RTÉ Rugby Podcast

3.5 (10)
Rugby
Weekly

Neil Treacy brings you the latest news from the world of rugby, in the company of Bernard Jackman and RTÉ's best rugby analysts.

1d ago

Furlong's anxious wait, Munster's 'must-win' game, and what we learned from WXV

Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley on this week's RTE Rugby podcast to discuss the major fallout from Leinster's win against Munster, while Hannah O'Connor looks back on a 40-27 win for Ireland against South Africa in the WXV. We look back on the controversy that has followed Leinster's 24-18 win against Munster at Aviva Stadium, where Tadhg Furlong faces a disciplinary hearing after being cited for allegedly grabbing the testicles of Munster's Gavin Coombes. We also look back on what was a a brilliant Interpro between the sides, but one which leaves Munster facing a crucial meeting with the Sharks on Saturday, as they look to pick up a second URC win of the season before the international break. Keatley gives his verdict on Dan Sheehan's experiment at number 8, as well as the return of Joey Carbery. We look ahead to Leinster and Connacht's meeting on Friday night, where Connacht will be feeling the pinch of their international call-ups after a comfortable win against Zebre. Ulster meanwhile, were left to rue familiar faults as their winless start to the season continued, beaten 34-26 by the Bulls. Later, Hannah O'Connor joins Neil to recap Ireland's 40-27 win against the Springboks in Cape Town. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Tadhg Furlong's citing 11:40 - Leinster v Munster recap 23:00 - Is Munster's game against the Sharks a 'must-win'? 29:20 - Keatley's verdict on the Dan Sheehan experiment 33:20 - Joey Carbery's Leinster return 40:25 - Connacht trying to find the balance between discipline and defence 43:20 - Are catch and pass skills underrated? 49:30 - Ulster caught by familiar failings See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 20

Clean sweep for the provinces as Champions Cup starts out hot

Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley and Tom Daly on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we look back on a great weekend for the Irish teams in the Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. The panel discusses what was a cracking opening weekend across the board in the Champions Cup, as the new bonus-point system had the desired effect. We ask who could be Ireland's starting number 8 for Ireland in the Nations Championship window, with Jack Conan a doubt for next month's games due to a shoulder injury, while the podcast also looks at how Ireland's out-halves are hitting impressive form at just the right time. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - A thrilling opening weekend in the Investec Champions Cup 06:45 - If Jack Conan is ruled out, who starts at number 8 for Ireland next month 12:15 - Irish out-halves hitting top form 22:12 - Connacht's epic comeback win against Saracens 31:13 - Do Leinster get held to a higher standard than others? 41:00 - Leinster move up a gear against Clermont 45:15 - Munster dig deep to hold off Racing 92 49:01 - Alex Nankivell's new contract 51:15 - Ulster's expectations in South Africa? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 13

Maul mania, Prendergast's form, and Champions Cup is back

Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley and former Leinster and Connacht centre Tom Daly on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we break down another mixed week for the Irish provinces in the BKT United Rugby Championship. Daly discusses his decision to retire from rugby this summer, after finishing his career with Lansdowne last season. With maul tries on the up and up in the first few weeks of the season, we ask whether it's becoming too easy to score through that route now that officials have clamped down on defence. The podcast breaks down an impressive performance from Sam Prendergast in Leinster's 29-5 win against Cardiff last week, as well as a back and forth contest in Belfast between Ulster and Munster. With Munster set to face Racing 92 in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup, Keatley discusses the legacy of his former head coach Anthony Foley, 10 years on from his death. We also look at the challenge facing Connacht this season as they juggle URC and Champions Cup commitments. And we finish by considering what impact the tweaks to the bonus-points system will have in this season's Champions Cup. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Tom Daly talks about his decision to retire 07:35 - Is it too easy to score maul tries now? 14:45 - Sam Prendergast's renewed confidence 24:35 - Ulster's attacking game saving their leaky defence 31:10 - Ian Keatley remembers Anthony Foley, 10 years on from his death 35:00 - Poor starts have cost Munster in the Champions Cup in recent seasons 42:40 - Connacht's challenge in the Champions Cup 48:55 - Tweaks to the format of this season's Champions Cup See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 7

