Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss.

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Does this mean we are living through a positive upswing in the state of the game as an entertainment product? Why are teams better at scoring now than in the best?

Given the sport cycles through negativity around kicking and entertainment value, are we living through the sport’s good old days?

Rugby analyst Sam Larner joins Nathan Johns to pick through the trends that explain why so many tries are being scored. 

Produced by John Casey.

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Plus, how did Jamie Osborne look back in the centre following a Six Nations campaign at 15?

How did Munster improve on a difficult South African tour? How are the provinces shaping up for a return to Europe?

Produced by John Casey.

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Munster are also in the headlines after a concerning story that they are implementing voluntary redundancies after enduring some financial difficulty.

John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss the rugby news of the day.

Produced by John Casey.

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Bundee Aki headlined a statement win for Connacht over Ulster while Sam Prendergast and Leinster struggled away to Glasgow.

A record defeat for Munster rounded off a tricky return to domestic action for the Irish sides.

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through what we’ve learned from the tournament.

From a dismal opening night in Paris to within touching distance of the title, how did Ireland trend in the right direction after a Six Nations that will live long in the memory.

Produced by John Casey.

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Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns from the bowels of the Aviva Stadium to try and make sense of a Super Saturday which saw Ireland beat Scotland to the Triple Crown but just miss out on the overall crown.

Produced by John Casey.

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The winner takes home the Triple Crown and has a shot at the outright Six Nations title, pending the result between England and France later on Saturday evening. Mark tries to figure out if Scotland have a genuine chance at breaking an 11-match losing run to Ireland or if this is the latest example of Scottish hubris.

How has Gregor Townsend turned around this campaign after an opening defeat in Rome was followed up by sensational wins over England and France? Are Ireland really there for the taking?

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through Ireland’s win over Wales, Scotland’s thumping of France and Italy’s historic victory over England. Scotland, France and Ireland are all mathematically in the hunt for the title, while the winner of Ireland vs Scotland will take home the Triple Crown.

Might this finally be the weekend where Scotland, fresh off their stunning win over France, get over their Ireland hoodoo?

Produced by John Casey.

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And have Wales finally turned a corner after so long in the doldrums? They played like a rejuvenated team, organised and tenacious, and offering a real threat going forward at times.

Ireland could only breathe easy with 77 minutes on the clock when Jack Crowley made it a ten-point game.

Host Nathan Johns is joined by Irish Times Rugby Correspondent Gerry Thornley.

Produced by John Casey.

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Unusual, perhaps, to mix up a winning formula after a stunning day out at Twickenham.

John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to pick through what it all means.

Have Ireland embraced more rotation in a slightly tweaked selection policy? What to expect of Wales, a banana skin or as downtrodden as ever?

Produced by John Casey.

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In his recent publication, Attacking the Space: Inside rugby’s data and tactics revolution, Larner attempts to explain why the game looks the way it does in a manner accessible to the Irish fan.

He joins Nathan Johns to explain why data shapes Ireland’s recent tactical evolution towards a kicking game, why putting boot to ball isn’t an inherently ugly thing, why Leinster changed their props so early in the game and how Munster have lost ’the best attack coach in the world.'

Produced by John Casey.

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Since then, though, the U20s have won back-to-back games, including an impressive display against England.

After last year’s wooden spoon, has the age grade side turned a corner? Is talk of a misfiring talent pipeline misguided?

John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to put us all straight.

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns were all in London on Saturday and they link up once again to pick through how Ireland pulled off that performance.

Plus, we look at how Ireland U20s managed a similarly impressive victory over their English counterparts in Bath on Friday night.

Produced by John Casey.

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What of England who have promoted Henry Pollock to the starting XV?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to preview Saturday’s clash.

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Did new faces in Andy Farrell’s team do enough to change the status selection quo? Did Ireland’s attack start to look like its old self? Does Scotland’s win offer any hope heading to Twickenham?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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Plus, John also takes his through his vision for how Ireland can bring more players through from U20 level to the senior side.

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Does that make for a potential banana skin for Andy Farrel and Co this weekend?

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

Plus, we look at some of the wider tactical and skillset deficiencies plaguing Irish rugby. What can be done to stop the rot?

Produced by John Casey.

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Nathan Johns and Gerry Thornley were at the Stade de France to pick through where it all went wrong.

Was Ireland’s game plan exposed? What to make of selection or the decision to continually kick away possession? What positives, if any, can be gleamed from a second half fightback?

Produced by John Casey.

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There are surprises, namely Jacob Stockdale in for James Lowe and Cian Prendergast starting at 6.

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the key match ups.

How will Ireland tactically overcome France’s Parisian challenge?

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After winning a medal with the Canada Sevens team in Paris, Jack Hanratty has moved to America to coach Ilona Maher and Co.

He joins host Nathan Johns to chart his journey from a Leinster development coach to boss of the US.

Plus, with World cups heading stateside in 2031 and 2033, Jack gives his take on a question rugby has long sought to answer: can the sport make it in America?

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss this along with Leinster’s victory over Connacht, Ulster’s defeat away to the Scarlets and Munster getting over the line vs the Dragons.

Produced by John Casey.

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Is Andy Farrell’s selection overly safe or a fair reflection of newer players pushing through?

Who has been hard done by? Can anyone from the second string push their way into the upper ranks? And what of the U20s, who are looking to bounce back after a poor year?

John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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Munster are out of the Champions Cup, their latest love affair with Europe’s top tier proving to be a short lived one. Leinster once again won in difficult circumstances to ensure they are the lone Irish team flying the flag in the Champions Cup.

Ulster and Connacht safely guaranteed their progression to the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup, where they will be joined by Munster.

What did the latest round of provincial action mean for this week’s Ireland squad announcement ahead of the Six Nations?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss. 

Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound.

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The quality of the on-field product certainly improved during last weekend’s European action, a badly needed injection of life after some difficult outings for Irish sides in recent months.

Meanwhile the rugby transfer story mill has picked up into overdrive while the All Blacks shocked the world with the decision to move on from their coach Scott Robertson. What to make of it all?

Produced by John Casey.

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Meanwhile Ulster are snowed off while Connacht let a late lead slip against Montpellier in the Challenge Cup.

A weekend of entertaining rugby, but what did we learn, if anything, about Irish rugby’s trophy prospects this year?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to review the weekend’s action.

Produced by John Casey.

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This is worth a deep dive in and of itself - what is a general manager? Why has Best gone into this role instead of coaching? Is he the Jason Wilcox to Ulster’s Ruben Amorim equivalent? - but add to that Ulster’s recent form and there is plenty to get into.

Best only joined the province three months ago, so there is an element of him coming in on top of good work done previously, but he undoubtedly will have a role in shaping the continuing development of a recently struggling outfit which appears to have turned the corner.

Best joins Nathan Johns to discuss his role, why he came back and if Ulster’s purple patch is a genuine revival for the northern province.

Produced by John Casey.

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Whose performances may have turned his eye after three weeks of Irish derbies? Will any of Ulster’s in-form youngsters prompt a shake-up? What to make of Leinster’s slow march to victory with performances that divide opinion? Have disappointing runs for Munster and Connacht had a negative impact on their players?

Plus, which Irish provinces are actually worth paying into these days? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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While not quite at culture war levels, the use of extra forwards has prompted a strong rebuke, as either dangerous, against the spirit of the game, or both, from plenty of those involved in the game.

One of those is Owen Doyle. A former international referee and current Irish Times columnist, he joins Nathan Johns to talk through World Rugby’s latest law development.

Should the 7-1 split be outlawed, or is it simply a case of clever innovation, leaving the rest of the world to catch up?

This episode originally aired in April 2025.

Produced by John Casey.

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Leo Cullen and Simon Zebo were more than happy to jest with each other, while Tadhg Beirne added his name to the long list of players lamenting the game’s tactical direction of travel as teams such as Leinster continue to spurn attacking rugby.

