RTÉ Rugby Podcast

Just how did Leinster crumble in the Champions Cup final? 27.05.2026 1h 3m

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we look back on a pair of disappointing Champions and Challenge Cup final defeats for Leinster and Ulster.We kick the show off on a positive note, with Gareth giving us his quick run through of his time with Ireland during the Women's Six Nations, before we discuss the brilliant scenes of celebrations after Bordeaux's Champions Cup victory.The panel break down just where things went wrong for Leinster in the first half of their 41-19 defeat in Bilbao, as they gave up five tries and 35 points in the opening 40 minutes, while Bernard also takes a closer look at the big contrast in how the two coaching teams operated on the day.We discuss Ulster's painful Challenge Cup final defeat to Montpellier, and how this season will be viewed after Richie Murphy's side missed out on a play-off spot and Champions Cup qualification.And we take a quick look at how Connacht and Munster are shaping up for their URC quarter-finals this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irish rugby braced for bumper Bilbao weekend | Ireland make their Aviva mark in W6N 20.05.2026 1h 30m

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to look ahead to this weekend's Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup finals in Bilbao, while Hannah O'Connor recaps Ireland's big finish to the Guinness Women's Six Nations.The panel break down the key talking points ahead of Leinster's latest shot at winning the Champions Cup (02:50), with Leo Cullen's side taking on defending champions Bordeaux-Begles on Saturday afternoon.We look at how Ulster face a season-defining Challenge Cup decider against Montpellier on Friday night, while Bernard also brings us up to speed on the province's new forwards coach, Clarke Dermody (21:45).The podcast goes back over Munster's vital win against the Lions last Saturday (37:50), which has secured Clayton McMillan's side a play-off spot and Champions Cup qualification.Connacht, meanwhile, will have to wait to see if their top-half finish is enough for Champions Cup rugby next season (49:15), although Stuart Lancaster's side did secure their play-off spot, as they continue their impressive form.Later, Hannah O'Connor joins Neil to discuss Ireland's comprehensive 54-5 win against Scotland to mark an impressive finish to their Women's Six Nations campaign (56:45).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Munster's 'box-ticking' review, the URC play-off bunfight and Ireland's W6N milestone 13.05.2026 1h 19m

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to discuss the URC play-off picture as we head into the final round of the regular season, while Hannah O'Connor looks ahead to Ireland's Women's Six Nations finale against Scotland at Aviva Stadium on Sunday.Both Bernard and Johne have strong opinions on the independent governance review commissioned by Munster, as the fallout of the Roger Randle saga continues (11:55).The pair also look ahead to the province's meeting with the Lions at Thomond Park, where they may need to win to secure Champions Cup rugby for next season.We discuss Connacht's continued growth under Stuart Lancaster (29:40), and how the province are heading in the right direction, whether or not they make the URC play-offs.The panel recap Ulster's madcap 38-38 draw with the Stormers (38:12), as Richie Murphy's side aim to lock in their play-off spot at home to Glasgow.Later, Hannah joins Neil as we turn our attention towards the final round of the Guinness Women's Six Nations (48:00), as well as the controversial plans to introduce size 4.5 balls by World Rugby in the women's game (1:11:55).To learn more about Johne Murphy's Marathon for MND, visit the link below: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXXU0zvDZ9Y/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster and Ulster are Bilbaound, Ireland's W6N home run 06.05.2026 1h 21m

Neil Treacy is joined by Brett Igoe and Jonny Holland as we look back on Leinster and Ulster's Champions and Challenge Cup semi-final wins, while Hannah O'Connor looks ahead to Ireland's Guinness Women's Six Nations meeting with Wales.We start by recapping Leinster's 29-25 win against Toulon which has booked them a Champions Cup final date with Bordeaux-Begles in Bilbao, with Leinster's attack looking as sharp as it has all season, but question marks still remain about their discipline, with two more yellow cards picked up.The panel also discusses Ulster's impressive Challenge Cup semi-final win against Exeter Chiefs (29:40), as Richie Murphy's side go in search of their first silverware for 20 years, with particular praise for Jude Postlethwaite and Jack Murphy.And we preview a huge Interpro in Galway on Saturday night, as Connacht host Munster with a play-off spot on the line (42:20).Later, Neil is joined by Hannah O'Connor (55:35) as Ireland return from the Women's Six Nations fallow week against Wales in Belfast on Saturday evening, with Scott Bemand's side looking to finish their campaign on a high across the next two weekends.Want to get in touch with the RTÉ Rugby podcast? Give us an email on sportpodcasts@rte.ieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster's latest Euro tilt, Ireland run into French wall 29.04.2026 1h 25m

