RTÉ Rugby Podcast

RTÉ Sport

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

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100 episodes
Updated July 21

Episodes100

Newest first

July 21 · 1 hr 2 min
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.
July 14 · 46 min
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.
July 8 · 37 min
What we learned from first week of the Nations Championship
Hugh Cahill presents this week's RTÉ Rugby Podcast and is joined by Bernard Jackman in studio, while Neil Treacy dials in from his Sydney hotel room. The lads dissect Ireland's opening Nations Championship win over Australia and look ahead to Japan this weekend. They also take a look at the All Blacks' win over a weakened France and South Africa's ruthless display of force against England. TIMESTAMPS 0'10" Rugby in July - is it strange? How are Ireland feeling at the end of a very long season. 3'20" How did Australia lose that game? Hugh reckons, like the Cork hurlers, winning isn't a habit yet. 8'20" Should Australia have taken that late kick at goal amid ongoing issues at half-back? 12'45" Neil assesses Sam Prendergast's performance as the out-half rebuilds his confidence away from the intense scrutiny of a Six Nations. 17'10" Ciarán Frawley likely to start against Japan as Andy Farrell set to make an unusual number of changes. 18'50" All Blacks remain a work in progress under Dave Rennie. 20'30" England not getting better under Steve Borthwick. Bernard has heard Johann van Graan being sized up as his replacement. 27'10" Springboks' excellence built on battle stats. 34'10" Update on Jeremy Loughman and Irsh health ahead of Japan Test. 36'00" Neil's packing technique versus Moss Keane See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 30 · 58 min
Will the Nations Championship prove to be a success? Philip Doyle RIP
Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson as we preview the start of Ireland's Nations Championship campaign against Australia in Sydney. We discuss whether or not the new Nations Championship format will be a success, and discuss some of the travel challenges facing teams in 2026. The panel break down a couple of the key selection calls Andy Farrell will be dealing with this week ahead of meeting the Wallabies. And we also pay tribute to former Ireland women's head coach Philip Doyle, who died last week, while also discussing the new tweaks to the Champions Cup for next season. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Will the Nations Championship improve the game? 07:45 - Too much travel for teams? 11:10 - Can Ireland win the Nations Championship? 20:40 - Who starts at out-half against the Wallabies? 33:50 - What will the back row look like with Caelan Doris out? 39:35 - How will the new maul refereeing interpretations affect Ireland? 44:55 - Philip Doyle RIP 48:40 - Tweaks to the Champions Cup See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 24 · 1 hr
Leinster go back to back and who will replace Leo Cullen in 2027?
Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman, Jake White and Ian Keatley on this week's pod as we recap Leinster's URC title win, Leo Cullen's departure in 2027, and the upcoming Nations Championship. Jake joins Neil and Bernard to discuss where things went so right for Leinster and so wrong for the Bulls in Friday night's URC final at Croke Park, as the province produced a dominant 36-7 win against their South African opponents. We also discuss Cullen's announcement this week that he would be leaving his role as Leinster head coach in 2027, after 12 years in charge. And we ask Jake if he will be throwing his CV into the mix! Later in the pod, Ian comes on to take an early look ahead at Ireland's Nations Championship campaign, which gets under way against Australia in Sydney on 4 July. We discuss how Sam Prendergast has hit form at the right time as the Test window arrives, as well as running through some of the selection calls faced by Andy Farrell. And we also pay tribute to Munster prop Oli Jager, who confirmed his retirement from rugby on medical grounds last weekend. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Deja vu for Leinster and the Bulls 05:25 - Costly mistakes from high profile Springboks 13:55 - Leinster's scrum held its own 18:25 - Leo Cullen's Leinster legacy 21:00 - Is Jake White interested in the job? 23:30 - The risks and possible rewards by announcing Cullen's departure so early 30:00 - Sam Prendergast grabs the Bull by its horns 37:30 - How will the Ireland back row look against Australia? 41:15 - Billy Bohan set for his debut? 44:42 - Sam Illo's rise in 2025/26 51:28 - Oli Jager's retirement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 17 · 55 min
URC Grand Final special with Jake White and Bernard Jackman
Neil Treacy and Bernard Jackman are joined by a special guest this week, as former South Africa and Bulls head coach Jake White helps us look ahead to the BKT United Rugby Championship Grand Final between Leinster and the Bulls. White, who brought the Bulls to three URC finals during his time in charge (22:00), explains why Leinster remain the "benchmark" for others to follow in the URC, and why the South Africans are better equipped to get the better of Leo Cullen's side in Friday's final at Croke Park (12:15). The ex-Springboks coach gives us the South African perspective on where this week's final will be won and lost, with a big focus on the scrum (30:35) and the first quarter. And we also get White thoughts on some of the changing trends in rugby (04:00), as well as putting some listener questions for the World Cup winner (50:30). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 12 · 25 min
