Craggy Rugby podcast

Leinster review May 2024

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 14:00:50 GMT

Connacht's season ended with a whimper, William Davies and Rob Murphy pick through the bones of a depressing defeat while we hear the post match thoughts of Pete Wilkins, Jack Carty and Leo Cullen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormers review May 2024

Mon, 20 May 2024 17:32:31 GMT

Connacht were unable to manufacture the win that they so desperately needed to have any chance of a Top 8 finish, we hear from Pete Wilkins and Dave Heffernan as well as Stormers coach John Dobson in the post match press conference after Danny Deegan and Alan take you through the match while Linley MacKenzie, William Davies and Dave Finn try to figure out what went wrong yet again for Connacht.

We also reminice about Tiernan's last match in the Dexcom and the loss of some quality players from the squad for next season, not to mention how much we will all miss the Clan Stand.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster review May 2024

Mon, 13 May 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Connacht suffered their 3rd worst defeat against Munster in Thomond Park since the start of the URC and their chances of making the Top 8 now hang by a thread.

Danny and Alan Deegan take you through the match, we hear the post match press conference audio from Jack Carty and Pete Wilkins before hearing the thoughts of William Davies and Rob Murphy from their post match wrap up on Galway Bay FM

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dragons review April 2024

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 03:50:05 GMT

Connacht got the win with the try bonus that they so badly needed in their latest trip to Wales which sees them jump up to 6th place in the URC and keeps their destiny in their own hands, although they will have to be a lot more accurate in both attack and defense if they are to get the required results in those games.

William Davies and Rob Murphy join Alan Deegan to dissect a flawed win in Newport while we hear the post match thoughts of head coach Pete Wilkins.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zebre review April 2024

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 03:09:08 GMT

Connacht got a much needed bonus point win and improvement in their points difference but more importantly unearthed a new star with a brilliant display from scrum-half Matthew Devine who sparked not only a try-fest but also a more fluid and attack minded Connacht team.

The Craggy Crew luxuriate in the win and we hear the post match press conference thoughts of Pete Wilkins and the aforementioned Matthew Devine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pau review April 2024

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 06:00:14 GMT

Connacht put on one of their best, if still flawed, performances of the season to progress to the quarter finals for the Challenge Cup following a brilliant match against Pau in France.

The Craggy Crew are in good spirits as they review the match and we hear from a much relieved Pete Wilkins and a philosophical Jack Carty in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benetton review March 2024

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Connacht blew yet another match winning situation as they conceded a score on the last play of the match for the 3rd time this season after a much improved display of grit and fight to go down to Benetton and see their playoff hopes drift further away.

William Davies and Rob Murphy join host Alan Deegan to pick the bones out of yet another defeat this season and we hear the post match thoughts of head coach Pete Wilkins.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lions home review March 2024

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 04:20:19 GMT

Connacht were abysmal against an excellent Lions team as their playoff hopes dimmed dramatically following a hammering by the South African team.

The Craggy Crew try to make sense of a brutal performance and awful result while we hear from Pete Wilkins and Caolin Blade in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlets review March 2024

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 04:00:30 GMT

Connacht eeked out the try bonus point win they required against a fairly resolute Scarlets that propels the western province back into the Top 8 playoff spots.

Danny Deegan and Alan take you through the match while Dave Finn joins the Deegans for the post match analysis after William Davies spoke to Pete Wilkins and Caolin Blade in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cardiff review Feb 2024

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 06:54:34 GMT

Connacht ground out a hard fought win while not playing anywhere near their best in the Welsh capital.

Linley MacKenzie and William Davies join Alan Deegan to get their immediate thoughts on the match while we hear the post-match thoughts of Pete Wilkins and Caolin Blade.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bristol review Jan 2024

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 04:00:21 GMT

Connacht produced one of their best performances of the season to grab a spot in the R16 of the Challenge Cup with a bonus point victory over Bristol Bears.

Danny Deegan and Alan Deegan take you through the match, we hear Rob Murphy's commentary on the Connacht tries while the Craggy crew of Linley MacKenzie, William Davies and Dave Finn give their thoughts in the post match review.

We hear from Pat Lam, Pete Wilkins and Connacht wing Andrew Smith in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyon away review Jan 2024

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:56:21 GMT

Connacht's travails in the Champions Cup continued with another defeat in this year's comptetition. However a favour from the Bulls has opened the door slightly for a chance to make the R16 of the Challenge Cup if they can get a bonus point win over Bristol.

William Davies and Alan Deegan join host Rob Murphy to pick through the bones of another defeat and we hear the post match thoughts of Joe Joyce and Pete Wilkins.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster home review Jan 2024

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 04:53:13 GMT

Connacht ground out an impressive win over the URC champions in their first meeting with Munster this season in fairly biblically wet conditions, with the late try denying Munster a losing bonus point allowing Connacht to leap-frog them in the table.

Danny Deegan and Alan Deegan take you through the match, while William Davies and Dave Finn join Alan in the aftermath to give their immediate thoughts on a much needed win.

We hear from Pete Wilkins, Cian Prendergast, Graham Rowntree and Shane Daly in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster review Dec 2023

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 16:11:54 GMT

Connacht turned up and almost made it 3 wins in a row against Ulster but a malfunctioning lineout in dreadful conditions meant that the men from the west fell to their 5th defeat in a row this season.

William Davies, Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan pick through the bones of the defeat while we hear the thoughts of both head coaches, Pete Wilkins and Dan McFarland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saracens review Dec 2023

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 04:48:08 GMT

Connacht showed a lot more both in attack and in their willingness to keep playing to the end of the match but ultimately poor decisions under pressure and a worryingly leaky defense saw them slip to their 4th defeat on the trot this season.

William Davies, Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan mull over the defeat and where it leaves Connacht as they prepare for the Interpro double header over the Christmas and New Year while we hear the post match thoughts of Pete Wilkins and JJ Hanrahan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bordeaux review Dec 2023

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 04:46:58 GMT

Connacht were well and truly garrotted by a top quality Bordeaux side who were better than the home side in every facet of the match, and left Connacht bewildered for most of the time.

The Craggy Crew try and pick the bones out of the worst defeat to a French team in the Sportsground after Danny and Alan take you through the match.

An absolutely gutted Dave Heffernan and Pete Wilkins give their thoughts in the post match press conference while we also hear from Bordeaux's attack coach Noel McNamara.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster home review Dec 2023

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 04:26:01 GMT

Connacht snatched a defeat from the jaws of victory as Leinster scored with the last play of the game following yet another lineout malfunction from Connacht to give them the last possession.

Danny and Alan Deegan take you through the game, then we hear the post-match thoughts of Caolin Blade, Pete Wilkins and Leo Cullen before Dave Finn and William Davies join the Deegans to try and make sense of a brutal loss for the home team.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bulls away review Nov 2023

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 04:48:00 GMT

Connacht were not able to repeat their heroics from last week as they were put to the sword in Pretoria by the Bulls.

William Davies and Rob Murphy join host Alan Deegan to pick the bones out of a disappointing result and display while we hear from Pete Wilkins in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sharks review Nov 2023

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 04:49:22 GMT

Connacht ground out the most unlikely of wins as the snook past the Sharks in Durban to record their 5th win on South African soil and keep them in the upper echelons of the URC table.

William Davies and Rob Murphy join host Alan Deegan to pick through the bones of that excellent win and what it means for Connacht.

We hear the post match thoughts of Pete Wilkins and Sharks coach John Plumtree also.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edinburgh review November 2023

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 05:47:05 GMT

A fairly callow Connacht side couldn't quite hold a determined Edinburgh in the Scottish capital to lose for the first time this season, but they did secure a losing bonus point.

William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match and give their immediate thoughts at the end of the match while we hear from a frustrated Connacht head coach in Pete Wilkins.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster review Nov 2023

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 05:37:00 GMT

Connacht managed to pull a victory out of the jaws of defeat after recovering from a 17 point deficit to a much weakened Ulster team in the first interpro of the season.

Linley MacKenzie, Rob Murphy and Dave Finn join host Alan Deegan to get their immediate post match reactions while we hear from Pete Wilkins, Conor Oliver, Dan McFarland and Jake Flannery in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glasgow review Oct 2023

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:28:20 GMT

A statement win from Connacht over a more or less fully loaded Glasgow that leaves the Western province in second place on the table after week 2 of the URC season.

We hear the post match thoughts of head coach Pete Wilkins, #8 Jarrad Butler and Glasgow head coach Franco Smith.

Alan Deegan takes you through the match while Linley MacKenzie and Dave Finn cogitate on what could be the win that really propels Connacht towards the playoffs for the second season in a row.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ospreys home review Oct 2023

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 19:21:39 GMT

Connacht got a bonus point win in their first match of the URC season after a brilliant first half performance, which was followed by a very underwhelming second half one, but they got the job done and gave debuts to 6 new players, so a satisfying start to the season.

Danny Deegan takes you through the match, Rob gives us his end of match thoughts, we hear from Toby Booth and Keelan Giles for the Ospreys perspective while Pete Wilkins and hat-trick hero Caolin Blade talk to us as well in the post match press conference.

Linley MacKenzie and Dave Finn join host Alan Deegan to analyse some excellent performances in that excellent win.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rugby World Cup 2023 preview

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 11:24:41 GMT

The Craggy Crew were the main panelists for the Galway Bay FM Sports preview of the RWC 2023 and in an extended podcast they are joined by Tom English of BBC Scotland, Brendan Nell a South African rugby journalist and an Galway man who has been living in New Zealand for over 30 years Oliver Lee.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormers semi-final review May 2023

Mon, 15 May 2023 12:21:16 GMT

Connacht couldn't quite make it a fairytale finish to the end of an ultimately successful season with a URC QF win and qualification for next season's Champions Cup secured.

Rob Murphy takes you through the match while William Davies and Linley MacKenzie join host Alan Deegan to give their thoughts on where it went wrong.

We hear from Andy Friend, Jack Carty and Stormers coach John Dobson too.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster QF review May 2023

Mon, 08 May 2023 04:21:48 GMT

Well Connacht fairly made us sweat for their first away win in a one off Quarter Final as they held out against Ulster in the Kingspan Stadium.

Linley MacKenzie, William Davies, Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan take you through the match and give their thoughts on such an historic win while we also hear from Andy Friend and Jack Carty along with a quick word from Tiernan's dad Aidan O'Halloran

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glasgow away review Apr 2023

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:34:55 GMT

Connacht gave their best ever performance in Scotstoun as they came within a hair's breath of beating Glasgow. Munster did Connacht an unbelievable favour is garnering a draw against the Sharks to confirm Connacht finishing at least 7th and a big step closer to Champions Cup rugby next season.

William Davies and Linley MacKenzie join Alan Deegan to review that excellent performance and look forward to the quarter final against Ulster.

We also get the post match thoughts of Andy Friend.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cardiff review Apr 2023

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 11:27:55 GMT

Connacht produced another excellent performance and bonus point win to guarantee their place in the URC play-offs and give them a real shot at Champions Cup rugby for next season.

The Craggy Crew take you through the match and analyse the win post-match while we also hear from Andy Friend and Kieran Marmion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benetton review April 2023

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 08:39:27 GMT

Connacht's abysmal record in knockout matches away from home continued in Treviso as Benetton overpowered them in the Round of 16 match in the Challenge Cup.

William Davies and Alan Deegan bring you through the match and they are joined by Linley MacKenzie to try and pick out the bones of another disappointing away performance and defeat.

We also have the post-match thoughts of Andy Friend.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edinburgh review March 2023

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:20:03 GMT

What a performance and result for Connacht with a win that bounces them up to 6th with 2 matches left to play in the regular season in the URC.

This match had it all and so we got Dave Finn, Niall Shiel and Linley MacKenzie to try and make some sense of the goings on that included 3 yellow cards as well as a 5th hat-trick from a Connacht player this season.

We hear the post match thoughts of Andy Friend and Caolin Blade as well as some of the Connacht faithful when we finished off the podcast recording in Murty Rabbitts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dragons away review March 2023

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 03:37:23 GMT

Connacht squeezed past a gritty Dragons side in Rodney Parade to garner a 4th win in a row, but without the required try bonus point which might come back to haunt them in their drive towards not only making the URC playoffs but also Champions Cup qualification for next season.

William Davies and Rob Murphy join Alan Deegan to try and make sense of a strange performance from Connacht and we hear the post match thoughts of Andy Friend also.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zebre away review Feb 20223

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 05:04:30 GMT

Connacht garnered the required Bonus Point win in Parma in an absolute try-fest of a match as they move into a URC play-off spot for the first time this season.

William Davies and Rob Murphy take you through the match while Alan Deegan joins William for some post match analysis and we hear from hat-trick hero Dylan Tierney-Martin and coach Andy Friend in the post-match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lions review Jan 2023

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 08:21:36 GMT

A try bonus point win for Connacht over the Lions keeps their playoff hopes alive.

Jack Carty broke Eric Elwood's all-time points scoring record for Connacht and Caolin Blade became the first scrumhalf to score a hat-trick for Connacht.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle away review Jan 2023

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 06:02:05 GMT

Connacht failed to secure a home Round of 16 match in the Challenge Cup after yet ANOTHER defeat on English soil as they failed to cope with the power and precision of the early onslaught by Newcastle.

The Craggy Crew try and make sense of the wildly fluctuating performance and question some of the selection decisions that came back to haunt Andy Friend and his coaching brain trust as an away trip to Italy is their reward for winning 3 of the 4 matches in the pool stages of the Challenge Cup.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brive review Jan 2023

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 06:08:23 GMT

Connacht scored their biggest ever win over a French team to qualify for the Round of 16 when defeating Brive 61-5 in the Sportsground.

The Craggy Crew enjoy reviewing the match and we hear the post match thoughts of Andy Friend and Niall Murray.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sharks review Jan 2023

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 05:23:54 GMT

Connacht snaffled a bonus point win in atrocious conditions as they remain unbeaten against South African opposition in the Sportsground and the Craggy Crew are no longer grumpy in the post match analysis.

We hear the post match thoughts of Andy Friend and Mack Hansen as well as a very thoughtful Sharks coach Joey Mongalo.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster away review Jan 2023

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 04:30:48 GMT

That was not the start to the New Year that Connacht would have wanted as a rampant Leinster put them to the sword.

William Davies and Rob Murphy discuss a pretty damning defeat and we hear the post match thoughts from Andy Friend and the Murray brothers, who became only the 2nd ever pair of brothers to start in the second row together for Connacht.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster review Dec 2022

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 20:30:44 GMT

Connacht almost snatched a draw from the wide open jaws of defeat, but the better team on the night won the match in a dramatic finish and a pretty gutted Craggy Crew don't hold back on their feelings about yet another defeat in an Interpro.

We also hear the post match thoughts of Andy Friend, Conor Oliver and Dan McFarland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brive review Dec 2022

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 05:01:51 GMT

Connacht got the 5 try bonus that they needed in a somewhat bizarre match in the south of France as they defeated Brive 24-31 in a match that saw Abraham Papali'i once again red carded as well as Brive losing a couple of other players to the sin bin.

It wasn't all good news for Connacht as both Paul Boyle and Gavin Thornbury appear to have sustained long term injuries.

William Davies, Niall Sheil and Alan Deegan take you through the match while we hear from the travelling support as well as Andy Friend and David Hawkshaw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle home review Dec 2022

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 04:08:46 GMT

Connacht defeated a big Newcastle side in Round 1 of the Challenge Cup at a frigid Sportsground to get their campaign off to a good start.

We hear the post match thoughts of Andy Friend and Jarrad Butler as well as Newcastle coach Dave Walder.

Rob Murphy hosts the podcast and chats to Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finn and William Davies.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benetton review Dec 2022

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 08:30:09 GMT

A much needed bonus point win was garnered against a resolute Benetton side and the Craggy Crew take you through the match and give us their post-match thoughts along with Andy Friend and Paul Boyle.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster home review Nov 2022

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 09:31:55 GMT

What a frustrating display and result for Connacht as another trip to Thomond Park ends disappointingly.

The Craggy Crew travelled with the Connacht Clan for this trip and we get a flavour of what it is like from the fans perspective on an away trip.

Rob Murphy and William Davies give us their immediate after match thoughts from the Galway Bay FM commentary and we hear from a very angry sounding Andy Friend and annoyed Tom Farrell in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ospreys away review Oct 2022

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 04:57:24 GMT

Connacht recovered from a disastrous start to scrap a 3 point win over the Ospreys to keep their hopes of reaching the URC playoffs firmly alive as we go into the break for the November international series.

William Davies, Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan take you through the match and analyse what is different about this Connacht side over previous Connacht teams who would more than likely have folded after a start like that.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlets home review Oct 2022

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 03:56:00 GMT

Connacht delivered a much needed bonus point win on another inclement evening in the Sportsground.

Danny, Rob and Alan take you through the match while William and Linley join in for the post match analysis.

We hear the post match thoughts of a relieved Andy Friend and Byron Ralston.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster home review Oct 2022

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 06:42:56 GMT

The intensity of the wind and rain was matched by the players from both sides in a tough, gritty interpro with the extra bit of class that having a World Rugby player of the year nominee in Josh van der Flier being the difference between the teams.

There is a pretty intense debate in the post-match amongst the Craggy Crew too.

We hear from Andy Friend, Paul Boyle and Leo Cullen in the press match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster home review Oct 2022

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 04:30:04 GMT

A win was required and a win was secured on the new artificial turf in front of a packed Sportsground.

Almost the full Craggy Crew were in attendance and we hear their views on the hard fought win over a pretty insipid Munster team, as well as the thoughts of the ever entertaining Finlay Bealham and a relieved Andy Friend in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bulls away review Sep 2022

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT

William Davies and Alan Deegan review another dispiriting defeat for Connacht as they are hammered by the Bulls in Pretoria.

We hear from an angry Andy Friend and philosophical Jarrad Butler in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormers away review Sep 2022

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 05:34:21 GMT

William Davies, Danny Deegan and Alan Deegan take you through another tough defeat for Connacht and spend a lot of time talking about the red card decision that destroyed any chance of a Connacht comeback.

We hear the post match thoughts of Andy Friend, Dylan Tierney-Martin and Stormers head coach John Dobson too.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster away review Sept 2022

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 00:50:01 GMT

Well that was a pretty sobering start to the season for Connacht.

Rob Murphy hosts the first post-match pod of the season with Niall "Packie" Shiel and William Davies not holding back on what was one of the most insipid displays by Connacht of the Andy Friend era.

We hear the post match thoughts of a seething Andy Friend and a very downbeat captain for the night Gavin Thornbury.

The trip to SA to take on the champions and runners-up is next on the cards, a tough start to the season looks a lot tougher now.

If you like what we do and would like to support the podcast please let people know about us, rate on whatever podcast app you are listening to this podcast on or you could even signup to patreon.com/craggyrugby get the full comprehensive package of podcast hat we create on Connacht rugby throughout the season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sale Sharks pre-season friendly review Aug 2022

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 11:17:08 GMT

The Craggy Crew were in Dubarry Park to see an impressively gritty display from Connacht as they stood up to a typically physical visiting English side in Sale for the second preseason friendly of the new season to win by 3 tries to 1. Tries from Conor Oliver and Academy players Eoin de Buitlear and Josh O'Connor showed the potency of the Connacht attack is still very much in evidence.

We hear from Andy Friend about his new title of Director of Rugby as well as new signing Josh Murphy and Dylan Tierney-Martin in the post match interviews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zebre home review May 2022

Mon, 23 May 2022 20:00:21 GMT

Connacht just about managed to win their final game of the season and the Craggy Crew were as rusty as the team in recording the various bits of this podcast.

Rob Murphy hosts the podcast, William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the game and Dave Finn joins the post match analysis that spent more time reminiscing about the Sportsground before the pitch is dug up.

We hear from Andy Friend and new superstar Cian Prendergast as well as Ultan Dillane and very emotional Eoghan Masterson in the post match interviews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 21/22 Wrap Episode 1

Fri, 13 May 2022 23:09:53 GMT

Rob Murphy hosts the first of a series of podcasts to wrap up the rugby season for Connacht with guests Niall Shiel, Dave Finn and Danny Deegan.

There is the latest news roundup, tributes to the players leaving at the end of the season and a new quiz feature where the guests are marked on their arguments for their player of the season, young player of the season and try of the season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Review of 6N and Connacht new signings

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 11:30:00 GMT

William Davies and Rob Murphy review round 4 of the 6 Nations as well as talking about the plethora of new signings being announced by Connacht and we also hear some of the highlights of the interview William did with Ireland U20s forwards coach Jimmy Duffy, the full interview is available on patreon.com/craggyrugby

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormers home review Feb 2022

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 10:10:53 GMT

Connacht had to dig deep to ensure their unbeaten home record against South African sides stayed intact.

Alan Deegan hosts this weeks podcast with guests Danny Deegan, Fiona Halligan and Dave Finn and we hear from Rob Murphy and William Davies in the match commentary snippets.

William also got the post match musings of Andy Friend, Paul Boyle and Stormers head coach John Dobson.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormers home preview Feb 2022

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 11:59:30 GMT

Linley Mackenzie and Danny Deegan join host Alan Deegan to preview the visit of the Stormers to what will probably be a pretty stormy Sportsground for the re-fixed Round 10 match of the United Rugby Championship.

We hear some of the highlights of the both the Connacht and Stormers press conferences.

And finally there is a big call out to the award winning friend of the podcast photographer James Crombie who picked up the Press Photographer of the Year last week.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlets away review SAMPLE

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 13:07:05 GMT

Enjoy this small sample of some of the content for the Scarlets review podcast which is available at patreon.com/craggyrugby to Craggy club members only, which has exclusive post match audio from Andy Friend as well as the normal Craggy Crew analysis on the match.

So if you are not already a club member, why not join the Craggy Rugby club on patreon.com/craggyrugby for the price of a coffee and a snack to support the work we do in providing the most comprehensive coverage of Connacht Rugby anywhere.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Six Nations Round 1 review

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 08:03:45 GMT

William Davies and Alan Deegan luxuriate in the fabulous debut by Mack Hansen as well as the excellence of Bundee Aki and not forgetting about a solid display by Finlay Bealham as the Connacht contingent were a major part of Ireland's destructive display in the victory over Wales in Round 1 of the 2022 6N.

We also talk about the other matches in the 6N as well as the impressive win by the U20s where Connacht scrum-half Matthew Devine had an excellent game.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glasgow home review Jan 2022

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 05:02:58 GMT

Well that was a pretty underwhelming way to get back to the bread and butter of the United Rugby Championship.

Linley MacKenzie and Dave Finn are on analysis duty to try and pick out some rays of light in the most disappointing display of the season, while Danny Deegan takes us through the match.

We here the pre-match thoughts of former Connacht back coach Nigel Carolan and we hear a pretty angry Andy Friend and equally annoyed sounding Sammy Arnold in the post match press conference.

We also have a new feature this week where we head down to Murty Rabbitts to get the thoughts of some of the hardcore Connacht fans, something that will happen after every home match, no matter what the result.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stade Francais away review Jan 22

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 18:12:28 GMT

Well Connacht are certainly the great entertainers in not only URC rugby but in Heineken Champions Cup rugby, all they need to do now is to finish games as strongly as they start.

A second week in a row of losing a match from a strong position but with the benefit of both a try bonus point as well as a losing bonus point will hopefully lead to more good lessons as the season develops.

Rob Murphy hosts the post match podcast with guests William Davies and Alan Deegan and we here the post match thoughts of Pete Wilkins and Jack Carty.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leicester home review Jan 22

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 07:49:17 GMT

Well that was pretty gut-wrenching but the saying goes that you learn more from your defeats than your victories, well lets hope Connacht learn some huge lessons from this.

We have a bumper podcast, with the voices of Rob Murphy, William Davies, Niall Shiel and Dave Finn all joining host Alan Deegan in trying to make sense of how Connacht managed to throw that one away. We also hear from Connacht legend Michael Swift as well as the post match thoughts of Andy Friend, Niall Murray and Leicester's Steve Borthwick and a cameo appearance from BBC Leicester rugby correspondent Adam Whitty.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster home review Jan 22

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 04:01:23 GMT

What a gritty win in an enthralling, if somewhat turgid, and fiery interpro battle by Connacht over Munster.