Good week to be an out-half, scrum issues in SA, Sheehan and Djougang interview

Neil Treacy is joined by former Munster wing Johne Murphy as we look back on the big news of the week in Irish rugby. On a weekend where several Irish out-halves caught the eye, Johne discusses how thrilling it was to see 20-year-old Charlie O'Shea grab the game by the scruff of the neck, as Munster beat the Bulls 26-22 at Thomond Park. We look ahead to this weekend's first Interpro of the season, as Ulster host Munster on Saturday, with Ulster coming in off the back of a breathless 33-33 draw with Glasgow Warriors. The podcast looks at Leinster's narrow defeat away to the Bulls last Saturday, which saw Leo Cullen's side heavily penalised at the scrum. And we recap Connacht's gritty win against Benetton, where Ciarán Frawley marked his debut with a pair of tries in a thrilling display. Later, Neil is joined by Leinster and Ireland pair Dan Sheehan and then Linda Djougang, ahead of the province's return to Laya Arena against Cardiff on Saturday. 00:00 - Irish out-halves shine 01:25 - Charlie O'Shea announces himself to Thomond Park 10:25 - Jack Aungier locks out Munster's scrum 16:15 - Ulster's crazy draw away to Glasgow Warriors 21:05 - Missed opportunity for Ulster? 24:30 - Johne's thoughts on Jamie Benson? 26:00 - Leinster lose, but nick a bonus-point against Sharks 31:05 - How to fix Irish scrum issues? 40:05 - Caspar Gabriel and Sam Prendergast at out-half 43:05 - Ciarán Frawley's epic Connacht debut 52:05 - Dan Sheehan speaks to the RTÉ Rugby podcast 01:04:38 - Ireland and Leinster prop Linda Djougang See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 30

O'Mahony's Munster worries, provincial URC shutout, WXV Global Series recap

Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley on this week's RTE Rugby podcast, as we look back on a tough start to the URC for the four Irish provinces. Former Munster out-half Keatley reacts to some explosive comments from his former captain Peter O'Mahony on the current state of Munster Rugby, and agrees that changes are needed in the way the organisation is run if they are to get back to former glory. The ex-Ireland international also recaps the province's defeat to Glasgow Warriors last Saturday, where he was encouraged by some elements of their game, in spite of the 26-20 loss. We look at Leinster's defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg, and pick out some of the positives Leo Cullen may have taken from a game where his side picked up two losing-bonus points. We analyse how Connacht were worn down in the final quarter by a powerful Stormers side in Galway on Friday night, and we look at how Ulster face a daunting trip to Glasgow as they try to rebound from their defeat to Edinburgh. 00:00 - Hitting the panic button after four defeats for the provinces? 05:25 - Ian reacts to Peter O'Mahony's comments on how Munster Rugby is run 15:00 - Some positives in spits of defeat for Munster? 18:20 - Signs of a new style of playing with Munster? 22:50 - Caelan Doris reported to be out until the new year 24:45 - Leinster pick up two bonus-points - will Leo Cullen be satisfied with that? 33:00 - Connacht ground down by relentless Stormers 35:15 - Have Irish teams got an issue playing the South Africans? 41:10 - How much is Ian reading into Ulster's shocking 50 minutes against Edinburgh? 48:30 - WXV with Hannah O'Connor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 23

URC season preview - How are the provinces set for 2026/27?

Neil Treacy is joined by former Munster wing Johne Murphy on a new season of the RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we breakdown all four provinces ahead of the 2026/27 URC season. 02:03 - Leo Cullen's final season in charge of Leinster 07:45 - Is the Leinster job Felipe Contepomi's to lose? 11:30 - Leinster's season prospects 20:45 - The Peter O'Mahony and Graham Rowntree 'pen' story 28:15 - Munster's season hit by out-half injury crisis 33:30 - Will we see a change in approach from Munster? 37:30 - The vibes are high in Connacht 44:00 - Lancaster's vote of confidence 46:30 - Connacht's summer transfer activity 49:30 - Champions Cup has to be the target for Ulster 51:30 - Richie Murphy beefing up his squad 58:05 - Johne Murphy's players to watch this season See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 21

How do Ireland close the gap after a season of ups and downs?

