’s still supporting France
On this episode of the Left Wing, we've got an interview with former Ireland, Leinster and Toulouse player Trevor Brennan. Sinéad Kissane went to Toulouse a…
- The Left Wing
Ireland players back in camp, the return of Jack Conan & possible changes for Scotland?
On the latest Left Wing podcast from Tours, Rúaidhrí O'Connor joins Sinéad Kissane to discuss the Ireland players coming back into camp after their few days…
- The Left Wing
The Rise & Fall - 20 Years on from England’s Rugby World Cup win
England's World Cup win of 2003 is now 20 years old and Will Slattery chats to UK sports writer, Owen Slot, looking back on that famous triumph on the latest…
- The Left Wing
Did Ireland over-celebrate the SA win? What changes should be made for Scotland? Your questions answered
A down-week for the Ireland squad so it's a chance to answer some listener and viewer comments and questions on the Left Wing podcast. Cian Tracey joins Sinéad…
- The Left Wing
Ireland's impressive rearguard, Rassie Erasmus is no coaching Messiah & why Eddie Jones needs more sleep
Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and Jonathan Bradley look back on Ireland's epic win over South Africa on the latest episode of The Left Wing. Although it was…
- The Left Wing
Down week for Ireland but the preparation for Scotland begins
From Tours, Cian Tracey joins Sinéad Kissane to look back on Ireland's 13-8 win over South Africa along with the post-match reaction from Dan Sheehan and Tadhg…
- The Left Wing
An epic win for the ages – the post-match analysis from the Stade de France
It was a game that lived up to its billing and on the Left Wing podcast recorded hours after Ireland's 13-8 win over South Africa, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian…
- The Left Wing
Ruan Pienaar on Ireland’s chances and Paul O’Connell on the tactical battle ahead
On the latest Left Wing podcast from the Stade de France, Rúaidhrí O'Connor joins Sinéad Kissane on the eve of the big match. They talk about the injury to…
- The Left Wing
On the Ireland team to face South Africa and the return of Dan Sheehan to the bench
From the Ireland team hotel on the outskirts of Paris, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss the team and replacements that Andy…
- The Left Wing
What the Boks 7/1 split means for Ireland
From Tours, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss the Boks 7/1 split on the bench for Saturday's World Cup pool game against Ireland…
- The Left Wing
Luke Fitzgerald on why Ireland can win the Paris showdown
Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and Jonathan Bradley preview Ireland's World Cup showdown with South Africa on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast…
- The Left Wing
The build-up to South Africa begins
In Tours, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to start the build-up to the huge World Cup showdown between Ireland and South Africa on…
- The Left Wing
Post-match from the Stade de la Beaujoire: A record-breaking night but South Africa await
From the Stade de la Beaujoire, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss Ireland's bonus point 59-16 win over Tonga on a…
- The Left Wing
The risk v reward strategy for Ireland
On today's Left Wing podcast from the Stade de la Beaujoire, Rúaidhrí O'Connor, joins Sinéad Kissane on the eve of Ireland's second pool game to digest the…
- The Left Wing
Sexton and strong team named for Tonga – but is it the right call?
From Ireland's team hotel in Nantes, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss the strong team Andy Farrell has selected to play Tonga…
- The Left Wing
Andy Farrell's selection dilemma, plus Tonga and Toulouse centre, Pita Ahki, on facing Ireland and memories of Connacht
On today's Left Wing podcast from Tours, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss what team Andy Farrell will name tomorrow to play…
- The Left Wing
Andy Farrell's Tonga team, an Irish 'bomb squad' and a bad weekend for referees
Luke Fitzgerald, Will Slattery and Jonathan Bradley look back on a dramatic opening weekend of World Cup action on the latest episode of The Left Wing. From…
- The Left Wing
Back in Tours to review the opening weekend of games
Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Cian Tracey and Sinéad Kissane are back in Tours to review the opening weekend of the Rugby World Cup. They talk about what Ireland will…
- The Left Wing
‘Off to a good start’ – the post-match analysis of Ireland’s defeat of Romania
Ireland are up and running in the Rugby World Cup after a 82-8 win over Romania at the Stade de Bordeaux. Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Sinéad…
- The Left Wing
What are the reasons for Mack Hansen’s omission from the Ireland team?
