RTÉ Rugby Podcast

Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley and former Leinster and Connacht centre Tom Daly on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we break down another mixed week for the Irish provinces in the BKT United Rugby Championship.Daly discusses his decision to retire from rugby this summer, after finishing his career with Lansdowne last season.With maul tries on the up and up in the first few weeks of the season, we ask whether it's becoming too easy to score through that route now that officials have clamped down on defence.The podcast breaks down an impressive performance from Sam Prendergast in Leinster's 29-5 win against Cardiff last week, as well as a back and forth contest in Belfast between Ulster and Munster.With Munster set to face Racing 92 in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup, Keatley discusses the legacy of his former head coach Anthony Foley, 10 years on from his death.We also look at the challenge facing Connacht this season as they juggle URC and Champions Cup commitments.And we finish by considering what impact the tweaks to the bonus-points system will have in this season's Champions Cup.TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Tom Daly talks about his decision to retire07:35 - Is it too easy to score maul tries now?14:45 - Sam Prendergast's renewed confidence24:35 - Ulster's attacking game saving their leaky defence31:10 - Ian Keatley remembers Anthony Foley, 10 years on from his death35:00 - Poor starts have cost Munster in the Champions Cup in recent seasons42:40 - Connacht's challenge in the Champions Cup48:55 - Tweaks to the format of this season's Champions CupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by former Munster wing Johne Murphy as we look back on the big news of the week in Irish rugby.On a weekend where several Irish out-halves caught the eye, Johne discusses how thrilling it was to see 20-year-old Charlie O'Shea grab the game by the scruff of the neck, as Munster beat the Bulls 26-22 at Thomond Park.We look ahead to this weekend's first Interpro of the season, as Ulster host Munster on Saturday, with Ulster coming in off the back of a breathless 33-33 draw with Glasgow Warriors.The podcast looks at Leinster's narrow defeat away to the Bulls last Saturday, which saw Leo Cullen's side heavily penalised at the scrum.And we recap Connacht's gritty win against Benetton, where Ciarán Frawley marked his debut with a pair of tries in a thrilling display.Later, Neil is joined by Leinster and Ireland pair Dan Sheehan and then Linda Djougang, ahead of the province's return to Laya Arena against Cardiff on Saturday.00:00 - Irish out-halves shine01:25 - Charlie O'Shea announces himself to Thomond Park10:25 - Jack Aungier locks out Munster's scrum16:15 - Ulster's crazy draw away to Glasgow Warriors21:05 - Missed opportunity for Ulster?24:30 - Johne's thoughts on Jamie Benson?26:00 - Leinster lose, but nick a bonus-point against Sharks31:05 - How to fix Irish scrum issues?40:05 - Caspar Gabriel and Sam Prendergast at out-half43:05 - Ciarán Frawley's epic Connacht debut52:05 - Dan Sheehan speaks to the RTÉ Rugby podcast01:04:38 - Ireland and Leinster prop Linda DjougangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley on this week's RTE Rugby podcast, as we look back on a tough start to the URC for the four Irish provinces.Former Munster out-half Keatley reacts to some explosive comments from his former captain Peter O'Mahony on the current state of Munster Rugby, and agrees that changes are needed in the way the organisation is run if they are to get back to former glory.The ex-Ireland international also recaps the province's defeat to Glasgow Warriors last Saturday, where he was encouraged by some elements of their game, in spite of the 26-20 loss.We look at Leinster's defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg, and pick out some of the positives Leo Cullen may have taken from a game where his side picked up two losing-bonus points.We analyse how Connacht were worn down in the final quarter by a powerful Stormers side in Galway on Friday night, and we look at how Ulster face a daunting trip to Glasgow as they try to rebound from their defeat to Edinburgh.00:00 - Hitting the panic button after four defeats for the provinces?05:25 - Ian reacts to Peter O'Mahony's comments on how Munster Rugby is run15:00 - Some positives in spits of defeat for Munster?18:20 - Signs of a new style of playing with Munster?22:50 - Caelan Doris reported to be out until the new year24:45 - Leinster pick up two bonus-points - will Leo Cullen be satisfied with that?33:00 - Connacht ground down by relentless Stormers35:15 - Have Irish teams got an issue playing the South Africans?41:10 - How much is Ian reading into Ulster's shocking 50 minutes against Edinburgh?48:30 - WXV with Hannah O'ConnorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by former Munster wing Johne Murphy on a new season of the RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we breakdown all four provinces ahead of the 2026/27 URC season.02:03 - Leo Cullen's final season in charge of Leinster07:45 - Is the Leinster job Felipe Contepomi's to lose?11:30 - Leinster's season prospects20:45 - The Peter O'Mahony and Graham Rowntree 'pen' story28:15 - Munster's season hit by out-half injury crisis33:30 - Will we see a change in approach from Munster?37:30 - The vibes are high in Connacht44:00 - Lancaster's vote of confidence46:30 - Connacht's summer transfer activity49:30 - Champions Cup has to be the target for Ulster51:30 - Richie Murphy beefing up his squad58:05 - Johne Murphy's players to watch this seasonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Jonny Holland on the final RTÉ Rugby podcast of the season, as we recap Ireland's Nations Championship tour, and their 40-21 defeat to New Zealand.We look into some of the "uncharacteristic" errors that littered the opening half of their defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park, which ensured they were always chasing the game on Saturday.Jonny looks at how New Zealand out-half Ruben Love dictated the All Blacks tempo, while we look at the out-half picture in Ireland heading into a World Cup year.We put a microscope over some of the contentious refereeing decisions from Eden Park on Saturday, and ask whether Ireland have a right to feel aggrieved by the yellow card for Luke Jacobson in the first half.And we discuss which players could force their way into the Irish team next season, as Ireland look to close the gap on South Africa, France and New Zealand.TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro05:00 - Have Ireland fallen behind the Big 3 in world rugby?08:30 - Ireland's uncharacteristic errors19:00 - Ruben Love's influence for the All Blacks23:00 - Ireland's out-half picture after this season27:40 - Ireland's refereeing frustrations46:25 - How do we look back on Ireland's season as a whole?50:50 - Who could be Ireland's breakout star next season?56:30 - Is Jonny confident Ireland can iron out their issues?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.