The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle

FinalWhistle
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Rugby
  • Series

The Women’s Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle is a weekly video and audio show covering everything that matters in the women’s game. Hosted by FinalWhistle journalist Diarmuid Kearney, alongside players Stacy Hanley (Hooker, Galwegians, Connacht) and Aimee Clarke (Winger, Railway Union & Leinster), the podcast delivers insight from both the press box and the pitch. Each week, the team breaks down the latest action from the All-Ireland League Women’s Division, while also tracking Irish teams in the Celtic Challenge and Ireland’s campaigns in the Women’s Six Nations, WXV, the World Rugby Sevens Series, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup. With expert analysis, player perspectives, and honest conversation, it’s your essential weekly check-in on Irish women’s rugby — on and off the field.

  1. Episode 1

    Season 2 Premiere, New Divisions, New Ambitions

    The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle returns for Season 2, with a new campaign, a new league structure and plenty of anticipation ahead of the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined by Aimee Clarke (Railway Union) and Stacy Hanley (Galwegians) as the panel looks ahead to the start of a new era in women's club rugby. With the introduction of Divisions 1A and 1B, the trio break down the opening fixtures, assess the challenges facing each club and discuss what supporters can expect as the new season gets underway. With fresh rivalries, renewed ambitions and plenty to prove, the panel explores how each side is shaping up for the campaign ahead, examining the key match-ups, potential contenders and early-season storylines across both divisions. The episode also features an extensive collection of interviews from all 12 clubs, bringing supporters directly into the camps ahead of the opening weekend. In Division 1A, the podcast hears from Nikki Gibson (Blackrock College), Jemma Lees (Galwegians), Emma Kelly (Old Belvedere), Aimee Clarke (Railway Union), Kate Flannery (UL Bohemian) and Laura Newsome (Wicklow) as the six clubs prepare to begin their campaigns in the top flight. Attention then turns to Division 1B, where Eve Prendergast (Ballincollig), Bronach Cassidy (Cooke), Aisling Heapes (Ennis), Sophie Meeke (Enniskillen), Órflaith Murray (MU Barnhall) and Sara Rennick (Tullow) offer their perspectives on the season ahead, the challenges awaiting their teams and their ambitions in the new division. From established contenders to clubs looking to make their mark, the opening episode brings together player insight, tactical analysis and perspectives from across the league as the Energia AIL enters an exciting new chapter. Full fixtures, results and league tables will be available throughout the season on FinalWhistle.ie. Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.

  2. Episode 2

    Disneyland, Derby Days And A Final Rematch

    Episode 2 of The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle reflects on the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division, with the first results in Divisions 1A and 1B setting the tone for the season ahead as attention turns to another exciting round of fixtures. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined once again by Stacy Hanley (Galwegians), while Hannah Johnston (Railway Union) steps in for Aimee Clarke, who is enjoying a well-earned holiday to Disneyland. The trio bring player insight, tactical analysis and plenty of dressing-room perspective as they dissect the opening weekend and look ahead to Round 2. There is an added twist to this week's panel, with Stacy and Hannah having lined out together for Connacht during the summer. Former provincial teammates will become club rivals this weekend as Galwegians and Railway Union prepare to face off in Division 1A, giving the pair plenty to discuss ahead of their reunion on opposite sides of the pitch. The episode begins with a review of Round 1 across Divisions 1A and 1B, as the panel examines the standout performances, early talking points and results that have already begun to shape the new campaign. From opening-day victories to lessons learned in defeat, the trio assess what the first weekend has revealed about the clubs competing in the newly structured league. Attention then turns to Round 2, with another intriguing set of fixtures on the horizon. The panel previews the key match-ups, discusses where the early momentum might shift and considers which sides will be looking to build on their opening performances. The podcast also welcomes Maggie Boylan ahead of a highly anticipated rematch with UL Bohemian. After suffering defeat in last season's All-Ireland League final, there is plenty of motivation heading into this weekend's encounter, with Maggie reflecting on that disappointment, the lessons taken from the occasion and the challenge of facing familiar opposition once again. From provincial teammates becoming club opponents to a repeat of last season's showpiece final, Episode 2 brings together the rivalries, storylines and player perspectives that make the Energia AIL such a compelling competition. Full fixtures, results and league tables are available throughout the season on FinalWhistle.ie, download our app on the Apple or Google play store. Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.

  3. Episode 3

    Coughs, Colds And Chloe's Curtain Call

    Episode 3 of The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle reflects on another eventful weekend in the 2026/27 Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division, as the panel reviews the Round 2 action across Divisions 1A and 1B, while also marking a significant milestone and emotional farewell for one of the league's most recognisable players. Host Diarmuid Kearney is reunited with Aimee Clarke (Railway Union) following her trip to Disneyland, alongside Stacy Hanley (Galwegians), as the regular trio return to the podcast. However, it is not quite business as usual, with illness sweeping through the panel and all three feeling the effects as they battle through this week's episode. Despite the coughs and colds, there is plenty of rugby to discuss. The trio look back on Round 2 across Divisions 1A and 1B, breaking down the standout performances, key results and emerging storylines as the new league structure begins to take shape. With clubs looking to build early momentum, the panel assesses the opening weeks of the campaign and what the latest results might mean for the season ahead. This week's special guest is Chloe Pearse, who reflects on an emotional weekend after making her 150th and final appearance for UL Bohemian before announcing her retirement. Chloe looks back on her journey with the club, the memories and milestones that defined her career, and what it meant to pull on the UL Bohs jersey one final time. From early-season talking points to a fitting farewell for a stalwart of the women's club game, Episode 3 combines analysis, player perspective and a celebration of a remarkable rugby career. Full fixtures, results and league tables are available throughout the season on FinalWhistle.ie, download our app to carry FinalWhistle in your pocket. Big games, big voices, and big moments — everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.

