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.

Scoreless second half for Ireland as they just hold off Argentina | Instant reaction

Sinéad Kissane is joined by Rúaidhrí O'Connor & Cian Tracey at the Aviva Stadium after Ireland managed to hold on and secure victory over a resilient Pumas. Coverage of the Autumn Series on Indo Sport is brought to you by Energia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-16
33:25

Tetchy Andy Farrell, red card madness and are Ireland in a slump?

Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery pick through where everything went wrong for Ireland against New Zealand. Luke thinks it was a one-off bad performance while Cian and Will wonder whether there are signs of a potential November slump to come. Andy Farrell's tetchy press conference, the 20-minute red card and Australia's dramatic win over England are all up for discussion too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-12
01:16:19

All Blacks triumph as Ireland fail to fire — Post-match reaction — Ireland 13-23 New Zealand

Sinead Kissane is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor & Cian Tracey at the Aviva Stadium after Ireland's 19-game home winning run came to an end at the hands of the All Blacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-09
29:46

November questions, Ireland's depth and All Blacks preview with Kieran Read

Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery are joined by All Blacks legend Kieran Read to preview Ireland vs New Zealand on the latest Left Wing podcast. Luke and Will kick things off by looking ahead to Ireland's four-match November campaign and what impact Andy Farrell's departure for the Lions after November might have on his decisions. Double World Cup winner Read then joins the show to give his perspective on where the All Blacks are at under their new coach Scott Robertson. Ireland's team selection, the out-half battle and big-match predictions are all up for discussion too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-05
01:08:38

Could Graham Rowntree’s departure send Munster into crisis mode? Reaction w/ Mike Sherry

Will Slattery is back from his travels to join Sinéad Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald on the Left Wing - and what a week to return. Former Munster hooker Mike Sherry joined the programme as the team give their reaction to the shock announcement that Graham Rowntree has parted ways with Munster by mutual agreement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10-29
54:49

Reacting to Leo Cullen’s new contract | Ireland need to blood the young guns

On this episode of the Left Wing, Sinéad Kissane and Cian Tracey joined Luke Fitzgerald ahead of the Ireland squad announcement, where the team ask if Andy Farrell will use the four-game Autumn series to rotate new talent.The team also discuss Munster’s lineout issues, Jack Crowley's kicking and we react to Leinster extending Leo Cullen’s stay as head coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10-22
58:24

Fire lit under Ciarán Frawley as Leinster beat Munster in sell-out

On this episode of the Left Wing, Sinéad Kissane and Rúaidhrí O’Connor joined Luke Fitzgerald to rebuff claims that the Leinster/Munster rivalry is dead, break down where the 10 situation is at, and ask if now would have been a good time for Leinster to travel to South Africa in the URC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10-15
56:31

RG Snyman the ‘poster boy’ for a Leinster/Munster rivalry back up and running

On this episode of the Left Wing, Sinéad Kissane and David Kelly joined Luke Fitzgerald to preview this weekend’s pair of Interpro derbies, with Munster set to travel to a boisterous Croke Park on Saturday. The team give their verdicts for both games, discuss whether emotion can benefit Munster in GAA HQ, and ask what impact RG Snyman will have.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10-08
01:03:41

The Paul O’Connell interview - Introducing Indo Sport

We want to introduce Indo Daily listeners to our brand-new sister podcast, Indo Sport. It’s free, it’s daily Monday to Friday and features the best sporting analysis from across the country, with veteran sports broadcaster Joe Molloy at the helm. In this episode Joe sits down with Irish rugby legend Paul O'Connell for an in-depth discussion. From fishing, changing room speeches and coaching in the modern era, and how does O'Connell look back on his career? Subscribe to Indo Sport, wherever you get your podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10-05
01:12:58

Ireland's win over Black Ferns can be a ‘catalyst’ - and so can Munster’s loss

On this episode of the Left Wing, Sinéad Kissane and David Kelly joined Luke Fitzgerald in the aftermath of a historic victory by the Irish women over New Zealand in the WXV series in Canada. The team also debate the wisdom of players going to places like France to further their career, talk about Johnny Sexton’s new book, and ask if Munster can bounce back from a damaging defeat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10-01
54:04

