Claim OwnershipThe Ireland Rugby Social Podcast
Subscribed: 148Played: 1,238
Subscribe
© (C) BBC 2026
Description
Join Conor Murray for deep dives into rugby’s biggest moments, legends, and rivalries—straight from the scrum half’s seat. Honest chat, expert insight, and untold stories.
21 Episodes
Reverse
Recorded in front of a full house at City of Armagh RFC, this special episode features Andrew Trimble and Rory Best alongside Conor and Gavin as they look ahead to the Six Nations. The panel explore what sets the Championship apart, the pride of winning it, Ireland’s key selection decisions, and the teams to watch. Expect sharp insight, strong opinions, and no shortage of great anecdotes from the three icons of Irish rugby.
With Conor on a beach getting some winter sun, Gavin travels solo to Edinburgh for the 2026 Six Nations launch. At a noisy press launch, he gets a word with Ireland captain Caelan Doris and speaks with Andy Farrell about being back coaching in green after his successful year away leading the Lions. Gavin also chats with the Daily Telegraph's Chief Rugby Correspondent, Gavin Mairs and gets his thoughts on one of the most eagerly anticipated Championships in years.
On this week’s episode, Conor and Gavin sit down with Ireland and Ulster star Jacob Stockdale to unpack the highs, lows, and hard lessons of life at the top of rugby. From breaking through with Ireland and the magic of 2018 to injuries, online abuse, and rebuilding confidence, Jacob speaks honestly about pressure, fame, family, and finding perspective. He also brings the lighter side — including a few questionable impressions — while reflecting on Ulster’s season, future ambitions, and what rugby has given him.
This week, Conor and Gavin sit down with current Ireland international Bundee Aki to trace a remarkable journey from New Zealand to the centre of Irish rugby. From lifting silverware with Connacht to earning the green jersey, Bundee reflects on the moments that shaped his career and his identity as a player. He opens up on the pressure, pride, and scrutiny that comes with representing Ireland, the heartbreak of the World Cup, and the honour of being selected for the British & Irish Lions — sharing never-before-heard stories of the craic and friendships along the way.
What does it take to come back from the impossible? Ian McKinley was a rising rugby star whose career was shattered by a freak accident that left him blind in one eye. Most would have walked away—but Ian didn’t. In this episode, we explore his extraordinary journey from despair to determination, reinventing himself as a professional player with protective goggles and becoming a symbol of resilience worldwide. Ian shares the highs, the lows, and what it means to redefine your limits when life changes in an instant.
This week, Conor and Gavin sit down with Ireland international Lindsay Peat to chart an extraordinary sporting journey defined by late beginnings, fierce competitiveness, and breaking boundaries. From discovering elite sport later than most to excelling across multiple codes, Lindsay opens up about the moments, mindsets, and mentors that shaped her path—on the rugby pitch and far beyond it. Honest, powerful, and full of heart, this episode dives into what it really takes to defy expectations and keep showing up, relentlessly.
In this Christmas special, Conor revisits the defining moments of his career—one jersey at a time. This episode uses a shirt from Murray’s storied journey as a storytelling spark, opening the door to untold stories, pivotal matches, proud highs, painful lows, and the personalities who shaped his path.
In this episode, Conor and Gavin sit down with Willie John McBride to hear about his remarkable life and legacy. The towering Ulsterman, came to define the very spirit of the British & Irish Lions. From a late introduction to the sport, to becoming one of rugby’s most revered figures, McBride’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and unshakeable team spirit.
What’s it like to spend over a decade at the heart of Leinster and Ireland rugby? This week, Devin Toner joins Conor and Gavin to share the inside story of his extraordinary career. From towering over classmates to lifting European trophies, unforgettable tour tales, and the heartbreak of missing the 2019 World Cup. This is a conversation full of insight, honesty, and great stories you won’t forget.
One of Irish Rugby's most decorated players, Rob Kearney, joins Conor and Gavin to discuss some of his favourite memories on and off the pitch. A sporting career that started on the Gaelic football pitches of Louth, and ended on the Western Coast of Australia, Kearney recalls all the craic along the way, and shares his views on how to fix the game.
Conor reveals his Ultimate XV — the dream team of players he’s shared the pitch with for Munster, Ireland, or the British & Irish Lions. From rugby legends to all-time heroes, who makes the cut?
Conor and Gavin review Ireland's defeat to the Springboks, ask did the ref get the five card calls right, why this South Africa side might be the best team ever and why there might be Six Nations hope for Ireland with the character they showed in the chaos.
Rob Herring on making the move to Ireland, having to wait for his chance, his greatest moments in green, facing South Africa and his love of snacks.
Former Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray and Gavin Andrews discuss Ireland's win over Australia. Why Mack Hansen is so good, how Paul O'Connell got the line-out back firing, concerns over maul defence and why next week's match against the Springboks is massive for Ireland's future.
A Captain for every team he’s played for, Peter O’Mahony joins Conor Murray and Gavin Andrews, speaking about breaking through at Munster, what it takes to be a leader in the dressing room, and all the craic and characters along the way
Conor Murray and Gavin Andrews review Ireland's win over Japan, discuss the massive influence of Paul O'Connell and outline the big calls to come ahead of the Tests against the Wallabies and the Springboks.
Bonus Pod - Japan Head Coach, Eddie Jones, chats to Gavin about his admiration for Andy Farrell, his views on Ireland’s current ‘sticky period’, and the recently retired Munster player who he thinks is irreplaceable (and spoiler.. it’s not Conor..)
Former Ireland winger, Andrew Conway, on having to tell Joe Schmidt he was moving from Leinster to Munster, resilience, his debut for his country, his favourite game in green, and the top players he faced in his rugby career.
Conor and Gavin reflect on Ireland’s defeat to New Zealand. Murray breaks down the key moments from the match, including the controversial red card shown to Tadhg Beirne and its impact on the game. He highlights the players who stepped up and assesses how Ireland responded to the challenge posed by the All Blacks. With the Autumn Series still unfolding, Murray explores what this loss means for Ireland’s campaign and how the squad can regroup ahead of the remaining fixtures. Plus, he tackles listener questions in the ‘Get Involved’ segment, responding to fan opinions and offering his take on what’s next for Andy Farrell’s side. Expert analysis, honest reflection, and a look ahead to what promises to be a pivotal few weeks for Irish rugby.
In this episode, Conor Murray and Gavin Andrews sit down with former Ireland captain Rory Best for a powerful and insightful conversation. They revisit that unforgettable day in Chicago when Ireland toppled the All Blacks for the first time in history, and explore the tactical genius of Joe Schmidt and the evolving leadership of Andy Farrell. Rory shares his thoughts on what makes a great coach, how the current Ireland squad stacks up, and whether they have what it takes to go all the way. Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, honest reflections, and expert analysis, this is a must-listen for rugby fans.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States