Rob Murphy and William Davies take you through the match and analyse a much needed win and we hear the immediate post match thoughts of Bernard Jackman.

Johan van Graan spoke to William in the post match press conference, while Rob spoke to Cian Prendergast and Andy Friend.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Postponed Ulster away podcast

Sun, 26 Dec 2021 13:57:47 GMT

Rob Murphy and William Davies chat about the disappointment of not having a trip to Belfast, how all these postponements might affect the rest of the season and wax lyrical about the important re-signing of Finlay Bealham.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leicester away review Dec 21

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 19:59:44 GMT

Connacht proved that they are a full-on Champions Cup team this season with the performance and garnering of a LBP at the unbeaten Leicester Tigers in Round 2 of this season's Heineken Champions Cup.

We have a packed podcast to take you through the match, hear the post match views of Andy Friend and Jack Carty as well as getting the view of BBC Leicester rugby commentator Chris Egerton on what was an absorbing encounter.

Rob Murphy hosts the podcast with William Davies, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan all chipping in with their points of view on the match and we talk about Jack Carty becoming the first Connacht player to achieve the scoring grand slam of a try, conversion, penalty and drop goal in a match, could hardly have picked a better place to do it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stade Francais review Dec 21

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 19:00:35 GMT

Connacht recorded their joint biggest win in their Champions Cup history and their first every try bonus against French opposition as they put Stade Francais to the sword in the Sportsground in Round 1 of this season's Heineken Champions Cup.

The Craggy Crew take you through the match and give their post match thoughts while we hear from Andy Friend and Jack Carty at the press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster Away review Dec 21

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 04:12:00 GMT

Connacht really did feel the full force of the backlash from Leinster after suffering another comprehensive defeat by the standard bearers in the URC. It looked so promising for the first 30 minutes or so, but Leinster had just too much firepower.

William Davies, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan were on hand to run the rule over another disappointing trip to the RDS and we hear the post match thoughts of a contented Leo Cullen and a pretty annoyed Andy Friend.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ospreys Review Nov 21

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 05:26:22 GMT

Connacht returned after the early season URC break at the same pace as they entered it, playing some astonishingly good rugby and all the more astonishing considering the woeful weather conditions.

Alan Deegan hosts this slightly shorter, weather affected, match day podcasts where we hear from William Davies, Dave Finn and Linley MacKenzie as they give their thoughts from before, during and after the match and we also hear from a very satisfied Andy Friend and the man who celebrated his 150th appearance Dave Heffernan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster Home review Oct 2021

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 03:14:29 GMT

Wow, what a win and what an atmosphere at the home of Irish rugby for the cinderella province as they produced a wonderful performance to totally eclipse the previously unbeaten Ulster side.

Almost the whole Craggy Crew were there to run the rule over an admittedly flawed but ultimately satisfying performance and result for Connacht.

We hear from Andy Friend, double try scoring hero Mack Hansen as well as a pretty dejected Dan McFarland in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster away review Oct 2021

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 06:08:36 GMT

It was an epic URC game in Thomond Park with Munster managing to sneak past Connacht with a late, late try after the visitors had forced themselves in front with a few minutes to go.

Connacht's consistent inconsistency continues with another massive performance in Thomond Park, that's 3 one score games in a row between the sides.

The ball didn't bounce Connacht's way, the 50-50 decisions appeared to go against them, as Andy Friend so eloquently discusses in the post match press conference.

As well as Andy Friend and Tiernan O' Halloran, we hear the thoughts of Irish Time rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley on how Connacht are still get the raw end of the stick on tight decisions in Interpro matches.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dragons Home Review Oct 2021

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 16:53:45 GMT

The only consistent thing about Connacht is their inconsistency. They had enough territory and possession in the first half to have put the game beyond the Dragons, but were given a lesson in game management in the the second half as the visitors deservedly won their first match in the Sportsground since 2004.

We hear the post match thoughts of Andy Friend and Paul Boyle as Rob Murphy hosts the podcast with guests Dave Finn, Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan, while we get the in-match thoughts from William Davies.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bulls home review Oct 1 2021

Sat, 02 Oct 2021 17:43:21 GMT

Connacht got their season up and running with a brilliant beating of the Bulls in the first URC match of the season in the Sportsground.

Rob Murphy hosts a very upbeat podcast with guests Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finn, Alan Deegan and a late appearance of William Davies while we also hear the post-match thoughts of Andy Friend and Mack Hansen.

We also pay tribute to Leanardo Mussini who was the PRO for Zebre Rugby and very good friend of the podcast who was always generous with his time whenever we were in Parma, a true gentleman of the game and a huge loss to his loved ones, may he rest in peace.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht v Bulls Team Selection podcast

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 18:00:17 GMT

Not only do we have the Connacht coaching ticket's view, thanks to Mossy Lawlor, on their team selection for their first ever match against the Vodacom Bulls, William Davies also got Jake White's thoughts on his team selection and the challenges they are expecting for their first visit to the West of Ireland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bulls home preview Oct 2021

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 11:49:32 GMT

This week's podcast sees the return of our South African correspondent, Morgan Piek, to get the view of how the URC is being viewed in that rugby mad country as well as his thoughts on how the Bulls will react to the comprehensive defeat to Leinster.

We hear some of the Connacht press conference highlights with Tom Daly and Pete Wilkins as well as the thoughts of former Munster player, now Bulls flanker, Arno Botha.

Galway Bay FM rugby correspondent William Davies joins host Alan Deegan to reviews some of the stats from the Cardiff match, quickly pass over the defeat of the Irish Women to Scotland in the WRWC qualifier and then preview what looks like is going to be a tough outing for Connacht against the Bulls in the first URC match in the Sportsground this season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cardiff away review Sep 21

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 09:28:55 GMT

A hugely disappointing start to the season with a big defeat away to Cardiff is captured by William Davies and Rob Murphy who travelled to a Connacht away match for the first time in 20 months.

We hear from a philosophical Jarrad Butler and a very frustrated and clearly annoyed Andy Friend in the first non-zoom post match interviews in yonks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pete Wilikins on team selection for Cardiff away R1

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 18:06:19 GMT

William Davies chatted to Pete Wilkins about the first team selection of the season as Connacht travel to Cardiff for Round 1 of the new United Rugby Championship.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cardiff away preview Sep 21

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 11:01:20 GMT

The first match of the season is almost upon us, but the big news is not the trip to Cardiff, it's the fact that Connacht are moving their home interpro match against Ulster in October to the Aviva Stadium on the day after the proposed lifting of all COVID restrictions.

We hear the thoughts of club captain Jarrad Butler and head coach Andy Friend in press conference as podcast host Alan Deegan is joined by William Davies and Niall Shiel to talk about that exciting development as well as how difficult a start it will be in Cardiff and how Beibhinn Parson's could be a better rugby player than Brian O'Driscoll

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021/22 season preview

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 10:48:12 GMT

The new season is almost upon and an almost full Craggy Crew share their hopes, aspirations and fears for the challenge the new United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup hold in store for Connacht Rugby.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

URC fixtures announced and Women's Interpros kickoff

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 08:17:31 GMT

IWilliam Davies and Alan Deegan discuss the somewhat lob-sided looking URC fixture list from a Connacht perspective as the approaching new season for the Men's team gathers momentum in Part 1 of the podcast.

In Part 2 there is full coverage of the Women's first Interpro of the season with Connacht legend Ali Miller giving her insightful thoughts on the narrow defeat at home to Leinster as well as her thoughts on where the Women's game needs to go to become more successful in Ireland.

William spoke to Connacht coach Ross Mannion after the match too.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mid Summer update on all things Connacht Rugby

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 11:52:09 GMT

Connacht are back training, the Lions have just won the first Test against South Africa, the Champions Cup draw has Connacht taking on the might of Leicester Tigers, who will visit the Sportsground for the first time ever, as well as a first ever match against Stade Francais Paris, what a couple of fantastic trips, COVID notwithstanding, to look forward to for the fans.

The western province have 2 more Irish capped players in Caolin Blade and Paul Boyle and were brilliantly represented at the U20 level for Ireland by Shane Jennings, Cathal Forde, Oisin McCormack, Donncha Byrne and Eoin de Buitlear.

The Connacht Women get 2 home Interpros this season and there is a well structured AIL season for both men and women to look forward to as well.

There is also a discussion on Mental Health Wellness and how it is being supported by Jack Carty with the Tackle Your Feelings campaign and you can hear his interview with William Davies on our Patreon page.

So plenty of green tinged chat for William Davies, Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan to sink their teeth into for the mid-summer podcast, there might even be some info on Connacht's preseason friendlies in there too.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An in-depth interview with Andy Friend

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 06:20:41 GMT

In a Craggy Rugby exclusive, Andy Friend spoke at length about his hopes and expectations for Connacht Rugby in the new United Rugby Championship.

He spoke to Rob Murphy and Linley MacKenzie on a video conference call as he approached the end of his quarantine period in a Brisbane hotel on a much needed trip home to Australia.

The genial Aussie spoke about the challenge of taking Connacht to the next level, leading a new coaching team and providing Connacht with a more defined playing identity as he breaks new ground in his coaching career with this being the first time he has stayed at a club longer than 3 seasons.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The United Rugby Championship - what does it mean for Connacht

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 20:55:28 GMT

The PRO14 has morphed once again and now we have the United Rugby Championship, the URC.

William Davies and Niall Shiel join Alan Deegan to discuss this seismic shift in international club rugby and how big a challenge it is going to be for Connacht.

We also talk about the excellent representation at both U20 and Senior Men International level that Connacht players will be making in the upcoming 6N and Summer Internationals respectively.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

End of season review

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 09:19:15 GMT

Well that was a sometimes weird and sometimes wonderful season.

Was it a good season or not for Connacht, how much did Connacht miss their fans, who was the most impressive player, it's all in the podcast in the company of Danny Deegan and Dave Finn with Alan Deegan hosting.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ospreys home review Rainbow Cup

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 11:15:19 GMT

A craicing end of season performance brought the desired result that Andy Friend had demanded after the poor performance and result that leaves Connacht bouncing into the off-season on a bit of a high.

The Craggy Crew take you through the match and discuss the big win and we hear from Andy Friend and Alex Wootton in the press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Duffy on team selection for Ospreys

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 15:27:35 GMT

William Davies chatted to Connacht forwards coach Jimmy Duffy about the team selection for Connacht's final game of the season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ospreys home preview Rainbow Cup

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 19:32:28 GMT

Connacht invariable finish the season on a loss, winning only 4 of their 19 final regular season games since the start of the PRO14, will it be any different against an Ospreys side with a lot to play for?

We hear from Bundee Aki for the first time since becoming a Lion, as well as an obviously angry Andy Friend who seems determined that Connacht finish with a bang.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bundee Aki press conference mini pod

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 14:38:05 GMT

Bundee Aki spoke at a Connacht press conference for the first time since being selected for the British and Irish Lions today, we hear all the questions from the live section of the press conference in this mini pod.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benetton away review Rainbow Cup

Mon, 31 May 2021 07:23:13 GMT

Benetton kept their hopes reaching the Rainbow Cup final firmly on course when a dogged win over the maddeningly inconsistent Connacht team in Treviso.

The visitors lost the man earning his 200th cap, Denis Buckley, after only 32 seconds which had a massive impact on the game as the majority of the 15 penalties that Benetton won in the match came at scrum time, losing Abraham Papali'i to yet another red card didn't help either, but the home side were deserved winners.

We hear from a very honest, as always, Andy Friend and Tom Daly in the post match interviews as Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan discuss yet another disappointing display after a big win from the men from the West.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Carolan on team to play Benetton in the Rainbow Cup

Fri, 28 May 2021 22:31:42 GMT

William Davies spoke to Nigel Carolan after the Connacht team was announced for the trip to Treviso to take on table topping Benetton in the Rainbow Cup.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benetton away preview Rainbow Cup

Wed, 26 May 2021 19:07:16 GMT

Denis Buckley will become only the 3rd player to play 200 times for Connacht when he takes the field against Benetton in the Rainbow Cup in a game that sees the Italian side looking to keep their unbeaten record as they top the Rainbow Cup table.

William Davies was asking the questions at the press conference where Denis was joined by Connacht defense coach Pete Wilkins.

Linley MacKenzie and Danny Deegan join host Alan Deegan to wax lyrical about the best prop in Ireland not to be capped, so far, talk about the possible loss of Sean G O'Brien to Exeter, how Jarrad Butler is well worth a punt to get capped for Ireland soon as well as previewing the match in Italy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster away review (Rainbow Cup)

Sun, 16 May 2021 21:15:31 GMT

Connacht stood up and fought for every minute of this hard fought victory against a fully loaded Munster team to halt a run of 8 defeats in a row against their southern provincial rivals.

Rob Murphy takes you through the match, we hear from his co-commentator William Davies for their immediate post match reactions. There is also the thoughts of Andy Friend and Niall Murray from the press conference.

The rest of the pod has the voices of Linley MacKenzie, Niall Sheil, Danny Deegan and host Alan Deegan as they enjoy the after-glow of a great victory in a craicing match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pete Wilkins on team selection for Munster away

Thu, 13 May 2021 20:43:29 GMT

William Davies caught up with Connacht defensive coach Pete Wilkins on an interesting team selection for the second trip to Thomond Park this season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster away preview (Rainbow Cup)

Tue, 11 May 2021 20:48:35 GMT

William Davies and Niall Sheil join Alan Deegan to preview the second trip of the season to Thomond Park for Connacht as they look to bounce back after the hammering by Leinster last weekend.

We hear the thoughts of Gavin Thornbury and Andy Friend from the press conference, with some probing questions from both William and Linley on the loss of Quinn Roux and the work being done to make Connacht more resilient when the pressure is applied by opposing teams.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster home review

Mon, 10 May 2021 07:14:00 GMT

Connacht started the game like a whirlwind but got blown away by a hurricane of a performance by the PRO14 champions in the Sportsground in round 2 of the Rainbow Cup.

The Craggy crew are not too despondent with the home team been hammered by one of the best teams in Europe and are buzzing about Bundee Aki becoming Connacht's 4th British and Irish Lion.

We also hear the post-match thoughts of Andy Friend and Peter Sullivan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Duffy on team selection for Leinster home

Fri, 07 May 2021 15:03:04 GMT

William Davies chatted to Connacht forwards coach Jimmy Duffy about the team selection for the home match against Leinster in the Sportsground on Saturday evening.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster home preview in Rainbow Cup

Thu, 06 May 2021 07:08:26 GMT

Connacht have an unusual opportunity to complete a double over Leinster when the PRO14 champions arrive in the Sportsground on Saturday evening.

Linley Mackenzie, Sports Editor for the Galway Advertiser and Connacht Rugby correspondent for the Irish Times joins resident Craggy statsman Danny Deegan and host Alan Deegan to discuss the challenge that the Leinster will represent to a resurgent Connacht as well as hearing about the new signing Mack Hansen, the contract extension for Abraham Papali'i and the new forwards coach Dewald Senekal.

We also hear the thoughts of Dave Heffernan and Andy Friend from the Connacht press conference as well as some snippets of James Tracey and Stuart Lancaster from the Leinster press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster away review

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 19:13:14 GMT

Who knew how important the new law allowing the captain to challenge a refereeing decision would be in changing the result of a match, well now we know. Connacht came from 10 points behind in Belfast to record only their second win in 61 years away to their northern neighbours while also securing their first ever bonus point win in the Kingspan Stadium.

Rob Murphy and William Davies take you through the game and we hear from Dan McFarland, Andy Friend, Caolin Blade and Eoghan Masterson in the post match press conferences.

Rob and William are joined by Alan Deegan to dissect a result that gives Connacht a fighting chance to make a go at winning the Rainbow Cup.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Carolan on team to play Ulster in Belfast

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 19:29:51 GMT

William Davies caught up with Nigel Carolan to discuss the team selected to take on Ulster in the first interpro of the Rainbow Cup in Belfast. We also get the latest squad update for Connacht as well as the thoughts of Ulster skill coach Dan Soper and Jacob Stockdale on the threat that Connacht pose to the northern province in round 1.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster away preview

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 13:24:35 GMT

The Rainbow Cup has finally arrived, all be it a very fragmented tournament and Connacht get the opportunity to play 3 more interpros, with a trip to Belfast first on the list.

William Davies spoke to Andy Friend, Jimmy Duffy and Finlay Bealham in the press conference and he is joined by Linley MacKenzie, Danny Deegan and host Alan Deegan to preview the match as well as talk about the impending departure of Jimmy Duffy and the struggles of the Irish Women's team against France.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leicester away review

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 17:07:12 GMT

A disappointing finish to the season for Connacht as they once again fail to register a win in England as they were well beaten by Leicester Tigers. We hear the post-match thoughts go Andy Friend and Paul Boyle while Rob Murphy and William Davies take you through the match.

William and Rob are joined by Alan Deegan to try and make sense of another Jekyll and Hyde performance by this talented but flawed squad.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus podcast pre Leicester

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 17:33:26 GMT

It's a European knockout match and there has been some more big news from Connacht this week so a bonus podcast is needed.

William Davies interviews Pete Wilkins about the team selection for the Leicester match as a well as getting a little insight into Wilkins new role as Senior coach for next season.

William also interviewed BBC Leicester's main rugby commentator Adam Whitty about the surprising team selections that Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick has made for the match, with effectively a 2nd string team being put out to take on Connacht.

William is joined by Alan Deegan to talk about the shock news of Jimmy Duffy's impending departure as forwards coach and quickly look at the 2 new appointments to the coaching staff for next season, Colm Tucker and Mossy Lawler.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Leicester Tigers away

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 22:37:20 GMT

It's a big European week for Connacht as they take on the might of the Leicester Tigers for the first time in a competitive match and the Craggy Crew cogitate over how the western province can break their hoodoo of loses in England with only 2 wins ever recorded on English soil.

The crew also pay tribute to Nigel Carolan who announced his departure from Connacht last week and we hear from the man himself, as well as head coach Andy Friend and rising star Paul Boyle as they talk to William at the midweek press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlets away review

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 15:53:31 GMT

Connacht are a top 4 side this season, but the second half display in the second half of this bonkers match certainly made the quality of that position questionable at best, a top 4 side does not blow a 21 point half-time lead.

Andy Friend and Paul Boyle give us their thoughts in the post match press conference as William Davies, Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan try and make sense of the 3rd loss in a row for Connacht as the PRO14 comes to a close.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Duffy on team selection for Scarlets away

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 18:58:17 GMT

William Davies chats to Connacht forwards coach Jimmy Duffy about the selection for the away to Scarlets for the last match of the PRO14 regular season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlets away preview

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:06:09 GMT

Connacht play their first ever Monday night match in the last PRO14 match of the season when they travel to Scarlets. They will be looking to break their Parc y Scarlets hoodoo and finish the season on a high.

Danny Deegan and Dave Finn join host Alan Deegan to preview the match, and we hear from Connacht's young second row Niall Murray and defense coach Pete Wilkins.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edinburgh home review

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 21:48:21 GMT

What a frustrating defeat for Connacht, the Craggy crew try to make sense of if and we hear the thoughts of Andy Friend and Eoghan Masterson in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Friend on team to play Edinburgh at home

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 18:09:50 GMT

William Davies got the thoughts of Andy Friend on the selection of the team to take on Edinburgh in the Sportsground. We find out that Finlay Bealham has been called up to the Ireland squad, that Quinn Roux's contract negotiations are still in progress and a bit more info on some of the exciting new Academy recruits who will make their debut in this match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edinburgh home preview

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 21:36:01 GMT

Andy Friend and Finlay Bealham held court at the press conference prior to the home match to Edinburgh, with William Davies and Dave Finn posing the questions, we have the highlights in this weeks podcast, while you can hear the highlights here - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48540929

William is joined on this week's podcast by Danny Deegan and host Alan Deegan to review what it was that Munster changed after halftime that gave them their win, what is required to defeat Edinburgh as well as some chat about the Challenge Cup draw and the ever elusive Rainbow Cup, assuming it will actually take place.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster away review

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 17:58:02 GMT

Connacht put on their best performance in 6 years at Thomond Park but fell just short of recording a victory that would have kept their faint hopes of reaching the PRO14 final alive.

Rob Murphy takes you through the highlights of the match and is then joined by William Davies and Alan Deegan to review a great performance from Connacht but ultimately a disappointing defeat.

We also hear from defense coach Pete Wilkins and one of Connacht's outstanding players of the match Gavin Thornbury.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pete Wilkins on team to play Munster away

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 22:40:41 GMT

William Davies caught up with Connacht defense coach Pete Wilkins to discuss the selection of the Connacht team for the hugely important interpro in Thomond Park.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster away preview

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 21:19:10 GMT

Jimmy Duffy and Tiernan O'Halloran were the Connacht voices at this week's press conference with William Davies and Dave Finn posing the questions.

Linley MacKenzie and Niall 'Packie' Sheil were joined by host Alan Deegan to review the close call against Benetton and try to figure out what Connacht have to do to get only their second ever win in the PRO14 in Limerick.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benetton away review

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 20:42:58 GMT

Connacht managed to grab victory from the jaws of defeat with a last minute try to overcome a valiant Benetton side in Treviso.

William Davies, Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan take you through the match and try and figure out how Connacht managed to grab an undeserved victory.

We hear the post match thoughts of attach coach Nigel Carolan and scrum-half Kieran Marmion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Carolan on team to play Benetton

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 18:03:30 GMT

Nigel Carolan spoke to William Davies from the team bus about the selection for the match against Benetton in Italy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benetton away preview

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 06:35:16 GMT

William Davies spoke to second row Oisin Dowling and defense coach Pete Wilkins at this weeks press conference prior to the trip to north Italy to take on Benetton.

William is joined by Danny Deegan and host Alan Deegan to review the excellent bonus point win over Cardiff Blues last weekend before picking their team for the potential banana skin of a trip to Treviso.

There is also some 6 Nations, Lions and Rainbow cup chat.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cardiff Blues home review

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 21:07:43 GMT

Connacht got back to winning ways in the Sportsground win a bonus point win over Conference B rivals Cardiff that sees them narrow the gap to leaders Munster to 9 points with 4 matches left in the regular season.

William Davies and Rob Murphy take you through the match and give their immediate post match thoughts before we hear from Andy Friend and 2-try hero Alex Wootton.

We finish off with Dave Finn and Linley Mackenzie chatting to Alan Deegan in a very cold and windy Sportsground.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Duffy on team selection for Cardiff at home

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 17:11:55 GMT

Connacht forwards coach Jimmy Duffy chatted to William Davies after the Connacht team was announced for the crucial home match against Cardiff to give some insights into the selection and the challenge that the revitalised Welsh club will be bringing to the Sportsground on Saturday evening.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cardiff home preview

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 23:00:45 GMT

Andy Friend and Alex Wooton spoke to William Davies and Dave Finn at the press conference prior to the Cardiff match in the Sportsground.

William and Dave are joined by Alan Deegan to talk about the dissing of Connacht and in particular Jack Carty during the post match analysis of Ireland's loss to France when it was suggested that Harry Byrne should be sent to Connacht to start matches to give him experience.

There is also a preview of the Cardiff match that is vital for Connacht to drive on to securing Champions Cup rugby next season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland and the relevancy of Connacht

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 21:42:00 GMT

Rob Murphy is joined by William Davies and Niall Sheil to talk about the state of professional rugby in Ireland from a Connacht perspective, are the western province relevant anymore?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dragons away review

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 19:11:47 GMT

A valuable bonus point win in Wales saw Connacht get back to winning ways with 4 well taken tries. The 5 point haul solidifies Connacht's 2nd place in Conference B. Rob Murphy's commentary on the Connacht scores takes you through the game, we hear from Andy Friend and Tom Daly, while William Davies and Alan Deegan join Rob to analyse a flawed display from Connacht but luxuriate in yet another away bonus point win for Connacht this season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Carolan on team selection for Dragons away

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 08:27:08 GMT

Nigel Carolan chatted to William Davies about the reasons behind the team selection for the trip to Rodney Parade.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dragons away preview

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 22:24:34 GMT

William Davies spoke with Shane Delahunt and Andy Friend at the midweek press conference prior to the trip to the Dragons.

