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The Counter Ruck

The Irish Times
The Counter Ruck
Latest episode

198 episodes

  • The Counter Ruck

    Leinster out to heal Champions Cup trauma; and is Aviva Stadium fatigue creeping in?

    01/05/2026 | 29 mins.
    During the week, it was announced that Leinster’s Champions Cup semi-final with Toulon had sold 30,000 tickets. Now, closer to kick-off, that figure is likely to rise, but it is notable that on the week of a big European game, there were still 20,000 seats available.

    Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to chat through why this may be - is there an Aviva fatigue with Leinster calling the stadium home for two years now during the RDS development?

    We also preview the on-pitch action as Leinster face the French side while Ulster welcome Exeter in the Challenge Cup semi-final.

    Produced by John Casey.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • The Counter Ruck

    How concerned should Leinster be for Europe after Benetton defeat?

    28/04/2026 | 30 mins.
    Provincial action, women’s Six Nations and the business end of the AIL club season - this weekend had plenty.

    Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to review it all. Is the battle for the URC top eight just going to come down to whoever has enough fit players?

    A week out from their European semi-final, what to make of Leinster’s upset defeat away to Benetton?

    Have Ireland shown enough progression to get close to France, or was Saturday night a bump back down to earth?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • The Counter Ruck

    Could injuries derail Ulster's stellar season?

    24/04/2026 | 23 mins.
    John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to preview the weekend’s rugby action.

    From Munster’s key interpro with an injury-ravaged Ulster to Ireland’s Six Nations French revenge tour, not to mention AIL finals weekend, there is plenty to discuss as the rugby season continues towards the business end.

    Produced by John Casey.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • 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.

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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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