Sinéad Kissane and Cian Tracey were at the Stade de Bordeaux for Ireland's captain’s run training and press conference where they talk about Ireland attack…
- The Left Wing
He’s back – the return of Johnny Sexton, the XV to face Romania, and the security entourage for the Ireland team
Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Sinéad Kissane at the Ireland team hotel in Bordeaux to discuss the starting team that head coach Andy Farrell has…
- The Left Wing
Update from Tours - Spying in rugby, Fra v NZ and the possible Irish XV v Romania
On the latest episode of the Left Wing podcast from Tours in France, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey join Sinéad Kissane to discuss how the Ireland team…
- The Left Wing
Bumper World Cup preview - and why Ireland can go all the way
Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Jonathan Bradley preview the 2023 Rugby World Cup and after all the waiting, the countdown is almost over and the lads kick…
- The Left Wing
Day 1 from Tours – Ireland’s purpose-built training ground and what team should face Romania
The Left Wing team of Sinéad Kissane, Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey are up and running from the Irish base in Tours and for their first Monday update, they…
- The Left Wing
How can Ireland face up to the South African bomb squad threat?
The squad has been named, the warm-up games have wrapped, and the squad will fly to their base in Tours on Thursday. The World Cup is just around the corner…
- The Left Wing
The Ireland World Cup squad is named, Cian Healy is out, plus the fallout from Samoa
Ireland have named their squad for the Rugby World Cup and Cian Healy misses out through injury. At the team hotel, Cian Tracey joins Rúaidhrí O'Connor on the…
- The Left Wing
La Rochelle star Dillyn Leyds on the World Cup, taking down Leinster and ROG's French team talks
La Rochelle star, Dillyn Leyds, joins Will to discuss South Africa and Ireland's chances at the World Cup and whether the Champions Cup final defeat will have…
- The Left Wing
Andy Farrell's team selection hints at Ireland's final World Cup squad
On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery is joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor to discuss the Ireland team to face Samoa. Andy Farrell's…
- The Left Wing
The Dan Sheehan dilemma, out-half pecking order and red card shambles
On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Rúaidhrí O'Connor discuss Ireland's ongoing World Cup build up. Will is…
- The Left Wing
Five tries and a win against England but there’s more work still to do for Ireland
There were five tries, including a most memorable one from centurion Keith Earls, as Ireland beat England 29 points to 10 at the Aviva stadium yesterday but…
- The Left Wing
Cian Tracey on the Ireland team to face England & Prendergast’s big opportunity
The Ireland team has been named for Saturday’s World Cup warm-up game against England at the Aviva Stadium and as expected Andy Farrell has gone, as expected…
- The Left Wing
Owen Farrell gets off, France's injury blow and Ireland's World Cup baggage
On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Rúaidhrí O'Connor discuss all the latest news after a busy weekend of World…
- The Left Wing
Ireland's mixed bag, Jacob Stockdale's performance and the out-half battle continues
Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey look back on Ireland's opening World Cup warm-up match against Italy. Andy Farrell's men got the win but the…
- The Left Wing
Ireland's World Cup countdown begins – but who will make the plane?