Dave Finn and Alan Deegan join William to preview the match and have a quick chat about the Six Nations and whether there will be any Connacht players in the Ireland starting line up, which might stir some interest in the competition for Dave, who has even less of a grá for the British and Irish Lions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mid-Season review part 2

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 21:24:59 GMT

Rob Murphy is joined by Linley MacKenzie, Niall 'Packie' Sheil and Danny Deegan to get their thoughts on where Connacht's season is at after another defeat in the Sportsground and how difficult it is for players from Connacht to break into and keep their places in the Ireland squad.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ospreys home review

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 07:53:49 GMT

Connacht lost yet again in the Sportsground as their woeful home form continues, Rob Murphy, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan pick through the bones of the defeat before we hear from Andy Friend and Conor Oliver, and then William Davies chimes in with his thoughts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Duffy pre Ospreys home

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 12:15:44 GMT

William Davies caught up with Connacht forwards coach Jimmy Duffy to find out the thinking behind the team selection for the clash with the resurgent Ospreys in the Sportsground.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ospreys home preview

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 22:32:42 GMT

William Davies caught up with Ultan Dillane and Andy Friend at the midweek press conference prior to the re-fixed home match against the Ospreys.

Dave Finn and Alan Deegan join William to discuss the importance of keeping Friend at Connacht as well as previewing the match against the resurgent Ospreys.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mid-Season review

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 18:16:20 GMT

Linley MacKenzie, William Davies join host Rob Murphy during the COVID enforced mid-season break to review the season for Connacht so far and try to figure out where this season is going to end up, what with one thing and another.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster home review

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 07:56:11 GMT

Connacht almost snatched an unlikely victory from the jaws of defeat but they were unable to keep the fire in the belly from melting the ice in the veins which ended up clouding their thinking with a 2 man advantage while in possession.

We hear from a clearly frustrated Andy Friend and Quinn Roux in the post match press conference while William Davies, Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan try and make sense of the crazy last few minutes and look to pick for the positives in yet another resilient performance from the men from the west while acknowledging that the better team won on the night.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Friend on team selection for Munster at home

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 18:05:33 GMT

William Davies spoke to Andy Friend to find out the thinking behind the team selection for the season defining match against Munster in the Sportsground tomorrow evening.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster home preview

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 22:41:00 GMT

William Davies spoke to Tom Daly and Andy Friend at the press conference prior to the home match against Munster this week.

William is joined by Dave Finn and Alan Deegan to review the historic win over Leinster and preview the challenge of taking on a fully loaded Munster side in the Sportsground in a season defining game.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RDS Hoodoo Halted

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 07:34:13 GMT

Connacht defeated Leinster in the the RDS for the first time with a fiery display of dogged defense and clinical finishing to notch up a try bonus point win and keep themselves in the hunt for a place in this truncated season's final.

Rob Murphy takes you through the match and he is joined by Alan Deegan to analyse the historic victory after hearing from Andy Friend and Jack Carty in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Team selection for Leinster away mini pod

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 19:51:08 GMT

William Davies caught up with Connacht defense coach Pete Wilkins after the selection of the team to play Leinster in the RDS on Saturday evening to find out what the visitors have in store to try and halt the PRO14 champions juggernaught.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster away preview

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 21:42:24 GMT

Connacht travel to Dublin on the back of a disappointing defeat at home to Ulster hoping to break their duck in the RDS.

Andy Friend and Jarrad Butler spoke to William Davies at this weeks press conference, both of them in reflective mood and determined to ensure that Connacht give their all against Leinster.

Linley MacKenzie and Danny Deegan join Alan Deegan to mull over the defeat in the Sportsground and look forward to the challenge in the capital on Saturday evening.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Undone by Ulster

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 21:43:06 GMT

Connacht's suffered a hefty blow to their season's ambitions with an insipid second half display in the Sportsground which saw them lose to a fired up Ulster. The home side failed to back up a solid first half display as they conceded too many penalties and too much ground in contact which gave our northern neighbours a comfortable 13 point victory in their first away win in the interpros for 5 years.

William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match while the podcast is hosted by Rob Murphy.

We hear from Andy Friend and Dan McFarland in the post match press conference while the Craggy Crew try and figure out what went wrong in the post match analysis.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Carolan on team selection pre Ulster home mini pod

Sat, 26 Dec 2020 20:35:17 GMT

William Davies caught up with Nigel Carolan after the Connacht team was selected for the first interpro of the season when Ulster arrive at the Sportsground tomorrow.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster home preview

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 22:15:12 GMT

William Davies spoke to Eoghan Masterson, Andy Friend and Ulster coach Dan McFarland at the press conferences prior to the first interprovincial match of the Festive season when Ulster travel to the Sportsground as the PRO14 resumes.

William is joined by Danny Deegan to mull over some of the frustrations of the loss to Bristol last weekend and discuss what Connacht need to do to get back to winning ways on Sunday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beaten by Bears

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 22:02:12 GMT

Connacht crashed out of the Champion Cup after a beating by Bristol Bears in the Sportsground.

William Davies and Alan Deegan take you trough the match while Rob Murphy hosts the pod and is joined by Dave Finn and Alan for the post match analysis.

We also hear from Andy Friend and Paul Boyle.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Duffy on team selection for Bristol Bears home match

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 21:13:23 GMT

William Davies talked to Connacht forwards coach Jimmy Duffy to get the low down on the team selection for the round 2 Champions Cup match against Bristol in the Sportsground on Sunday Dec 20th.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Lam interview pre Bristol's visit to Galway

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 13:04:53 GMT

William Davies interviewed Pat Lam earlier this week to get the former PRO12 winning coach's thoughts and feelings on his competitive return to Galway with last season's Challenge Cup winning team.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bristol Bears home preview

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 22:29:37 GMT

Andy Friend and Jack Carty were on press conference duty today and in keeping with the huge week that is in it we have William Davies, Dave Finn and Rob Murphy asking the questions.

Linley MacKenzie and Niall "Packie" Sheil join Alan Deegan to review the great display, and not too shabby result, in France and then preview the Bristol Bears game and the return of Pat Lam, John Muldoon, Conor McPhillips, Jake Heenan, Niyi Adeolokun and Peter McCabe.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Running Racing close

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 17:29:20 GMT

Connacht almost pulled off the seemly impossible when they got within a score of last season's beaten Champions Cup finalists Racing 92 in the spookily awesome La Defense Arena.

William Davies and Rob Murphy take you through the match and we get the post match thoughts of Andy Friend and Alex Wooton.

William and Rob are joined by Alan Deegan to try and make sense of what turned out to be an incredible match in the match review.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Racing away preview

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 22:24:46 GMT

William Davies and Dave Finn chatted to Andy Friend and Sammy Arnold at the first Champions Cup press conference of the season.

Niall "Packie" Sheil, Danny Deegan and Alan Deegan review the bonus point win over Benetton and try to get to grips with the intricacies of the Champions Cup draw before reviewing the match in Paris.

We also hear how Danny missed out on one of the most famous and infamous days in Connacht rugby, the march to Lansdowne Road, even though it is reported everywhere that he was there.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus point beating of Benetton

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 21:14:43 GMT

Connacht defeated Benetton with a try bonus point, including a hat-trick for the captain on the night Paul Boyle, who became the first Connacht forward to score a hat-trick in the professional era.

William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match and we hear the post match thoughts of Andy Friend and Boyle.

Alan is then joined by Linley MacKenzie and Dave Finn to ruminate on an important 5 points for Connacht and discuss the interesting choice of pre-match music that is now the purview of the players.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zebre away review - Craggy Rugby podcast S6E11

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 21:36:01 GMT

Connacht secured their second bonus point win away from home in a row with a victory over a depleted Zebre in Parma.William Davies, Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan review the good, 7 tries and the bad, another red card for Papali'i and a knee injury for Tom Farrell.We also hear from Andy Friend and a jubilant Sean O'Brien who played more that 10 minutes of rugby for the first time in nearly 2 years and nabbing a try to boot.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zebre away preview - Craggy Rugby podcast S6E10

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 23:31:04 GMT

William Davis and Dave Finn talk to Connacht forwards coach Jimmy Duffy and centre Tom Farrell in the press conference prior to the trip to Zebre.Dave is joined by Craggy statsman Danny Deegan and Alan to review the disappointing result to Scarlets and preview the Zebre match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlets Home review - Craggy Rugby podcast S6E9

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 21:37:34 GMT

The Craggy Crew were back in the Sportsground to witness a frustratingly inaccurate display as Connacht fell to a dogged determined defensive display from the Scarlets.William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match, Rob Murphy asks the tough questions of Andy Friend and Paul Boyle while Linley MacKenzie and Dave Finn join Alan to try and make sense of such a disappointing performance by Connacht at an eerily quiet Sportsground.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlets Home preview - Craggy Rugby podcast S6E8

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 21:30:38 GMT

William Davies and Dave Finn chatted to Connacht prop Paddy McAllister and head coach Andy Friend at the press conference prior to the visit of Scarlets to the Sportsground on Saturday.William is joined by Craggy stats-man Danny Deegan and Alan to preview the match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dragons Away preview - Craggy Rugby podcast S6E7

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 22:27:55 GMT

Connacht's defense coach Pete Wilkins and Paul Boyle were on duty at this weeks press conference where William Davies and Dave Finn put questions to them.William is joined by Craggy stats-man Danny Deegan and Alan to preview the Dragons match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benetton at home preview - Craggy Rugby podcast S6E6

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 08:51:39 GMT

William Davies spoke to Andy Friend and John Porch prior to the Benetton match in the PRO14 this Sunday.We also hear the thoughts of Benetton coach Kieran Crowley and William is joined by Craggy statsman Danny Deegan and Alan to preview the match and talk a little about the Champions Cup draw.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edinburgh away review - Craggy Rugby podcast S6E5

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 21:30:31 GMT

Connacht produced their best away performance for years to gain a valuable try bonus point win over Conference B rivals Edinburgh, winning 26-37.Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan reflect on some fabulous tries in a great performance and we hear from Andy Friend and Caolin Blade too.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Preview Edinburgh Away - Craggy Rugby podcast S6E4

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 20:19:58 GMT

Wiliam Davies chatted to Conor Oliver and Andy Friend at the presser prior to the Edinburgh away match in the PRO14.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht Team of the Pro Era

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 23:42:35 GMT

What is the best composite Connacht team of the Professional rugby era, have a listen to what the Craggy Crew make of who the fans chose and make a few changes in a Craggy Rugby special podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beaten by Cardiff in Newport - Craggy Rugby podcast S6E3

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 11:54:34 GMT

Connacht were well beaten by a fired up Cardiff Blues side in their first away trip of the new season.William Davies, Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan cogitate over the disappointing display and we hear the thoughts of Andy Friend and Eoghan Masterson in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glasgow Home 03.10.20 - Craggy Rugby podcast S6E2

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 09:51:48 GMT

Connacht defeated Glasgow Warriors for the first time since 2016 with a craicing 28-24 win in the Sportground in Round 1 of this seasons PRO14.Linley MacKenzie, William Davies and Rob Murphy were lucky enough to be at the match and we hear their expert opinions on a great win.We hear from Andy Friend, Kieran Marmion and Glasgow coach Danny Wilson in the post match press confernce also.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mini pod post Eagles home v Munster Sep 2020 - Craggy Rugby podcast S6E1

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 22:13:11 GMT

Andy Friend spoke to the Craggy Crew after an interesting A game that saw Munster A defeat the Connacht Eagles in the first professional game of rugby in the Sportsground in 31 weeks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster Away (Aviva) review - Craggy Rugby podcast S5E41

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 20:19:26 GMT

William, Linley and Rob try and make sense of a bizarre match that saw 2 red cards and 3 yellow cards as Connacht's callow team wilted under the pressure of the practically full strength Munster.We also hear the after match thoughts of Andy Friend and Quinn Roux.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht Conquer Ulster - Craggy Rugby podcast S5E40

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:00:37 GMT

Connacht hit the ground running in their first match of the professional era in the home of Irish rugby, scoring a bonus point win over Ulster.William Davies, Rob Murphy and Linley MacKenzie were given a late reprieve on Covid restrictions that allowed them to attend this historic match and they give us their expert opinions on a great win.We also hear the after match thoughts of Andy Friend, man of the match John Porch and Ulster coach Dan McFarland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rugby is back and Ulster preview - Craggy Rugby podcast S5E39

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 13:10:49 GMT

The Craggy Crew are back to preview the first Connacht match since March. We hear from Andy Friend, Finlay Bealham, Eoghan Masterson and Dan McFarland.In part 1 of the pod Rob, William and Linley discuss the Ulster match while in part to Rob is joined by Niall, Dave and Alan to talk about Bundee Aki's 100th match for the province.And there is plenty of other chat amoungst the crew also.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 2020 update pod - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E38

Tue, 26 May 2020 11:00:43 GMT

William Davies, Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan bring you the latest Connacht news on player signings, players leaving, possible season restart date and a few other bits and pieces to help pass a few minutes in these strange times.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Friend interview April 2020 - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E37

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:13:29 GMT

The Craggy Crew bring you the assuring voice of calmness and reason that is Andy Friend in these strange and troubling times as the Connacht coach talks about how he and his wife Kerri are coping living on the other side of the world to the rest of their family, as well as how the players and staff are dealing with the current situation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Southern Kings Away review - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E36

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 12:00:40 GMT

Connacht got back to winning ways with a hard fought bonus point win in South Africa that initially looked like it might be a stroll before a contentious red card for Peter Robb threw a spanner in the works.A slightly different podcast this week as our limited budget meant that we didn't get to travel to the sunnier climes of Port Elizabeth but we made up it by watching the game in the home of the Connacht Clan, Murty Rabbitts.We hear the post match thoughts of Andy Friend, an angry Kings coach Robbie Kempson and a dejected Kings captain JC Astle as well our Southern Hemisphere correspondent from OFM Radio Sports Morgan Piek.Alan Deegan and William Davies chat about the win and we have the in match thoughts of Connacht Clan President Shane Mulryan and the enigmatic Pinky, who had an interesting take on the refereeing decisions that had Connacht down to 13 players at one point.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Southern Kings away preview - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E35

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 13:11:56 GMT

Connacht travel to South Africa this week and William Davies caught up with Andy Friend, Paddy McAllister and Tiernan O'Halloran before they jetted off to the sunnier climes of the southern hemisphere.William is joined by Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan to discuss the disappointment of the display and result in Scotland last week as well as the challenge the trip to South Africa presents.There is also some bonus audio from Southern Kings team manager Zingi Hela who explains the cultural references designed into the Kings jerseys.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edinburgh away review - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E34

Sat, 22 Feb 2020 09:31:07 GMT

Edinburgh eviserated Connacht in a Murrayfield mauling as the visitorsconceded a try bonus point win to the Conference B leaders.Rob Murphy and William Davies try to make sense of the heavy defeat a week after a record win over Cardiff. We hear from a frustrated Andy Friend and Paddy McAllister as well as a Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerill, Geoff Webster of BBC Radio Scotland and Bernard Jackman in a jam packed show.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edinburgh away preview - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E33

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 11:57:15 GMT

William Davies caught up with Connacht attach coach Nigel Carolan, Kyle Godwin and Caolin Blade at this weeks press conference.William is joined by Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan to discuss all things Connacht in the PRO14 and 6 Nations as a hugely busy weekend of rugby approaches.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cardiff home review - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E32

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 13:00:10 GMT

Connacht crack their losing streak with an emphatic bonus point win over conference rivals Cardiff Blues.Rob Murphy, Linley Mackenzie, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan salivate over a thrilling performance in very tough conditions.We get the post match thoughts of Andy Friend, Dave Heffernan and Cardiff Blues coach John Mulvihill.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cardiff home preview - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E31

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 12:34:24 GMT

Rob Murphy introduces this weeks podcast as William Davies caught up with Andy Friend, Dave Heffernan and Ultan Dillane at the press conference this week as Connacht return to PRO14 action in a crucial match against Cardiff BluesWilliam is joined by Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan to look back at the impact Connacht players have had on the various Irish international teams playing in the 6 Nations and to look forward to a season defining match against the team from the Welsh capital.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Montpellier away review - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E30

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 12:00:40 GMT

Connacht bowed out of the Champions Cup in a Wild West shootout of a game where they were the bounce of a ball away from recording a win in France.A very croaky William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the game while Linley MacKenzie joins the lads for some analysis of the match and the season so far.Andy Friend and Dave Heffernan, who heads off to Irish camp next week, give their thoughts on a real mad cap match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Montpellier away preview - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E29

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 11:00:39 GMT

Connacht finish a disappointing Champions Cup campaign with a trip to the south of France to take on Montpellier on Sunday.Andy Friend and Dave Heffernan spoke to William Davies at the press conference this week, while we also get the thoughts of Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan, who join William to try to figure out where Connacht are as they head into a much needed break.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toulouse home review - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E28

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 11:35:19 GMT

Connacht crashed out of the Champions Cup with a comprehensive defeat to commanding Toulouse performance in the Sportsground last Saturday.We hear the post match thoughts of Andy Friend and Jack Carty, while a depleted Craggy Crew pick through the bones of a disappointing defeat.In good news Connacht got the promised €20m from the government so a revamped Sportsground will happen in the next 3 years.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toulouse home preview - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E27

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 12:10:23 GMT

William Davies, Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan preview Connacht's last home game in the Champions Cup when they take on Toulouse this season.Rob Murphy introduces the show that also features highlights from the Connacht press conference where William spoke to Andy Friend, Paddy McAllister and Paul Boyle.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster away review - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht Coverage S5E26

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:21:14 GMT

Connacht fell to their worst ever defeat against Leinster in the professional era with a pretty abject display, especially in the first half.The Craggy Crew pick over the bones of another depressing defeat and display and we hear from Andy Friend and Caolin Blade.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster away review - Connacht Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E25

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 11:57:21 GMT

Connacht crashed to a heavy defeat in the 3rd interpro of the season as Ulster put them to the sword having stood up to a barrage of Connacht pressure in the first half. William Davies, Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan muse over the carnage of a dreadful Connacht performance, while we also hear the thoughts of Andy Friend, Kyle Godwin and Ulster coach Dan McFarland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster home review - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht Coverage S5E24

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 11:34:18 GMT

Connacht lost their 2nd home interpro of the season when falling to an efficiently ruthless Munster side in the Sportsground.The Craggy Crew of Rob Murphy, William Davies, Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan take you through the game and analyse where it all went wrong.We hear from Andy Friend and Ultan Dillane in the post match press conference as well.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster home preview - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E23

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 12:01:33 GMT

William Davies spoke with Andy Friend and Quinn Roux in the press conference prior to the second interprovincial match of the season when Connacht take on Munster in the Sportsground.Rob Murphy introduces the podcast and we hear the thoughts of Linley MacKenzie on the big match too.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gloucester home review - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E22

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 12:11:01 GMT

It took 7 matches, and one of the most dramatic finales in the history of Connacht's European campaigns, for Connacht to eventually lay the ghost of not being able to defeat Gloucester.Rob Murphy, William Davies, Alan Deegan and Joe Healy take you through the game, while we hear from Andy Friend, Tom Daly and Johann Ackerman in the post match interviews.Dave Finn joins Rob, Willlam and Alan for the post match analysis of a truely historic win for the team from the West of Ireland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gloucester home preview - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E21

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:07:13 GMT

Connacht will hope it is 7th time lucky against Gloucester when they take them on in the return fixture of this season's Champions Cup campaign.Rob Murphy hosts a busy midweek podcast where we hear from Andy Friend, Paul Boyle, Conor Fitzgerald, William Davies, Linley MacKenzie, Ronan Byrne and Johann Ackermann on what went wrong for Connacht last week, what went right for Gloucester and what might possibly change that could see a different result this week.<

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gloucester away review - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E20

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 12:01:43 GMT

Connacht's abysmal record in England was extended with yet another defeat to Gloucester which effectively puts an end to any thoughts of Connacht progressing out of their group.Andy Friend and Jarrad Butler tell us what went wrong while we hear the thoughts of former Connacht legend John Muldoon who was also working at the match.Rob Murphy and William Davies take us through the match and they are joined by Linley MacKenzie for the post match analysis.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gloucester away preview - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E19

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:11:59 GMT

Connacht travel to Gloucester for the first of the back-to-back Heineken Champions Cup matches this weekend and we hear the thoughts of Andy Friend, Kyle Godwin and Denis Buckley.There is also audio from the Gloucester camp along with the regular injury update, fixtures and results sections.Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan review the biggest match of the season so far for Connacht and try to figure out what the men from the West of Ireland need to do to break their duck away to English clubs in the competition.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kings home review - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E18

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 12:00:43 GMT

Connacht played in fits and starts in a so-so performance against a lively Southern Kings but still managed to win with a bonus point and no injuries, that we could see, but all the talk was about Bundee Aki signing on for 3 more seasons.Niall Sheil and Alan Deegan take you through the match while Rob Murphy spoke to Andy Friend and John Porch after the match. William Davies got the thoughts of Kings coach Robbi Kempson.Linley MacKenzie and Dave Finn join Rob and Alan for the post match analysis and are full of chat about Bundee.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kings home preview - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht Coverage S5E17

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 12:00:33 GMT

Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan preview the Izusu Southern Kings match at the Sportsground in round 7 of the PRO14.William Davies was on his travels again as he visited Cardiff for the 3rd time this season as the PRO14 officially launched their season, it being late due to the Rugby World Cup.Andy Friend and Tiernan O'Halloran spoke to William about the disappointment of the loss in Toulouse and the challenge of the Kings. We also hear from Kings head coach Robbie Kempson.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toulouse away review - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht Coverage S5E16

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 08:34:32 GMT

Connacht were brave and fiesty but unfortunately ran out of steam in Toulouse in the second round of the Champions Cup.The Craggy Crew take you through the match and the post morterm while we also hear from Andy Friend, Quinn Roux and Jerome Kaino.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toulouse away preview - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht Coverage S5E15

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 12:00:33 GMT

William Davies caught up with Andy Friend, Tom Farrell and Eoghan Masterson at the press conference prior to the trip to Toulouse.

