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The Counter Ruck

The Counter Ruck

By: The Irish Times
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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
  • Why is James Lowe leaving Leinster?
    Jun 12 2026

    With confirmation arriving that James Lowe will leave Leinster, in theory ruling him out of Ireland’s World Cup bid next year, Irish Times rugby writer John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to discuss how talks broke down.


    Why is Leinster’s record try scorer leaving despite, by all accounts, wanting to stay?


    Plus, we chat through Munster’s hire of Jared Payne instead of Roger Randle and the announcement of the Ireland U20s squad for their upcoming World Cup.


    Produced by John Casey.

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

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    29 mins
  • Leinster into another final, but are their fans buying into their URC run?
    Jun 9 2026

    Leinster beat the Stormers on Saturday to secure another URC final appearance as they once again meet the Bulls in the final.


    Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through the action, look at where Leo Cullen’s side just about had enough to work past the Cape Town outfit and how they might fare against another South African juggernaut.


    Plus, we look at excitement elsewhere with Glasgow blowing their lead and European champions Bordeaux crashing out of Top14 contention.


    Produced by John Casey.

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

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    40 mins
  • Are Leinster being set up tactically for success?
    Jun 5 2026

    A number of narratives have emerged in an attempt to explain Leinster’s European malaise under the current coaching staff.


    Is Jacques Nienaber’s new system the problem or, rather, has he been given enough coaching power to truly take control?


    Are Leinster still a well coached team or are they tactically behind the curve given the way the game is being played at the moment?


    Analyst Sam Larner joins Nathan Johns to cut through all the headlines and figure out what is actually going on in Leinster HQ.


    Produced by John Casey.

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

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    32 mins
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