Meanwhile, Ulster showed their continuing ability to entertain while Connacht remain mired in a slump. Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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Enda McNulty, a former All-Ireland winner with Armagh, worked with both Leinster and Ireland as a sports psychologist.

He joins Gordon D’Arcy - with whom he worked during his playing days - to look at the importance of sports psychology in winning environments. Does sport psychology work? How do you get players to buy in? Why did Leinster and Ireland under Joe Schmidt embrace training the mind so readily? To what extent can previous success be attributed to training the mind? 

This episode originally aired in May 2025.

Produced by John Casey.

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Are we being harsh by focusing overly on performances instead of bottom lines at this stage of the year? Ulster put it up to Leinster but succumbed to a lack of depth. Are they still trending in the right direction? And what to make of Connacht’s shambolic defeat to the Dragons in Newport?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss. 

Produced by John Casey.

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With high profile players leaving the club, word that owners are looking to jump ship and the CEO taking to his personal social media accounts to defend the club’s lack of talk offering clarity, there is plenty going on.

Welsh rugby journalist Simon Thomas joins Nathan Johns to discuss the latest crisis engulfing Welsh rugby. 

Produced by John Casey.

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Should we be overly concerned about dicey performances at this stage of the season, or is winning all that matters this side of Christmas before the business end of the season?

Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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We look back at an interesting time in Leinster’s history, the years when they were coached by Matt O’Connor. We also chat about Irish rugby’s tactical evolution in the last 10 years, as well as the direction of travel of the sport more generally, given Gopperth’s experience playing for 10 different clubs across the world.

Produced by John Casey.

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Are Leinster leaving it till too late in the season to kick into gear? Is Munster’s defeat terminal to their European ambitions? Were Ulster the only Irish province to actually impress across the opening weekend?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss all the action.

Produced by John Casey.

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The fixture dates come next February as World Rugby look for spikes of ‘hype’, a tactic which divides the opinion of our panel.

Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to look at Ireland’s draw and preview the upcoming European action.

Leinster may well have a chance to blood a few newer faces due to injury, while Munster face a fascinating trip to take on old friend Johann van Graan in Bath. In the Challenge Cup, Ulster and Connacht will look to continue their strong league form against Racing and Ospreys respectively.

We preview all the action as European matches return.

Produced by John Casey.

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Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley reported that the cost of a ticket has increased by 80 per cent in the past 12 years. Why does rugby charge more for the in-ground experience, compared to other sports?

There’s a lot in this: the financial health of the sport, ticket vs TV revenue, how tickets are sold through clubs, the corporate nature of the audience and a new Nations League competition which is supposed otherwise boost broadcast income. Gerry joins The Counter Ruck to discuss it all.

Produced by John Casey.

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Stylistically, law tweaks have more and more teams striving for efficiency and playing in similar styles, ones which are not always popular among the crowds.

Whatever about results and Irish fortunes, as a spectacle, is international rugby still a good watch?

Host Nathan Johns is joined by Irish Times ruby writer John O’Sullivan.

Produced by John Casey.

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Somewhere in between, South Africa bullied Ireland, Andy Farrell’s side ultimately doing well not to lose by a heavier margin.

What to make of all the chaos, and of Ireland’s November window as a whole?

John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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Daniel Gallan is a South African journalist for Rugbypass and the Guardian. He joins Nathan Johns to explain just how Rassie has done it for so long.

How does he keep his players motivated? How does socio-economic and cultural realities back home play into the rugby psyche? Is to be a Springbok akin to following a cult?

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan once again join Nathan Johns to discuss, amongst other things: Sam Prendergast’s impressive starting display; Ireland’s kicking supremacy; return of the Mack; Gibson-Park’s continuing excellence and Australia’s fall from grace.

Produced by John Casey.

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Where did it all go wrong? Joe Schmidt is in the twilight of his tenure in charge, finishing up next July. After the Lions recovery but subsequent demise, how will his time with the Wallabies be remembered?

Jonathan Drennan of the Sydney Morning Herald joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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Did Ireland get what they needed from returning players? Did newer faces step up?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to give their thoughts.

Meanwhile over in Spain, Ireland’s second string impressed against the tier two nation. Can anyone from that group force their way into senior Irish reckoning any time soon?

Produced by John Casey and JJ Vernon.

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Plenty of interesting selection calls have been made, while a number of high-profile players - Caelan Doris included - return to starting roles.

What are the storylines and performances to watch? Who needs a big display to keep their spot, and who might force their way into first choice reckoning?

John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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After a solid if unspectacular opening hour, Ireland collapsed to a two-score defeat in the final quarter. The Irish kicking game brought plenty of joy, but New Zealand’s bench ultimately turned the contest.

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the action from Ireland’s Chicago trip.

Produced by John Casey.

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What to make of Jack Crowley at outhalf, Stuart McCloskey at centre and Caelan Doris on the bench?

Do Ireland stand any chance of upsetting a New Zealand side which has yet to convince under Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson?

Gerry Thornley is our man on the ground in Chicago. He joins Nathan Johns to build up to Ireland’s Chicago clash with the All Blacks.

Produced by John Casey.

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In these anonymous submissions, D’Arcy was given both praise and constructive yet strong criticism about his early days with Leinster. In his own words, it was the sheet which “changed everything.”

What was said by his peers, how did it affect his behaviour and how did he go on to achieve what he did?

Plus, a review of the opening five rounds of the URC as attention turns to the international stage.

Produced by John Casey and JJ Vernon.

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Brendan joins The Counter Ruck to discuss his book, Touching Distance, to analyse the biggest issues that have affected the game since 2007.

What is Stuart Lancaster’s relationship with Andy Farrell like? What does David Nucifora think of Munster? Are the good times here to stay or already gone?

Produced by John Casey.

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Were Leinster simply undercooked as they continued to bring back their Lions or has the tide turned on this previously one-sided grudge match?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to recap the weekend’s action and look ahead to the ramifications of this game for Ireland’s November series.

Produced by John Casey.

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Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to pick through the more interesting selections. Why has McCarthy risen so quickly up the depth chart? Can Tommy O’Brien force his way in? Why are there so many Leinster players? 

Produced by John Casey.

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Leinster returned to winning ways, Munster won an ill-disciplined affair against Edinburgh, Ulster picked up a statement win over the Bulls while Connacht fell away to Cardiff.

With Harry Byrne impressing for Leinster, will he be included in Wednesday’s Ireland squad announcement? Will he or Sam Prendergast start against Munster?

After Mike Haley picked up a head injury thanks to a high tackle, what, if anything, can rugby do to fix a discipline issue which won’t go away?

How are Leinster and Munster stacking up ahead of their first meeting of the season?

Produced by John Casey.

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Which players that impressed at U20 level have earned an opportunity? What names should we look out for? Is Ireland still strong at producing younger talent? A deep dive into the provincial academy structure.

Produced by John Casey.

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Is there genuine room for concern or is this just a continuation of their difficult relationship with South African trips?

Do Munster look a more cohesive unit as the Croke Park clash looms into view in two rounds’ time?

And what does all of this mean for Ireland selection in the coming weeks? Former Ireland international Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss. 

Produced by John Casey.

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Lynne Cantwell is the IRFU’s head of women's strategy. A former player, she is tasked with making the sport more visible, helping to improve the standard of player while increasing the commercial viability of the game. With better domestic structures needed, the chance for players to develop both at grassroots and professional level, funding is a necessity for the future of the sport.

But how is it all paid for? The financial success of women’s sport more generally is a question plenty of people are grappling with. Lynne Cantwell explains how Irish rugby is doing just that. 

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Stuart Lancaster and Clayton McMillan opened their accounts with victories for Connacht and Munster respectively, while Ulster saw off the Dragons with their attack impressing under the influence of Richie Murphy’s assistant Mark Sexton.