  4. Episode 4

    Irish Weather, Aussie Accents And AIL Ambitions

    Episode 4 of The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle looks ahead to another exciting weekend in the 2026/27 Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division, as the panel previews Round 3 across Divisions 1A and 1B, while welcoming two Australian arrivals who are making their mark on Irish club rugby. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined once again by Aimee Clarke (Railway Union) and Stacy Hanley (Galwegians), with the regular trio back together to break down the key fixtures, tactical battles and emerging storylines ahead of another important weekend in the Energia AIL. After illness disrupted last week's podcast, Aimee is back on the mend and preparing to return to action for Railway Union this weekend, while Stacy is also gearing up to represent Galwegians. With both players involved in the weekend's fixtures, the panel brings a unique dressing-room perspective to the Round 3 preview, discussing preparations, expectations and the challenges awaiting their respective clubs. The trio turn their attention to Divisions 1A and 1B, examining the early-season form, key match-ups and opportunities for clubs to build momentum as the new league structure continues to take shape. With the opening rounds already producing plenty of talking points, the panel considers which sides are beginning to find their rhythm and where the next surprises might emerge. This week's special guests are Ennis' Australian duo Caitlyn Ah Fook and Takiah Buchanan, who join the podcast to discuss their move to Ireland and the experience of joining the Clare club. From adapting to the Irish weather and getting to grips with the local accent to settling into a new team and a different rugby environment, the pair share their experiences of life in Ennis and the challenges and opportunities that come with playing rugby on the other side of the world. Caitlyn and Takiah also look ahead to Round 3, discussing Ennis' preparations, their ambitions for the season and what they hope to bring to the club as they continue their journey in the Energia AIL. From returning players and early-season battles to Australian accents meeting Irish weather, Episode 4 brings together tactical analysis, player insight and stories from across the women's club game. Full fixtures, results and league tables are available throughout the season on FinalWhistle.ie, download the FinalWhistle app to carry live updates in your pocket of all Energia All-Ireland League games. Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.

  5. Episode 5

    Spanish Sunshine, Unbeaten Runs And A Dublin Derby

    Episode 5 of The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle reflects on another action-packed weekend in the 2026/27 Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division, as the panel reviews Round 3 across Divisions 1A and 1B before turning attention to Round 4, with unbeaten runs, growing rivalries and early season momentum dominating the conversation. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined once again by Aimee Clarke (Railway Union) and Stacy Hanley (Galwegians), with the regular trio back together, albeit from different locations this week as Aimee joins the podcast from sunny Spain. Despite the change of scenery, there is no shortage of rugby to discuss as the panel breaks down the latest results, standout performances and emerging storylines from across both divisions. The episode begins with a look back at Round 3, as the trio assess the clubs building momentum, the teams looking to bounce back and the early indications of how the new league structure is shaping up. With three rounds completed, the panel considers which sides are beginning to establish themselves and where the biggest challenges lie as the campaign gathers pace. Attention then turns to Round 4, with another intriguing weekend of fixtures ahead. The panel previews the key match-ups across Divisions 1A and 1B, examining the tactical battles, potential turning points and opportunities for clubs to make an early statement. This week's special guest is Emma Tilly of Old Belvedere, who joins the podcast to discuss her side's remarkable start to the season. With three wins from three games, Belvo have made a perfect opening to the campaign, and Emma reflects on the performances, confidence and togetherness that have helped them hit the ground running. The conversation also looks ahead to a highly anticipated Dublin derby against Blackrock College this weekend, as Old Belvedere aim to maintain their unbeaten record. Emma discusses the challenge awaiting her side, the importance of carrying their early momentum forward and what it will take to make it four wins from four. Full fixtures, results and league tables are available throughout the season on FinalWhistle.ie, download our app also to carry FinalWhistle in your pocket. Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.

See All Season 2 (5)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Women’s Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle is a weekly video and audio show covering everything that matters in the women’s game. Hosted by FinalWhistle journalist Diarmuid Kearney, alongside players Stacy Hanley (Hooker, Galwegians, Connacht) and Aimee Clarke (Winger, Railway Union & Leinster), the podcast delivers insight from both the press box and the pitch. Each week, the team breaks down the latest action from the All-Ireland League Women’s Division, while also tracking Irish teams in the Celtic Challenge and Ireland’s campaigns in the Women’s Six Nations, WXV, the World Rugby Sevens Series, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup. With expert analysis, player perspectives, and honest conversation, it’s your essential weekly check-in on Irish women’s rugby — on and off the field.

Information

  • Creator
    FinalWhistle
  • Episodes
    25
  • Seasons
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 FinalWhistle
  • Show Website
    The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle
  • Provider

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