The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle

FinalWhistle
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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.

See All Season 2 (2)

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.

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