The Counter Ruck

The Irish Times

A rugby podcast from The Irish Times, presented by Nathan Johns with regular panelists John O'Sullivan, Gordon D'Arcy and Gerry Thornley.

Produced in association with Ohk Energy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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226 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes226

Newest first

March 17 · 41 min
Are Ireland trending in the right direction? What we learned from their Six Nations campaign
From a dismal opening night in Paris to within touching distance of the title
March 14 · 10 min
Ireland denied the title by France's late act
Thomas Ramos’ right boot cost Andy Farrell’s side a Six Nations title
March 13 · 25 min
Do Scotland have a genuine chance at breaking their 11-match losing run to Ireland?
Or if this is the latest example of Scottish hubris?
March 10 · 44 min
Are Scotland primed to finally beat Ireland?
Plus, Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to pick through all the weekend's action
March 7 · 23 min
Ireland beat a dogged Wales side under the lights at the Aviva
Gerry Thornley gives his thoughts on an uneven Irish performance
March 5 · 35 min
Have Ireland changed their selection policy ahead of the clash with Wales?
And could the Welsh throw up a banana skin at the Aviva on Friday night?
March 3 · 34 min
Data in rugby and Ireland’s tactical revolution explained
Sam Larner’s new book clarifies why the game looks the way it does
February 27 · 26 min
Ireland U20s - how does the talent pipeline actually look?
After last year’s wooden spoon, has the age grade side turned a corner?
February 23 · 34 min
Ireland pull off one of the great Twickenham days against England
Plus, we look at how Ireland U20s managed a similarly impressive victory over their English counterparts
February 20 · 22 min
How might Ireland pull off a Twickenham upset?
Ireland’s team for the weekend is out with a big decision made at outhalf. Will the changes improve Ireland’s chances of securing an upset? What of England who have promoted Henry Pollock to the starting XV? Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to preview Saturday’s clash. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 17 · 31 min
Did Ireland restore confidence ahead of Twickenham showdown?
Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss
February 13 · 27 min
Do Ireland's rugby pathways need a serious overhaul?
Plus, reaction to Andy Farrell's team selection ahead of the Italy clash
February 10 · 23 min
Are wounded Ireland vulnerable to an Italian job?
Plus, we look at some of the wider tactical and skillset deficiencies plaguing Irish rugby
February 6 · 18 min
How far behind the leading pack are Ireland after defeat against France?
Gerry Thornley on a difficult night in Paris
February 3 · 31 min
France vs Ireland - Six Nations preview
Ireland have named their team for Thursday’s Six Nations opener. There are surprises, namely Jacob Stockdale in for James Lowe and Cian Prendergast starting at 6. Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the key match ups. How will Ireland tactically overcome France’s Parisian challenge? Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 30 · 29 min
Can rugby take off in America?
The new head coach of the US team is Dubliner Jack Hanratty
January 27 · 28 min
Should Irish players have been wrapped in cotton wool ahead of the Six Nations?
Ireland have few front-row options ahead of their tournament opener against France
January 22 · 29 min
Is Ireland's Six Nations squad 'safe'?
Can anyone from the second string push their way into the upper ranks?
January 20 · 54 min
What does Munster’s crushing Champions Cup exit mean for Ireland?
The province will now join Ulster and Connacht in the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup
January 16 · 39 min
Why did the All Blacks drop a coaching bombshell?
Plus, all the latest Irish rugby transfer gossip