Leinster, though, turned in a horror display down in South Africa.

Could they be staring into a 10-point deficit to their rivals just two weeks into the season?

How did the other provinces impress after round one?

John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss. 

Produced by John Casey.

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Can Connacht bring through their young players into Ireland contention? Will Leinster finally break their European curse?

John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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Joining host Nathan Johns to pick through Munster and Ulster’s prospects is Irish Times rugby writer John O’Sullivan. 

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How did they nearly pull off the unthinkable? What to make of the bite on Aoife Wafer and subsequent punishment? Where does this Irish team go from here?

John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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After attending the match on Sunday, Nathan Johns and Gerry Thornley pick through the talking points.

Where did it go wrong for Ireland? Did they play into New Zealand’s hands with their game plan? Will Aoife Wafer play any time at this tournament? What are their prospects for the French showdown?

Produced by John Casey.

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All seems well, but were there cracks in the performance against two lower ranked teams? How do we balance critiquing displays while acknowledging the achievements of this side?

Irish Times contributor Louise Lawless joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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What made the day a successful one, who impressed and how could Ireland improve ahead of their next game with Spain?

Nathan Johns and Louise Lawless discuss after being in Northampton.

Produced by John Casey.

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What has changed in the last eight years? Are there lessons to be learned from the 2017 disappointment? How important a moment is it that Ireland are now back competing at World Cups?

Former player Lindsay Peat, current assistant coach Larissa Muldoon and Ireland hooker Clíodhna Moloney-MacDonald were all involved in 2017. They join host Nathan Johns to look back at the last eight years.

Produced by John Casey.

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Much of the chatter around this Ireland group has been positive in recent years, thanks to improving Six Nations results and a famous win over the Black Ferns. Yet with key players injured, last-minute call-ups from England and questions on the future of the domestic game, this World Cup build-up doesn’t scream a team about to take off.

Irish Times contributor Louise Lawless joins Nathan Johns to preview the campaign.

Produced by John Casey.

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Ahead of the campaign, Nathan Johns is joined by players Aimee Leigh Costigan and Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald to get an insight into camp. We chat World Cup preparation and the future of the women’s domestic game in Ireland which is set for an overhaul in the coming years.

Produced by John Casey.

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How did Australia come back to salvage some pride? Was it inevitable human nature that the Lions took their foot off the gas once the series was secure? Where does this Lions tour rank in the annals of tours to the southern hemisphere?

Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns all discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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And with Tadhg Furlong in line for his ninth consecutive start for the Lions in Test matches this Saturday, is he in the conversation of greatest ever Irish lion?

John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns preview the third test between the Lions and the Wallabies.

Read about the Lions tour: irishtimes.com/sport/rugby

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the match; how did Australia give Andy Farrell’s side a bloody nose? How did the Lions recover?

Read about the Lions tour: irishtimes.com/sport/rugby

Produced by John Casey.

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Do the Lions need to be popular in their host country? Does any of this matter so long as the Lions win? Are we really talking about the demise of tours to Australia?

Host Nathan Johns is joined by sportswriter at the Sydney Morning Herald, Jonathan Drennan.

Read about the Lions tour: irishtimes.com/sport/rugby

Produced by John Casey.

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A fast start gave way to a middling if not average second half display. Does this give Australia hope of a series comeback, or did the Lions simply take their foot off the gas?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick analyse where the game was won and lost. We also conduct a postmortem on the year for Ireland U20s after they just about avoided a World Cup wooden spoon with a narrow victory over Spain.

Read about the Lions tour: irishtimes.com/sport/rugby

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Will wily Joe have something up his sleeve? Will Saturday turn into a uncompetitive drubbing, a nightmare scenario for the tour as a whole?

Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley is on the ground in Brisbane. He joins Nathan Johns to preview the first Test between the Lions and the Wallabies.

Produced by John Casey.

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What, if anything, did we learn about an Irish side which scored 100+ points against a poor Portuguese side? Is this Lions side genuinely world class, or are they just playing against bad opposition? Will this slow build-up be worth it once the Test series gets underway?

Fancy joining us for our live show? Head to irishtimes.com/events to join Gordon, John, Nathan and Irish Lion Sean O’Brien as we preview the first Test vs Australia.

Got a question for the panel on the night? Email rugbypod@irishtimes.com. 

Produced by John Casey.

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We chat Ireland’s selection of fast wings, Jamie Osborne’s Lions call-up, Andy Farrell’s selection conundrums and take a deep dive into the disappointing U20s campaign at the World Championships.

Like what you hear? Join Nathan, John, Gordon D’Arcy and Seán O’Brien in the Harcourt Bar on July 16th for a Lions preview live show.

Tickets and information here: http://irishtimes.com/events

Produced by John Casey.

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What to make of it all? John O’Sullivan is on his travels following Ireland as he dials in alongside Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns.

The upcoming live Lions podcast will take place Wednesday July 16th at the Harcourt Bar, with special guest Seán O’Brien.

Tickets and information here: http://irishtimes.com/events

Produced by John Casey.

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John O’Sullivan is in Tbilisi for their game against Georgia and he joins Nathan Johns for a detailed breakdown of the tour opener. It’s pelting it down in the days leading up to kick off. Good look facing a Georgian pack in the rain.

Which players are we expecting big things from as plenty look to impress with the frontliners away in Australia? In what positions do Ireland need to build depth? Results aside, what do we need to see to constitute a successful tour?

Over in Australia, Owen Farrell has been called up to replace the injured Elliot Daly. This is no like for like in terms of a positional replacement, so what are the implications for Ireland’s Hugo Keenan as he starts his battle with Blair Kinghorn for the Test 15 shirt?

We’d love to find out what you think of The Counter Ruck podcast and to understand a little more about our listeners.

Please take our survey and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a €100 One4All gift card:

https://www.research.net/r/CounterRuckWebApp

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join host Nathan Johns to chat through all the action while also looking forward to Wednesday’s Lions clash with Queensland, where a familiar face in Les Kiss will be coaching the Reds.

Which Irish players are starting to look Test ready in Australia? What impact did Kiss have on Irish rugby? Have structural issues in the Irish schools game continued to hamper the 20s?

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Given it’s 12 years on from that tour, this is as good an opportunity as any to hear from Court. As much as this is a Lions chat, though, it turns into a fascinating analysis of Irish props and scrums.

How did Court, who didn’t play rugby until the age of 23, play for Ireland A within 16 months of first touching a rugby ball?

Was this an indication of his unique athleticism, or an indictment on Ireland’s ability to develop front rows? Or a bit of both? Given he experienced the system, Court gives his take on how we as a country develop props. What needs to be done to avoid reliance on one man in a certain position (a la Tadhg Furlong) for an extended period?

How do Australia compare in their athlete development? Are we on the way to fixing the problem?

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That is the picture facing Australia at the moment and then some, given the popularity of Rugby League, AFL, cricket, soccer, basketball and countless other codes down under. Yet just over 20 years ago, Australian rugby defied this sporting competition to produce a side good enough to win the 1999 World Cup, beat the Lions in 2001 and narrowly miss out on back-to-back global crowns in 2003. What has changed?

Jonathan Drennan is a Belfast-born journalist working for the Sydney Morning Herald. He joins host Nathan Johns to explain Australian rugby’s recent demise.

Will this Lions tour, combined with hosting duties at the 2027 World Cup, give the sport the injection of eyeballs it needs, or will it bankrupt a once great rugby nation?

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The last time the Lions faced Los Pumas, our own Gordon D’Arcy started at 12 back in 2005.

He joins Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan to reminisce on his own Lions experiences, look ahead to Friday and analyse the place of the Lions in the public psyche. Is it an event which captures the everyday fan’s imagination or simply a corporate juggernaut?