Aoife Wafer: Awards, accolades, and how Ireland can be the best in the world
Neil Treacy is joined by Ireland number 8 Aoife Wafer, as she discusses a record breaking Six Nations for Ireland's women, winning a second successive Player of the Championship, and and her belief that Ireland can become the best team in the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 10 · 1 hr 3 min
Leinster weather a Storm, four more years for Andy Farrell, and Munster's Jared Payne deal
Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson, as we look back on Leinster's URC semi-final win against the Stormers, and break down the big stories of the week in Irish rugby. We start this week's podcast by discussing two great losses to the game in Ireland, paying tribute to former Ireland captain Fergus Slattery, and long-term chief executive of the IRFU, Philip Browne, both of whom passed away in the last week. The panel breaks down a gritty URC semi-final win for Leinster against the Stormers (06:10), which sets up a Grand Final rematch against the Bulls at Croke Park on Friday, 19 June. We also react to the confirmation from the province that James Lowe is set to leave Leinster and Ireland at the end of the season (31:17), and ask how both the province and the union allowed this to happen. Bernard and Gareth give their take on the news that Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has agreed a new four-year contract to lead his side all the way to the Rugby World Cup in 2031 (44:00). And we also discuss the two recent coaching appointments at Munster (55:30), and Jimmy Duffy and Jared Payne come into Clayton McMillan's coaching ticket for next season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 3 · 1 hr 8 min
Leo Cullen and Jacques Nienaber go on the offensive, James Lowe's Leinster exit
Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland to recap a week of high drama in Irish rugby, and the URC quarter-finals. We discuss a couple of heated media exchanges between Leinster head coach Leo Cullen and senior coach Jacques Nienaber in the last week, and ask why Nienaber feels he isn't "valued" in Irish rugby. Bernard also follows up on his own comments around Leinster's coaching decisions during the Champions Cup final, after Cullen took exception to them at the weekend (27:40). We ask whether there is any chance James Lowe will be remaining at the province next season (46:00), and ponder what Andy Farrell must be thinking of how the situation has played out. The panel also looks at Munster and Connacht's URC quarter-final defeats (46:00), and ask why no province has made a move to bring Glasgow Warriors attack coach Nigel Carolan back to Ireland (55:10). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 27 · 1 hr 3 min
Just how did Leinster crumble in the Champions Cup final?
Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we look back on a pair of disappointing Champions and Challenge Cup final defeats for Leinster and Ulster. We kick the show off on a positive note, with Gareth giving us his quick run through of his time with Ireland during the Women's Six Nations, before we discuss the brilliant scenes of celebrations after Bordeaux's Champions Cup victory. The panel break down just where things went wrong for Leinster in the first half of their 41-19 defeat in Bilbao, as they gave up five tries and 35 points in the opening 40 minutes, while Bernard also takes a closer look at the big contrast in how the two coaching teams operated on the day. We discuss Ulster's painful Challenge Cup final defeat to Montpellier, and how this season will be viewed after Richie Murphy's side missed out on a play-off spot and Champions Cup qualification. And we take a quick look at how Connacht and Munster are shaping up for their URC quarter-finals this weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 20 · 1 hr 30 min
Irish rugby braced for bumper Bilbao weekend | Ireland make their Aviva mark in W6N
Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to look ahead to this weekend's Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup finals in Bilbao, while Hannah O'Connor recaps Ireland's big finish to the Guinness Women's Six Nations. The panel break down the key talking points ahead of Leinster's latest shot at winning the Champions Cup (02:50), with Leo Cullen's side taking on defending champions Bordeaux-Begles on Saturday afternoon. We look at how Ulster face a season-defining Challenge Cup decider against Montpellier on Friday night, while Bernard also brings us up to speed on the province's new forwards coach, Clarke Dermody (21:45). The podcast goes back over Munster's vital win against the Lions last Saturday (37:50), which has secured Clayton McMillan's side a play-off spot and Champions Cup qualification. Connacht, meanwhile, will have to wait to see if their top-half finish is enough for Champions Cup rugby next season (49:15), although Stuart Lancaster's side did secure their play-off spot, as they continue their impressive form. Later, Hannah O'Connor joins Neil to discuss Ireland's comprehensive 54-5 win against Scotland to mark an impressive finish to their Women's Six Nations campaign (56:45). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 13 · 1 hr 19 min