William is joined by Linley Mackenzie and Alan Deegan to review the great win over Montpellier, discuss the fluctuating injury list and the challenge the French champions will pose on Saturday.We also hear the Toulouse perspective from Emile N'Tamack while Linley talks about the huge boost Connacht received with the signing of Kieran Marmion for 3 more years in Connacht.The full interviews are available on our Patreon page.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Montpellier review - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht Coverage S5E14

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 11:49:52 GMT

A depleted Connacht put on a monstrous display of grit and determination to over come their imposing French opposition in the first Champions Cup match in the Sportsground for 2 seasons.Andy Friend and Caolin Blade tell us how they managed to get the win even though 3 players dropped out before the game and another was injured in the first quarter.Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the game and they are joined by Linley MacKenzie, Niall Sheil and Dave Finn for the post match analysis.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Montpellier Preview - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E13

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 11:16:59 GMT

Ultan Dillane, Denis Buckley and Andy Friend talk Champions Cup as Connacht return to the premier European competition for the first time in 2 years.EPCR CEO Simon Halliday and Sale coach Steve Diamond give their views on the Saracens saga.Linley Mackenzie, William Davies and Alan Deegan discuss the huge challenge presented by Montpellier.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster review- Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht Coverage S5E12

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 12:12:58 GMT

The PRO14 champions gave Connacht a huge reality check in the week prior to the return of Champions Cup rugby for the western province.Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the game and Alan is joined by Dave Finn, Niall Sheil and Danny Deegan in the post match post mortem.We hear the thoughts of Andy Friend, Paul Boyle and Leo Cullen in the post match interviews.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster Preview - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht Coverage S5E11

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 11:01:36 GMT

We get the big guns out for the first Interpro of the season with audio from Andy Friend, Jarrad Butler, Johnny Sexton and Leo Cullen.Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan take you through all the re-signing and injury news, William Davies is the chief interviewer and brings us the results, tables and fixture while Rob and Alan ruminate about Connacht's chances at the weekend.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ospreys review Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E10

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 09:28:59 GMT

Connacht continued their winning streak with a good win in Swansea with a 20 points to 10 victory over the Ospreys.Andy Friend and Conor Fitzgerald talk to William Davies in the post match press conference while William is joined by Alan Deegan to discuss the impressive performance by a much changed Connacht over an admittedly depleted Ospreys.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ospreys Preview - Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht Coverage S5E9

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 09:13:37 GMT

Connacht defense coach Peter Wilkins, hooker Dave Heffernan and winger John Porch spoke to William Davies at this weeks press conference.William is joined by Alan Deegan to review the dramatic win over Cheetahs, go through a growing injury list that could have Champions Cup squad implications and preview the tricky fixture in Swansea against Ospreys.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cheetahs review Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E8

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 11:04:59 GMT

Connacht grabbed a dramatic last minute win over the previously undefeated Cheetahs to go top of their Conference for the first time since they won the PRO12.We take you through the highs and lows of a highly entertaining match and then hear from Andy Friend, Niyi Adeolokun and Ruan Pienaar.Linley MacKenzie, Rob Murphy, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan try and make sense of a dramatic win.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cheetahs preview Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht Coverage S5E7

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 08:00:02 GMT

Busy podcast this week that includes Jimmy Duffy, Niyi Adeolokun, Denis Buckley and Ruan Pienaar.We also chat to Morgan Piek from Bloemfontein about the upcoming match, performance enhancing drug issue in rugby and how South Africa are progressing in the Rugby World Cup.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dragons review Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage S5E6

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 08:04:09 GMT

A bonus point win in Newport breaks the Welsh away day hoodoo for Connacht.Rob Murphy and William Davies take you through the game, we from Andy Friend and Gavin Thornbury in the post match interviews and Linley MacKenzie joins the lads to give her thoughts on the game.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dragons Preview - Craggy Rugby Podcast Connacht Coverage 2019/20 S5E5

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 06:54:21 GMT

William Davies spoke to Andy Friend, loosehead prop Paddy McAllister and back 3 player Stephen Fitzgerald at the press conference prior to the Dragons away match.William is joined by Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan to review the excellent win over Benetton and discuss what Connacht need to do to try and win a match in Wales for the first time in 2 and a half years.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benetton review Craggy Rugby podcast Connacht coverage 2019/20 S5E4

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 07:50:11 GMT

Connacht got their season up and running with a 6 try victory against Benetton.We hear the thoughts of Andy Friend and Caolin Blade as well as the usual full match coverage from Rob Murphy, William Davies, Dave Finn, Danny Deegan and Alan Deegan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benetton Preview - Craggy Rugby Podcast Connacht Coverage 2019/20 S5E3

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 08:22:43 GMT

Connacht attack coach Nigel Carolan, utility back Kyle Godwin and backrow Paul Boyle spoke to William Davies at the press conference this week where they reflected on a disappointing performance in Wales, while looking forward to getting back to the Sportsground on Saturday evening.Linley MacKenzie joins William to cogitate on a fairly subdued press conference and look forward to an important fixture against Conference rivals who made the playoffs last season, but are badly denuded by the Rugby World Cup with 16 of their players involved in Japan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlets Match Review - Craggy Rugby Podcast Connacht Coverage 2019/20 S5E2

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 10:36:58 GMT

A disappointing start to the PRO14 season for Connacht as they continue their poor run of not having won the first game of the season since they won the Championship in 2016.Rob Murphy, William Davies and Linley MacKenzie cogitate on the match and we hear the post match thoughts of Eoghan Masterson and Andy Friend.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlets Preview - Craggy Rugby Podcast Connacht Coverage 2019/20 S5E1

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 11:46:14 GMT

The Craggy Crew are back just in time for the new PRO14 season. William Davies caught up with Andy Friend and Caolin Blade at the press conference in the Sportsground, and he is joined by Rob Murphy, Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan to preview the Scarlets match, chat about how well the Connacht Women did this season and discuss how the Eagles are performing and much more...

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midsummer 2019

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 07:24:23 GMT

William Davies and Alan Deegan discuss the Champions Cup draw from a Connacht perspective, mull over how difficult Conference B is in the PRO14 for the next two seasons, talk Ireland squads and U20s tough time in Argentina as well as get through numerous other news items that have manifested since the end of the season, the rugby world just keeps on turning.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

End of Season podcast - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 20 May 2019 09:39:49 GMT

The Craggy Crew - Rob Murphy, William Davies, Linley MacKenzie, Niall Sheil, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan (ably assisted by stats man Danny Deegan and podcast editor Emmett McNamara) chew the fat on Andy Friend's first season in charge of Connacht rugby.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beaten in Belfast - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 06 May 2019 13:20:03 GMT

Connacht could not extend their season to a PRO14 semi-final as they were defeated by a fired-up and clinical Ulster side who were determined to give Rory Best and Darren Cave a big send off in the Kingspan Stadium.We hear from Andy Friend and Jarrad Butler for the Connacht perspective while Dan McFarland and Rory Best give their point of view in the after match pres conference.We also hear from Belfast Newsletter rugby correspondent Richard Mulligan while the Craggy Crew are in reflective mode of what might have been.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Ulster QF away - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 02 May 2019 08:52:41 GMT

We have a jam packed midweek podcast prior to the biggest game of the season for Connacht as they travel to Belfast for the PRO14 quarter-final away to Ulster.We hear from Andy Friend, Tiernan O' Halloran and Ultan Dillane for the Connacht view point while we also have audio from Ulster scrum-half John Cooney, with thanks to the BBC for sharing it.William Davies, Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan discuss the details of what Connacht need to do to have a chance of making history by winning away from home in a PRO14 quarter-final.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Momentum stalls in Munster - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 08:03:47 GMT

A scratch Connacht side put in a strong display in Thomond Park, but were not as clinical as their interpro rivals as the Munstermen completed a season double them.We hear from Andy Friend and Tom Daly on the positives Connacht take from the game in the lead up to the PRO14 quarter final and we also hear from Munster coach Johan van Grann. We also get the post match thoughts from former Connacht player Andrew Browne.Rob Murphy and William Davies take us through the match, while there is some post match analysis from Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Munster away - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 07:23:59 GMT

Andy Friend and Eoin McKeon spoke to William Davies in the lead up to the final inter-provincial match of the regular season in Thomond Park on Saturday.Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan join William to discuss Connacht's chances in a match where they only have pride to play for, while Munster are still chasing top spot in the Conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek post Cardiff home win - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 08:21:31 GMT

William Davies, Linley Mackenzie and Alan Deegan look back at Connacht's great win over Cardiff and pay tribute to the players who are moving on at the end of the season.We also hear from Morgan Piek about how things haven't gone so well for the Cheetahs and Kings this season and the possibility of 2 more South African sides joining the Championship.Finally, we hear all about Noggin Sport and how it is trying to raise awareness of mental health issues in sport from Kieran Joyce.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht give Cardiff the Blues - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 11:00:44 GMT

Connacht qualified for both the PRO14 playoffs and Champions Cup rugby next season with a dramatic, action packed match at a raucously wild Sportsground by beating Cardiff Blues 29 - 22.Rob Murphy, Joe Healy, William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through each dramatic incident in the game while Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finn and Danny Deegan join in the analysis of a game that perfectly encapsulated Andy Friend's first season in charge of the men from the West.We also hear the post match thoughts of Andy Friend and a very grump Cardiff Blues coach John Mulvihill.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek Prior To Cardiff Home - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 07:29:49 GMT

Andy Friend and Paul Boyle spoke to William Davies at the press conference prior to the season defining match at home to Cardiff.Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan join William to discuss what Connacht need to do against one of their bogey teams in the PRO14 to get the win that would guarantee both Champions Cup rugby and a place in the PRO14 play offs for the first time since winning the Championship in 2016.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht stumble past Zebre - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 08:53:13 GMT

Connacht are still in control of their own destiny with regard to both the PRO14 playoffs and qualification for next season's Champions Cup with a nerve wracking 1 point win in Parma.Rob Murphy, William Davies and Linley MacKenzie were on hand to witness Connacht's first win in Parma in the PRO14 since the championship winning season in 2016.We hear from a bullish Andy Friend and a relieved Colby Fainga'a as well as a disappointed Michael Bradley in the post match interview section of the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Zebre away - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 07:36:26 GMT

Nigel Carolan, Denis Buckley and Jarrad Butler spoke to William Davies and Linley MacKenzie at the press conference prior to the Zebre match. They discussed the disappointing result and first half display against Sale and were cautiously optimistic about the trip to Italy.We also hear from Connacht Academy coach, Ambrose Conboy, and player, Dylan Tierney-Martin, about their exploits with the Grand Slam winning Ireland U20s.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sale Crush Connacht's Challenge Cup dream - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 11:43:57 GMT

Connacht's abysmal record in England was extended by an tough Sale team who took their chances efficiently and were brutally parsimonious in defense. We hear from a reflective Andy Friend and a crestfallen Tom McCartney as well as a chirpy Sale coach Steve Diamond.Rob Murphy and William Davies take you through the game while post match analysis is provided Dave Finn and Alan Deegan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Sale QF

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 08:24:37 GMT

William Davies caught up with Andy Friend and Paul Boyle at the midweek press conference in the lead up to the Challenge Cup Quarter Final away to Sale.William is joined by Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan to reflect on the excellent win over Benetton Rugby and look forward to the daunting challenge of Connacht trying to win their first ever knockout match on English soil.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus Beating of Benetton - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 08:12:03 GMT

Connacht kept their PRO14 playoff hopes alive with a last gasp bonus point try from the irrepressible Jack to beat Benetton and ensure they stay in 3rd place with just 3 matches remaining.Rob Murphy and William Davies take you through the match while we hear from Andy Friend, Jack Carty and Benetton coach Kieran Crowley in the post match interviews.Linley MacKenzie, Danny Deegan, Niall Sheil and Alan Deegan give their thoughts on a fantastic win in the post match analysis section of the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Benetton

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 08:31:37 GMT

William Davies spoke to Andy Friend and Caolin Blade at the Connacht midweek press conference prior to the home match against Benetton.William is joined by Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan to preview the match and the final 4 matches of the season as Connacht attempt to reach the PRO14 playoffs for the second time in their history.There is also a quick but interesting history of Murty Rabbitts, home of the Connacht Rugby Supporters Club, the Connacht Clan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Obilerating the Ospreys - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 23:32:40 GMT

Connacht had their biggest ever win over the Ospreys in a season defining match at a typically windy Sportsground that sets them up for a grandstand finish to the season.Rob Murphy takes you through the match, while we hear from Andy Friend, Kieran Marmion and a dejected Ospreys coach Allen Clarke in the post match interviews.Dave Finn and Danny Deegan join Alan Deegan for post match analysis where World Rugby's apparent proposal of a World League without Fiji, Samoa and Tonga gets the full Dave Finn rant treatment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Ospreys

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 09:02:20 GMT

William Davies talked to Andy Friend and Eoin McKeon at the midweek press conference.William is joined by Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan to flit over the awful performance and result in Glasgow but celebrate the record Connacht representation in the starting lineup of an Ireland team in the 6 Nations. We also hear from Ospreys coach Alan Clarke who gives a bit of background the upheaval in Welsh rugby at regional level and their hopes for a win in Galway.And we finish the podcast with a tribute to Micky Heaslip who passed away last week.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Garotted by Glasgow - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 14:53:36 GMT

Connacht's playoff hope took a massive hit as Glasgow blew them off the field in Scotstoun.William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match and provide post match analysis. We hear from Andy Friend and Kyle Godwin in the post match interviews as well as Dave Rennie and Rob Harley to get the Warriors view of the match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Glasgow Away

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 09:00:15 GMT

William Davies interviews defense coach Pete Wilkins, Ireland prop Finlay Bealham and backrow tyro Paul Boyle in this weeks podcast.Rob Murphy hosts the podcast and is joined by Linley MacKenzie, William and Alan Deegan to review the excellent result against Cheetahs and look forward to the difficult assignment of trying to garner a win for the first time in Scotstoun.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht chasten the Cheetahs - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 07:59:09 GMT

Connacht and the Cheetahs served up an entertaining match in the battle for the playoff spots with the home side securing victory and denying their South African opponents a losing bonus point with a late late Jarrad Butler try.William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match while Linley MacKenzie and Dave Finn join Alan for post match analysis.We hear the post match thoughts from Andy Friend, Jack Carty and Cheetahs wing William Small-Smith.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Cheetahs at home

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 07:54:09 GMT

Andy Friend and Denis Buckley chat to William prior to the Cheetahs match in the Sportsground.Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan join William to review the season so far and look forward to the challenge of the Cheetahs.William and Alan also chat to Craggy Rugby's South African correspondent Morgan Piek to catch up with the progress of the ever improving Cheetahs.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cardiff conundrum still unsolved - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:55:25 GMT

Connacht rescued a losing bonus point in Cardiff after a poor display, we hear from an unhappy Andy Friend and the impressive Cillian Gallagher as well as an upbeat Cardiff coach John Mulvihill.William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match and they are joined by Linley MacKenzie to try an analyze a very disjointed and disappointing match.The quiz winners are announced along with the correct answers to what proved to be a tricky assignment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek Prior To Cardiff Away - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 08:19:23 GMT

William Davies talks to backs coach Nigel Carolan and hooker Dave Heffernan about their newly signed contracts, the excellent win in France and the difficult assignment in Wales.William is joined by Linley Mackenzie and Alan Deegan to review the Challenge Cup win and preview the Cardiff game.There is a injury list update, news of the quiz draw and the 6Nations event the Craggy Crew are hosting in Murty Rabbitts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beating Bordeaux - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 11:49:17 GMT

Connacht were breathtaking in the final five minutes of a topsy turvy final pool match to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and qualify for the Quarter Finals for the fifth time in a row.The Craggy crew take you through the game and we hear from Andy Friend, Jack Carty, Tiernan O'Halloran and an unhappy Bordeaux-Begles coach Joe Worsley.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek Prior To Bordeaux Away

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 10:06:09 GMT

Andy Friend, Tom Farrell, the Challenge Cup permutations for Connacht, the quiz questions, William Davies with score reviews and fixture previews, Linley Mackenzie with a mini history lesson of previous Connacht glory days in France - this podcast has it all.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surviving Sale - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 09:59:38 GMT

Connacht have their Challenge Cup destiny still in their own hands after a tight win over Sale Sharks in Round 5 at the Sportsground.William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match, Andy Friend and Ultan Dillane give the Connacht perspective in the post match interviews, and we hear from Sale coach Steve Diamond also.Rob Murphy, Niall Sheil and Dave Finn try to analyse what was a penalty and scrum strewn game and they are joined by former Irish international Jenny Murphy to get an independent view of the win.And there is the final quiz question for the pretty unique prizes on offer.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Sale at home

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 09:26:46 GMT

William Davies spoke with Andy Friend and Jack Carty as they ruminated on the encouraging display if ultimately disappointing defeat to Munster but the were full of enthusiasm for the Challenge of Sale Sharks in the Sportsground on Saturday.William is joined by Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan to close out the analysis of the Munster game and look forward to the match on Saturday, which has a Champions cup feel to it.There is also a new section of the podcast where Danny Deegan and Alan pore over some of the more relevant stats from the Munster match to dig into how the visitors won.AND their is the second question in our three part quiz for some mysterious but unique prizes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monstered by Munster - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 12:14:05 GMT

A youthful Connacht side hung on to the coattails of a powerful Munster team to garner a losing bonus while at the same time conceding a try bonus to the visitors.We hear from Andy Friend and Paul Boyle from the Connacht perspective while Johann van Graan shares the Munster viewpoint.Rob Murphy is joined by Linley MacKenzie, William Davies and Dave Finn to dissect a riproaring match while William is joined by Alan Deegan to take you through the game.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Munster at home - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 08:59:52 GMT

William Davies spoke with Connacht defence coach Pete Wilkins and in-form scrumhalf Caolin Blade at the pre Munster press conference in the Sportsground this week.Alan Deegan joins William to talk about the excellent win over Ulster and the importance of the match against Munster.There is also the usual review of last weekends results, a preview of the upcoming fixtures and a discussion on the injury list, as we know it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Uprooting Ulster - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 31 Dec 2018 07:24:15 GMT

Connacht achieved their first ever season double over Ulster with a 3 try victory in the Sportsground.William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match and they are joined on post match duty by Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finn and Danny Deegan.We hear from Andy Friend and Tom Farrell for the Connacht view while Dan McFarland and Rob Herring provide the Ulster perspective.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Ulster at home

Fri, 28 Dec 2018 10:52:41 GMT

William Davies caught up with Andy Friend and Nigel Carolan prior to the Ulster match.William is joined by Alan Deegan as they review and preview the derby weekends in the PRO14.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster Mugging - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 24 Dec 2018 08:19:38 GMT

Connacht played like champions for the majority of their match with Leinster but the eastern province won like the champions they are in a great rugby match.William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the game and we hear from Andy Friend, Jack Carty and Leo Cullen after an astonishing rugby match.Linley MacKenzie and Dave Finn try to analyse a match that takes some amount of analysis.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Leinster Away - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 06:00:15 GMT

William Davies talked to Andy Friend and Tiernan O'Halloran prior to the first Interpro of the festive season where they reflect on a good weekend in France last week and look forward to the huge challenge in Dublin this weekend.We also hear some highlights from the interview Andy Friend gave to the Over the Line show on Galway Bay FM earlier this week.Alan Deegan joins William to preview the Leinster match and Danny Deegan provides all the scores, EPCR tables situation and details of the upcoming weekend of PRO14 derbies.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peppering Perpignan - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 12:16:25 GMT

Connacht procured a propitious try bonus point victory in Perpignan in the return fixture in the Challenge Cup to put themselves in with an excellent chance of a place in the quarter finals.Rob Murphy and William Davies take you through the match and they are joined on post match analysis by Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan.We hear from Andy Friend and Dave Heffernan while William has an interesting chat with Chairman of EPCR Simon Halliday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek Prior To Perpignan Away - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 00:18:35 GMT

Connacht travel to France for the second match of the back to back fixtures with Perpignan this week and William Davies caught up with forwards coach Jimmy Duffy and second row Gavin Thornbury at the midweek press conference.We also hear from Andy Friend who talked to William about his recent visit to the Sports Performance Summit in London.Daniel and Alan Deegan take you through the results from last weekend and preview the upcoming fixtures.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pelting Perpignan - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 13:25:15 GMT

Connacht powered to a solid Challenge Cup victory over Perpignan as the precipitation pelted down in waves in the Sportsground.Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match while Niall Sheil and Dave Finn are back to give their thoughts in the post match section of the podcast.We hear from Andy Friend and Quinn Roux as they talk about a solid.There are also a few stories from the Connacht Clan from their trip to South Africa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Perpignan home - Craggy Rugby

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 08:43:55 GMT

William Davies, Danny Deegan and Alan Deegan discuss the excellent win in Bloemfontein against the Cheetahs and look forward to an interesting fixture against Perpignan.We hear from Andy Friend both post match and from the midweek press conference, Jarrad Butler and Finlay Bealham from the Connacht perspective. Cheetahs coach Franco Smith and captain Shaun Venter give their side of things while South African rugby journalist Morgan Piek is back to give us some valuable insight into the mini-tour from a southern hemisphere point of view.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Cheetahs away - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 08:36:05 GMT

William Davies and Alan Deegan review the bonus point win in Port Elizabeth, preview the match in Bloemfontein and chat about the Joe Schmidt announcement.We hear from Andy Friend, Cheetahs coach Franco Smith and scrum-half Shaun Venter.William reviews the scores from last weekend and previews the fixtures from this weekend and we briefly discuss the Ireland Women's match in Twickenham.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to the Kings away - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 22 Nov 2018 13:30:04 GMT

Connacht are on a mini tour to South Africa to take on the Kings and the Cheetahs. William Davies and Alan Deegan talk to Morgan Piek from OFM Radio in Bloemfontein to get the South Africa angle on both the PRO14 and the upcoming matches.William also talked to Andy Friend before the squad departed last week and we hear from the Kings assistant coach Chumani Booi.We also might mention the win for Ireland last weekend too.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slaying the Dragons - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 12:38:03 GMT

Connacht racked up a 5 try victory over a disjointed Dragons to keep them in the hunt for Champions Cup rugby next season.With William Davies on commentary duty, Alan Deegan is joined by Emmett McNamara, Craggy's chief matchday editor being let out from behind the laptop, to take you through the match.Commentary team stats man Danny Deegan, and Craggy regular Dave Finn join Emmett and Alan on post match analysis.We hear from Colby Fainga'a and Andy Friend in the post match press conference, and William also caught up with Dragons coach Bernard Jackman.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Dragons at home - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 10:15:28 GMT

William Davies spoke with Andy Friend and Tom McCartney in the midweek press conference prior to the Dragons match at home.William is joined by Alan Deegan to pick over the bones of the poor display in Wales, review the rest of the weekend's results and look forward to a must win home match against the Dragons.William also travelled to the Gnoll the day after the Ospreys match to watch Neath play and find out what the state of the game in Wales is below the professional level.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Overcome by Ospreys - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 12:30:03 GMT

Connacht conceded a try bonus win to an under-strength Ospreys in Bridgend last Friday evening. Rob Murphy and William Davies take you through the match and they are joined by Linley MacKenzie to pick at the bones on a disappointing Connacht display.We hear from Andy Friend and Kieran Marmion and get the Osprey's perpective from coach Allen Clark

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek Prior to Ospreys Away - Craggy Rugby podcast

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 14:58:01 GMT

William Davies chatted to assistant coach Nigel Carolan and captain Jarrad Butler at the Connacht press conference about the disappointment of a possible opportunity lost in Sale and the season shaping matchup against Ospreys in Wales.William is joined by Alan Deegan at the Connacht Hotel, where more detailed plans of the proposed new stadium were on show, to critique the Sale match and discuss the challenge the Ospreys present.We hear from some fans about the new stadium and how it is a vital part of the Grass Roots to Greenshirts initiative.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Callow Connacht Sunk in Sale by Sharks - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 12:35:49 GMT

Callow Connacht conceded a try bonus point win to Sale Sharks in the Challenge Cup at the AJ Bell stadium last Saturday.The Craggy Crew were on hand to mull over a disappointing defeat following a promising first half performance.Rob Murphy and William Davies take you through the match and then interview Andy Friend, Caolin Blade and Sale coach Steve Diamond after the match.Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan then join in on the conversation to round out the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Sale - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 07:19:15 GMT

William Davies chats to Andy Friend and Tom Farrell about the win over Bordeaux-Begles and the huge challenge facing them in Sale on Saturday.He also spoke with Quinn Roux who signed a two year extension that sees him staying with Connacht until 2021.Linley MacKenzie joins William to review last weekend and preview the trip to Manchester.We also hear from Connacht Eagles head coach Mossy Lawlor and captain Johnny Murphy on a tough but worthwhile season for the Connacht Eagles.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bordeaux-Begles beaten in Challenge Cup Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 11:51:26 GMT

Connacht got their Challenge Cup campaign off to a solid start with a 12 point victory over Bordeaux-Begles.Alan Deegan, William Davies, Linley MacKenzie and Dave Finn pick over the underwhelming victory in the post match analysis.We hear from Andy Friend and dual try scorer Kyle Godwin in the post match interviews, while Bordeaux-Begles coach, and William also interviewed Bordeaux-Begles coach Rory Teague.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Sportsground stadium announcement a Craggy Rugby special

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 12:39:33 GMT

Connacht CEO sat down with Linley MacKenzie and gave a detailed interview on the how and why of the stadium plan for the Sportsground.The Craggy Crew gathered to discuss what this means for rugby in the province in a podcast special.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Bordeaux

