MudderRucker

Ailbhe O'Nolan & Cian Ó Muilleoir

Join hosts Ailbhe O’Nolan and Cian Ó Muilleoir as they bring you all the latest from Irish women’s rugby! From the Women’s Six Nations to key matches and big talking points, MudderRucker keeps it fun, accessible, and full of insight. No overcomplicated analysis—just straight-talking rugby chat and exclusive interviews with Irish rugby stars. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the game, subscribe for new episodes every week!

  1. Episode 20: I Can't Believe It's Not Kiwi

    12H AGO

    Episode 20: I Can't Believe It's Not Kiwi

    Round 1 is done and dusted — and Chloe Pearse is back, fresh off an AIL semi-final POTM, to help us make sense of it all. France beat Italy, but don't let the scoreline fool you — their breakdown was an absolute shambles and Italy had them rattled for long stretches. Chloe still thinks France are beatable, and honestly, after watching that, it's hard to argue. Wales and Scotland served up the kind of thriller that reminds you why you love this sport, and then there was Twickenham. 77,120 people. The biggest crowd in the history of women's rugby. Ireland were 21-0 down at half time, came out for the second half, and matched the world champions score for score. It's not a win. But something is very much happening here, and we're not done talking about it. Butter wouldn't melt. But it might get cut right up. 📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social 🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social 📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker 00:00 Episode 20 — we're still here 00:56 France v Italy: messy breakdown, ruthless finish 10:44 Is France actually beatable? Chloe still thinks so 12:51 Wales v Scotland: the thriller no one expected 20:14 England v Ireland: the first half we'd rather forget 28:30 The breakdown battle — and what it means for France away 33:10 21 missed tackles and the stats that hurt 37:15 78 → 44 → 21: is this serious progress? 39:30 77,120 people. Let that sink in. 41:05 Eilish Cahill arrives and immediately terrorises everyone 44:30 Changes for Italy — Chloe's teamsheet 48:15 Predictions for Galway

    50 min
  2. Episode 19: Hail to the King, Baby

    APR 7

    Episode 19: Hail to the King, Baby

    We're BACK! Season 3 of MudderRucker kicks off with a bang — Ailbhe and Cian are joined by the brilliant Chloe Pearse (calling in live from her sun lounger, can of Dorado in hand) to preview the 2026 Women's Six Nations. We get into Erin King's appointment as Ireland captain, what it means for the team, and why Ailbhe reckons she's been a leader in the making since she was 16. We break down England's unprecedented squad upheaval — pregnancies, injuries, and 8 uncapped players — and ask the question everyone's thinking: is there finally blood in the water? Then it's France's bold generational gamble, Italy's experience-heavy squad, and the burning question of who's going to lift the trophy. Oh, and Ailbhe makes a prediction so brave it borders on unhinged. You'll want to hear it. We also get into the PWR's very public expressions of interest in Irish clubs and provinces — stunt or genuine offer? — and what it could mean for the future of the women's domestic game in Ireland. And the Aviva. 16,300 tickets already sold for Ireland v Scotland. Let that sink in. 📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social 🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social 📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker 00:00 We're back, baby — Season 3 begins 00:58 Six Nations preview: squads, form, who's pregnant 02:14 England's new-look squad (and new captain Meg Jones) 06:33 Injuries, uncapped players, and is there actually blood in the water? 12:51 Twickenham already sold out — 70,000 for the opener 15:17 Scotland & Wales: new coaches, same questions 28:30 France's bold rebuild — 16 uncapped players and a gamble 34:19 Italy: the other extreme (nearly 100 caps between two players) 36:26 Erin King as Ireland captain — inspired or risky? 42:41 The players Ireland need to cap this Six Nations 45:40 Niamh Gallagher: the most exciting Irish player you haven't seen yet 48:28 The Aviva, the tickets, and why this feels different 51:40 Should an Irish team join the PWR? Chloe has thoughts 57:31 Predictions — one of us goes full chaos mode