Munster's 'box-ticking' review, the URC play-off bunfight and Ireland's W6N milestone
Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to discuss the URC play-off picture as we head into the final round of the regular season, while Hannah O'Connor looks ahead to Ireland's Women's Six Nations finale against Scotland at Aviva Stadium on Sunday. Both Bernard and Johne have strong opinions on the independent governance review commissioned by Munster, as the fallout of the Roger Randle saga continues (11:55). The pair also look ahead to the province's meeting with the Lions at Thomond Park, where they may need to win to secure Champions Cup rugby for next season. We discuss Connacht's continued growth under Stuart Lancaster (29:40), and how the province are heading in the right direction, whether or not they make the URC play-offs. The panel recap Ulster's madcap 38-38 draw with the Stormers (38:12), as Richie Murphy's side aim to lock in their play-off spot at home to Glasgow. Later, Hannah joins Neil as we turn our attention towards the final round of the Guinness Women's Six Nations (48:00), as well as the controversial plans to introduce size 4.5 balls by World Rugby in the women's game (1:11:55). To learn more about Johne Murphy's Marathon for MND, visit the link below: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXXU0zvDZ9Y/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 6 · 1 hr 21 min
Leinster and Ulster are Bilbaound, Ireland's W6N home run
Neil Treacy is joined by Brett Igoe and Jonny Holland as we look back on Leinster and Ulster's Champions and Challenge Cup semi-final wins, while Hannah O'Connor looks ahead to Ireland's Guinness Women's Six Nations meeting with Wales. We start by recapping Leinster's 29-25 win against Toulon which has booked them a Champions Cup final date with Bordeaux-Begles in Bilbao, with Leinster's attack looking as sharp as it has all season, but question marks still remain about their discipline, with two more yellow cards picked up. The panel also discusses Ulster's impressive Challenge Cup semi-final win against Exeter Chiefs (29:40), as Richie Murphy's side go in search of their first silverware for 20 years, with particular praise for Jude Postlethwaite and Jack Murphy. And we preview a huge Interpro in Galway on Saturday night, as Connacht host Munster with a play-off spot on the line (42:20). Later, Neil is joined by Hannah O'Connor (55:35) as Ireland return from the Women's Six Nations fallow week against Wales in Belfast on Saturday evening, with Scott Bemand's side looking to finish their campaign on a high across the next two weekends. Want to get in touch with the RTÉ Rugby podcast? Give us an email on sportpodcasts@rte.ie See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 29 · 1 hr 25 min
Leinster's latest Euro tilt, Ireland run into French wall
Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to preview Leinster's Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon, as well as recapping the rest of the provincial action, while Hannah O'Connor looks back on Ireland's Guinness Women's Six Nations defeat to France. The panel discuss the 'scar tissue' carried by Leinster into another Champions Cup semi-final, as well as their surprise defeat to Benetton in Italy last week, which will at least guard against any complacency. We look ahead to Ulster's Challenge Cup semi-final with Exeter Chiefs on Saturday (20:50), as Richie Murphy's side continued to fall further down the URC table with a heavy defeat to Munster. Meanwhile, that win for Munster (31:30) came at a big cost with multiple injuries, but Clayton McMillan's side look within touching distance of confirming Champions Cup qualification, ahead of next week's trip to Connacht (38:10), who will need a big finish to the season. The panel also discuss the finals weekend in the Energia All-Ireland League, as St Mary's ended their long wait for a Division 1A title (41:20). Later (57:50), Hannah joins Neil to recap a pulsating Women's Six Nations clash between France and Ireland in Clermont, as Scott Bemand's side paid for wasting multiple first half chances in a 26-7 defeat. To learn more about Johne Murphy's Marathon for MND, visit: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXXU0zvDZ9Y/ Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, and email us at sportpodcasts@rte.ie See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 22 · 1 hr 37 min
Connacht blow URC play-offs wide open, Ireland bullish ahead of French rematch