Ireland on top of the world as ‘sloppy’ Munster win interpro thriller

On this episode of the Left Wing, Rúaidhrí O’Connor joined Luke Fitzgerald to break down the first week of URC action, and ask if Leinster are using their resources correctly at this stage of the season.  Also: what to like about Munster and Connacht after early-doors thriller; is the Emerging Ireland tour fit for purpose; South Africa drop to put Ireland on top of the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09-24
52:14

New season but same selection dilemmas for Irish 10s

The 2024/25 season is upon us and so is the new season of the Left Wing. Rúaidhrí O’Connor joined Luke Fitzgerald to assess where expectations lie in each Irish province ahead of the URC’s kick-off. Also: what to do about Ireland’s Number 10s; Simon Easterby announced as interim Ireland head coach; How Andy Farrell’s absence will be felt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09-17
57:19

We select our Lions Test team to take on Australia

On the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast, Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery select their Lions team to take on Australia next summer. With Andy Farrell set to coach the team down under, the lads speculate as to how much that will benefit the Irish players. Luke think Jack Crowley could well be the starting out-half while everyone agrees that it will be a big season for Garry Ringrose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-30
45:51

Ireland's U-20 logjam, Keenan vs Osborne and the Jordie Barrett question

Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Tracey and Will Slattery answer readers' questions on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. How to give gametime to Ireland's U-20 talent, where Leinster should play Jordie Barrett and whether there is pressure on Paul O'Connell are all topics of discussion. The lads then finish off by asking whether Hugo Keenan should regain his Ireland place in November or if Jamie Osborne should hold onto the 15 jersey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-24
51:11

Ciaran Frawley's future, Ireland's achievement and Andy Farrell's triumph

Ruaidhri O'Connor joins Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery to reflect on Ireland's famous win over South Africa on the latest episode of The Left Wing podcast. Ciaran Frawley was the hero with a late drop goal and once again his future at Leinster is a big topic of discussion. The lads break down Ireland's stellar first half, South Africa's comeback and the key role Andy Farrell played in the victory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-17
01:04:52

Instant reaction: Ciaran Frawley drop goal seals famous win in South Africa

Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Will Slattery to digest Ireland's famous win in South Africa after Ciaran Frawley's late drop goal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-13
35:02

Ireland team reaction - Andy Farrell drops Peter O'Mahony for Springboks rematch

Ruaidhri O'Connor joins Will Slattery to discuss the Ireland team announcement and Andy Farrell's decision to drop Peter O'Mahony for the second Test against the Springboks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-11
23:18

Caelan Doris vs Luke Pearce, Irish mistakes and South Africa's new style

Ireland's relationship with referees is in the spotlight after the opening Test match defeat to the Springboks on Saturday. Luke Fitzgerald and Ruaidhri O'Connor joined Will Slattery on The Left Wing podcast, with Caelan Doris' interactions with referee Luke Pearce a major discussion point. South Africa's more attacking style of play also caught the eye, although Luke thinks it might be a mistake for the Springboks to move too far away from a power game. The lads finish off by looking ahead to the second Test in Durban this Saturday and discuss what changes Andy Farrell might make after a suffering a number of injuries on SaturdaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-10
57:43

Instant reaction: Springboks finally beat Ireland after drama in Pretoria

Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey joined Will Slattery on The Left Wing podcast to discuss Ireland's narrow defeat to South Africa in the first Test in Pretoria. Two costly errors from James Lowe in the second half saw the Springboks score a brace of vital tries and the lads are on hand to pick through all the talking points from a dramatic encounter. There were contentious TMO calls, some strong Irish play and some areas of concern as thoughts now turn towards the second Test next weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-06
28:40

Andy Farrell drops selection bombshell with Jamie Osborne at fullback

Jamie Osborne has been handed a shock debut at fullback as Andy Farrell named the Ireland team to face the Springboks. Ruaidhri O'Connor joins Will Slattery on The Left Wing podcast to discuss the stern test the Naas youngster will face in Pretoria. Craig Casey starts at scrum-half ahead of Conor Murray while Farrell has opted for a 5/3 bench split with Garry Ringrose wearing the number 23 jersey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07-04
24:05

A J

Disgraceful and shameful that Luke and Will didn't have the decency to call out that racist Francis for his despicable comments on Marcus Smith. Will never listen to these guys again. They are complicit in this racist behaviour.

07-23 Reply

Pif Ting

well this didnt age very well

03-03 Reply

Patrick Byrne

Luke, Question, when does the irish camp shut down after the Welsh game? Is it straight away or do they meet this eek for post match analysis and so forth?

03-19 Reply

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