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The Counter Ruck

The Counter Ruck

By: The Irish Times
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About this listen

A rugby podcast from The Irish Times, presented by Nathan Johns with regular panelists John O'Sullivan, Gordon D'Arcy and Gerry Thornley.


Produced in association with Ohk Energy.

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

All rights reserved
Rugby
Episodes
  • Leinster dismiss pretenders Ulster, Connacht find consistency and Ireland women crush Italy
    Apr 21 2026

    Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend’s rugby action.


    Did Ulster let themselves down against a Leinster shorn of first choice players? How did Leo Cullen’s men shut down one of the URC’s best attacks?


    Plus, we discuss much-needed victories for Connacht and Munster while highlighting the best bits of Ireland’s win over Italy in the women’s Six Nations.


    Produced by John Casey.

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

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    32 mins
  • URC preview, women’s Six Nations and Munster’s controversial new appointment
    Apr 17 2026

    John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to talk through Ireland’s home start to their Six Nations campaign against Italy this Saturday after defeat to England last week in front of a record crowd of 77,120 at the Allianz Stadium.


    They also preview Ulster’s crucial interpro with Leinster and look at where Connacht and Munster are currently in the URC standings.


    Plus, the controversy surrounding Munster’s new assistant coach hire Roger Randle.


    Produced by John Casey.

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

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    23 mins
  • Leinster have yet to fully find their mojo heading into a Champions Cup semi-final – when will it all click?
    Apr 14 2026

    Leinster are in the Champions Cup semi-finals after beating Sale while Ulster find themselves in the Challenge Cup last four thanks to victory over La Rochelle.


    They will not be joined by Connacht, though, after they lost in France to Montpellier.


    And Ireland women got their Six Nations campaign underway with an expected yet somewhat encouraging defeat to England.


    Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to chat through the weekend’s rugby action.


    Produced by John Casey.

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

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    40 mins
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