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A first trophy since 2021 was secured by beating the Bulls on Saturday, Leinster climbing the steps of the Hogan Stand in Croke Park to lift a first URC title since the South African sides joined.

What does this mean for the province going forward? Have they cured their mental problems in big games? How will they replace the influence of Jordie Barrett? Is this a side ready to win European titles once again?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend’s action.

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With the Lions contingent away in Australia, this tour will be vital for plugging the gaps and filling areas of weakness as we start to inch towards another World Cup.

Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to discuss all this while looking at why Leinster’s URC playoff run appears to be struggling to capture the public imagination.

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Munster’s shootout defeat to the Sharks in Durban has dominated the headlines, no least for the home side’s attempts to throw Munster’s kickers off their game. This inevitably opened up a wider chat on kick tricks and the dark arts in rugby more generally.

Plus, do Leinster look like a side on the cusp of a title after their unconvincing Scarlets win? What do we need to see from them over the next fortnight to end their silverware drought?

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He breaks down the future landscape for free-to-air rugby in Ireland, analyses France’s domination of the Champions Cup, looks at the chances of Noel McNamara returning home and more.

Alongside host Nathan Johns, talk also turns to injuries ahead of the provincial run in the URC knockouts, and the importance of Leinster lifting the domestic trophy at the end of the campaign.

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Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss rugby’s place in the sporting calendar, how important it is that Leinster win the URC this year, the mentality of winning and losing as well as the newly announced Club World Cup set for 2028.

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We all know of their on-field talent, the likes of Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Damian Penaud and Mathieu Jalibert playing a brand of rugby which is easy on the eye.

Of course, with Joey Carbery and Noel McNamara involved, there is Irish interest in the French side as they prepare for Saturday’s Champions Cup final. But how has the on-field product built into their off-field success? Is their rise an indication of France’s domestic success, as rugby’s television rights continues to dwarf those of football’s Ligue 1? To what extent can this story be repeated elsewhere?

Host Nathan Johns is joined on the podcast by France-based rugby journalist James Harrington.

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Gordon, as a former Sevens player, is well placed to offer insight on the merits of Sevens for players moving into 15s. John has covered the Sevens team as extensively as anyone in recent years and he offers his experience as he dwells on the decision.

Do rugby’s financials leave the IRFU with any other choice? Is Sevens simply a luxury which cannot be afforded? Why cut the men’s team but not the women’s?

Does this move place too much faith in Ireland’s academy structures, narrowing an already small talent pool? Was this decision handled in the best way possible?

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Enda McNulty, a former All-Ireland winner with Armagh, worked with both Leinster and Ireland as a sports psychologist.

He joins Gordon D’Arcy - with whom he worked during his playing days - to look at the importance of sports psychology in winning environments. Does sport psychology work? How do you get players to buy in? Why did Leinster and Ireland under Joe Schmidt embrace training the mind so readily? To what extent can previous success be attributed to training the mind? 

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Yet the crowds were on the low side, despite what was on the line. Does the public simply have a case of rugby fatigue? Perhaps the season stretches on too long, with emotional energy being preserved for the URC knockouts, Ireland’s summer tour and of course the Lions’ trip to Australia.

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to figure out how to capture the public imagination with the URC, drawing comparison to France where club rugby still seems to be top dog. Plus, D’Arcy gives a masterclass of international centre play, explaining why the job is more difficult than you think and why some Irish players are struggling with the nuances of the role.

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A man who was belatedly called up to that squad 16 years ago, Gordon D’Arcy, casts his eye alongside the latest crop. Alongside John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns, who attended the launch bash in London, this episode delves into the runners and riders, along with those who may have been unfortunate to miss out.

Do Ireland deserve to have so many tourists? Would Caelan Doris have been captain if fit? Why does this squad have the lowest Welsh representation since the war? Are any Irish players, such as Robbie Henshaw or Sam Prendergast, unlucky to have missed out?

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How did they do what no other team has done since 2016, let alone this year? Is Leinster’s galactico bubble burst? Why did they not start Jordie Barrett?

If Leinster aren’t going to win in Europe this year with this squad at their disposal, when will they?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the latest defeat, the extent of the damage and work out where the province can go from here.

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Joining Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns on today’s episode is a man who played for both sides in his career, James Downey. A centre back in his day, Downey lined up directly opposite D’Arcy in the infamous comeback final in 2011, Leinster overturning a 22-6 half-time deficit to win their second Heineken Cup.

The story of Leinster’s turnaround has been well told at this stage, but Downey gives a unique perspective from the Northampton side. Where did it all go wrong? As a player who left Leinster early in his career in search of opportunities, not to mention his current role as an agent, Downey also provides a unique perspective on a current hot topic in Irish rugby; player movement and the talent backlog at Leinster.

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The playoff picture currently being painted leaves just one province, Leinster, playing knockout rugby in the coming weeks. There are also Champions Cup permutations. As it stands, Munster, Connacht and Ulster won’t be playing top tier European rugby next season, a result which would be borderline disastrous - for Munster particularly given they have an incoming new head coach.

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend. Where did it all go wrong, and will any Irish side improve over the final few weeks of the season?

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While not quite at culture war levels, the use of extra forwards has prompted a strong rebuke, as either dangerous, against the spirit of the game, or both, from plenty of those involved in the game.

One of those is Owen Doyle. A former international referee and current Irish Times columnist, he joins Nathan Johns to talk through World Rugby’s latest law development. Should the 7-1 split be outlawed, or is it simply a case of clever innovation, leaving the rest of the world to catch up?

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Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to explore what can be done. How did it get to this stage in the first place? Are the English clubs truly dedicated to the competition? How have TV rights issues played into the problem? How can we fix the Champions Cup?

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Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the move. Does it make sense, both from a positional and character sense, given Ioane’s role as a pantomime villain when facing Ireland last year? Should Leinster be allowed to continually make these signings by the IRFU? Is it a case of the rich getting richer? Will Ioane block the development of younger Irish players? Or is Irish rugby right to let the free market do its work?

John O’Sullivan, our resident U20s expert, also breaks down the shock decision of Reuben Crothers to retire from rugby just three years after leading Ireland to underage Grand Slam glory. 

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Alongside the Northampton game, Gordon joins John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns to discuss the weekend’s rugby. Munster’s lineout woes cost them dear in Bordeaux, but what else is holding them back from a magic European run? Toulouse were tested by Toulon on Sunday, does this indicate they may not be the same juggernaut which beat Leinster last year? After back-to-back games where their opponents failed to score, are Leinster in imperious form or have they simply not been battle tested by quality opposition? What does this say for their semi-final and final prospects?

Plus, Ireland in theory narrowed the gap to England after a defeat in the women’s Six Nations. How did they go about closing the gap to the title favourites, and are they continuing to build positively ahead of the World Cup?

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The coach leading their famed attack, is another man with Munster roots, the Co Clare native Noel McNamara.

Irish Times rugby writer John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to explore the Irish links to the French club. Was moving to Bordeaux the right move for Carbery? Where would he sit in the Irish outhalf pecking order if he moved home?

Should Irish rugby look to get McNamara back involved in their system given the performances of Bordeaux’s attack? How did a non-traditional rugby city start churning out the best attendance numbers in the Top 14? Can Munster pull off another upset on the road in France? 

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How did Munster pull off the upset in France? Is this another peak for the province to be followed by a trough, or can they back it up against Bordeaux? Is Leinster’s attack back firing, or was their drubbing of Harlequins just another example of the flawed Champions Cup structure? Albeit in defeat, have Ulster turned a corner with the likes of Jacob Stockdale and James McNabney impressing? Which players boosted their summer international hopes, either with the Lions or Ireland?

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The past few weeks of URC action, while throwing up plenty of intriguing storylines, has been a reminder of how much interest in the national game drives the sport here. Rugby is at somewhat of a crossroads, financially speaking.