The Left Wing podcast is back for another season as Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Rúaidhrí O'Connor look ahead to Ireland's World Cup warm-up matches…
- The Left Wing
No World title for Ireland U20s
It wasn’t to be for Ireland in the Under 20 World Championship final. They were beaten by a simply sensational French team, 50 points to 14, and on the latest…
- The Left Wing
Rúaidhrí O’Connor previews the U20s World Championship final from Cape Town & has the latest on Johnny Sexton
The Ireland U20s have a chance to make history tomorrow when the Grand Slam winners play France in the World Rugby U20 Championship final in Cape Town and…
- The Left Wing
Munster magic, Andy Farrell's squad and World Cup predictions
On the final episode of The Left Wing this season, Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey look back on Munster's URC triumph. After a tumultuous…
- The Left Wing
Munster are URC Champions - the reaction & analysis from Cape Town
After twelve years, Munster have ended their trophy drought in spectacular fashion with a 19-14 win over the Stormers in South Africa. Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins…
- The Left Wing
Munster to go all the way? Rúaidhrí O’Connor has the latest from Cape Town
2,000 Munster fans have made the long trip to South Africa for their URC final against the Stormers on Saturday, but what can the Irish fans expect come the…
- The Left Wing
Leinster's collapse, World Cup impact and ROG's rise continues
On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery, Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Tracey look back on Saturday's Champions Cup final. In one of the…
- The Left Wing
Leinster’s Darkest Day - post-match analysis from the Aviva
After 12 minutes of the Champions Cup final surely no one saw this coming. Leinster were 17-0 up and cruising but somehow they snatched defeat from such a…
- The Left Wing
If La Rochelle are even better, where does that leave Leinster? Cian Tracey looks ahead to the Champions Cup final
With twelve changes to the Leinster team that were beaten by Munster in last week’s URC semi-final, Leo Cullen has named as strong a starting XV as expected…
- The Left Wing
The Champions Cup final preview with Dan Leavy
On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by former Leinster and Ireland star Dan Leavy to preview the…
- The Left Wing
Leinster's selection headaches, Ulster fall short and Connacht march on
On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Jonathan Bradley to look back on the URC quarter-finals. They…
- The Left Wing
Leinster march on, ROG's brilliance and Munster's URC hopes
On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor with an in-depth review of Leinster's big win…
- The Left Wing
‘This has to be the tipping point’ Ground zero for Irish women’s rugby
0 points, 5 heavy defeats, and the worst points difference in their history in the Six Nations, what does the future hold for the Irish women’s rugby team?…
- The Left Wing
With Robbie Henshaw out, why Rúaidhrí O’Connor thinks Toulouse will win
The Leinster team to face Toulouse in their Champions Cup semi-final on Saturday has been named and a late injury sees Robbie Henshaw joining Johnny Sexton and…
- The Left Wing
Leinster vs Toulouse showdown and Munster's South African heroics
On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look ahead to Leinster vs Toulouse. The Aviva Stadium…
- The Left Wing
The Musgrave protest & another chastening defeat for Ireland's Women
We’re down to the final week of the Women’s Six Nations and it has been a tournament loaded with reality checks and harsh lessons for Ireland. After their 48-0…
- The Left Wing
Leinster's Springbok statement, Munster reignite season and the orange card debate
On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to pick through all the talking points from the latest…
- The Left Wing
After another deflating defeat, Ireland’s Women’s team now have to prepare for England
There’s no end to the run of deflating defeats for Ireland in this Women’s Six Nations. They were beaten by Italy 24 points to 7 in Parma on Saturday which was…
- The Left Wing
Leinster march on, French giants lurk and Champions Cup future
On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Jonathan Bradley from the Belfast Telegraph to discuss all the…
- The Left Wing
Caelan Doris at seven, pressure on Dan Sheehan and Scott Penny misses out
On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Rúaidhrí O'Connor look ahead to the Champions Cup quarter-finals. Leinster have named their team to…
- The Left Wing
The gap between Leinster and the other provinces has never been as big
On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look back on the Champions Cup action. Leinster…
- The Left Wing
0 points, 2 defeats, time to regroup before Italy
After the opening two-week block of the Women’s Six Nations finished with, it doesn’t make for pretty reading for Ireland. After a record margin defeat to…
- The Left Wing
Champions Cup Preview & Team News
It’s back to Europe for the Irish players and the provinces this weekend with the round of 16 in the Champions Cup and Sinéad Kissane is joined by Rúaidhrí…
- The Left Wing
Johnny Sexton's injury, Ross Byrne's opportunity and Munster's daunting schedule
On the latest episode of The Left Wing, Will Slattery and Luke Fitzgerald are joined by Cian Tracey to look ahead to the Champions Cup last 16. They kick…