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 08:42:21 GMT

William Davies spoke to defense coach Pete Wilkins and outhalf Jack Carty at this weeks press conference about the historic win in Belfast, the challenges of Bordeaux and the excitement of the stadium announcement.William in joined by Linley MacKenzie to ruminate on the Ulster win and we also hear from Belfast Newsletter rugby correspondent Richard Mulligan.Craig Doyle talks about the upcoming Shoulder to Shoulder documentary about the unifying effect of rugby during the Troubles that airs on BT2 Sport on Friday Oct 12.Finally William rounds up last weekends results and the upcoming weekends fixtures.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht reign at Kingspan - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 11:28:15 GMT

Connacht win in Belfast for the first time in the professional era and end a run of 26 away defeats that span 58 years of both the amateur and professional rugby era.The Craggy Crew cogitate on a great result, if not a great performance, in an incident pack match.We hear from Connacht head coach Andy Friend, prop Finlay Bealham as well as Ulster coach Dan McFarland.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek prior to Ulster in Belfast

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 14:12:03 GMT

William Davies spoke with Connacht coach Andy Friend and 2nd row Ultan Dillane at the press conference prior to the Ulster match where they were bullish about the Western province's chances of a win in Belfast in over 60 years.William is joined by Alan Deegan to review last weekends fixtures and look forward to what is sure to be a seismic 2nd weekend of interpros and Welsh derbies.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht Schooled by Lethal Leinster - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 11:24:06 GMT

A fully loaded Leinster taught Connacht a lesson in ruthless efficiency in both defense and attack as they avenged their defeat from last season.Rob Murphy, Linley MacKenzie, William Davies, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan dissect the match and we hear from Andy Friend, Dave Heffernan and Leo Cullen as they give their thoughts after a hugely intense first interpro of the season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek Leinster Preview - Craggy Rugby Podcast

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 21:06:03 GMT

The PRO14 continues this weekend with the first inter-provincial of the season as Connacht host Leinster.Host William Davies and Linley MacKenzie bring you all the news from this week's press conference where Jimmy Duffy and Sean O'Brien spoke to the assembled media. We also have a feature on the Connacht Eagles, William, Linley and Dave Finn were at their Friday night fixture with the Ospreys last week and William caught up with Head Coach Mossy Lawler and captain Kieran Joyce afterwards.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlets Scuppered - Craggy Rugby Podcast

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 11:02:39 GMT

A momentous day at the Sportsground on Saturday saw Connacht come out on top against a strong Scarlets side to win 33-20 and move onto eleven points in the standings, it also saw a half time parade for the under 18 boys and girls sides that both won inter-provincial titles this month. On the show host Rob Murphy is joined by Dave Finn, Niall Sheil and Linley Mackenzie to discuss the game, William Davies presents the in match coverage and we hear post game audio from Andy Friend, Jack Carty and Wayne Pivac.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek Scarlets Preview - Craggy Rugby Podcast

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 06:37:55 GMT

Our Connacht Scarlets preview is hosted by William Davies this week and he's joined by Linley Mackenzie to look forward to the clash with the Scarlets this Saturday. We hear from Andy Friend and Tiernan O'Halloran ahead of the key PRO14 clash. We also look back at last weekend's women's rugby action where Connacht got a first wind and the Under 18 girls made history by securing the inter-provincial title for the first time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edinburgh Hold off Connacht - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 10:07:18 GMT

On Friday night in Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh took the spoils with a 17-10 win over Connacht withstanding a late surge from the westerners after dominating the first hour of the contest.Andy Friend's side earned a late bonus point however and will take some positives, we hear from Friend, Paul Boyle and an irate Richard Cockerell in the post game show that is hosted by Rob Murphy and includes the thoughts of William Davies and Linley Mackenzie.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mid week prior to Edinburgh - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 07:39:01 GMT

William talks to Andy Friend and Kieran Marmion at the midweek press conference in the lead up to Connacht's first away match of the season.We also hear from Edinburgh coach Richard Cockerhill.William and Alan review last weekends results and go through the upcoming PRO14 fixture list.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zapping Zebre - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 12:07:07 GMT

Connacht dispatched a lacklustre Zebre at a wet and windy Sportsground to kick start their season with a try bonus win.William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match and Linley MacKenzie and Dave Finn analyse a very satisfying win.We hear from Andy Friend and Denis Buckley as well as Zebre coach Michael Bradley with their views on the match.The Connacht Women had a day to forget when Leinster held them scoreless on Sunday and we hear from a very disappointed head coach Ja Naughton. On the flip side the U18s girls superb win over Munster prior to the Women's match has set them up for a championship decider against Leinster next week. Manager Natalie Fox and captain Aoibheann Reilly are in great form for their interviews after the match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mid-week prior to Zebre - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 08:10:06 GMT

William Davies talked to Connacht's back coach Nigel Carolan and winger Cian Kelleher about getting over the disappointment of the Glasgow loss and the challenge of a high flying Zebre.Alan Deegan joins William and they chat about where Connacht are after week 1, the challenge of Zebre in week 2, we hear from Michael Bradley on what he expects for Zebre, there is a quick chat about the Women's interpro defeat in Cork and the lads are joined by Rob Murphy to chat about why Craggy are looking for financial support via Patreon.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ground down by Glasgow - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 12:01:25 GMT

On a beautiful sunny day Connacht lost to Glasgow in the Sportsground when the visitors reverted to playing wet weather rugby by sticking the ball up their jumpers to grind out a valuable away win.The Craggy Crew of Rob Murphy, Linley MacKenzie, William Davies, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan take you through the match and analyse what another season starting loss means to Connacht.We hear from a dejected Andy Friend and Kyle Godwin to get the Connacht view point on the defeat. A relieved Dave Rennie gives the Glasgow perspective.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Glasgow, Pre Munster, U18s Club Champions - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 16:00:26 GMT

PRO14 preview, Women's Interpro preview, U18s are Interprovincial Club Champions, Mike McCarthy, it's another busy podcast for the Craggy Crew.We hear from Jack Carty and Tom Farrell at the impressive TG4 launch in the Sportsground.William chats to Women's captain Grainne Egan, second row Amelie Roux and backs coach Brian Murphy about the upcoming Interpro series.We hear from the captain of the successful U18s team, Darragh Murray and their coach Colm Tucker after their impressive victory over Ulster to win the Interprovincial U18 Club championship.Alan Deegan interviews the recently retired Mike McCarthy as he embarks on the training regime to get himself fit for his climb up Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for the IRFU Charitable Trust.And finally William and Alan talk about their hopes for Connacht Rugby this season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2018 2019 PRO14 season launch edition

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 17:01:35 GMT

Andy Friend, Jarrad Butler, Joe Schmidt, this podcast has them all and more. William and Alan covered both the preseason friendly against Wasps in Athlone and the PRO14 season launch in Glasgow this week. We also hear Craggy Crew regulars Linley MacKenzie and Rob Murphy give their thoughts on the upcoming season. New signing Kyle Godwin spoke to us after the Wasps game and we have audio from Connacht's first two opponents in the upcoming PRO14 campaign, Dave Rennie of Glasgow and Michael Bradley of Zebre.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jarrad Butler - the new Connacht captain

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 11:42:30 GMT

Fan favourite Jarrad Butler is the new Connacht captain.William Davies was on hand at the announcement to interview the new captain as well as getting the views of Connacht backs coach Nigel Carolan.Craggy Crew regulars Dave Finn and Niall Sheil cogitate about the new captain, the new signings and the tough start to the season and we hear from Shane Mulryan from the Official Connacht Supporters Club who are one of the new sponsors of the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRO14 fixtures announcement podcast

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 11:00:15 GMT

The PRO14 fixtures for the 2018/19 season have been announced and William Davies and Alan Deegan mull over what looks like a very tough set of fixtures for Connacht in September.We also hear from Tiernan O'Halloran and journalist Murray Kinsella who chatted to William at the recent open day in Ballina.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht Rugby's day out in Ballina

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 11:30:04 GMT

William Davies and Alan Deegan ventured up to Ballina to meet new Connacht coach Andy Friend, new signing Robin Copeland and local Ballina hero Dave Heffernan.Connacht used their down day from pre-season training to go out and me a bunch of very enthusiastic kids in Connacht's club of the year to help spread the rugby gospel. We also hear from former Connacht president Gerry O'Donnell, known locally as "god".

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mid Summer podcast - Challenge Cup Draw - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 17:18:04 GMT

Connacht have been drawn in Pool 3 of the Challenge Cup for the 2018/19 season along side Sale Sharks, Bordeaux-Begles and Perpignan.William Davies and Alan Deegan discuss the draw and how Connacht might do in the competition next season.They also mull over the Ireland v Australia series that comes to a climax on Saturday, the Ireland U20s poor RWC performance and the new TV deals for next season.There is also a tribute to a great Connacht fan and gentleman Leighton Turner who passed away last week.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht Announce Andy Friend as new coach - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 24 May 2018 22:25:13 GMT

Connacht Rugby have announced that the new head coach for next season in Andy Friend. William Davies and Alan Deegan discuss the signing of the Australian coach who has coached the Brumbies and Harlequins in an interesting career which has taken him to Japan and the Australian 7s team of late.They also have a quick chat about the upcoming PRO14 final, the Connacht players in the Barbarians squad, the lack of players on the Ireland U20s squad and the 3 Connacht players that made the cut for the trip to Australia.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season review - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 08 May 2018 08:09:26 GMT

The Craggy Crew, sans Rob and Packie, mull over a disappointing season. We await the confirmation of the Kieran Keane dismissal and discuss what went wrong for him in the Western Province.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kieran Keane sacked?

Tue, 01 May 2018 08:50:28 GMT

Rob Murphy and William Davies joined the Galway Bay FM Sports show live to discuss the reported news that Kieran Keane has been let go.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fairytale ending for Muldoon - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 11:10:26 GMT

John Muldoon got the perfect ending to his astonishing career with a record win over Leinster in the Sportsground.Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match and they are joined by Linley MacKenzie and Dave Finn to pay tribute to the great man as well as analysing the match.We hear from Kieran Keane and Jack Carty in the post match interviews and we hear from Leo Cullen both before and after the match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Preview of Leinster Home match - Craggy Rugby

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 07:31:29 GMT

It's John Muldoon's final match for Connacht, so Rob Murphy and Linley MacKenzie join Alan Deegan to preview the match.There is a long interview with Muldoon and we here from Kieran Keane about the challenge of trying to give Mul the best send off possible.The injury update is in there too and we hear an expletive from Linley as she tells an anecdote about Mul.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walloped by the Warriors - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 07:37:49 GMT

Connacht continue to crumble in the face of strong opposition as Glasgow eased to a bonus point win.William Davies and Rob Murphy take you through the game and cogitate on what has and is going wrong.We hear from Finlay Bealham and Kieran Keane post match and there is also an interesting interview with ex-Scotland full back Chris Patterson.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Glasgow midweek podcast - Craggy Rugby

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 07:38:45 GMT

William Davies spoke to forwards coach Jimmy Duffy and backrower Eoin McKeon at this weeks press conference in the Sportsground, where they both had interesting thoughts on the disappointing performance against the Ospreys.William is joined by Alan Deegan to review the Ospreys match, give an update on the latest injury list and talk about the huge challenge posed by Glasgow this Friday night in Scotstoun.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Outclassed by Ospreys - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 12:20:27 GMT

Connacht’s disappointing form saw them outclassed by the Ospreys in Swansea. Rob Murphy, Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan try and find some positives in a thoroughly abject display. Kieran Keane and Jarred Butler struggle to put a brave face on the result in the post match press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Ospreys away midweek podcast - Craggy Rugby

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 07:48:25 GMT

William Davies spoke to defense coach Peter Wilkins and prop Denis Buckley at the midweek press conference where they dug deep into the defeat against Gloucester and look forward to the Ospreys match.Alan Deegan joins Williams to talk about the fan reaction to the quarter final loss, the latest squad injury update and go through the list of players who are leaving, arriving and in a bit of limbo at the moment as the season draws to a close

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht crash against Gloucester granite - Craggy Rugby

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 09:38:44 GMT

Connacht lost a cracking Challenge Cup quarter final to Gloucester at a packed Sportsground on Easter Saturday.The whole Craggy Crew are on hand to take you through the match, analyse where it went wrong and cogitate on where Connacht are as the season appears to be petering out disappointingly.We hear the after match comments from Gloucester coach Johan Ackerman as well as Kieran Marmion and a surprisingly upbeat Kieran Keane.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matchday preview of Connacht v Gloucester

Sat, 31 Mar 2018 09:57:26 GMT

Rob Murphy, William Davies, Danny Deegan and Alan Deegan preview the Challenge Cup quarter-final from the Clan Stand a few hours before the match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek pre Gloucester podcast - Craggy Rugby podcast

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:42:34 GMT

We have a packed show for the biggest game of Connacht's season. Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan are on hand to take you through the show.Kieran Keane gives his thoughts on the upcoming match and we have a special interview with Bundee Aki.There is also audio from the Gloucester camp with head coach Johann Ackerman, joined by exciting young flanker Lewis Ludlow and kiwi fullback Tom Marshall, who was coached by KK in the past.The nice and short injury list is discussed as is the apparent loss of Sean O'Brien from the European squad.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht crack under weight of Weir wizardry - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 07:06:17 GMT

For the second match in a row an excellent Connacht performance didn't manage to get them across the line as a resilient Edinbrugh side nabbed the win at a damp Sportsground.Rob Murphy, Joe Healy, William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the ups and downs of the match while Linley Mackenzie and Dave Finn provided post match analysis.We hear from Kieran Keane and Tom McCartney who struggle to explain how they lost and we also get the thoughts from a bullish Richard Cockerill

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

pre Edinburgh midweek podcast - Craggy Rugby

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 07:56:53 GMT

William Davies chatted to Nigel Carolan and Jarrad Butler at the Connacht Rugby press conference prior to the Edinburgh match.Alan Deegan joins William to discuss the match and to chat about new signings Kyle Godwin, who signed for 2 years from the Brumbies and Robin Copeland whose dynamic ball carrying should fit in well with Connacht's playing style.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sucker Punched in South Africa - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 17:03:43 GMT

Connacht fell to a last gasp penalty in Bloemfontein in the PRO14. William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the preview and review of the match.The pre-match thoughts of Pete Wilkins, John Muldoon and Kieran Keane are captured as well as what Keane and Matt Healy felt after the defeat. We also hear from Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan and captain Francois Venter.A big thank you to Morgan Piek of OFM radio in Bloemfontein for providing us with the audio as the plan for Alan to travel was scuppered by the Beast from the East as snow shutdown flights out of Dublin.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek podcast prior to Cheetahs trip - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 11:59:45 GMT

William Davies and Alan Deegan preview the Connacht trip to South Africa to take on the Cheetahs.There is a special interview with Connacht manager Tim Allnutt who talks in detail about the logistics of getting a professional rugby team and backup staff to South Africa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Triumph in Treviso - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 07:32:47 GMT

Connacht beat Benetton to banish last weeks bumbling display and reinvigorate their PRO14 season.William Davies and Alan Deegan discuss the merits of the victory and chat about Ireland's excellent win over Wales in the 6N too.William sat down with Eoghan Masterson last week for an indepth interview about how he recovered from his horrific knee injury two seasons that almost ended his career.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek press conference pre Treviso

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 08:54:45 GMT

William Davies spoke to a reflective Kieran Keane and Eoghan Masterson at the press conference prior to Connacht's mini tour to Italy and South Africa.Alan Deegan joins William to talk about the upcoming challenges, the injury list and to wish form Connacht player Ciaran Gaffney a speedy and full recovery from the neck injury he received in the Sportsground last Friday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zonked by Zebre - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 11:10:01 GMT

Connacht crumbled in the face of a determined, skilful and highly motivated Zebre team who completed their first double over a non-Italian side in the PRO14.Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match while William spoke to a dejected Kieran Keane and Sean O' Brien afterwards.Linley MacKenzie and Niall Sheil try and make sense of a very underwhelming Connacht display and to provide a bit of relief from the drudgery of the defeat there is an interview with Tommy Bowe that William conducted prior to the start of the 6N.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midweek Pre Zebre podcast

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 08:24:58 GMT

William Davies talks to defense coach Peter Wilkins and prop Finlay Bealham in the mid week press conference prior to the Zebre home match.William is joined by Alan to discuss the state of Italian rugby, the not so bad Connacht injury list and the state of play in the PRO14 as the business end of the season approaches.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ospreys Overcome - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 09:43:03 GMT

Connacht defeated the Ospreys on a bitterly cold night in the Sportsground to keep their hopes of qualification for Champions Cup rugby very much alive.Rob Murphy and Joe Healy provide in match commenatry highlights, while William Davies and Alan Deegan bring the view from the Clan Stand during the match. Keiran Keane and Tom Farrell give their post match thoughts in the press conference while there is post match analysis from William, Dave Finn and Linley Mackenzie.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Ospreys midweek podcast

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 08:32:48 GMT

William Davies spoke to Kieran Keane and Craig Ronaldson at the press conference prior to the Ospreys match in the Sportsground.Alan Deegan joins William to talk about the match, hear some audio from the Ospreys camp and discuss the improving injury list.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Promo for 6N live event in the Skeff Bar

Fri, 26 Jan 2018 09:23:10 GMT

The Craggy Crew host a live 6N preview in the Skeff Bar on Friday Feb 2nd from 8pm. We will preview both the Womens and Mens championship with former Irish international Ruth O'Reilly, Ireland 7s international Nicole Fowley, former Ireland and Connacht prop Ronan Loughney and current Connacht player Peter McCabe - this is the promo podcast for what promises to be a craicing, free, event.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Muldoon special - Craggy Rugby podcast

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 23:07:03 GMT

John Muldoon announced that he will retire at the end of the season so this is a special podcast that pays tribute to the legend that he is with a replay of the interview William Davies got with John last season on the occasion of his 300th cap.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oyonnax Outplayed - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 08:10:17 GMT

Connacht secured a home quarter final in the Challenge Cup with a comprehensive defeat over a disinterested Oyonnax team in the Sportsground.William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the match while Rob Murphy, Linley MacKenzie, Niall Sheil and Dave Finn dissect a very professional performance from Connacht.William also has an in-depth interview with former playing legend and now fitness coach for Connacht Johnny O'Connor

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Oyonnax home match podcast

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 20:53:59 GMT

William Davies speaks to Nigel Carolan and Conor Carey at the pre Oyonnax Challenge Cup match in the Sportsground.William is joined by Alan Deegan to discuss the injury update and what the permutations are as to who Connacht might play in the quarterfinal. See if you notice which team Alan forgets to mention as a possible opponent

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht draw with Worcester in a Wild One - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 10:33:58 GMT

Connacht secured top spot in their pool despite only drawing away to Worcester in the Challenge Cup in Sixways.Rob Murphy and William Davies take you through the lows and highs of the match. Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan provide some analysis on the game while Kieran Keane and Bundee Aki give their thoughts after the match.There is also a segment that tracks the goings on in the background of the day trip to the heart of England.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Worcester midweek podcast

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 23:29:54 GMT

William Davies interviewed forwards coach Jimmy Duffy and Jarrad Butler at the pre- Worcester press conference in the Sportground.William is joined by Alan Deegan to discuss the upcoming fixture in England, go through the updated injury list and try and make sense of what Connacht need to do for a home quarter final and possibly a home semi-final.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Callow Connacht Munched by Munster - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 11:27:09 GMT

The January blues, the Craggy crew mull over Munster's effective directness and Connacht's young guns failing to fire (it's not all doom and gloom...honestly!!Rob Murphy and William Davies take you through the action and are joined by Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan to pick the bones of a disappointing defeat but with some encouraging signs of potential for the future.Kieran Keane and Tom McCartney give their honest and tough appraisals of the defeat in the interview section of the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Munster midweek podcast

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 17:48:10 GMT

William Davies talks to Connacht defense coach Peter Wilkins and Tiernan O'Halloran about the disappointment of not managing to get the win on New Year's Day and the big challenge that Thomond Park holds on Saturday.There is also audio from the Munster press conference where Rory Scannell and Johann van Grann give their thoughts on the upcoming interprovincial match.Alan Deegan joins William to go through the latest injury updates and preview the Munster game.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht Composure Crumbles at Conclusion - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 13:06:08 GMT

New Year, but same old result in the RDS for Connacht as Leinster's goal line stand at the death repelled the Westerners.Rob Murphy and William Davies take you through the match while Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan try and make sense of what they saw in the post match section of the podcast.We also hear from Leinster lock Ross Molony as well as Kieran Keane and Ultan Dillane in the press conference section of the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Carolan mid season review prior to Leinster match - Craggy Rugby

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 23:07:55 GMT

William Davies interviews Nigel Carolan about the season so far, the win over Ulster and the challenge of playing in the RDS.Alan Deegan joins William to give an update on the Connacht injury list and a mini preview of the match on Monday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht conquer Ulster - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 26 Dec 2017 19:18:18 GMT

The Craggy crew take you through the record breaking win by Connacht over Ulster in the Sportsground on the eve of Christmas Eve. Dave Finn, Danny Deegan and Alan Deegan analyse the best performance by Connacht since winning the PRO12 final in 2016.We hear the Ulster perspective from Les Kiss and Darren Cave while Rob Murphy interviews a very buoyant Kieran Keane and Eoghan Masterson.There is the second part of the excellent interview with Damian Browne is also included and it is well worth a listen.Has there been movement on the goalposts saga? You will have to listen to find out.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Ulster podcast

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 09:05:57 GMT

William Davies spoke to Kieran Keane and Quinn Roux prior to the Ulster match in the Sportsground on Saturday.We also have the Ulster perspective from Craig Gilroy and Darren Cave.The injury list is not happy reading this week for the most part, but the return of Jarrad Butler to training is a plus.Eric Elwood gives us his thoughts on a good performance from the Eagles last Sunday and Dave Finn runs the rule over guys who put their hand up for selection in that match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Battering Brive - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 17 Dec 2017 23:22:44 GMT

Connacht continue their unbeaten form in Europe with a 7 try win over Brive. Kieran Keane and Matt Healy talk to Rob Murphy post match, while Linley MacKenzie, Niall 'Packie' Sheil and Alan Deegan enjoy ruminating over a very professional display in the post match section of the podcast.William Davies interviewed Damian Browne prior to his cross Atlantic row and we have part 1 in this weeks podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Brive Home December 2017 midweek podcast

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 14:20:49 GMT

William Davies spoke with Nigel Carolan and Tom McCartney at this weeks press conference prior to the return match with Brive to get their thoughts on what is needed to complete the double.William is joined by Alan to go through the injury list, the good news on Conor Carey extending his contract, the unfortunate defeat of the Women's team by Leinster and the first win in 17 matches for th Eagles

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht beat Brive with Bonus Point - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 13:32:38 GMT

Connacht garnered a try bonus win in a highly entertaining 31-38 victory over Brive in the Challenge Cup.Rob Murphy, Alan Deegan and Linley MacKenzie take you through the rip roaring match and talk to Kieran Keane and Jack Carty post match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Brive Away midweek podcast - Craggy Rugby

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 22:50:59 GMT

William Davies interviewed Jimmy Duffy and James Cannon at the midweek Connacht press conference prior to the Brive match.William is joined by Alan to discuss the poor performance in Parma, to review the latest injury bulletin and look forward to a pivotal match in the South of France on Saturday evening.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historic Win for Women While Men Lose in Parma

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 08:00:09 GMT

Zebre achieved their second PRO14 win in a row over Connacht in Parma on Saturday while the Connacht Women's team achieved an historic first victory over Munster in the Sportsground.William Davies and Alan Deegan were at the Sportsground to witness an excellent win, while keeping tabs on the match in Parma.The first part of the podcast concentrates on the Women's match and William interviews with Women's captain Grainne Egan, try scorer and Barbarian Edel McMahon and head coach Ja Naughton.In part two Niall 'Packie' Sheil joins William and Alan on the line to discuss the disappointing result and display in Parma and look forward to a tricky couple of weeks of European rugby.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Zebre mid week podcast