Simon Keogh, the CEO of Rugby Players Ireland, represents the interests of players in the wider discussions on the future of the game. A former Leinster and Harlequins scrumhalf and wing, he joins The Counter Ruck alongside Nathan Johns and his former teammate Gordon D’Arcy.

We chat memories of playing with and against each other, the infamous Bloodgate match between Leinster and ‘Quins, as well as the current state of the sport from the players perspective. What are the pressing issues facing players today? Does the Irish system allow for better player management than other countries? How does rugby become a financially sustainable entity?

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How did Connacht fail to take advantage of Munster’s red card in the test in the west? How much do we read into the Leinster youngsters beating the Sharks, or is that particular South African team always prone to madness? Are we finally seeing Ulster’s exciting back line turn a corner?

Speaking of back lines, Ireland finally take the handbrake off in a record Six Nations win over Italy.

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The launch event was impressive in parts, a reminder of the corporate behemoth the Lions has become. But does this commercial standing come at the cost of the Lions ethos?

John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns - who attended the launch event in London - to discuss the place of the Lions in modern rugby.

Plus, with only Paul O’Connell remaining on the Irish ticket for this summer’s tour of Portugal and Georgia, does the Lions tour deprive Ireland of their key coaches ahead of an important tour for a side in transition? Or, is the opportunity for coach development too good to pass up? We hear from Andy Farrell himself, as well as other Irish coaches who will be travelling down under.

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Is this what we want to see from rugby matches, though? Do we want a basketball style, end-to-end product wherever whoever has the ball last takes on the final shot to win?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend’s action and assess the state of the game. Is this an issue of how rugby is officiated? What to make of defence coaches’ role in all this? Are we catering too much to new audiences or younger people with shorter attention spans?

Plus, we review the women’s Six Nations where Ireland lost to France, albeit in a way which avoided the heavy defeats of years gone by. Did Ireland’s coaching staff cleverly manage to stick a plaster on the talent gap, or are Ireland making serious strides? Is the domestic game adequately preparing the players for the top level? 

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John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to chat through all the talking points. We also preview the women’s Six Nations, analysing if lopsided results in the Celtic Challenge have given Ireland proper preparation for their French challenge this weekend.

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John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy were in Rome to take in a clunky victory over Italy and they join host Nathan Johns to dissect the game and the tournament as a whole. Where do Ireland go from here? How will they evolve under Simon Easterby? Does this look a jaded group in need of a refresh? Which players should we keep an eye out on the summer tour? How much of a job will Andy Farrell have on his hands next season to revitalise a group still lacking depth?

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Alongside D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and host Nathan Johns, Aboud appears on The Counter Ruck ahead of Ireland’s clash with Italy. In a lengthy chat, Aboud explains why he is hopeful Italian rugby will continue to grow, while he also addresses the reasons behind his brief departure.

Given Aboud’s talent development expertise, the group get into an in-depth discussion on the best ways to visualise and grow the game, and how to produce the best players. Ireland’s production line is widely praised, but how does it actually look under the hood? Are things as rosy as they seem?

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Where did it all go wrong?

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through what was a French defensive masterclass. Following on from last week’s episode on talent development, the pair discuss how France had more powerful, game-changing athletes than Ireland. We also analyse the performance of Ireland’s halfbacks as well as how Ireland’s attack struggles to break down a certain kind of defensive system. 

Longer term, is this the time to rotate the team, to make wholesale changes, or was this result just part of sport’s cyclical, variable nature? Was this a sea change, a sign of France’s growing power in this rivalry or should we not panic just yet?

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Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to preview the clash. What does Ireland’s selection of Jamie Osborne as Mack Hansen’s injury replacement tell us of the impending game plan? Will Ireland continue to be a kick-heavy team? What to make of France’s attack scoring a plethora of tries so far in this competition? 

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Is this just a case of a different system of talent development, or is France ahead of Ireland? For all the talk of Ireland’s impressive U20 pipeline, is it producing enough to keep up with bigger nations? Gordon D’Arcy joins John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns to discuss.

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Ireland’s development pathway receives regular praise for punching above its weight. However, was last weekend a reminder of the cyclical nature of talent identification, or are there deeper underlying issues? What to make of the coaching staffs of both junior sides? Did they make the correct decisions, tactically and in terms of selection? 

Despite the results, were there any players who furthered their cause, who enhanced their reputation in a bid to kickstart an international career?

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Also on the agenda is France’s impressive dismantling of Italy. Can Ireland take anything of comfort from that display? Were there clues as to how they can keep their grand slam bid alive when the French come to Dublin?

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Are there any areas where Wales can challenge some of Ireland’s more inexperienced players? How will Ireland’s lineout fare? Is this simply a show of Irish strength in depth? Will there be any sort of new coach bounce for Wales under the closed Cardiff roof now Matt Sherratt has replaced Warren Gatland?

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However, across the first two rounds of the tournament, Ireland have ranked second bottom of all six teams for lineout success rate. This fits in with the narrative of the Irish coaches battling to fix a set-piece which hasn’t always fired. Devin Toner was Leinster and Ireland’s lineout guru during his playing days. He joins Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns to look back at how he became such an effective set-piece specialist. Who was the best lineout operator he worked with? Do Ireland’s current lineout aficionados have the knowledge required to form a quality set piece? How do Ireland still have success as the lineout numbers remain less than ideal?

We also hear from John O’Sullivan on the weekend’s rugby news. All four provinces were in action with Leinster, Munster and Connacht winning - Ulster lost on the road to Benetton - while there is also some international news. A number of new players have been called into the Six Nations squad, while the Ireland A group to take on England in Bristol has also been revealed.

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The country’s growing apathy towards their national team also comes up for discussion, with the runners and riders for Gatland’s replacement thrown in for good measure. One name, familiar to Irish fans, will be of particular interest.

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The panel explain how Ireland’s game plan dismantled Scotland’s dangerous attack, withstanding a handful of counter-punches to once again assert their superiority. With the Six Nations now heading into a rest week, Ireland’s impressive form under Simon Easterby is analysed, alongside their chances of securing a Grand Slam.

Elsewhere, we pick through Wales’ ongoing decline after their defeat to Italy. France’s implosion in Twickenham is also up for discussion; have we finally seen Antoine Dupont show his human side?

Finally, what of the Ireland U20s, who got their Six Nations campaign back on track with victory over Scotland?

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Nigel Carolan is an Irishman on the inside of Scottish rugby. Originally from Galway, he coached Ireland U20s before becoming Glasgow Warriors’ attack coach. Working with the likes of Huw Jones, Stafford MacDowall and Sione Tuipulotu on a daily basis, he offers unrivalled insight into what makes this dangerous Scottish attack click. Alongside Irish Times sportswriter John O’Sullivan, Carolan analyses how Ireland might stop Scotland’s backline, as well as how the Irish attack, much improved against England, might break through the Scottish wall.

Gerry Thornley joins us later in the podcast to react to the surprise Ireland team selection, with Peter O’Mahony named to start as he resumes his rivalry with Scottish teams. Fresh off Simon Easterby’s press conference, Thornley offers his analysis of why Ireland have picked the team they have.

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Still, Ireland looked both better coached and more instinctive than an England side which caused problems in the first half. How did Simon Easterby and co rise to the challenge of working without Andy Farrell to prepare this Irish side? Did we expect them to be so rampant in that second half? How important were the contributions of James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park and the returning Dan Sheehan? What does this mean for hopes of a record third title in a row?

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Link: http://www.justgiving.com/team/grandtourcore

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Will Greenwood and Gordon D’Arcy toured together on the 2005 Lions tour. We reunite the two former centres to pick through England specifically. Why has their backline not yet clicked with Marcus Smith at 10? Is Borthwick under pressure for his job? Despite their losing run, are England on the cusp of turning the corner and becoming a threat?

Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley also joins us to pick through Ireland’s selection. Should we surprised that Sam Prendergast got the nod at 10? Are Ireland worried about the lineout? Can the scrum survive without Tadhg Furlong and Joe McCarthy?

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Did the likes of James Lowe and Dan Sheehan do enough to prove their fitness for Leinster to be included? Who will start in the coveted outhalf jersey? Who should line out at centre?

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to preview the week ahead. Gordon also offers insight into how to prepare for commentating on a Six Nations match ahead of his stint in the Aviva Stadium gantry, while he details why calf injuries - of the sort which have ruled Tadhg Furlong out of the England game - are so difficult to overcome.

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Des Berry is the authoritative voice when it comes to covering the Leinster Schools Senior Cup. He joins John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns to look at this year’s draw. Who are the young names we should look out for? Who have been the best schoolboy players down through the years? Are Blackrock College and St Michael’s once again the favourites this year, or can another school spring a surprise?

We also look at competitions in Munster and Connacht which have already gotten underway, while we chat through the decision to play an Ulster Senior Cup tie as a curtain raiser to a senior provincial game. 

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Gordon d’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss all this and more, including centres being thrown at the lineout, RG Snyman vs Dupont and the impact of the new laws on the game. 

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John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to discuss all this and more, including Dan Sheehan’s apparent fast recovery from an ACL injury.

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Gordon D’Arcy believes the bigger picture thinking should be placed to one side for now and that Leinster should be pleased to have come out of a difficult environment with the win. John O’Sullivan, on the other hand, points to a number of concerning trends in the Leinster performance which he thinks do not bode well for the future. 

Who is right in this debate? Only time will tell. 

On this edition of The Counter Ruck, the panel also discusses another European night in Thomond to remember for Munster, Connacht’s prospects of winning the Challenge Cup and Ulster’s implosion away to Leicester. 

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Alongside Gordon D’Arcy, who Cheika coached, The Counter Ruck looks back on the Australian’s time in Dublin. How did he convince the top Leinster brass to take a punt on an unproven coach? Did the Leinster players need a good kick up the backside? Are there parallels between Leinster then and Leicester now? Why is Cheika seen as ’the turnaround man’, the coach to call when a side needs an upturn in fortunes?

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Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan both attended Saturday’s game and run through the talking points. How does this crop compare to other years? Who are the young players to watch out for? Who will most likely go on to have strong professional careers? What to make of the latest young outhalf talent?

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Will Byrne’s move open the floodgates as a model for staying affiliated to your home side while also earning game time, or is this a once off move which only works in these particular circumstances? Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through the transfer news and its implications for the wider Irish rugby system. 

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But are Leinster now too brilliantly boring? The power game is good enough to beat injury-hit sides such as Munster, but can they also show the required flashes of creativity to beat better teams? Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through Leinster’s current development, as well as the issues which prevent sides like Munster form keeping pace with their provincial rivals.

We also chat through Ulster’s shock win over Connacht. Have they turned a corner, or did they simply come up with a one-off game plan which cannot be replicated in the coming weeks?

Gordon also tells us about the difficulties of being a player over the Christmas period, while he compares the differing, but no less complex challenges of running through Munster defences to keeping children asleep for Santa.

Produced by John Casey.

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This season, 10 Leinster players have their salaries paid by the governing body via central contracts, the other provinces combined have three. Is this a cycle of dominance, or a worrying portend of Leinster pulling ahead and destroying competitive balance in the provinces?

Gordon D'Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss the issue, how we got here and what can be done about it. 

This episode was first published in April 2024.

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to look back on the year that was, while also pointing to what needs to improve for 2025 to bring more success to Irish rugby.

Produced by John Casey.

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Joining Nathan Johns to review the women’s game in 2024 is Fiona Reidy, a former international and current director of rugby at AIL champions UL Bohemian, and John Cronin, a senior coach at Railway Union. As women’s rugby looks to expand and introduce more professionalism, what needs to happen at domestic level to ensure the current national success continues?

Produced by John Casey.

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All of which begs the question, is the Champions Cup on its last legs? Why should TV companies pay for the rights and fans pay for tickets if the early stages of the tournament only matter to a handful of teams?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to talk through the ramifications, as well as this weekend’s provincial and club rugby action.

Produced by John Casey.

Clips: A charging deer takes out a player / A razzle dazzle chip and chase for St Marys.

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With Munster returning to Castres this weekend and another Lions tour down under approaching, Henderson joins Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan. From exorbitant room service bills to praise for The Counter Ruck’s very own Gordon D’Arcy, Henderson recounts the best bits of a storied career which led up to Irish rugby’s modern era of success.

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join host Nathan Johns to pick through this issue which could become all the more pressing. One Irish wing did stand out from the weekend. Connacht’s Chay Mullins finally debuted after a lengthy stint playing Sevens. Could he be the answer?

The panel also discuss how Europe no longer comes with the fanfare of years gone by, the quality of officiating from the weekend as well as the best of the provincial action.

Produced by John Casey.

Clips: A worldie from Shane Daly / Genius from Brian O’Driscoll / Lightning pace from Louis Bielle-Biarrey. 

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Famous for his attack-heavy philosophy, Lam’s teams are always fun to watch, with the man himself saying those tuning in this weekend can expect to see a lot of similarities between Bristol and his Connacht side. In a wide-ranging interview on The Counter Ruck, Lam explains his rugby philosophy and why he thinks it will ultimately bring Bristol trophies, reminisces on his time with Connacht including the signing of Bundee Aki, while he also looks back on his friendship with Anthony Foley, the former Munster coach who tragically died back in 2016.

Produced by John Casey.

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What are Ireland actually doing differently, and are enough young players being blooded to ensure exciting times are ahead? All these questions and more are answered by Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns. We also look at the mental challenges of being involved in what promises to be a never-ending outhalf debate, while delving into the worrying financial picture currently facing the sport.

Produced by John Casey.

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But are his methods conducive to long term Australian success? Towards the end of his time on these shores, he became renowned for prescriptive rugby, for instructing his players to minimise risk. Does this chime with the historical Aussie penchant for attacking flair?

Gordon D’Arcy used to play under Schmidt at Leinster and Ireland. Alongside Nathan Spooner, the former Leinster and Australia outhalf, we talk through Schmidt’s philosophy. Is he as one-dimensional a coach as people might think? Can he adapt his own methods to stay ahead of the game? What is Schmidt doing differently with Australia to what he implemented with Ireland? Does rugby’s move to a more unstructured game plan suit Ireland or Australia better?

We also look back at the 2001 Celtic League Cup final, where D’Arcy and Spooner combined in the Leinster backline to secure a famous victory over Munster at Lansdowne Road.

Produced by John Casey.

Email the pod on rugbypod@irishtimes.com.

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Andy Farrell was largely vindicated in his squad rotation, but what does that mean for the matchday squad ahead of the final match of this window? What is the Joe Schmidt effect of next Saturday’s visit of the Wallabies?

Produced by John Casey.

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Is it their thrilling style of play, nostalgia for larger than life characters of years past, or simply the fact that they have improved to be a genuine threat at rugby’s top table?

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to chat through their memories of Fijian rugby. Gordon recalls a difficult day marking Sevens legend Waisale Serevi, while John points out his fondness for a number of Fijian payers he has covered.

The panel also analyses Fiji’s structural improvement under former Leinster assistant coach Mick Byrne. Are they now a genuine threat to beat Ireland for the first time in their history?

Produced by John Casey.

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Host Nathan Johns argues that England’s superior attacking game means it’s more likely everything else will click in time, while former Ireland international Gordon D’Arcy prefers to be developing a winning habit, even if it isn’t pretty.

