RTÉ Rugby Podcast

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.

Ahead of the All Blacks Test in Auckland Hugh Cahill is joined by Bernard Jackman in studio, with Neil Treacy dialling in from New Zealand.The lads discuss Ireland's patchy performance against Japan and look ahead to the challenge of trying to snap the All Blacks' incredible winning run at Eden Park.They also consider the contrast between New Zealand's decisiveness in hiring Dave Rennie and Australia's slow handover from Joe Schmidt to Les Kiss.Finally there is an interesting exchange between Bernard and Neil regarding the latter's interview with IRFU performance director David Humphrey's last week.TIMESTAMPS0:30 Ireland's disjointed outing against Japan. To be expected or a concern?6:45 What is behind the lineout issues? Bernard puts it down to an inability to solve problems on the hoof.12:00 A look at the nascent Dave Rennie All Blacks - lots of talent, lots of speed and very hard to shutdown.14:00 Fitness update on Robert Baloucoune and Jeremy Loughman. The team will need to be rejigged but Bernard feels it is essential to get pace of Baloucoune in the XV.20:00 What to do with back row. Can you fit two options on the bench and give Sean Jansen a chance to impact game against his native land?22:00 Bernard confident team well placed to put it up to All Blacks. Andy Farrell gets big performances when he looks for one. All Blacks a work in progress despite Eden Park record.25:45 The contrast between Dave Rennie and Les Kiss situations - why did Australia not give Kiss these three Tests to get up to speed ahead of the World Cup?31:45 David Humphreys interview. Bernard’s comments have been noted by travelling press pack. Neil rejects notion it was a soft interview just because people don’t like the answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.