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The Counter Ruck

The Irish Times
The Counter Ruck
Latest episode

195 episodes

  • The Counter Ruck

    Leinster dismiss pretenders Ulster, Connacht find consistency and Ireland women crush Italy

    21/04/2026 | 32 mins.
    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.
  • The Counter Ruck

    URC preview, women’s Six Nations and Munster’s controversial new appointment

    17/04/2026 | 23 mins.
    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.
  • The Counter Ruck

    Leinster have yet to fully find their mojo heading into a Champions Cup semi-final – when will it all click?

    14/04/2026 | 39 mins.
    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.
  • The Counter Ruck

    What’s gone wrong in Munster?

    09/04/2026 | 33 mins.
    Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to pick through the wreckage of Munster’s European campaign. The rot on the pitch appears to stem from deeper lying issues off it.

    Plus, news on Ireland’s team selection for their women’s Six Nations opener, as well as a look ahead to Leinster, Connacht and Ulster’s European action, with a look at La Rochelle’s unique selection for their trip to Belfast.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • The Counter Ruck

    Are Leinster champions cup contenders/how have things gone this badly wrong for Munster?

    07/04/2026 | 54 mins.
    After Leinster impressed but confounded in equal measure in their latest Champions Cup outing, what to make of their tournament hopes? How have Munster found themselves already out of Europe’s second tier competition? Do Connacht and Ulster have legitimate silverware chances?
    Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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About The Counter Ruck

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.
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