    1h 1m
  3. 09/26/2025

    Episode 17: Ah, That’s De Goede Stuff

    Semi-final weekend delivered drama and a BIG exit — the Black Ferns are out, and Canada are into the Rugby World Cup final. Sophie de Goede led from the front in a masterclass of control and decision-making, while New Zealand couldn’t find answers in the set piece or at the breakdown. Joining Ailbhe and Cian are Chloe Pearse and Ruth Campbell to break down how Canada took apart the reigning champions, what went wrong for the French against England, and what it all means for Sunday’s final. Along the way, we talk crowdfunding myths, purple patches, turnover battles, and the difference between chaos and cohesion. We also hear Ruth’s reflections on life in the Ireland camp, using her platform for causes off the pitch, and why her dad’s purple bucket hat (and more) made it onto the broadcast. 📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social 🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social 📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker 00:00 Introduction and Semi-Finals Recap 00:36 Special Guests: Chloe Pierce and Ruth Campbell 01:40 Ruth Campbell's Advocacy for Palestine 04:55 Transition Back to Rugby 08:39 Canada's Strategic Masterclass Against the Black Ferns 10:56 Analyzing Canada's Dominance and New Zealand's Struggles 20:56 Sophie de Goede: Canada's Star Player 22:33 New Zealand's Missed Opportunities 26:28 Preview of England vs. France 27:01 France's Missed Opportunities 27:56 England's Key Moments 28:42 Turnovers and Team Psyche 30:03 France's Questionable Kicking Game 31:56 Leadership and Decision Making 37:58 World Player of the Year Nominees 41:59 Lucky Dip Fun 47:00 The End

    48 min
  4. 09/18/2025

    Episode 16: Once Bitten, Five Shy

    Ireland’s World Cup run ends at the quarter-final stage against France, but not without controversy. The infamous “bite” incident grabs headlines, but the real story is Ireland’s performance across the pitch, the progress of this campaign, and what it means heading into the next four-year cycle. Ailbhe and Cian are joined by Ireland prop Christy Haney and Munster Player of the Year Chloe Pearse to reflect on the defeat, from Linda Djougang’s relentless carrying to Ruth Campbell’s fearlessness in the tight exchanges. They dig into Ireland’s scrum and maul dominance, where the attack still needs to evolve, and how pathways and depth will shape the future. The episode also features Aoife Clarke, Communications Director with the IRFU, on the landmark announcement of Ireland v Scotland at the Aviva in 2026 — with ticket sales already breaking records and signalling a cultural shift in Irish rugby. 📸 Instagram → @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky → @mudderrucker.bsky.social 🎙️ Ailbhe → @irishwomens.bsky.social 📚 Cian → @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube → youtube.com/@MudderRucker 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Aoife Clarke's Journey with IRFU 01:09 Cultural Shift and Challenges 03:27 Social Media's Role in Women's Rugby 05:05 Upcoming Game and Ticket Sales 07:48 Reflecting on Past Matches and Future Goals 12:54 Quarterfinals Recap 14:49 Bite Gate Controversy 20:37 Game Analysis and Referee Critique 28:14 Player Performance Highlights 29:51 Scrum and Set Piece Analysis 31:55 Critical Moments and Player Mistakes 35:04 Future Prospects and Team Development 45:07 Upcoming Matches and Predictions 48:19 Retirements and Contract Controversies 53:16 Lucky Dip!

    58 min
  5. 09/11/2025

    Episode 15: Forty Love, What a Racket

    It finished 40–nil—but the noise told a different story. This week on MudderRucker, Ailbhe and Cian are joined by Chloe Pearse and Alice Soper to unpack Ireland’s bruising night against the Black Ferns in Brighton: the offloads, the width, the collision zone, and where Ireland’s shape came unstuck. We also zoom out to what actually mattered: the crowd, the feeling around the team, and why nights like this can still move the needle for the women’s game. Then it’s eyes forward—France next—and what a fuller deck might look like (hello, Aoife Wafer, Erin King, Dorothy Wall) when Ireland get bodies back and combinations bed in. Also featuring: offload clinic vs edge defence, Brighton buzz, and a clear-eyed look at what needs fixing before France. 📸 Instagram: @mudderruckerpodcast 🟦 Bluesky: @mudderrucker.bsky.social | Ailbhe @irishwomens.bsky.social | Cian @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@MudderRucker 00:00 Introduction to Mother Rucker Podcast 00:20 World Cup Pool Stage Recap 00:35 Introducing Chloe Pierce 00:39 Weekend Rugby Reflections 01:15 Special Guest: Alice Soper 02:46 Alice Soper's Rugby Journey 06:05 Challenges in Women's Rugby 06:58 Professionalism in Women's Rugby 12:47 New Zealand Rugby Club Scene 17:21 Future of New Zealand Women's Rugby 25:47 Weekend Match Results 26:52 Community in Women's Rugby 31:26 Reflecting on the Evolution of Rugby Culture 32:30 Challenges of Growing Women's Rugby 34:51 The Importance of Women Leading Women's Rugby 36:05 The Essence of Rugby: Fun and Entertainment 37:04 Analyzing the Irish Game Performance 40:17 Tactical Insights and Player Performances 48:28 Looking Ahead to the Quarterfinals 53:06 Lucky Dip! 57:32 Conclusion and Farewell