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 08:24:03 GMT

William Davies spoke to Kieran Keane and Eoin Griffin about the disappointment of Cardiff and the challenge of Zebre at the Connacht midweek press conference.William is joined by Alan Deegan to discuss the mood in the camp, go through the latest injury updates, talk about the importance of a win in Zebre and congratulate Joy Neville on her wonderful achievement of being voted the World Rugby referee of the year.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beaten by Blues in Bracing Cardiff - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 13:44:55 GMT

Connacht's 4 yield 2 leaving them 1 from 4th. Counting the cost of Connacht's defeat by Cardiff in this weeks podcast.Rob Murphy, William Davies and Linley MacKenzie pick over the bones of a frustrating defeat in the Welsh capital.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Cardiff midweek podcast

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 14:35:24 GMT

William Davies interviewed Connacht defense coach Peter Wilkins and Jack Carty at the press conference on Tuesday as the team prepare for the trip to the Welsh capital. William is joined by Alan Deegan to discuss the upcoming fixture, which will have a massive bearing on Conference A, as well as ruminate over the latest injury update, how the Conacht players with Ireland are doing and where Joey Carbury might end up.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland lose out on hosting RWC 2023 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 12:00:51 GMT

The hosting of RWC 2023 has gone to France as Ireland trailed in last in both the technical review and the voting. Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan discuss the result, the process and what the future holds for rugby in Ireland following the disappointment of coming up so short in the bidding process

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barbarians special 2017 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 12 Nov 2017 23:42:50 GMT

William Davies and Alan Deegan travelled to Thomond Park to watch the historic first ever Barbarians Women's match with the uncapped player being Edel McMahon who plays for Connacht and Galwegians, having started her rugby career with NUIG.The men's game against Tonga included late call ups for John Muldoon and Quinn Roux.William and Alan take you through both games, talk about the history of the Barbarians club and interview Edel, John, Quinn and Barbarians men's coach Robbie Deans after their respective matches.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht conquer Cheetahs - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 07:25:15 GMT

Connacht continue their upward curve of progress with a win over the Cheetahs at a nippy and damp Sportsground extending their unbeaten run to 4.Rob Murphy, William Davies, and Alan Deegan take you through the game and post match analysis is provided by Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finn and Niall 'Packie' Sheil.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Cheetahs podcast

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 01:07:33 GMT

William Davies talked to Nigel Carolan and Tom Farrell at the press conference in the Sportsground about the win over Munster and the upcoming challenge of the Cheetahs.The Cheetahs also held a press conference in the Sportsground today with head coach Rory Duncan and players Torsten van Jaarsveld and Tian Meyer discussing the challenges of adapting to PRO14 rugby.William is joined by Alan Deegan to discuss the disappointment of the Irish bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup trailing in last place in the recommendations from World Rugby.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht continue winning ways with win over Munster - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 29 Oct 2017 22:41:55 GMT

Connacht made it 3 wins in 4 seasons at the Sportsground against Munster with a 2 tries to 1 victory.William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the game and are joined post match by Linley MacKenzie, Niall 'Packie' Sheil and Dave 'The Rant' Finn to analyze an important victory for Connacht.Rob Murphy interviews Kieran Keane and Ultan Dillane to get the coaches and players perspective on a great win.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Munster Home Match - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 23:12:36 GMT

William Davis and Alan Deegan chat about the upcoming match against Munster. We hear from Kieran Keane and John Muldoon from the Connacht press conference and there is some chat about Simon Zebo's decision to go to France and Donncha O'Callaghan's impending retirement.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Worcester Worn Down - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 07:22:48 GMT

Connacht won their second Challenge Cup match of the campaign to keep them at the top of their pool. William Davies, Dave Finn, Niall 'Packie' Sheill and Alan Deegan ruminate on the a solid win and we hear from an unhappy Kieran Keane who was disappointed with the performance and a much chippier Caolin Blade who is happy to get another win under their belt.In AOB Dave Finn speaks for the whole Craggy team with a passionate rant about the disgraceful treatment of the Ireland's Womens team regarding the advert for the new coach.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Worcester podcast - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 19:01:25 GMT

William Davies spoke to Connacht forward coach Jimmy Duffy and wing Matt Healy at the Connacht press conference prior to the Worcester match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oyonnax Outplayed - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 07:37:24 GMT

Connacht rolled over Oyonnax in the Swiss city of Geneva in the first round of the Challenge Cup to get their season back on track.Rob Murphy and William Davies tell the story of the 5 try victory and they are joined by Linley MacKenzie to dissect the best display from Connacht this season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Oyonnax away mini podcast

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 22:47:11 GMT

William Davies spoke to Kieran Keane and Eoin McKeon at the press conference prior to the Oyonnax away match to get their thoughts on a new European campaign.There is also audio from John Muldoon and Nigel Carolan from the EPCR launch a couple of weeks ago and the latest injury list is cogitated over by William and Alan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beaten in Belfast - Craggy Rugby Podcast

Sun, 08 Oct 2017 21:46:34 GMT

Ulster extended their unbeaten run against Connacht in Belfast in a close, sometime contentious, match that was decided by a wonder try from the rising start of Ulster rugby, Jacob Stockdale.Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan were on commentary duty for Galway Bay FM and take you through the match, the post match interivews and their frustrations at Connacht not at least grabbing a losing bonus point

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre Ulster mini podcast

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 23:14:05 GMT

William Davies spoke with Connacht defense coach Peter Wilkins and Ireland prop Finlay Bealham at the Connacht press conference prior to the Ulster match.We also hear from John Muldoon and Rory Best about the first interpro of the season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scalded by Scarlets - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 01 Oct 2017 18:26:46 GMT

Connacht rediscovered their attacking prowess but it wasn't enough to defeat a scintillating Scarlets side who ran out winners in a 5 tries to 4 shootout in Llanelli.Rob Murphy, Linley Mackenzine and Alan Deegan are joined by Welsh journalist Rob Lloyd to try and make some sense of a match high on attacking quality but somewhat lacking in defensive mettle.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Post Cardiff Pre Scarlets mini pod - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 22:05:38 GMT

William Davies attended the Connacht mid-week press conference and spoke to Kieran Keane and Eoghan Masterson about getting over the disappointment of last weekend and the challenge that the Scarlets represent.William is joined by Alan Deegan and they go through the Connacht injury list and lament the untimely passing of former Connacht and Ireland international Neville Furlong.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cardiff Crush Connacht Comeback - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 24 Sep 2017 22:23:53 GMT

Connacht crashed to a second consecutive defeat to a Welsh team as they conceded a late, late try at a windswept Sportsground.The Craggy crew, Rob Murphy; William Davies; Niall "Packie" Sheil, Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan, survived the car crash finish to the game and subsequent press conference to cogitate on another defeat for new head coach Kieran Keane.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Post Dragons Pre Cardiff Press Conference

Tue, 19 Sep 2017 21:38:23 GMT

William Davies spoke with forwards coach Jimmy Duffy about Connacht's disappointing result in Newport and what sort of challenge they expect from Cardiff at the weekend. William also chats to flanker Jarrad Butler about how he is adapting after his first few weeks of competitive rugby in the PRO14.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht Slain by Dragons - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 07:10:00 GMT

Connacht fell to an inspired Dragons side in Rodney Parade and the Craggy Crew were there to witness the slaying of the Westerners.Rob Murphy and William Davies were on commentary duty and they were joined by Linley MacKenzie to cogitate of what went wrong for Kieran Keane's first away match in charge of Connacht.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Post Kings Pre Dragons Press Conference

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 22:10:00 GMT

William Davies talks to Connacht assistant coach Nigel Carolan and scrum half Kieran Marmion at the mid-week Connacht rugby press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht Conquer Kings - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 11:11:05 GMT

Connacht snaffled a bonus point win in their first competitive match against a team from the Southern Hemisphere. The Craggy crew, Rob Murphy, William Davies, Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finn, Packie and Alan, run the rule over the 4 try victory against the Southern Kings and discuss some important matters such as unpainted goal posts and skinny jeans on sports men.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Post Glasgow Pre Kings press conference

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:34:28 GMT

William Davies spoke to Kieran Keane and Denis Buckley in the aftermath of the disappointing defeat to Glasgow last Saturday.William also spoke to Southern Kings forwards coach Barend Pieterse and former Toulouse prop, who has played in the Sportsground before, Schalk Ferreira about the upcoming match.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warriors Wash Connacht Away - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 08:48:29 GMT

Connacht's season opener was something of a damp squib. Glasgow deservedly won on a wild, wet and windy evening to dampen down early season expectations of a return to the form of Connacht's championship winning season.William Davis, Dave Finn, Niall "Packie" Sheil and Alan Deegan sift through the debris of a disappointing opening match to give the Craggy Crew's take on the outcome. There are commentary snippets of the game highlights from Cap'n Craggy, Rob Murphy and a minor guest hosting appearance for Danny Deegan who took over the in-game updates promptings from Alan, who was on commentary duty.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Preseason 2017 Bristol - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 10:59:24 GMT

Connacht defeated Bristol in a preseason friendly at a balmy Sportsground on Saturday and the Craggy Crew (sans Cap'n Craggy) were there to run the rule over the first home game of the KK era.The any other business second includes Dave Finn's eloquent rant on the the Irish women's team RWC debacle, Packie having a right pop at the anti-Connacht Irish media and of course the unpainted goal posts saga.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRO14 Launch 2017

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 11:33:35 GMT

The Craggy Crew attended the PRO14 launch at the Aviva stadium where the frisson of excitement was palpable at the prospect of a cross hemisphere competition kicking off next week.Tiernan O'Halloran, CJ Stander, Bernard Jackman and Michael Bradley along with folks from the Cheetahs and Kings can be heard on this podcast as the new season approaches at a rapid rate.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht CEO Willie Ruane chat to Rob - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 20 Aug 2017 21:10:14 GMT

At the recent Connacht Media day prior to the new 2017/18 season Rob Murphy got to sit down with Connacht CEO Willie Ruane to talk about Connacht's new coach, KK, the new PRO14 and the latest on the stadium issue, among other things.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht Media Day Aug 2017 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 12:22:10 GMT

The Craggy Crew attended the Connacht Media day for the start of the new season and chatted to Kieran Keane, Willie Ruane and various players at the start of an historic season for the new PRO14 championship.The player interviews happened at pitchside and have some sound quality issue, but are still worth a listen as Kieran Marmion, Eoin McKeon, Jarrad Butler and Tiernan O'Halloran all give some insights into how well the preseason is going and how they are adapting to the new coaching regime.There is also some interesting insight into the South African PRO14 launch that happened last week from Inpho photographer, and friend of the podcast, James Crombie.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Brave New World of PRO14 Rugby - Craggy Rugby Podcast

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 21:08:50 GMT

The Guinness PRO14 is the brave new world for Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Italian and now South African rugby. Captn Craggy, Rob Murphy along with a couple of the Craggy Crew, William Davies and Alan Deegan digest this news for what will be a ground breaking season for Northern and Southern Hemisphere rugby.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's going on with the PRO12 - Craggy Rugby podcast mid summer update

Sun, 30 Jul 2017 11:43:27 GMT

Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan from the Craggy Crew chew the fat over the lack of news about the structure of the upcoming PRO12 season.They also talk about some of Connacht's new signings and what they expect from the new season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Final Word on Lam Era - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:21:07 GMT

Cap'n Craggy and some of the crew members chew the fat over the Pat Lam Era.Rob Murphy is joined by Linley MacKenzie, William Davies and Alan Deegan in the final podcast of the 2016/17 season in a lively discussion on Pat Lam, contracts and media influence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Lam's final interview with Craggy Rugby podcast

Wed, 07 Jun 2017 16:45:35 GMT

Pat Lam talks to Craggy crew members William Davies and Linley McKenzie about his time at Connacht in the interview that sparked some controversy earlier this week.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saints Go Marching On

Thu, 25 May 2017 07:27:12 GMT

Connacht's season ended in Northampton on Saturday as Lam's men lost 21-15 to the Saints in the semi final of the Champions Cup qualifiers. Rob Murphy, Linley MacKenzie, Alan Deegan and William Davies take you through the tale of the game. Stay tuned also for an interview with rugby writer and author Ger Siggins.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A May Munching by Munster - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 09 May 2017 15:09:30 GMT

The final PRO12 match of Connacht's season as champions was as an ignominious a defeat as their first with Munster recording their biggest ever win against Connacht.Cap'n Craggy, Rob Murphy, is back to take the reigns of the podcast with Linley MacKenzie and Dave Finn sifting through rubble of another abject display from Connacht.William Davies adds a few thoughts from the Grandstand in Lords where is joined by Alan Deegan on an historic sporting occasion of Ireland's first visit to play England at the home of cricket

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lights Out at the Sportsground - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 02 May 2017 11:51:06 GMT

The Scarlets skewered Connacht in the Sporstground on Saturday evening, not a very fitting farewell to Pat, Conor, Ronan and the rest of the players and backroom staff who move on to pastures new next season.William Davies survived his first match as lead commentator and is joined by Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan to mull over a demoralising defeat by an excellent Scarlets outfit.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Muldoon - a Craggy Rugby podcast Special

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 07:18:25 GMT

John Muldoon gives an in depth interview to Craggy Rugby's William Davies on the occasion of his 300th competitive cap for Connacht Rugby

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster Mess Up Mul's Milestone 300th Match - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 12:49:46 GMT

John Muldoon played his 300th match for Connacht against Leinster on Easter Saturday and the men from the Eastern province made a mess of the great man's big night.Rob Murphy, Linley MacKenzie, William Davies, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan have a lively debate on what went wrong for Connacht and how good the Leinster shadow side were on the night. There is also a teaser intro to the upcoming John Muldoon Special podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Messy Morass in Myreside

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 22:17:43 GMT

Connacht almost let a 22 point lead slip in the last quarter against Edinburgh as they eked out a 3 point win to confirm their place in the playoff to get into the Champions Cup.William Davies, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan muse over the messy morass of a victory from Murty Rabbitts, home of the Connacht Clan.Dave Finn also interviews Professor Jack Anderson about the legalities surrounding concussion in rugby. There is also audio from this weeks press conference with Pat Lam and John Muldoon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parma peppering for champions - Craggy Rugby podcast G25

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 13:09:11 GMT

The champions season reached it's nadir with a first ever defeat to Zebre in Parma.Craggy Crew members, Linley MacKenzie, William Davies, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan sift through the rubble of a most unexpected defeat as Connacht's season as PRO12 champions stutters more markedly with each game.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glasgow Gallop Away - Craggy Rugby podcast G24

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 11:44:01 GMT

Connacht's Top 6 ambitions were brutally buried by a clinical Glasgow side on a perfect day for rugby in Scotstoun, with the home team winning 35-24.Rob Murphy, William Davies, Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan bring you through and exciting but ultimately disappointing performance from the men in green as the season now drifts towards Champions Cup playoffs.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zebre Washed Away - Craggy Rugby podcast G23

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 22:02:21 GMT

Connacht garnered what could be an invaluable try bonus point in the toughest of conditions at a wet'n'wild Sportsground against Zebre to keep their faint hopes of automatic Champions Cup qualification alive.The full Craggy crew were on hand to analyse what happened on a dirty, wet night in the Sportsground.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trouncing Treviso - Craggy Rugby podcast G22

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:14:01 GMT

Connacht garnered their first ever try bonus point in the terrific triumph over Treviso to extend their PRO12 winning streak to 3 matches.The Craggy Crew managed to get a copy of a video of the match and William, Dave and Alan give their usual matchday analysis. There is also chat about the new incoming coach, with audio from Willie Ruane on the decision making process.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Downing the Dragons, Disappointingly - Craggy Rugby podcast G21

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 12:24:06 GMT

Connacht defeated the Dragons 14-9 in the Sportsground to record their second win on the trot over Welsh opposition. However the display fell short of the required level to procure a try bonus point, and the coveted Top 6 spot drifts ever further away.The full Craggy crew, Rob Murphy, William Davies, Linley McKenzie, Niall 'Packie' Sheil, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan, ponder over the poor performance.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cardiff Conundrum Cracked - Craggy Rugby podcast G20

Wed, 15 Feb 2017 10:40:10 GMT

The holy grail of a top 6 finish is still a possibility after Connacht garnered their first double over Cardiff Blues in the Arms Park.Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan bring you through the story of the match and the implications of how is has kept the season alive as the chase for automatic Champions Cup qualification hots up.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Ellis Special - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 07 Feb 2017 18:00:30 GMT

William Davies and Linley McKenzie interviewed former Connacht skills coach Dave Ellis before he finished up with the province and he provides and fascinating insight into his time with the PRO12 Champions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thwarted by Toulouse - Craggy Rugby podcast G19

Wed, 25 Jan 2017 10:05:38 GMT

The dream of a first ever Champions Cup quarter final for Connacht was left in tatters in Toulouse after a 19 - 10 defeat in Stade Ernest Wallon.Rob Murphy, William Davies, Linley McKenzie and Alan Deegan cogitate over the remnants of a mightily brave but ultimately futile effort from the men from the West in the quest for Champions Cup glory.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zinging past Zebre - Craggy Rugby podcast G18

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 12:24:30 GMT

Connacht zapped Zebre with a 10 try to 3 win in the Sportsground thus keeping the prospect of qualifying for the Champions Cup quarter finals very much in their own hands.Rob Murphy, William Davies, Dave Finn, Alan Deegan discuss the details of the match and the many permutations of results that Connacht need to qualify for the quarter finals for the first time ever. There is also the very welcome return of the ever insightful Linley McKenzie to the podcast after a few weeks sabbatical.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Outplayed by Ospreys - Craggy Rugby podcast G17

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:18:03 GMT

Injury plagued Connacht continue to struggle in the PRO12 after being comprehensively outplayed in Swansea by table topping Ospreys.Rob Murphy, William Davies, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan discuss the latest setback and analyse what's required to turn the season around.The second part of William's in-depth interview with backs coach Conor Phillips provides a fascinating insight into how New Zealand share their knowledge of the game.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munched by Munster - Craggy Rugby Podcast G16

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 14:24:05 GMT

Connacht ended their most glorious year on a bit of a bum note by losing at home to a depleted Munster on New Year's Eve.Rob Murphy, William Davies, Dave Finn and a whiskey fuelled, boisterous Alan Deegan dissect the reasons for the latest defeat of the PRO12 Champions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Underwhelming in Ulster - Craggy Rugby Podcast G15

Tue, 27 Dec 2016 15:42:19 GMT

A depleted Connacht were unable to break the Belfast hoodoo on the eve of Christmas Eve when going down 23-7 to Ulster.Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan take you through the story of the game. There is a special guest appearance by Richard Mulligan from the Belfast Newsletter to give the home team angle on all things Ulster rugby.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Carty....from the touchline....Connacht beat Wasps! - Craggy Rugby Podcast G14

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 18:50:28 GMT

Back on Track. A last gasp try finished off by Naulia Dawai at the back of a Connacht maul and a wonderful toucheline conversion from Jack Carty saw the westerners secure a famous win on Saturday night. The 20-18 victory over Wasps puts Connacht back on track in the Champions Cup quarter final race. Host Alan Deegan is joined by William Davies, Niall Sheil, Ronan Byrne and Danny Deegan to discuss the game. Also in this week's show, we hear William's feature interview with Connacht attack coach Conor McPhillips.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wasps Wallop Westies - Craggy Rugby Podcast G13

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 22:19:05 GMT

Another Big game in another big week for Connacht and on this occasion a fairly comprehensive defeat as Wasps thumped the westerners 32-17 to get the bonus point win they craved. The Craggy Crew were over in Coventry on Sunday and will take you through the whole day. Host Rob Murphy, Alan Deegan, William Davies and Linley MacKenzie caught up after the game to review the defeat and the ever growing injury list. We have lots and lots of different interviews on this extended podcast, Linley caught up with Wasps marketing executive Martin Fallon who hails from Galway, Alan caught up with Chris Jones of the BBC and there's also all the post game stuff from both sides. Email us - craggyrugby@gmail.comLike us us on facebook/craggyrugbypodcast Follow Us on twitter @craggyrugbypodRate us on itunes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lam's Take on Bristol Move - Craggy Rugby podcast Extra

Thu, 08 Dec 2016 13:13:19 GMT

An special extra edition of the podcast this week as we look back on a dramatic and unusual press conference at the Sportsground on Wednesday. An emotional Head coach Pat Lam outlined in great detail why he has decided to break from his current contract with Connacht and leave to join Bristol rugby at the end of this season. William Davies and Alan Deegan were there and give their take on the press event while host Rob Murphy speaks to Linley MacKenzie about a dramatic three days in the history of rugby out west.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lam Is Leaving - Craggy Rugby podcast G12

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 09:26:08 GMT

The Treviso episode has been overtaken this week. Pat Lam's impending departure takes centre stage. We'll have some audio from the 48-7 victory over the Italians but that's taking a back seat. The podcast was recorded on Monday after the news broke, William Davies and Alan Deegan joined host Rob Murphy for the chat. We'll have a second bonus podcast out on Thursday with some of the other Craggy crew members to help review Wednesday's press conference and preview Wasps.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reboot Win over Cardiff - Craggy Rugby podcast G11

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 09:46:16 GMT

The crew review Connacht's 18-8 victory over Cardiff on Friday. Special guest this week is Johnny O'Connor who was on Galway Bay Fm Commentary for the game. Alan Deegan and William Davies take you through the game, host Rob Murphy is then joined by Linley Mackenzie and Dave Finn post game and we hear from Pat Lam and John Cooney.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Points Dropped in Newport - Craggy Rugby podcast G10

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 10:19:10 GMT

The three week break is upon us and Connacht are off the boil again. Successive defeats to Leinster and now here in Newport against the Dragons have Lam's men well off the pace in their title defence. On the podcast recorded in Newport on Friday night are host Rob Murphy, William Davies and Linley MacKenzie with audio from Pat Lam and Jake Heenan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Familiar Story at the RDS - Craggy Rugby podcast G9

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 07:55:47 GMT

Connacht's four game winning streak came to a sudden halt in Dublin on Saturday as Leinster's young guns delivered a confident and defensively solid display in an eleven point win. On the podcast to discuss why Connacht's bright start didn't yield more are Rob Murphy, William Davies, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan with post match audio from Pat Lam and Leo Cullen. We also hear from Connacht's midweek press conference and discuss the announcement of new contracts for Bundee Aki and Ultan Dillane.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eight tries in Parma - Craggy Rugby podcast G8

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 15:45:16 GMT

Full round up from Connacht's 52-7 win over Zebre in Parma with Rob Murphy, Linley Mackenzie, Alan Deegan and William Davies

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Too Fast For Toulouse - Craggy Rugby podcast G7

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 20:24:51 GMT

What a win! Connacht came from ten points down to beat Toulouse in Galway on Saturday in front of 8,091 very loud supporters. The Champions campaign is off to a flyer and Connacht are not only back in the groove, they are on a roll. On this week's podcast you'll hear from Alan Deegan, Willam Davies, Rob Murphy, Niall Sheil, Dave Finn. Plus Linley MacKenzie chats to Toby Flood and we hear from Pat Lam and John Muldoon. The podcast was recorded on Saturday before Sunday's tragic news about Anthony Foley. Everyone in the Craggy crew pass on our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of one of Munster rugby's all time greats.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glory Days - Radio Documentary (extended version)

Fri, 14 Oct 2016 20:01:23 GMT

The 2015/16 season was the greatest in the long history of rugby in the west of Ireland province of Connacht. Against all the odds with a team of young emerging stars in a region often overlooked by the rugby powers that be, the men from the west went from mid table underdogs to Pro12 champions in nine incredible months. The Craggy Rugby crew of were there to document the tale all the way and this is the story of Connacht's season through the eyes of them, the fans and the players. You'll hear from Craggy crew members, Alan Deegan, William Davies, Linley Mackenzie, Dave Finn, Rob Murphy and Niall Sheil Other voices include Connacht captain John Muldoon, players Tiernan O'Halloran and Bundee Aki, Connacht Branch president Gerry O'Donnell, Galway Bay FM Co Commenter Joe Healy and Sky sports commenter Stuart Barnes. But the voices you'll hear most are those of the incredible group of rugby fans from Connacht that backed this team from day one against the Dragons to the last day in May against Leinster in Murrayfield. The show was edited by Emmet McNamara, Researched by Alan Deegan, produced by Rob Murphy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally Beating Ulster - Craggy Rugby podcast G6

