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 17: Ah, That’s De Goede Stuff

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    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

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  2. Episode 16: Once Bitten, Five Shy

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    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!

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  3. Episode 15: Forty Love, What a Racket

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    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

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  4. Episode 14: Eve-nt Horizon

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    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

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

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    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

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  6. Episode 12: Jersey Floor

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    Episode 12: Jersey Floor

    Welcome to Episode 12 of Mudder Rucker, your go-to podcast for Irish women's rugby! Join hosts Ailbhe O'Nolan and Cian Ó Muilleoir as they discuss the World Cup warm-up games against Scotland and Canada, and dive into the first round of the Interpros. Special guests Chloe Pearse and Nikki Caughey share their unique insights and personal rugby journeys. Don't miss out on their discussion about squad announcements, intense rivalries, and the challenges of transitioning from club to international rugby. Get ready for an episode packed with game analysis, personal stories, and the ever-entertaining Lucky Dip. ▶️ Watch full episodes on YouTube: / @mudderrucker 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @mudderruckerpodcast 🌐 Bluesky: @mudderrucker.bsky.social | Ailbhe @irishwomens.bsky.social | Cian @rugbykino.bsky.social Like, share, subscribe—and tell us how you'd nail that jersey issue. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:28 Meet the Guests: Chloe Pearse and Nikki Caughey 00:59 Nikki Caughey's Rugby Journey 03:10 First Cap Songs and Rugby Memories 05:33 Rivalries in Women's Rugby 12:09 Young Talent and Future Stars 20:13 Munster vs Leinster: Upcoming Match 20:56 Reflecting on a Rugby Career 22:42 Ireland's World Cup Preparations 33:13 Injuries and Team Depth Challenges 33:34 Linda's Impactful Performance 34:54 Analyzing the Canada Game 36:44 Defensive Strategies and Adjustments 42:07 World Cup Warm-Up Game Strategies 45:47 Squad Selection Surprises 46:07 Backs and Utility Players Discussion 52:48 Forwards and Uncapped Players 56:22 Back Row Depth and Challenges 01:01:11 Lucky Dip Questions 01:05:15 Conclusion and Farewell

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  7. Episode 11: Look at Me. I Am the Captain Now.

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    Episode 11: Look at Me. I Am the Captain Now.

    Two new skippers, one microphone, and plenty of interpro spice. This week on MudderRucker, Maeve Óg O’Leary (Munster) and Molly Boyne (Leinster) join Ailbhe for a chat about what it really feels like to pull on the provincial jersey with a “C” beside your name for the first time. From learning how to lead your mates (and not just boss them), to why jersey shopping is a surprisingly risky business, to the pressure of legacy and big-game nerves, the captains spill on everything it takes to steer a team through the chaos of interpros. Expect talk of early camp dramas, dodgy motivational playlists, and the moments that made them laugh, cry, or nearly throw a lineout ball at someone’s head. It’s leadership, friendships, and a whole lot of laughs from two of the rising voices in Irish rugby. ▶️ Watch full episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@MudderRucker 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @mudderruckerpodcast 🌐 Bluesky: @mudderrucker.bsky.social | Ailbhe @irishwomens.bsky.social | Cian @rugbykino.bsky.social Like, share, subscribe—and tell us which captaincy confession made you grin the most. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:28 Meet the Captains: Maeve Óg O'Leary and Molly Boyne 01:16 Interpros Series: Rivalries and Stakes 04:47 The Emotional Connection to Provincial Jerseys 13:33 New Faces and Rising Stars 22:10 Leadership and Team Dynamics 29:25 Personal Insights: Life Beyond Rugby 33:17 The Story Behind My Name 35:03 Family Sports Allegiances 37:58 World Cup Warmup Games Preview 40:03 Squad Depth and Injuries 50:56 Exciting Players to Watch 56:05 Lucky Dip 59:34 Wrap Up

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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!