    58 min
  6. 09/04/2025

    Episode 14: Eve-nt Horizon

    Ireland may be two from two with Eve Higgins at the heart of the action, but there’s a gravitational pull towards a Black Ferns vortex of danger. In this week’s MudderRucker, Ailbhe and Cian are joined by Chloe Pearse and Christy Haney to dissect the five-try win over Spain that somehow still felt nervy. We break down scrum dominance, shaky set-piece calls, and defensive breakdowns — plus the all-important tempo stat that’s turning out to be the only one that matters this World Cup. Christy brings serious prop insight (and no patience for bad calls), Chloe unpacks the pressure of defending with width, and we preview the clash with the Black Ferns at a sold-out Amex. Also featuring: line-speed mysteries, midfield mayhem, and the growing mystery of Ireland’s missing jackal threat. 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @mudderruckerpodcast 🌐 Bluesky: @mudderrucker.bsky.social Ailbhe: @irishwomens.bsky.social Cian: @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ More episodes & highlights: youtube.com/@MudderRucker Like, subscribe, and tell us which moment made you shout at the screen. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:26 Chloe Pearse's Championship Win and Boat Adventure 01:45 Christy's Journey to Irish Rugby 03:41 Structural Engineering and Rugby: A Unique Connection 04:54 World Cup Hamstring Injury and Team Support 06:23 Round Two of the World Cup: France vs. Brazil 12:05 South Africa's Upset Against Italy 18:51 Ireland's Performance and Defensive Struggles 23:18 The Importance of Linda in the Squad 24:24 Analyzing the Game Against Spain 25:40 Controversial Moments in the Match 29:50 Standout Players and Performances 33:41 Injury Concerns and Future Matches 39:33 Fun and Games: Lucky Dip Questions 42:51 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

    44 min
  7. 08/28/2025

    Episode 13: It’s Brittany's, Pitch.

    Ireland opened their Rugby World Cup campaign with a tempo-heavy win over Japan — and on this week’s MudderRucker, Ailbhe and Cian are joined by Chloe Pearse and Alycia Washington to break it all down. We’re talking lightning quick ball, dominant breakdowns, standout performances (yes, Brittany Hogan, we see you), and why lighting quick ruck speed is starting to look like a serious stat. Plus, we check in on the rest of the first round results, preview the upcoming clash with Spain, and ask: are Ireland building something serious here? Also featuring: midfield excellence, controlled chaos, set-piece shoutouts, and Alycia’s forensic breakdowns (with added sass). 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @mudderruckerpodcast 🌐 Bluesky: @mudderrucker.bsky.social Ailbhe: @irishwomens.bsky.social Cian: @rugbykino.bsky.social ▶️ More episodes & chaos: youtube.com/@MudderRucker Like, comment, and subscribe for more World Cup takes, tactical digs, and complete nonsense. 00:00 Introduction and Weekend Rugby Recap 00:37 Special Guests: Chloe Pierce and Alycia Washington 01:54 The XV Foundation: Supporting Women's Rugby 03:47 Rugby World Cup Controversy: Ireland vs. New Zealand 09:26 Round One Results: New Zealand, France, and Australia 17:09 Scotland vs. Wales: A Frustrating Match 21:56 USA's World Cup Campaign and Future Prospects 27:02 Ireland's High Tempo Start Against Japan 28:47 Line Out Challenges and Fixes 34:38 Player Performances and Highlights 40:08 Ruck Speed and Game Dynamics 49:56 Upcoming Matches and Predictions 51:26 Lucky Dip and Closing Remarks

    57 min

About

Join hosts Ailbhe O’Nolan and Cian Ó Muilleoir as they bring you all the latest from Irish women’s rugby! From the Women’s Six Nations to key matches and big talking points, MudderRucker keeps it fun, accessible, and full of insight. No overcomplicated analysis—just straight-talking rugby chat and exclusive interviews with Irish rugby stars. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the game, subscribe for new episodes every week!