Tue, 11 Oct 2016 11:29:16 GMT

Relive Connacht's tremendous 30-25 home win over Ulster for just their fourth ever triumph over the men in white in Pro12/Celtic League rugby history. On the podcast this week, you'll hear Alan Deegan and William Davies take you through the game while host Rob Murphy, Dave Finn, Linley MacKenzie and Niall Sheil take you through the post game chat. There's extra audio too including Pat Lam and Dave Heffernan while William caught up with EPCR CEO Simon Halliday at the launch of the European Champions Cup.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edinburgh Eviscerated - Craggy Rugby podcast G5

Tue, 04 Oct 2016 16:45:51 GMT

The crew review Connacht's first win of the season over Edinburgh last weekend. A bonus point triumph that has lifted squad and supporters alike ahead of this week's clash with Ulster. Alan Deegan and William Davies take you through the game, Rob Murphy, Dave Finn and Linley MacKenzie then take you through the post game chat before we hear from Jake Heenan and Pat Lam.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Progress stalled by Scarlets - Craggy Rugby podcast G4

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 10:57:45 GMT

Four weeks into the new season and Connacht are still without a point have yet to score more than one try in a game and sit bottom of the table. No one wants to panic just yet, with three home games to come but Saturday's 17-8 defeat away to Llanelli continues a worrying trend. Host Rob Murphy and regulars Linley Mackenzie and Alan Deegan made the trek to west Wales and saw lots of improvements. Our special guest this week is Rob Lloydd of the South Wales Evening Post while we hear from Pat Lam and Eoin McKeon in post game chats.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rain stops play in Zebre - Craggy Rugby podcast G3

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 12:00:17 GMT

A massive thunder and lightning storm at half time saves Connacht from losing 3 on the trot, with the defense on the verge of giving up a 3rd try bonus point in 3 games.On the podcast, William Davies, Dave Finn, Alan Deegan and Linley MacKenzie try to make sense of a bizarre game.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't Panic...yet, Overcome by Ospreys - Craggy Rugby G2

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 09:36:13 GMT

That's two defeats in two games now for Connacht and another bonus point given up. The Ospreys stormed to a 32-11 victory in the end coming from behind in the second half to secure a bonus point. On the podcast, Alan Deegan, William Davies, Rob Murphy, Linley MacKenzie, Niall Shiel and Dave Finn.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ouch!, Garotted by Glasgow - Craggy Rugby podcast G1

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 07:07:21 GMT

The Pro12 season is up and running and the Champions are off to a flyer....oh wait, hang on, Connacht lost 41-5 at home to Glasgow. Ouch. Don't worry though, the podcast isn't going to be all doom and gloom. The general consensus is that its far too soon to panic. On the podcast in order of appearance, Alan Deegan, William Davies, Rob Murphy, Dave Finn and Linley Mackenzie, we also have Pat Lam's post game interview. We look back at the game first, discuss some of the key issues surrounding the team and have a lively any other business to finish.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2016/17 Season Preview Part 2 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:53:18 GMT

The Guinness Pro12 Season kicks off this weekend. We're counting down the hours to kick off at the Sportsground on Saturday as Glasgow are in town once again. (5:15 start). The final part of our preview is jam packed with news and interviews. We hear from Pat Lam and Nepia Fox Matamua at the press conference. William Davies interviews Pro12 Managing Director Martin Anayi and there's lots more great audio from the Pro12 launch too.Rate us on itunes, like us on facebook and follow us on twitter. Help spread the Craggy word.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2016/17 Season Preview part 1 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 27 Aug 2016 10:33:04 GMT

The first of our season preview shows. The Craggy Crew were in Dublin last week for the launch of the 2016/17 Guinness Pro12 season. Rob, Alan and William set the scene. Guests include Pro 12 Chairman Gerald Davies, The 42.ie's Murray Kinsella, Billy Holland of Munster and John Muldoon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mid Summer Update - Craggy Rugby podcast

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 21:48:52 GMT

The lads are back for a mid summer update. The European Champions Cup draw has been made, Connacht are in with Wasps, Toulouse and Zebre. There's the Connacht player involvement in the Irish summer tour to South Africa to review and a chat about Ireland's superb under 20 side plus lots of any other business. Join host Rob Murphy, William Davies, Alan Deegan and Dave Finn for all the latest.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking It All In - Craggy Rugby podcast

Wed, 08 Jun 2016 20:27:25 GMT

The aftermath of the final. A few days on, we try to find out if Connacht's Pro12 success has sunk in yet. Rob Murphy is joined by Craggy Crew members, Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finn, William Davies and Alan Deegan. Stay tuned for some must listen audio from Willie Ruane recorded just an hour after Connacht's great win in Murrayfield and Pat Lam just minutes after the home coming came to a conclusion in front of 15,000 fans at the Sportsground.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Glory Days - Connacht 20 Leinster 10 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 30 May 2016 15:54:01 GMT

Full review of the Pro12 final as Connacht's incredible season has the perfect ending.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Build Up To The Final - Game Day - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 28 May 2016 11:48:55 GMT

Game day in Edinburgh. The third of our special podcasts sets the scene for this afternoon's final. Rob, Alan and William get things going. Linley MacKenzie makes her début appearance via Knock airport where she caught up with some of the travelling Connacht party including Craig Ronaldsonand Conan O'Donnell. Plus we were there when the Galway - Edinburgh buses arrived early this morning and met fans coming off the bus.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Build Up To The Final - Day 2 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Fri, 27 May 2016 17:31:51 GMT

Day 2 in Edinburgh for our crew of Rob Murphy, William Davies and Alan Deegan at The Guinnes Pro12 Final On the podcast today, Tom English of BBC Radio Scotland and Gerry O'Donnell, Connacht Branch president.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Build Up To The Final - Day 1 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 26 May 2016 15:22:52 GMT

The lads are on the way, it's Thursday, three days to go to the final and Rob, Alan and William set the scene. We also hear from Linley MacKenzie, Murray Kinsella and Tiernan O'Halloran.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The West's Awake - Connacht 16 Glasgow 11 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 22 May 2016 09:07:53 GMT

Pro 12 Semi FinalConnacht 16, Glasgow 11. Need we write anything else. Rob, Alan, Dave, William and Linley are on the podcast, lots more voices too.We start with the build up, then take you through the nervous 80 minutes and dissect it all afterwards. Connacht are going to Murrayfield. We'll have daily podcasts from Thursday. Rate us on Itunes, Write a review, Like us on Facebook, follow us on twitter @craggyrugbypod. Spread the Word. We're in a final.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Top Two - Connacht 14 Glasgow 7 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 09 May 2016 08:23:33 GMT

The Pro12 regular season has been completed and Connacht have completed their best ever season by finishing in the top two to secure a valuable home semi final. The 14-7 win over Glasgow on Saturday was tense and thrilling from start to finish but Connacht held firm late on and secured their 13th home win from 14 games this year to round off a thrilling campaign. On this week's podcast Alan Deegan and William Davies take you through the game, host Rob Murphy then brings Dave Finn and Linley MacKenzie into the pod to discuss the game in detail. There's post game audio from Pat Lam and Gregor Townsend plus, we hear from professional photographer James Crombie who follows the westerners around Europe and beyond! The semi finals are down for two weeks time and Connacht will host Glasgow once more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tripped Up In Treviso - Treviso 22 Connacht 21 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 02 May 2016 21:00:06 GMT

Recorded on our travels to Treviso at the weekend, the Craggy crew take you through the tale of an unexpected defeat and try to introduce some perspective on how it might alter the current momentum. On the show, Rob Murphy, William Davies, Linley MacKenzie and Alan Deegan (Via Skype). Stay tuned too for post game audio from Pat Lam and Tom McCartney.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doubling Up On Munster - Connacht 35 Munster 14 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 09:35:51 GMT

Munster were put to the sword at the Sportsground on Saturday night in comprehensive fashion as Connacht completed the season double over their southern neighbours and moved closer to securing a play off spot. The 35-14 victory should leave no one in any doubt now that Pat Lam's men are a top four side and well ahead of the field this season. There's a pumper crew on this week's podcast. Alan Deegan and William Davies take you through the game in their own usual style, host Rob Murphy and regular guests Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finne and Niall Sheil join in for the post game chat. Plus. We hear post game audio from Pat Lam, Finlay Bealham and Anthony Foley. Help Craggy Rugby grow, Like us on Facebook, rate us on itunes, follow us on twitter.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Out In A Blaze Of Grenoble Glory - Grenoble 33 Connacht 32 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 17:36:29 GMT

Grenoble 33, Connacht 32. Need we say anymore? Well, the scoreline might ordinarily speak for itself but this game was even better than a 65 point cumulative haul might suggest. Connacht crashed out but did so very much in a blaze of glory scoring four mesmerising tries and thrilling the near 15k crowd in the French Alps. The Craggy crew of Alan Deegan, Rob Murphy, William Davies and Linley Mackenzie take you through the story of the game while we hear from Pat Lam, Matt Healy, Andrew Browne, Andrew Farley and Bernard Jackman.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wings Clipped in Ulster - Ulster 18 Connacht 10 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 03 Apr 2016 22:01:51 GMT

Connacht lost a game for the first time since January on Friday night as Ulster toppled the high flying Westerners 18-10 to keep their play off hopes alive. Host Rob Murphy is joined by Linley MacKenzie, Alan Deegan, and William Davies to review the game. Richard Mulligan of the Belfast Newsletter joins us to give us the home view while we hear post game from Pat Lam, Shane O'Leary and James Connolly.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Resilience Too Much for Leinster - Connacht 7 Leinster 6 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 14:08:08 GMT

The journey continues, the tales of glory show no sign of slowing down, on Saturday Leinster were toppled at a sold out Sportsground as Connacht made it six wins on the bounce in the Pro12. After the epic late goalline stand where resilience was the order of the day, Connacht pulled off a 7-6 win over the star studded Dublin based side. On the podcast this week in order of appearance, Alan Deegan, William Davies, Rob Murphy, Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finn, Pat Lam, Denis Buckley and Shane Horgan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edinburgh Outgunned - Edinburgh 23 Connacht 28 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 12:02:42 GMT

Last weekend brought nother big big win for Connacht. This time in Edinburgh and with a four try bonus for good measure to bring the tally to 24 points from a possible 25 in their last five games. The incredible run of results sets Connacht up nicely for a very challenging conclusion to the season which starts with a home tie against Leinster on March 26. On this week's podcast, Rob Murphy and William Davies take you through the game while we hear from BBC Scotland contributor and former Sunday Times journalist Tom English and BBC Scotland and former British and Irish Lion Andy Nicol.There's post game audio from both camps and lots more as we look back on a fifth successive win for Pat Lam's side.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beating The Ospreys, Again - Connacht 30 Ospreys 22 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 19:16:20 GMT

Connacht completed a clean sweep of victories over the Ospreys on Saturday evening to extend their Pro12 winning streak to four and maintain top spot in the league. The 30-22 victory was one of the games of the season in the entire Pro12, never mind at the Sportsground. Joining Podcast host Rob Murphy are Alan Deegan, William Davies Dave Finn, and Linley MacKenzie.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zapping A Zany Zebre - Zebre 34 Connacht 51 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 19:32:47 GMT

Recorded on location in Parma this weekend as Connacht produced a third successive Pro12 bonus point win on Saturday to move top of the table after 15 rounds. Ulster's slip up on Sunday meant Connacht are out on their own at the top having equalled their win tally and points tally from last season already with seven games still to play. Host Rob Murphy and regular guest William Davis take you through the story of the game, we have an interview with Connacht team Doctor and members of the NUIG rugby academy as well while we hear from Pat Lam and Matt Healy as well.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast Special - Henshaw is Leaving - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 14 Feb 2016 22:23:19 GMT

After two Pro12 bonus point wins on the bounce, positivity was high in the world of Connacht rugby until Sunday afternoon when news broke that Robbie Henshaw was leaving the province. The reaction to this news has been huge from rugby supporters all around the island and we felt it needed a podcast special. Host Rob Murphy is joined on skype by Alan Deegan and William Davies to discuss the implications of this huge move for the Athlone man.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus Point Win In Newport - Dragons 21 Connacht 26 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 13 Feb 2016 11:51:37 GMT

The upward surge continues for Connacht after Thursday's bonus point win away to the Dragons. Ten points from two games as the westerners continue to mix it with the sides chasing the top four. On this week's podcast, Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan take you through the story of the game while Linley MacKenzie joins us afterwards to look back on the 26-21 win over the Newport based side. We spoke to Pat Lam and Eoghan Masterson too, both acknowledged that it wasn't pretty at times but no one is complaining either.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht 5, Scarlets 0 - Connacht 30 Scarlets 17 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 13:08:31 GMT

Connacht picked up five points from their Saturday afternoon tussle with the table topping Scarlets at the Sportsground while their visitors left without a single point. The 30-17 victory has Connacht joint top of the Pro 12 and very much back on track. The craggy crew take you through the story of the game.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lots Of Tries, Lots To Like - Connacht 45 Enesei 5 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 15:01:07 GMT

A combination of a bonus point 47-5 victory over Enisei STM and Brive failing to match that return away to Newcastle meant Connacht secured top spot in Pool 1 on Saturday and a European Challenge Cup quarter Final in Grenoble next April.First on this week's podcast Alan Deegan and William Davies take you through the game, then Rob Murphy and Dave Finn join them for post game chat. There's audio from Pat Lam too. This weeks topics include, a game review, a preview of the forthcoming crucial game against the Scarlets next Saturday at 3pm and an update on some key contract news this week involving Rodney Ah You. Don't forget to join our super bru Six Nations prediction pool. Pool name 'CraggyIslandRugby 6N pool' Code: nineyoke

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bad Day In Brive - Brive 21 Connacht 18 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 19 Jan 2016 13:00:45 GMT

It might be time to worry a little for Connacht supporters and players alike. Yet another last minute defeat, this time a man called Laranjeira notched his seventh and match winning penalty on 80 minutes for a 21-18 win. The run is now at five straight defeats. On the trip to Brive this weekend were Rob Murphy, William Davies, Linley MacKenzie, Niall 'Packie' Sheil and Ronan Byrne and they all have roles on this week's podcast. We also hear from Pat Lam and John Muldoon while Dave Finn joins the podcast to review our contract signings from the season so far.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shingler's Stinger - Scarlets 21 Connacht 19 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 22:37:42 GMT

The close shaves continue for Connacht, Jack Carty looked to have won it for the Westerners in Parc Y Scarlets on Sunday with a 78th minute penalty but Steve Shingler had the last say in a 21-19 win for Llanelli. Still Connacht continue to play well in defeat, earn points from their reversals and dismiss what is now a four game losing streak as no major cause concern because the performance levels remain high. Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan were in west Wales, Rob Loydd joined them afterwards while we also hear from Steve Shinger, Pat Lam and Tiernan O'Halloran. Plus we go through some of your questions on twitter after the game.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blanked In Dublin - Leinster 13 Connacht 0 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 03 Jan 2016 21:03:31 GMT

On a wet and windy night in Dublin, Connacht were blanked on the scoreboard by Leinster despite a strong first half display against the difficult elements on the east coast.Alan Deegan and Dave Finn joined Rob Murphy at the RDS and take you through the 13-0 defeat. We hear from Pat Lam, Tom McCartney and Eoin Reddan via the post game press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster Swoop In - Connacht 3 Ulster 10 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 27 Dec 2015 20:40:51 GMT

Game 14 of Connacht's season brought a first home defeat and a second successive Pro 12 reversal, this time at the hands of Ulster. Nick William's second half try sealed the win late on after a tight battle for most of the game. Alan Deegan takes you through the game, Rob Murphy then chairs a panel discussion with Packie, Dave Finn and a brief cameo from William in South Africa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle Strike Back - Newcastle 29 Connacht 5 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 09:55:46 GMT

Newcastle beat Connacht on Sunday 29-5 with a bonus point to reignite their European campaign and garner some revenge for last week's defeat. A young much changed Connacht certainly didn't let the cause down with a stirring first half display before succumbing to the hosts after half time. On duty in Kingston Park were Rob Murphy and Alan Deegan with Linley MacKenzie joining the crew for the post game chat. There's a special guest too as 88 time England internaitonal Tamara Jones joins the podcast to review the game and we also hear from Pat Lam, Craig Ronaldson and Dean Richards. .

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Falcons Fall in Galway - Connacht 25 Newcastle 10 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 13 Dec 2015 17:16:21 GMT

A 25-10 victory over the Newcastle Falcons on Friday has Connacht Top of Pool 1 in the Challenge Cup ahead of Sunday's rematch in Kingston Park. With Ulster on Stephen's Day looming large and the injury count at an all time, Connacht are back to winning ways thanks to Jack Carty's seven kicks from eight attempts and Dannie Poolman's try.On the podcast this week, Alan Deegan and William Davies take you through the game with a little help from Emma. Rob Murphy, Dave Finn and Packie are along for post game analysis while we have lots of post game press conference audio from both teams.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beaten By The Blues - Cardiff 20 Connacht 16 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 15:56:18 GMT

The winning streak was brought to a halt at eight for Connacht on Friday night in Cardiff as the Blues overturned a half time deficit to win 20-16. On this week's podcast, host Rob Murphy, William Davies and Linley Mackenzie were in the Welsh capital for the game and discuss the impending injury crisis enveloping the province. We also hear from Connacht's Ronan Loughney, Head coach Pat Lam and Cardiff Blues Head Coach Danny Wilson.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Storming Thomond Park - Munster 12 Connacht 18 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 29 Nov 2015 10:49:38 GMT

Finally! Saturday's brilliant 18-12 victory over Munster at Thomond Park on Saturday night helped end a dreadful run of defeats away to Irish provinces but far more importantly served to underline the huge progress being made by the young squad. Pat Lam's men led from start to finish and withstood some hugely challenging moments before securing the win with a Bundee try that will live long in the memory. The Craggy Island Rugby crew where there. Alan Deegan and William Davies did the in game recordings before Host Rob Murphy joined the duo along with Dave Finn and Linley Mackenzie for the post game chat about 90 minutes after one of the games of the season in the Guinness Pro 12. We have audio from Pat Lam, John Muldoon and Eoghan Masterson and as you might imagine, there is a fair amount of animated chat after Connacht ended a 29 year run without a competitive win in Limerick and a 13 year wait for an away win against any Irish province. Eight wins in a row now and top of the Pro 12 table going into December. Wow.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brive Beaten, Barely - Connacht 21 Brive 17 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 06:48:47 GMT

Win number seven on the bounce for Connacht. All sorts of records falling then after Saturday's narrow but well deserved victory over Brive at the Sportsground. The tension was high in the last few minutes but Connacht held firm and head into next weekend's top of the table Pro 12 clash with Munster at Thomond Park. Alan, William, Dave and Rob are all along again this weekend with Linley MacKenzie joining in for a chat about Russia and the win over Brive. We also hear from Pat Lam and Tiernan O'Halloran.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Siberian Tales - Enesei 14 Connacht 31 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 08:13:27 GMT

A rugby match like no other, that was the simple description for Connacht's opening European game this season away to Russian side Enisei in Krasnoyarsk Russia. Our man on the ground in Siberia was William Davies who undertook the epic trip via Brussels and Moscow last Tuesday returning on Sunday night. He documented the trip for the podcast. We hear from all sorts from the Connacht travelling party and take you through a week where the Connacht team overcame conditions that no rugby team has arguably ever faced to defeat competition débutantes Enisei 31-14 with a bonus point in -20 degrees.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Top Of The League - Connacht 33 Treviso 19 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 07 Nov 2015 20:17:49 GMT

Top of the league after 7 rounds, that's some going from Connacht to start the season. On Friday they defeated Treviso 33-19 and that result coupled with Leinster's win over Scarlets propelled them to the top. On this week's podcast we have Linley McKenzie and Niall Sheil joining us along with regulars Alan Deegan, Dave Finn and host Rob Murphy. There's post game audio from Pat Lam and Craig Ronaldson as we reflect on an eventful game look ahead to the European action.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2015 RWC Podcast 8 - The Full Review - Craggy Rugby podcast

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 21:08:52 GMT

Our Rugby World Cup podcast concludes with a full review of the final weekend and a look back at the tournament overall. We also look ahead to the campaign for Ireland to host the 2023 World Cup. Host Rob Murphy is joined by Alan Deegan, William Davies and Dave Finn to wax lyrical about New Zealand, pick out the highlights of the tournament, review the coverage and look ahead to the future of the game.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edging Edinburgh - Connacht 14 Edinburgh 9 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 01 Nov 2015 08:35:06 GMT

The good run continues for Connacht after Saturday's 14-9 home win over Edinburgh. Tiernan O'Halloran's first half try was enough to topple the Scots and keep Connacht in second in the standings thanks to five wins from six. To start the podcast Alan Deegan, Andrew Flaus and William Davies take you through the game before host Rob Murphy and regular guest Dave Finn join the pod. We hear post game Audio from Pat Lam, the thoughts of a New Zealander on winning the World Cup, discuss the poorly organised Russia trip and William has a bit of a Bombshell at the end of the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2015 RWC - Episode 7 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 09:30:36 GMT

We've reached episode seven and only one weekend remains of this highly entertaining Rugby World Cup. This week's episode gets a little heated as the lads debate the merits of World Cup progress over Six Nations success. We review the semi finals, call the final and discuss lots of TMO stuff. Host Rob Murphy, joined by guests Alan Deegan, William Davies and Dave Finn.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rare Win in Swansea - Ospreys 16 Connacht 21 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 20:49:42 GMT

After Connacht's 21-16 victory over the Ospreys on Saturday evening they now sit joint top of the Pro 12 table ahead of Saturday's clash with Edinburgh at the Sportsground. Host Rob Murphy is joined by guest Alan Deegan, William Davies and Dave Finn to review a thrilling away performance at the Liberty Stadium where Matt Healy and Bundee Aki tries made all the difference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2015 RWC - Episode 6 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Wed, 21 Oct 2015 09:39:30 GMT

We're down to the last four and there is a troublesome trend to the semi final pairings. It involves water swirling in a different direction in all of their sinks!Ireland are gone, Wales are gone even Scotland are gone and France are very much gone. The Six Nations teams were relegated to also rans as Argentina and New Zealand soared and South Africa and Australia stumbled their way to the semi finals. Host Rob Murphy and regulars Alan Deegan, William Davies and Dave Finn survey the scene after another dramatic weekend.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zzzz Zebre - Connacht 34 Zebre 15 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 17 Oct 2015 21:50:30 GMT

A second successive bonus point win for Connacht has them joint second in the Pro 12 standings after four rounds with a trip to Swansea up ahead next weekend. The crew gathered after the game on Friday night to survey the scene of a 34-15 victory over Zebre. The first half was good but the second half might well go down as the worst 40 minutes we'll see at the Sportsground this season. Host Rob Murphy is joined by regulars, Dave Finn, Alan Deegan and William Davies with post game audio from Pat Lam.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2015 RWC - Episode V - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 19:06:18 GMT

In which a brave bunch of men overcome the adversity of being without their talismanic leader to bring you a podcast on rugby

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RWC 2015 - Episode 4 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 20:45:30 GMT

We're back for another week of World Cup rugby talk. There simply is no end to the drama and entertainment. Ireland wobble, England implode, Australia and Wales advance.Host Rob Murphy along regulars Alan Deegan, William Davies and Dave Finn discuss all the action and preview the weekend action including Ireland's big game with France and Japan's crunch clash with USA.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally, We beat the Blues - Connacht 36 Cardiff 31 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 04 Oct 2015 13:55:39 GMT

Episode 3 reviews game 3 for Connacht and a 36-31 win over Cardiff at the Sportsground on Saturday evening, Alan Deegan and William Davies kick the show off by taking you through a fairly hectic nine try game. Then host Rob Murphy and guests Dave Finn and Galway Advertiser sports editor Linley McKenzie join the pod for a full review. We also hear from Connacht Head Coach Pat Lam.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2015 RWC - Episode 3 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:09:09 GMT