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to preview Leinster's Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon, as well as recapping the rest of the provincial action, while Hannah O'Connor looks back on Ireland's Guinness Women's Six Nations defeat to France.The panel discuss the 'scar tissue' carried by Leinster into another Champions Cup semi-final, as well as their surprise defeat to Benetton in Italy last week, which will at least guard against any complacency.We look ahead to Ulster's Challenge Cup semi-final with Exeter Chiefs on Saturday (20:50), as Richie Murphy's side continued to fall further down the URC table with a heavy defeat to Munster.Meanwhile, that win for Munster (31:30) came at a big cost with multiple injuries, but Clayton McMillan's side look within touching distance of confirming Champions Cup qualification, ahead of next week's trip to Connacht (38:10), who will need a big finish to the season.The panel also discuss the finals weekend in the Energia All-Ireland League, as St Mary's ended their long wait for a Division 1A title (41:20).Later (57:50), Hannah joins Neil to recap a pulsating Women's Six Nations clash between France and Ireland in Clermont, as Scott Bemand's side paid for wasting multiple first half chances in a 26-7 defeat.To learn more about Johne Murphy's Marathon for MND, visit: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXXU0zvDZ9Y/Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, and email us at sportpodcasts@rte.ieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connacht blow URC play-offs wide open, Ireland bullish ahead of French rematch 22.04.2026 1h 37m

Neil Treacy is joined on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland to discuss a seismic weekend of URC rugby, while Hannah O'Connor recaps Round 2 of the Guinness Women's Six Nations.We start the show by breaking down Connacht's incredible comeback win away to the Stormers, which has given their play-off hopes a major boost, and had a ripple effect right across the league.Bernard and Jonny break down Leinster's impressive away win at Ulster (15:02), which now gives Leo Cullen's side a great chance of securing one of the top seeds.We look at how Ulster are heading for a nervous final few weeks after their defeat (23:55), and a spate of injuries have put pressure on them to consolidate their play-off spot, with a treacherous run of fixtures ahead.The podcast discusses a much needed win and performance for Munster away to Benetton (31:45), as well as the fallout from their controversial appointment of Roger Randle.And we also cast an eye ahead at the Energia All Ireland League Division 1 final on Sunday afternoon (50:25), as defending champions Clontarf face St Mary's at Aviva Stadium.In part two of this week's podcast, we take a detailed look at Ireland's impressive Guinness Women's Six Nations win against Italy on Saturday with Hannah O'Connor (01:00:57), as attention now turns to a huge away trip to France on Saturday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster's home path, Munster's merry-go-round, Ireland's stuttering W6N start 15.04.2026 1h 37m

Neil Treacy is joined on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to discuss another busy week for the Irish provinces in the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.We look at how Leinster's road to Bilbao is shaping up after their 43-13 win against Sale Sharks secured them a home semi-final against Toulon next month, while we discuss Harry Byrne's influence in the side as they show signs of clicking.We discuss Ulster's comfortable night in uncomfortable weather conditions as they defeated La Rochelle to book a Challenge Cup semi-final against Exeter Chiefs, while we also cover Connacht's elimination at the hands of Montpellier.Munster weren't in action last week, but there is still plenty to talk about after as they return to the URC this weekend, not to mention more rumours of coaching changes.And in part two of this week's podcast, Hannah O'Connor joins Neil to look back at Ireland's Guinness Women's Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster's loose attack, Munster malaise and Women's Six Nations preview 08.04.2026 1h 4m

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Hannah O'Connor as we recap the big talking points from the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cups, while also taking a look ahead at Ireland's Guinness Women's Six Nations campaign.We look at the positives and negatives from Leinster's chaotic 49-31 win against Edinburgh on Sunday, where their attack finally started to click, but also contributed to a messy win.We try to pick apart Munster's horrendous first half performance in Exeter as they fell to a 31-21 defeat to the Chiefs, while we also discuss wins for Connacht and Ulster as they march through to the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.Hannah and Bernard cast their eye ahead to the Women's Six Nations, as Ireland open their campaign up against world champions England at Twickenham on Saturday.And we finish this week's podcast with some listener questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster's cards, Crowley's class, and knockout rugby has arrived 02.04.2026 57m