Who is right will become evident during next year’s Six Nations. For now, Nathan, Gordon and John O’Sullivan pick through Ireland’s win over Felipe Contepomi’s Argentina. Why is the formerly potent attack stalling? Are the forwards providing enough ballast? What to make of the ongoing outhalf merry-go-round? Will widespread changes be made for the visit of Fiji?

Produced by John Casey.

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Now in the middle of their November tour of Europe, the former Leinster outhalf has called on his charges to back up last week’s thumping win over Italy with another stellar performance at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night.

Produced by John Casey.

Clip: Felipe’s delightful chip and chase against Munster.

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John O’Sullivan returns to The Counter Ruck alongside Gordon D’Arcy and host Nathan Johns to conduct the post mortem on what was a bitterly disappointing Friday evening. Featuring reaction from Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, the panel looks at what can change ahead of the visit of Argentina.

Produced by John Casey.

Clip: Fiji’s Josua Tuisova with a handoff for the ages (from 3.53).

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We look back at when Mehrtens played in Lansdowne Road in 2001, swap debut stories and tales of jersey hunting while previewing where Friday night’s clash will be won and lost.

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Clip: Some Mehrtens magic against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in 2001 (from 48.15).

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Joining host Nathan Johns on The Counter Ruck is D’Arcy himself as he looks back on the emotion of coming so close to turning New Zealand over. Featuring tears, defensive mistakes and shaved beards, stories of Ireland and the All Blacks will never be short of intrigue. We also look back on New Zealand’s narrow win over England, picking apart what Ireland can learn ahead of Friday night’s showdown.

Produced by John Casey.

Clip: Adam Hastings with the outrageous backdoor pass.

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Joining host Nathan Johns on today’s episode of The Counter Ruck is Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley. We chat the potential options on Munster’s shortlist and why none of them would be straightforward immediate hires. Is the Munster job actually that attractive? What are the pitfalls as well as the allurements of Thomond Park? Does the new boss have to come from within? And do they need to be Irish?

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns react to the news, analysing why the move reflects a difficult time ahead for the province. What next for Munster and interim boss Ian Costello?

We also react to the rest of the weekend’s action including a thumping win for the All Blacks as they gear up for their trip to Dublin.

Produced by John Casey.

Clip: Opeti Helu marks his Japan debut with a sensational try (11:20).

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In the week that Cardiff host Ulster in the URC, Ireland also named their squad for the Autumn Nations Series. Only five props were picked, with the likelihood being a 37-year-old Cian Healy will once again line out as second choice loosehead.

Byrne joins The Counter Ruck to talk through his life in Cardiff, why he decided to move and how he’s adapting to the challenge of more consistent game time. He also gives his take on why Ireland aren’t consistently developing international props, as well as the practice of players moving province in a bid to amplify their international career.

We also chat through the two young Leinster props named to the Ireland training panel. Having trained with them over a number of years, does Byrne think Jack Boyle and Thomas Clarkson add much needed depth?

Produced by John Casey.

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We also discuss RG Snyman’s impact at Leinster, the merits of artificial pitches, Jacob Stockdale’s rise back up the pecking order and a growing sense of optimism at Ulster.

Produced by John Casey.

Clips: RG Snyman’s try (2.31) and Windy Wexford Wanderers

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Equally, outgoing World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont caused a stir last week when he said rugby’s replacement culture - adding extra forwards to the bench akin to South Africa’s bomb squad - is a danger in the game.

Former referee and current Irish times columnist Owen Doyle joins The Counter Ruck host Nathan Johns to discuss the merits of the new laws, as well as to debate other potential measures which should be considered.

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the main talking points of the weekend’s action. Is the international pecking order at scrumhalf being threatened? What to make of the mess at scrum time? Will Ireland have any hookers left standing for November?

Produced by John Casey.

Get in touch by emailing rugbypod@irishtimes.com

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She joins host Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan to give an insight into Ireland’s recent good form.

Produced by John Casey.

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Alongside host Nathan Johns and Irish Times rugby writer John O’Sullivan, D’Arcy charts the history of this provincial rivalry through the professional era.

We also chat through which players have impressed so far on the Emerging Ireland tour while recapping Ireland women’s defeat to Canada.

Produced by John Casey.

Have a question for the panel? Get in touch at rugbypod@irishtimes.com

Clip: Leinster v Munster, 2001 Celtic Cup Final, Gordon’s try at 5.29”.

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Caithriona Yeomans from the IRFU and Terenure College RFC’s Seán Skehan explain how these new laws have changed the grassroots game.

Produced by John Casey.

You can get in touch with The Counter Ruck at rugbypod@irishtimes.com

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John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to pick through the game and where Ireland can go from here. We also talk through Gordon’s record-breaking weekend and a mixed bag of results for the provinces.

Produced by John Casey.

Clip: Ireland’s last-gasp winner against New Zealand.

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How has France cracked the domestic rugby code, what is it about the Top14 which makes it commercially viable?

French rugby journalist James Harrington joins The Counter Ruck to talk through the league’s development, and to pick out what, if anything, other leagues can learn.

Produced by John Casey.

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We look at how Felipe Contepomi has turned Argentina around, how Ireland took the number one world ranking back from South Africa, and which halfbacks impressed in the provinces.

Monday clips: How to kick five points from the tee / Commentators curse Halfpenny / Contepomi classic

Produced by John Casey

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On this episode of The Counter Ruck host Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to talk through the merits of the tour, pick out the players to watch, a few head scratching calls and lay out what will constitute success.

Produced by John Casey.

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We also talk through provincial recruitment while analysing why the Irish provinces are so appetising for English rugby.

Clip - Fiji's Peni Ravai succumbs to an invisible tackle: https://x.com/WorldRugby/status/1834931315763802437

Produced by John Casey.

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Having returned from covering the recent tour of South Africa, John regales us with tales of lost luggage and close shaves with the local wildlife. We also chat through the history of famous Irish drop-goals, with Gordon throwing one of his own efforts into the ring, while we hand out some end of season awards to the players involved.

Produced by John Casey.

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All this is discussed on more on the latest episode of The Counter Ruck. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Produced by John Casey.

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Produced by John Casey.

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Having previously worked with Munster and Ireland under Joe Schmidt, Foy moved to New Zealand two years ago. As well as number crunching in rugby, he previously did analysis work for the Dublin footballers.

What exactly is the role of the analyst? Is it all numbers and nerds? How do these video boffins get buy in from players and coaches? Has rugby as a sport undergone an analytics revolution previously seen in other sports? Adam gives us his thoughts in the aftermath of a successful season with the Blues.

Produced by John Casey.

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Is Leo Cullen’s job under pressure? How did Munster let things slip at home? Why does Andy Farrell see his players differently to the provincial pecking order? Tune in to find out.

Produced by John Casey.

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Also on the podcast, Gordon D'Arcy joins host Nathan Johns to preview Leinster's trip to South Africa to take on the Bulls as well as that Munster vs Glasgow clash.

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns discuss how Ulster have improved and what constitutes success in Murphy’s rebuilding project.

Produced by John Casey.

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Joining host Nathan Johns to pick through the news as well as the actual rugby taking place on Saturday is former Ireland international Gordon D'Arcy.

Produced by John Casey.

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Have they got that balance right? Are they alienating traditional fans? Is there an irreconcilable difference between attitudes towards the game in the northern and southern hemispheres?

Former referee Owen Doyle joins host Nathan Johns to talk through the changes. 

Produced by John Casey.

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Nathan Johns, Gordon D'Arcy and John O'Sullivan look back at the last time Leinster played in Croke Park, when one member of the panel scored a memorable try. They also discuss whether the venue has a bearing on the game and what sort of game we can expect on Saturday

Part two is an interview with Northampton's head coach Sam Vesty, focusing on the Saints' defensive improvements, recruitment strategy, attacking philosophies, and the key role of players like Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell in their game plan.