Episode 3 and the World Cup is heating up. Wales and England was the big game of the weekend and has left us with a pool like no other as England face Australia this weekend. On this week's show we look back at all the action, we chat to Ronan Byrne in London who went along to the Ireland and Romania game on Sunday and we preview each of this week's games starting with Fiji and Wales on Thursday. Joining host Rob Murphy are the usual crew of Alan Deegan, Dave Finn and William Davies.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2015 RWC - Episode 2 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 20:35:37 GMT

There was one storyline to dominate them all after the first weekend of rugby action but we won't be just talking about Japan in episode one as we review all eight games. Host Rob Murphy is joined by Brett Wilkinson for a discussion on South Africa's tough opening loss while the panel this week are Alan Deegan, Dave Finn and William Davies.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2015 RWC - Episode 1 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 09:09:36 GMT

The first in our series of world cup podcasts on KnockOn.ie. We hope to provide you with something a little different throughout the 2015 tournament in England over the next seven weeks. On episode one, host Rob Murphy and regulars from our Craggy Island Rugby podcast crew William Davies and Dave Finn discuss the forthcoming tournament. Our special guest this week is Sky Sports GAA commentator Mike Finnerty as he looks ahead to the opening weekend and gives us his best memories from World Cups of yore. We're a non profit website, just plugging away for the love of the game. If you like this podcast, rate us on itunes and leave a comment. Our theme music is with thanks to The Walls and from their 2004 album Hi Lo, the track is called Bone Deep.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Point Too Far - Glasgow 33 Connacht 32 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 12 Sep 2015 11:52:59 GMT

The second episode of the season takes you through a Connacht's dramatic 33-32 defeat to Glasgow in Scotland on Friday. A dreadful first 45 minutes saw Connacht slip 30-13 behind but a stunning comeback rescued two points. Host Rob Murphy is joined by Alan Deegan, William Davies and Dave Finn to take you through a game of highs and lows from the unpredictable westerners against an understrenght Glasgow.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dragons Downed - Connacht 29 Dragons 23 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 05 Sep 2015 10:44:17 GMT

The First episode of the new season was recorded at the Sportsground on Friday after Connacht's 29-23 victory over the Dragons. Joining host Rob Murphy on the pod are the usual crew, Alan Deegan, Dave Finn and William Davies. We also hear from Pat Lam and Tiernan O'Halloran. Also on this week's episode we preview the the pro 12 and European season looking at each of Connacht's 14 opponents.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Epilogue - Gloucester 40 Connacht 32 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 17:18:52 GMT

A long season came to an end in Kingsholm, after Gloucester prevailed (40-32) in an epic play off match that went to extra time. Episode 30 is a season review but we start by looking back at a game that will be remembered for quite some time. The crew pick out their highlights of the season and look ahead to the 2015/16 campaign. Joining host Rob Murphy, are the usual crew of Alan Deegan, William Davies and Dave Finn. Stay tuned for some clips from earlier in the campaign including that famous win over Leinster.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Overturned by the Ospreys - Connacht 20 Ospreys 24 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 16 May 2015 22:43:44 GMT

The season isn't over, Connacht might have lost 24-20 to the Ospreys on Saturday but thanks to Leinster's win over Edinburgh, they held onto 7th spot and are now heading to Gloucester next Sunday for the Champions Cup qualification play off. It was a day of mixed emotions on Saturday, a truly abysmal first half display saw Connacht trail 24-0 but a thrilling second half effort restored pride and will offer hope ahead of a tricky test away to Gloucester. Host Rob Murphy is joined by Alan Deegan, William Davies and Dave Finn for the podcast. We start with an 'as it happened' segment from during the game plus we hear from Dan McFarland, Michael Swift, John Muldoon and Pat Lam.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Big Finale - Zebre 10 Connacht 40 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Wed, 13 May 2015 20:49:48 GMT

A six try demolition job in Parma saw Connacht secure a bonus point 40-10 victory over Zebre at the weekend and sets up a final day showdown with the Ospreys this Saturday with so much at stake. Host Rob Murphy and regular guests, Williams Davies, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan look ahead to a final day like nothing experienced out west in the 13 full seasons of Celtic League and Pro 12 rugby.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seventh Anyone? - Connacht 13 Glasgow 31 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 02 May 2015 09:27:27 GMT

The podcast returns and with two games to go, the Connacht dream of a top six finish seems to be slipping. Recorded after the 31-13 home loss to Glasgow, host Rob Murphy is joined by returning special guest Linley MacKenzie of the Galway Advertiser, William Davies, Dave Finn and stats man Daniel Deegan. In a busy podcast the crew have heated discussions on the out half situation and the effect the current injury crisis is having on the team.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Still Sixth - Connacht 20 Ulster 27 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 12 Apr 2015 19:19:29 GMT

Brace yourselves for a jam-packed podcast this week as we get to grips with yet another, (yet another!) thrilling afternoon following Connacht. Ulster won 27-20 at the Sportsground on Saturday but that's only the half of it. A fourth defeat in a row should have put the season up in smoke but thanks to a fightback for a losing bonus point and a little help from results around the league, Connacht are stilling clinging onto sixth spot with three round to go. On the podcast this week, Nigel Owens (brief cameo), Liam Toland (much longer cameo), Rob Murphy (host), Alan Deegan (back up host in training), William Davies and Dave Finn (full of opinions). Plus we have snippets of post game audio from Pat Lam, Denis Buckley, Neil Doak, Tommy Bowe and Rory Best. To help us grow, like us on facebook (Craggyislandrugby), follow and retweet us on twitter (@craggyrugbypod) and please review our show on itunes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Never A Dull Moment - Gloucester 14 Connacht 7 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 20:39:30 GMT

The season seems to generate more dramatic with each passing day for Connacht Rugby. On Friday night in Gloucester we had it all. A truly awful first half, a superb fightback after half time and post game drama that made headlines around the world. The full crew return for our 25th podcast of the season.Part 1 looks at the fallout from the Mils Muliaina arrest after the game at Kingsholm. We speak only of the facts taking you through the confusion that ensued in the hour after the game on Friday and outlining the very latest information we have on the issue.In part 2, things get tetchy as the crew debate the pros and cons of some of Connacht's most high profile signings in recent years and reviews some of the media coverage around them. Will Connacht benefit from a more critical eye in the national media? In the final part of the podcast we dedicate our time to reviewing Friday's performance in Gloucester and previewing the hugely important game against Ulster next Saturday at 2:40pm in the Sportsgrounds. Host Rob Murphy and guests William Davies, Alan Deegan and Dave Finn tip toe through the tricky part and let loose for the rest of the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Munster Mauling - Munster 42 Connacht 20 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 06:42:14 GMT

Just four games remain in the Guinness Pro 12 season and Connacht remain in the much coveted six position despite two defeats in a row now. Last weekend the westerners trounced 42-20 at Thomond Park and the Craggy crew were in attendance. On the way home they stopped off for an hour to dissect a typically one sided game in Limerick. There’s lots to discuss for host Rob Murphy and guests William Davies, Dave Finn and Alan Deegan as we look ahead to the final few weeks of the season which includes a European Challenge Cup trip to Gloucester this Friday. The topics include Dan McFarland’s departure at the end of the season to become assistant coach in Glasgow, Pat Lam’s fine from the Pro 12 disciplinary committee, the European distraction, Donnacha O’Callaghan’s disruptive performances and the injury crisis that has enveloped Connacht in recent months.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lam, Basting - Cariff 18 Connacht 17 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 18:39:44 GMT

The podcast returns and there’s only one issue on our minds this week. After Connacht’s last gasp defeat to Cardiff in Wales on Friday, Pat Lam’s post game interview took centre stage and has made quite a stir in the following days. Host Rob Murphy and regular Craggy guests Alan Deegan, William Davies and Dave Finn dissect the game and the post game comments which include Lam’s claim that Leighton Hodges made inappropriate to stewards at the Sportsground in January. That claim is as of yet uncorroborated but as of Monday, Lam had been callled to a Pro 12 disciplinary hearing at a date to be confirmed.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Treviso Trounced - Connacht 53 Treviso 5

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 20:06:14 GMT

After Connacht's 53-5 home win over Treviso they now hold a six point advantage over the Scarlets in the Pro 12 table as the race for sixth intensifies. The final six rounds are going to be hair raising stuff with Cardiff away next on the cards for Pat Lam's men this Friday. The Craggy podcast crew take you through the game first and then meet in the Huntsman to dissect a seven try to one victory over the Italians. William Davies, Alan Deegan and Dave Finn join host Rob Murphy for the chat in front of a live audience. The game kicked off just minutes after Ireland's fantastic win over England in the Six Nations and the fact that young Connacht star Robbie Henshaw had such a staring role doesn't go without a mention or two. There's post game audio from Pat Lam, Aly Muldowney, Craig Ronaldson and Tiernan O'Halloran and a long overdue salute to the soon to be retired Connacht rugby legend Michael Swift.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dragons Outnumbered - Dragons 25 Connacht 30 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 11:55:23 GMT

Connacht are back on track in their quest to usurp the established order, they remain sixth after a 30-25 away win against a Dragons side that played 64 minutes with 14 men on Sunday. Next up, a home tie with Treviso this Sunday minutes after the full time whistle in Ireland and England. Host Rob Murphy is joined by the usual panel, Dave Finn, Alan Deegan and William Davies to look back on the win in Newport and preview this very unusual fixture (in terms of time) at 5:15 this weekend. There's a discussion on John Cooney playing against the Dragons twice in as many weeks, the problems with re-refereeing incidents and the challenges awaiting Connacht in the final seven rounds of the Pro 12. Plus, there's audio from Galway Bay FM Co Commentator Brett Wilkinson recorded after the game in Newport and Connacht coach Pat Lam.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scarlet Faces Everywhere - Scarlets 32 Connacht 14 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 09:27:46 GMT

After a very poor display against the Scarlets in Llanelli last weekend, Connacht are facing into two must win games in the coming weeks starting with Sunday's trip to Newport. The crew return for episode 20 to get to access Connacht's current run of form and preview a vital game in east Wales. Host Rob Murphy is joined by Alan Deegan, Dave Finn and William Davies to discuss everything from Leadership groups to underrated Romanian born Italian referees. There's some talk about Ireland and France too while we have post game audio from west Wales includes interviews with Pat Lam and Jake Heenan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Journey To La Rochelle - La Rochelle 20 Connacht 30 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:29:55 GMT

Episode 19 is a special documentary following Connacht on their trip to La Rochelle in the European Challenge Cup where late tries from Niyi Adeolokun and Matt Healy helped snatch a bonus point 30-20 win. The Podcast takes you through the whole trip starting in Dublin airport and then following on to La Rochelle where we speak to Pat Lam before the game and lots of the people involved behind the scenes too, including Adrian Leddy Connacht Branch President and Connacht Media executive Louise Creedon among others. Galway Advertiser journalist Linley McKenzie joins host Rob Murphy to preview and review the game, Connacht supporter Warren Gavin takes the recorder into the crowd during the contest and we also have a snippet from Galway where the regular Podcast crew watched the Connacht Eagles take on Germany and access Jake Heenan’s return to action. There’s lots more including post game interviews with Dan McFarland, Mils Muliaina and Pat Lam in this extended version to help bring you the story of an eventful weekend. Connacht now have two weekend’s free before the visit to Llanelli. We’ll be back the week before that match with the Scarlets to preview the trip to west Wales. Follow us on twittter @craggyrugbypod or on facebook: Craggyislandrugby and review us on itunes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Chiefs and their Scrum Dance - Connacht 24 Exeter 33 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 18:07:45 GMT

Another week and another home defeat, 2015 started with a bang thanks to a home win over Munster but the last two weeks have been more of a whimper with defeats to Edinburgh and now against the Exeter. After Sunday's 33-24 defeat to the Chiefs in a high scoring dual at the Sportsground, Host Rob Murphy was joined by regular guests Alan Deegan, Dave Finn and William Davies to dissect a bizarre game where Connacht scored four tries, led 17-10 at half time but shipped 23 unanswered points in the second half. We also hear from Pat Lam, Rob Baxter and John Muldoon in the post game interviews. We'll be back next weekend with episode 19 from La Rochelle on the French Atlantic coast. Out facebook page is called Craggy Island RugbyOur twitter feed is @craggyrugbypod which is also the best way to contact us. Fine us on tunes by searching 'Craggy island rugby' and if you have a minute, write a review on our itunes page, it makes a huge difference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edinburgh Master Elements - Connacht 13 Edinburgh 16 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 10 Jan 2015 14:59:19 GMT

Connacht suffered a first home defeat of the season on Friday night against Edinburgh missing out on a chance to move into the top four in the process.For the second week running, conditions were horrendous at the Sportsground and this time it was Edinburgh who mastered the elements, winning the toss playing with the wind in the first half and scoring a crucial try which set them up for the nine point second half and a 16-13 win. On the podcast with host Rob Murphy are Alan Deegan, William Davies and Dave Finn we also hear from Connacht coach Pat Lam and his Edinburgh counterpart Alan Solomons

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Monumental Victory - Connacht 24 Munster 16 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 13:09:39 GMT

What a win! From 13-0 down to a 24-16 by full time. For just the second time in 28 years, Connacht are basking in a glorious victory over the mighty Munster after producing a brilliant display at the Sportsground on New Year's Day. The Craggy Pod Crew were there, host Rob Murphy sets us off, Alan Deegan and William Davies take you through the lows and highs of the game itself and Dave Finn joins the crew afterwards to look back on a night that will live long in the memory for rugby fans in the west of Ireland. We hear from John Muldoon, Pat Lam and Anthony Foley as well plus there's a whole section at the end reserved to the endless rumours around Robbie Henshaw and a quick preview of the home tie with Edinburgh in a week's time. Follow us @craggyrugbypod or on facebook at Craggy Island Rugby and leave review on our itunes page to help us grow.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Losing Bonus Point in Ulster - Ulster 13 Connacht 10 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 27 Dec 2014 09:22:06 GMT

We were in Belfast on St Stephen's Day (or Boxing day to keep it local) for the round 11 Guinness Pro 12 clash of Ulster and Connacht and watched the westerners secure a first ever losing bonus point at the newly named Kingspan Park at Ravenhill. Host Rob Murphy is joined by regular guest Alan Deegan to set the scene of the game while our special guest on post game analysis is Richard Mulligan of the Belfast Newsletter. There's plenty of post game audio with Pat Lam, try scorer Ally Muldowney and Ulster coach Neil Doak all to be heard from and lots more besides as we review the 13-10 victory of Ulster.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster Lesson - Leinster 21 Connacht 11 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 21 Dec 2014 17:57:41 GMT

The expected performance didn't materialise in Dublin on Friday night as Leinster capitalised on another slow start from an error strewn Connacht and pounced on a late mistake for the second try to seal the 21-11 win. The podcast was recorded in Kiely's of Donnybrook after the game on Friday. Host Rob Murphy joined by Dennis Laffey from the Connacht Clan, Dublin based Connacht supporter Declan Faller making his season debut and Leinster supporter Andrew Tracey. There's also a surprise appearance from London based Connacht fan Ronan Byrne who was over for the game and pumped into us mid record. Listen out also for audio from Pat Lam and his Leinster counterpart Matt O'Connor.Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on itunes and get it downloaded straight to your phone the second we publish.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blade Runners - Bayonne 27 Connacht 29 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 14 Dec 2014 22:48:34 GMT

Connacht sent the young guns to France on Saturday and many of us feared the worst but the 15 changes didn't halt the progress and a fourth win on the bounce was secured in the dying seconds in Bayonne thanks to Caolin Blade's second try of the evening. The win keeps Connacht firmly in the hunt for a home quarter final in the Challenge Cup but far more importantly, keeps the momentum going into a huge run of three straight inter-provincial Pro 12 games starting at the RDS against Leinster next Friday night. The Podcast crew of Alan Deegan, William Davies and Dave Finn joined Rob Murphy in Galway on Sunday to discuss another milestone in a great season so far and preview their toughest test of the season in Dublin. Get in touch with us. ViaRob@knockon.ieOr@craggyrugbypod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bayonne Battered - Connacht 42 Bayonne 19- Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 07 Dec 2014 22:49:46 GMT

This week's podcast was recorded in the Connacht Clan Bar at the Sportsground where host Rob Murphy was joined by Linley MacKenzie, Dave Finn, Alan Deegan and William Davies to review Connacht's 42-19 home win over Bayonne in the European Challenge Cup. There's the usual in-game package to slot, post game analysis from the panel and interviews with Pat Lam and Dannie Poolman. Plus this week, the podcast crew discuss the recent articles from Paul Kimmage around performance enhancing drugs and rugby.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Win Number 6 - Connacht 14 Scarlets 8 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 30 Nov 2014 13:10:22 GMT

Connacht defeated the Llanelli Scarlets 14-8 in the Guinness Pro 12 on Saturday night to remain in the top six and just five points off first place heading into December. It was win number six for the season, they've already matched last season's total of six wins and they still have 13 games to play in the 2014/15 campaign. This week's podcast crew include Alan Deegan and William Davies who take you through the game itself and afterwards Dave Finn joins host Rob Murphy for the post game discussion. We have audio from the post game press conference where we hear from Pat Lam and Bundee Aki and there's a very brief preview of the Bayonne game thrown in somewhere as well.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Muliaina Debut - Connacht 43 Zebre 3 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 12:40:25 GMT

This week's Craggy Island Rugby episode looks back at the long awaited Connacht debut for New Zealand centurion Mils Muliaina and ahead to the biggest game of Connacht's Pro 12 season so far, the visit to the Sportsground of Llanelli Scarlets. On the pod are Alan Deegan, William Davies and making his debut Andrew Flaus who joined host Rob Murphy on the steps of the clan terrace. We also hear from the man of the hour Mils after the 43-3 victory over Zebre.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Overturned by the Ospreys - Ospreys 26 Connacht 11 - Craggy Rugby podcasts

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 12:47:02 GMT

This week's podcast was recorded in Swansea where Connacht lost for the second time this season in the Guinness Pro 12 going down 26-11 to the league leading Ospreys. A horrendous spell in the third quarter where they conceded 23 unanswered points did the danage but the westereners head into the two week break in sxith spot, level on points with the Scarlets. This week's podcast guests include former Connacht and Ireland A prop Brett Wilkinson who was in Swansea as a co commentator with Galway Bay FM, Galway Advertiser Sports Editor Linley McKenzie who both join host Rob Murphy to review the game. We also hear from Osprey's Head coach Steve Tandy, Connacht Head Coach Pat Lam and Connacht Captain John Muldoon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Executed by Exeter - Exeter 33 Connacht 13 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 26 Oct 2014 18:13:21 GMT

A trip to Exeter marked game eight of Connacht's season and it didn't go to plan as they succumbed to a five try to one 33-13 defeat in round two of the European Challenge Cup. It's only a second defeat of the campaign and came as Pat Lam managed his squad carefully ahead of next Fridays Guinness Pro 12 clash away to league leaders the Ospreys but the drop off in performance level will be a cause for concern. As usual, Craggy Island rugby were on hand to document the day. Galway Bay FM co commentator Joe Healy and Connacht Clan member Dennis Laffey are on the pod this week joining host Rob Murphy. We hear from Rob Walrand of BBC Devon, and we hear from a host of supporters of both teams as Dennis Laffey took the recording equipment around Sandy Park, before during and after Saturday's game. Finally, we have Pat Lam's thoughts on the result and what is up next.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lashing La Rochelle - Connacht 48 La Rochelle 12 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 20 Oct 2014 15:57:54 GMT

Game seven of Connacht's season saw the westerners host La Rochelle in their opening European Challenge Cup pool game at the Sportsground on Saturday and resulted in a facile 48-12 home win. The Craggy Island Podcast crew were on hand to talk about a damp squib of a contest and the problems with a competition where many teams show absolutely no interest in taking it seriously.Alan Deegan is on hosting duty this week with regular guests Dave Finn and William Davies on hand to share their thoughts. We also hear from Pat Lam's post game press conference.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tricky Trip to Treviso - Treviso 6 Connacht 9 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sun, 12 Oct 2014 10:24:39 GMT

The podcast went on the road this week to Treviso for round 6 of the Pro 12. Connacht's 9-6 victory over Treviso is reviewed as the Galway Bay FM commentary team of Rob Murphy and Gerry O'Donnell discuss the scrappy win straight after the game. We then hear from John Muldoon, Pat Lam, Darragh Leader and Dan McFarland in post game interviews as Connacht reach the European break in the top five with just one defeat in six outings.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caught by Cardiff - Connacht 24 Cardiff 24 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 04 Oct 2014 11:08:32 GMT

The Podcast returns for another week to review Connacht's 24 all draw with Cardiff at the Sportsground on Friday night.Joining host Rob Murphy are Alan Deegan, William Davies and Dave Finn as they look back on arguably the most disappointing draw in Connacht rugby history. A 24-10 lead lost in the final quarter.The pod starts with our 'as it happened' segement to take you through the game, then we start the discussion and in between the chat, we hear the post game thoughts of Connnacht Head Coach Pat Lam and captain John Muldoon. Plus we clear up the confusion around what episode this is. It is episode 5, last week's show was incorrectly named!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grounded in Glasgow - Glasgow 39 Connacht 21 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Thu, 02 Oct 2014 09:44:06 GMT

This week's show looks back on Connacht's defeat away to Pro 12 league leaders Glasgow and ahead to this Friday's tussle with Cardiff at the Sportsground. Joining host Rob Murphy to look ahead to the game is Galway Advertiser Sports Editor and Connacht Rugby writer for the Irish Times Linley MacKenzie. We also hear from Pat Lam and George Naoupu who talked to us during this week's press conference. Apologies for the delay with our itunes launch, the process of getting the correct settings for uploading has taken longer than we would have hoped. We should have it sorted within the week. Fingers crossed!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster lacerated - Connacht 10 Leinster 9 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 20 Sep 2014 08:45:35 GMT

Connacht beat Leinster on Friday night at the Sportsground and the Galway venue was hopping. Episode 3 starts with a few live snippets from the eventful contest from guests Alan Deegan and William Davies and continues with post game analysis hosted by Rob Murphy and with Dave Finn joining in for good measure. We hear from Kieran Marmion about that try, John Muldoon about the battle for places and Pat Lam on the 10-9 victory and Newstalks Oisin Langan joins us for a cameo appearence. We're almost there with itunes. This Podcast should be live on there later this week.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edging Edinburgh - Edinburgh 13 Connacht 14 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Sat, 13 Sep 2014 19:09:54 GMT

After a dramatic finish to a fairly error strewn game, Connacht toppled Edinburgh in round 2 of the Guinness Pro 12 at Murrayfield by 14-13 to make it two wins from two this season. This eppisode of Craggy Island Rugby was recorded from the Dail Bar in Galway city on Friday evening where the Connacht Clan had gathered to watch the game. Joining host Rob Murphy are local rugby journalist David Finn from Sports Radar, Declan Ryan from the Connacht Clan and Shane Sheridan from the Connacht Clan. The crew reflect on a scrappy game, marvel at the late try and stern defence, discuss Connacht's very savy media prescense this season and look ahead to next weekend's big clash with Leinster as Pat Lam's side look for three in a row. There's also the pod's first ever heckler right at th end of this week's show. * We hope to have the podcast also available on itunes sometime next week, we're working hard at the process of getting it accepted at the moment. The new intro music this week comes from the Walls and is calleding Passing Through.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dragons Defeated - Connacht 16 Dragons 11 - Craggy Rugby podcast

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:19:45 GMT

The first episode of a brand new weekly podcast following the ups and downs of the Connacht professional rugby team through the eyes of the supporters and the media who follow the side. Host Rob Murphy is Galway Bay FM's match commentator for Connacht games and he is joined in episode one by Connacht supporters Alan Deegan and William Davies as they look back on the opening day 16-11 victory over Newport at the Sportsground. We hear from Connacht head coach Pat Lam and man of the match Denis Buckley too.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.