Neil Treacy is joined by Jonny Holland on the final RTÉ Rugby podcast of the season, as we recap Ireland's Nations Championship tour, and their 40-21 defeat to New Zealand. We look into some of the "uncharacteristic" errors that littered the opening half of their defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park, which ensured they were always chasing the game on Saturday. Jonny looks at how New Zealand out-half Ruben Love dictated the All Blacks tempo, while we look at the out-half picture in Ireland heading into a World Cup year. We put a microscope over some of the contentious refereeing decisions from Eden Park on Saturday, and ask whether Ireland have a right to feel aggrieved by the yellow card for Luke Jacobson in the first half. And we discuss which players could force their way into the Irish team next season, as Ireland look to close the gap on South Africa, France and New Zealand. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 05:00 - Have Ireland fallen behind the Big 3 in world rugby? 08:30 - Ireland's uncharacteristic errors 19:00 - Ruben Love's influence for the All Blacks 23:00 - Ireland's out-half picture after this season 27:40 - Ireland's refereeing frustrations 46:25 - How do we look back on Ireland's season as a whole? 50:50 - Who could be Ireland's breakout star next season? 56:30 - Is Jonny confident Ireland can iron out their issues? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 14

Disjointed Ireland ready for beast of Eden? | That David Humphreys interview

Ahead of the All Blacks Test in Auckland Hugh Cahill is joined by Bernard Jackman in studio, with Neil Treacy dialling in from New Zealand. The lads discuss Ireland's patchy performance against Japan and look ahead to the challenge of trying to snap the All Blacks' incredible winning run at Eden Park. They also consider the contrast between New Zealand's decisiveness in hiring Dave Rennie and Australia's slow handover from Joe Schmidt to Les Kiss. Finally there is an interesting exchange between Bernard and Neil regarding the latter's interview with IRFU performance director David Humphrey's last week. TIMESTAMPS 0:30 Ireland's disjointed outing against Japan. To be expected or a concern?6:45 What is behind the lineout issues? Bernard puts it down to an inability to solve problems on the hoof.12:00 A look at the nascent Dave Rennie All Blacks - lots of talent, lots of speed and very hard to shutdown.14:00 Fitness update on Robert Baloucoune and Jeremy Loughman. The team will need to be rejigged but Bernard feels it is essential to get pace of Baloucoune in the XV.20:00 What to do with back row. Can you fit two options on the bench and give Sean Jansen a chance to impact game against his native land?22:00 Bernard confident team well placed to put it up to All Blacks. Andy Farrell gets big performances when he looks for one. All Blacks a work in progress despite Eden Park record.25:45 The contrast between Dave Rennie and Les Kiss situations - why did Australia not give Kiss these three Tests to get up to speed ahead of the World Cup?31:45 David Humphreys interview. Bernard’s comments have been noted by travelling press pack. Neil rejects notion it was a soft interview just because people don’t like the answers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Neil Treacy

Host
Jonny Holland

Guest
Aoife Wafer

Guest
Bernard Jackman

Guest
Johne Murphy

Guest
Hannah O'Connor

Guest

3.5

out of 5

10 Ratings

Good content ruined by terrible production quality

11/20/2025

HaxelRA

I’ve always struggled with the low volume of these podcasts. I usually listen while working out in the gym, so acknowledge that may be a factor. However, this week’s episode with Bernard Jackman and John Smit was unlistenable! The interviewer, acoustically, sounded like he was in a bathroom and the volume levels were significantly below those of Bernard and Jon, which made the podcast unlistenable. Believe me, I tried, but I couldn’t persevere with turning the volume up and down, depending on the speaker. Whoever is in charge of this podcast, I ask you - how difficult can it be to ensure: 1. That the volume levels of the most silent of your speakers (usually the interviewer) is sufficiently audible to be played in a situation with background noise, like a gym. And, 2. More importantly, where there is not such a large volume differential between speakers, that it necessitates turning the volume up and down. Love the content. Bernard Jackman very insightful, but please sort out the volume levels guys. How hard can that be?