Neil Treacy is joined on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland to discuss a seismic weekend of URC rugby, while Hannah O'Connor recaps Round 2 of the Guinness Women's Six Nations. We start the show by breaking down Connacht's incredible comeback win away to the Stormers, which has given their play-off hopes a major boost, and had a ripple effect right across the league. Bernard and Jonny break down Leinster's impressive away win at Ulster (15:02), which now gives Leo Cullen's side a great chance of securing one of the top seeds. We look at how Ulster are heading for a nervous final few weeks after their defeat (23:55), and a spate of injuries have put pressure on them to consolidate their play-off spot, with a treacherous run of fixtures ahead. The podcast discusses a much needed win and performance for Munster away to Benetton (31:45), as well as the fallout from their controversial appointment of Roger Randle. And we also cast an eye ahead at the Energia All Ireland League Division 1 final on Sunday afternoon (50:25), as defending champions Clontarf face St Mary's at Aviva Stadium. In part two of this week's podcast, we take a detailed look at Ireland's impressive Guinness Women's Six Nations win against Italy on Saturday with Hannah O'Connor (01:00:57), as attention now turns to a huge away trip to France on Saturday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 15 · 1 hr 37 min
Leinster's home path, Munster's merry-go-round, Ireland's stuttering W6N start
Neil Treacy is joined on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to discuss another busy week for the Irish provinces in the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup. We look at how Leinster's road to Bilbao is shaping up after their 43-13 win against Sale Sharks secured them a home semi-final against Toulon next month, while we discuss Harry Byrne's influence in the side as they show signs of clicking. We discuss Ulster's comfortable night in uncomfortable weather conditions as they defeated La Rochelle to book a Challenge Cup semi-final against Exeter Chiefs, while we also cover Connacht's elimination at the hands of Montpellier. Munster weren't in action last week, but there is still plenty to talk about after as they return to the URC this weekend, not to mention more rumours of coaching changes. And in part two of this week's podcast, Hannah O'Connor joins Neil to look back at Ireland's Guinness Women's Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 8 · 1 hr 4 min
Leinster's loose attack, Munster malaise and Women's Six Nations preview
Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Hannah O'Connor as we recap the big talking points from the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cups, while also taking a look ahead at Ireland's Guinness Women's Six Nations campaign. We look at the positives and negatives from Leinster's chaotic 49-31 win against Edinburgh on Sunday, where their attack finally started to click, but also contributed to a messy win. We try to pick apart Munster's horrendous first half performance in Exeter as they fell to a 31-21 defeat to the Chiefs, while we also discuss wins for Connacht and Ulster as they march through to the Challenge Cup quarter-finals. Hannah and Bernard cast their eye ahead to the Women's Six Nations, as Ireland open their campaign up against world champions England at Twickenham on Saturday. And we finish this week's podcast with some listener questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 2 · 57 min
Leinster's cards, Crowley's class, and knockout rugby has arrived
Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy on the RTÉ Rugby podcast as attention turns to the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup. As Leinster lead the way for Ireland in the Champions Cup, we take a temperature check on where Leo Cullen's side are as they head into the business end of the season, with their discipline and cards the major focus point. We look at the importance of Jack Crowley to Munster's fortunes, as the out-half showed his class in Pretoria, in spite of another defeat for the province. We ask whether Connacht can make it six wins in a row for just the third time ever, with Stuart Lancaster's in-form side hosting Sharks in the Challenge Cup on Friday. And we take a look at Ulster's efforts to bulk up their squad for next season, after their bonus-point win away to Zebre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 25 · 46 min
Connacht click as Munster and Leinster implode on the road
Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast as we look back on a mixed week for the Irish provinces in the URC. We discuss Connacht's best performance of the season as they fronted up on defence to secure a bonus-point win away to Ulster, led by the brilliant Bundee Aki. The panel also discuss Jack Carty's legacy at Dexcom Stadium after the out-half confirmed he would retire at the end of the season. We analyse how Ulster can pick up the pieces and finish what has been a promising season on a high, and we dig into two miserable outings for Munster and Leinster in their heavy defeats to the Sharks and Glasgow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 18 · 59 min
Ireland's stock on the rise after epic Six Nations final weekend
Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast as we recap the incredible final round of the Guinness Men's Six Nations. We look back on France's dramatic 48-46 win against France to snatch the title from Ireland's hands, sealed with a last-second kick from the nerveless Thomas Ramos. The podcast discusses how Ireland finished their championship with their best performance of the campaign, defeating Scotland 43-21 in Dublin to seal the Triple Crown. We also try to guess how the Irish squad will look heading for their Nations Championship tour this summer, as well as discussing the future of head coach Andy Farrell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.