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy on the RTÉ Rugby podcast as attention turns to the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.As Leinster lead the way for Ireland in the Champions Cup, we take a temperature check on where Leo Cullen's side are as they head into the business end of the season, with their discipline and cards the major focus point.We look at the importance of Jack Crowley to Munster's fortunes, as the out-half showed his class in Pretoria, in spite of another defeat for the province.We ask whether Connacht can make it six wins in a row for just the third time ever, with Stuart Lancaster's in-form side hosting Sharks in the Challenge Cup on Friday.And we take a look at Ulster's efforts to bulk up their squad for next season, after their bonus-point win away to Zebre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connacht click as Munster and Leinster implode on the road 25.03.2026 46m

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast as we look back on a mixed week for the Irish provinces in the URC.We discuss Connacht's best performance of the season as they fronted up on defence to secure a bonus-point win away to Ulster, led by the brilliant Bundee Aki.The panel also discuss Jack Carty's legacy at Dexcom Stadium after the out-half confirmed he would retire at the end of the season.We analyse how Ulster can pick up the pieces and finish what has been a promising season on a high, and we dig into two miserable outings for Munster and Leinster in their heavy defeats to the Sharks and Glasgow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland's stock on the rise after epic Six Nations final weekend 18.03.2026 59m

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast as we recap the incredible final round of the Guinness Men's Six Nations.We look back on France's dramatic 48-46 win against France to snatch the title from Ireland's hands, sealed with a last-second kick from the nerveless Thomas Ramos.The podcast discusses how Ireland finished their championship with their best performance of the campaign, defeating Scotland 43-21 in Dublin to seal the Triple Crown.We also try to guess how the Irish squad will look heading for their Nations Championship tour this summer, as well as discussing the future of head coach Andy Farrell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everything on the line in Ireland and Scotland's Triple Crown decider 11.03.2026 49m

Neil Treacy and Bernard Jackman and joined by former Scotland international Rory Lawson on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we look ahead to Saturday's Triple Crown decider.We look back on Scotland's sensational 50-40 win against France last weekend, which has blown the competition open and given both sides an outside chance of winning the championship this weekend.Rory brings us up to speed on how Scotland have flipped their fortunes around after their opening round defeat to Italy, where there had been calls for head coach Gregor Townsend to be sacked.The panel preview Saturday's final round at Aviva Stadium, where Ireland will be hoping to extend their 11-game winning run against the Scots and finish their own campaign off with a ninth Triple Crown since 2004.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six Nations trends and what the numbers say about Ireland's lineout efficiency 03.03.2026 58m

Neil Treacy is joined in studio by Bernard Jackman and Brett Igoe as we look ahead to Ireland's Guinness Six Nations meeting with Wales at Aviva Stadium on Friday.Brett has been digging through some of his favourite stats and facts through the opening three rounds of the championship, and we discuss how these paint the picture of the tournament so far.We look at France's ability to score from both setpieces and broken play, and we also take a deep dive into Ireland's lineout, both in terms of how they are winning the ball and what they are doing with that possession.Bernard discusses the main area of improvement Ireland need to focus on after their opening three games, while we also discuss Andy Farrell's future at Ireland, with reports linking him with Saracens after the World Cup in 2027.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From doom and gloom to a record win in Twickenham 25.02.2026 45m

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson to reflect on Ireland's historic victory over England in London.The doom and gloom dissipated over 80 minutes at Twickenham as the visitors beat their hosts by a record margin.The victory gets the campaign back on track and sets the team up for a crack at the Triple Crown over the next two games.Can this be a turning point ahead of a World Cup year in 2027?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland must take England out of comfort zone 18.02.2026 33m

Hugh Cahill is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland to preview Ireland's crucial Six Nations clash with England.With the England team already named, Andy Farrell and his coaching staff can start planning for Twickenham, with Jonny saying it is crucial Ireland take England out of their comfort zone.Henry Pollock's inclusion for England could spell bad news for Ireland, but a fascinating back row battle awaits.An improved scrum performance is critical, especially as Steve Borthwick preaches the brilliant basics of the England approach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pathways, loss of form, gameplans, lack of leadership... What's eating Ireland? 11.02.2026 32m