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Critics of the move say that the measure risks admitting defeat in the battle to change player behaviour and eradicate high tackles as a result of poor technique. The impending decision has been pitted as a battle of philosophies, of attitudes of leniency towards high shots both sides of the equator.

Owen Doyle, a former international referee and an Irish Times columnist, joins Gordon D'Arcy and Nathan Johns to discuss the potential new law and what impact it could have.

Produced by John Casey.

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Next season, 10 Leinster players will have their salaries paid by the governing body via central contracts, the other provinces combined have three. Is this a cycle of dominance, or a worrying portend of Leinster pulling ahead and destroying competitive balance in the provinces?

Gordon D'Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss the issue, how we got here and what can be done about it. 

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D'Arcy also joins host Nathan Johns to talk through the best of the weekend's rugby action including Leinster's win, sickly Munster's defeat and some eye-catching moments from the southern hemisphere. 

Produced by John Casey.

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Also on this episode of The Counter Ruck, John O'Sullivan breaks down Ireland women's defeat to Italy in the Six Nations. 

Produced by John Casey.

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A week on from the Six Nations, we look at which fringe internationals, now playing before the return of European action, have the best chance of forcing their way into Andy Farrell’s reckoning ahead of the summer tour to South Africa.

Produced by John Casey.

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John Cronin was director of rugby at Railway Union RFC, coaching a number of current and former Ireland internationals. He has been a prominent voice in the media and on social media advocating for change in the women's game. He joins John O'Sullivan and host Nathan Johns to preview the upcoming tournament, assess the balance between Ireland Sevens and 15s, debate the introduction and omission of certain key players and assess if Ireland can avoid once again finishing at the bottom of the table. 

Produced by John Casey.

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Ireland weren’t perfect, but had enough to get over the line against Scotland to earn back-to-back titles for just the third time. Given the way the final matches unfolded, have teams started to figure out the Irish attack? Was this the last we will see of Peter O’Mahony in a green jersey? How will the other teams look to progress after a very competitive tournament? Our panel picks through these issues and more in the latest episode of The Counter Ruck.

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D'Arcy and John O'Sullivan join host Nathan Johns to preview this weekend's Six Nations title showdown.

Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound.

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Hopes of back-to-back Grand Slams are gone, offering a timely reminder of just how difficult it is to win it all.

Gordon D’Arcy and Gerry Thornley join host Nathan Johns to pick through where it all went wrong for Ireland, where England excelled and why a Six Nations title, even without a Grand Slam, is not to be sniffed at.

Produced by John Casey.

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Where are England in this transition period? Will their blitz defence cause problems? Have we learned anything new from the Ireland team selection? All this is and more is discussed as the panel predict a strong England performance that will test Ireland's Grand Slam ambitions.

Produced by John Casey and Suzanne Brennan.

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We also discuss how Dallaglio could have declared for Ireland, his memories of touring for the Lions with D’Arcy as well as England’s muddled thinking in this year’s championship.

Produced by John Casey.

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John O’Sullivan has covered age grade international sides for a number of years, and he joins host Nathan Johns to recall his memories of following Irish teams around the world.

From dramatic penalty shoot-outs vs South Africa to meeting players’ parents, John has plenty of stories regarding Ireland’s young players.

We also look at the efficacy of the system. Does Ireland bring their U20 graduates through to senior level quickly enough? Do our young players get enough game time? Can the provinces alone offer the best youth talent an outlet to grow?

Produced by John Casey.

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How did Wales stilt the Irish attack somewhat? Just how good is Ireland’s defence? Does Andy Farrell have a replacement bench to rival the South African bomb squad? 

The panel chats through all the talking points from the Irish victory, as well as the other notable games from the weekend. England, Ireland’s next opponents, come in for some heavy criticism after their defeat to Scotland, while France’s downfall under Fabien Galthié brings to mind memories of the end of the Joe Schmidt Ireland era in 2019.  

Produced by John Casey 

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Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join host Nathan Johns to react to Andy Farrell’s team announcement. The panel looks at if there were any other options to replace Keenan, is picking a 6/2 split on the bench somewhat of a risk and why Stuart McCloskey makes the bench instead of Garry Ringrose. 

Saturday’s opponents, Wales, also are analysed in detail. We look at if Sam Costelow will change their game plan at outhalf. Given the threat of Tommy Reffell to the Irish breakdown, Gordon D’Arcy recalls preparing to face previous dangerous Welsh flankers and how Ireland can nullify the Leicester backrow. 

Produced by John Casey.

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A second half comeback against Scotland and a strong opening 40 minutes in Twickenham vs England have allowed Wales to already exceed the expectations. Ahead of their trip to Dublin to take on Ireland this weekend, Mike Bubbins, a former Cardiff and Wales underage backrow, joins Gordon D’Arcy and host Nathan Johns to talk through Wales’ resurgence of sorts. 

The panel discuss Wales coach Warren Gatland’s decision to rely on a younger cohort of players, the attacking brand of rugby displayed by domestic sides and how the country looks to recover from a turbulent 12 months of financial trouble, administration controversies and middling performances on the pitch. 

Produced by John Casey.

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Against France, Andrew Porter was penalised twice in quick succession in the first half. After half-time, the French replacement front row eked out a further penalty, cementing a clear advantage.

Scrumming down against Italy, Ireland fared much better, winning as many as four scrum penalties, but still conceding a handful of decisions.

“Your reputation precedes you, good or bad,” says Mike Ross, the former Ireland tighthead prop.

“For some reason we’ve been identified as a side that can give penalties away in the scrum. Sometimes I would question if the referees are actually looking at what they’re seeing or going with preconceived notions.”

When there can be such volatility, Ireland finding themselves on the back foot one week only to dominate in the next fixture, questions arise. Is it the opposition, personnel, a different referee interpretation?

Ross joined host Nathan Johns on The Counter Ruck Podcast on this Six Nations down week to take a deep dive into Ireland's scrum. Is the scrum a concern, how important is it and do officials referee the set piece consistently? 

Produced by John Casey.

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We also talk through Wales being more competitive than previously thought, the low standard of play across the board so far in the tournament and the infamous TMO decision that left Scotland reeling. With the Six Nations taking a break this weekend, Gerry and John pick their player of the opening rounds of action. 

Produced by Declan Conlon and John Casey.

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Italy's new head coach, Gonzalo Quesada, is a former teammate of Contempomi. The former Leinsterman tells us what to expect from his old friend as he prepares his Italian side for their clash with Ireland at the Aviva on Sunday afternoon.

Contepomi also discusses his time coaching Leinster's trio of young out-halves and why he believes the province is right to spread game time between them, as well as how he has adapted to coaching given how much rugby has evolved from his playing days.

Produced by Declan Conlon and John Casey.

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We discuss the French media's strong reaction, how Ireland looked a better-coached side, the impressive second row pairing of Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne as well as Jack Crowley's coming-of-age performance at out-half. We also analyse if Ireland has a scrum problem, while looking at the U20s win over France in Aix-en-Provence.

Produced by Declan Conlon and John Casey. JJ Vernon on sound.

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With both teams exiting last year’s World Cup at the quarter-final stage, a opening round win will go some way to deciding the winner of this Six Nations tournament. In terms of Irish players to watch out for, Jack Crowley steps in to fill the void left by the now-retired Johnny Sexton at fly-half, while Leinster lock Joe McCarthy is a hugely exciting prospect.

While watching Ireland’s captain’s run, Gerry talks through team selection and where the game could be won and lost for Ireland.

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The panel discusses selection, captaincy and Ireland's poor record following World Cup campaigns.

We also hear from Clare native Noel McNamara, the attack coach at Union Bordeaux-Begles. Newly installed at the French club, McNamara works on a daily basis with a number of players in the France squad, most notably Maxime Lucu, the man expected to be tasked with replacing the absent Antoine Dupont. 

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