Hugh Cahill and Bernard Jackman dive deeper into the state of Irish rugby as the senior men's team face into a critical Six Nations clash with a resurgent Italy on Saturday.Bernard has had a lot of correspondence in recent days from people who are very engaged and concerned about the future of Irish rugby (2:00), even if there is a feeling of disconnect among others. He cites the small crowd at the Ireland XV game in Limerick on Friday night.Hugh asks Bernard for his take on the theory that Jacques Nienaber is to blame for Ireland's poor form... Spoiler alert, he isn't buying it (10:00).Ireland are the only team in the world chasing a high phase count, believes Bernard, when the game now requires a different, less draining approach.Has closing the foreign project player pathway impacted Ireland negatively (18:00)? The IRFU can't be surprised given the rule change so the onus is on the provinces to identify the talent.Looking ahead to Italy, Bernard believes Andy Farrell will drop some frontliners this weekend (21:00), whatever the risks involved against an Azzurri unit who have their tails up.Bryn Ward being promoted from the XV bench to the senior 23 at the Aviva would be a remarkable rise, with Bernard also making a case for Edwin Edogbo.The loss of leadership from retirements of Cian Healy, Conor Murray and Peter O'Mahony is being felt but Bernard says that shortfall has to come from the new generation of players, rather than coach Johnny Sexton (25:00). But are the new generation cut from the same cloth?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Farrell rolls the dice for France opener 03.02.2026 36m

As Andy Farrell names his XV to play France Hugh Cahill is joined in studio by Bernard Jackman, with Neil Treacy dialling in from Paris.The lads react to the Ireland head coach's personnel choices, as Cian Prendergast and Jacob Stockdale are rewarded for their recent form with starting positions for Thursday's Six Nations opener against France.The younger Prendergast brother, Sam, gets the nod at out-half. It's no real surprise, even if his defence remains a talking point - particularly given France's lightning quick back three.With the team and matchday squad now named, focus must turn to Ireland's discipline and how they can remain on the right side of the officials in the Stade de France.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of Ospreys and Welsh rugby, Bohan's big Six Nations call 27.01.2026 56m

Neil Treacy and Bernard Jackman are joined on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast by journalist Simon Thomas, as we take a deep dive into the latest controversy in Welsh rugby.Simon, one of the most respected rugby writers in Wales, brings us up to speed on the WRU's plans to reduce their professional programme from four teams to three, with the Ospreys looking most likely to be disbanded after their current owners were revealed to be the preferred bidders to take over Cardiff.As well as looking at what this means for the Ospreys in the immediate future, we also find out how it has come to this, and the wider implications in both Welsh rugby and the URC.Later in the podcast (31:50), we react to the latest injury setback for Ireland ahead of the Six Nations, with Jack Boyle ruled out with an achilles injury, and Connacht's 20-year-old loosehead Billy Bohan called up.And we also discuss the concerns Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will have around his players' relationships with referees, who appear to be losing patience with the amount of backchat in games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bernard Jackman's 6 Nations squad reaction, Dan Sheehan interview 21.01.2026 1h 6m

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast as we give our instant reaction to the Ireland squad for the opening rounds of the Guinness Six Nations.We look through all of the big calls made by head coach Andy Farrell, including the call-ups for uncapped pair Edwin Edogbo and Nathan Doak.With injury ruling out a number of players, including Andrew Porter and Robbie Henshaw, we discuss the opportunity ahead for some players who are back in the squad after time away, including Harry Byrne, Rob Baloucoune and Tom Stewart.Neil and Bernard examine Munster's shock exit from the Investec Champions Cup, and look ahead to this weekend's big Interpro between Connacht and Leinster.Also this week, Neil is joined by Ireland and Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan (49:55) to get his perspective ahead of the 2026 Six Nations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savea's silly season rumour and prop stocks take a hit 14.01.2026 47m

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, where there is a packed schedule of transfer news and Champions Cup action to get through.We discuss the reports from New Zealand this morning which are suggesting Ardie Savea could be the latest All Blacks star to make a move to Leinster, although Bernard isn't convinced it's more than a wild rumour.The podcast also breaks down where Joey Carbery fits with Leinster, as the Ireland international looks set to return to his home province next season.Bernard and Jonny look through the options at loosehead prop for Ireland in the upcoming Six Nations, as injuries to Andrew Porter and Paddy McCarthy create a blend of crisis and opportunity for head coach Andy Farrell.We run through Leinster and Munster's Investec Champions Cup games last weekend, with Leinster defeating La Rochelle and Munster coming up just short away to Toulon, with poor discipline a running theme through both of those games.And we discuss the legacy that Jean Kleyn leaves in both Munster and Irish rugby, with the South African lock departing for Gloucester at the end of the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.