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

January 13 · 54 min
How did Leinster pull off their win against La Rochelle?
And what are Irish rugby’s trophy prospects this year?
January 9 · 36 min
Rory Best on how Ulster have turned things around
The ex-Ireland captain is now general manager of his native province
January 6 · 51 min
Which province is worth paying to watch?
And whose performances may have turned Andy Farrell’s eye after three weeks of Irish derbies?
January 2 · 18 min
Why rugby’s bomb squads are bad for the game
The now infamous 7-1 forward split on the bench hit the headlines last year when World Rugby announced they would not be outlawing the practice. The innovation, first used by South Africa and made more prominent by France in the 2025 Six Nations, is controversial in some quarters. While not quite at culture war levels, the use of extra forwards has prompted a strong rebuke, as either dangerous, against the spirit of the game, or both, from plenty of those involved in the game. One of those is Owen Doyle. A former international referee and current Irish Times columnist, he joins Nathan Johns to talk through World Rugby’s latest law development. Should the 7-1 split be outlawed, or is it simply a case of clever innovation, leaving the rest of the world to catch up? This episode originally aired in April 2025. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 30, 2025 · 37 min
Leinster and Munster’s battle for rugby’s soul
Tadhg Beirne added his name to the long list of players lamenting the game’s tactical direction of travel
Dec 26, 2025 · 45 min
The role sports psychology has played in Leinster and Ireland’s success
With performance coach and former All-Ireland winner Enda McNulty
Dec 23, 2025 · 49 min
Christmas takeaways from a strange provincial weekend
Leinster and Munster secured bonus point victories despite being far from their best
Dec 19, 2025 · 31 min
Could a multiple URC champion be on the way out?
Welsh rugby is awash with speculation of the downfall of The Ospreys
Dec 16, 2025 · 41 min
Do Leinster’s misfires matter so long as they’re winning?
Should we be overly concerned about dicey performances at this stage of the season?
Dec 12, 2025 · 36 min
Rugby’s stylistic direction of travel - is it for the best?
And Irish rugby’s tactical evolution in the last 10 years
Dec 9, 2025 · 40 min
Munster fall as Leinster fail to impress in Europe
Ulster enjoy dominant home win over Racing 92
Dec 4, 2025 · 33 min
Ireland's path to World Cup redemption + European preview
Ireland draw Scotland in their group for the third successive tournament
Dec 2, 2025 · 37 min
Why are Irish rugby tickets so expensive?
The cost of a ticket has increased by 80 per cent in the past 12 years
Nov 28, 2025 · 41 min
Is international rugby becoming unwatchable?
Officiating is arguably as hot a topic as it ever has been - and not in a good way
Nov 25, 2025 · 46 min
Saturday Shambles wraps up Ireland's November window
The match took over 130 minutes to complete as seven cards were handed out
Nov 21, 2025 · 40 min
Ireland vs South Africa: rugby’s biggest rivalry?
Rassie Erasmus’s side have yet to win a match in Dublin
Nov 18, 2025 · 29 min
Ireland’s record win over Australia sets up Springboks clash perfectly
Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join host Nathan Johns
Nov 14, 2025 · 30 min
What will Joe Schmidt's legacy with Australia be?
Schmidt's tenure with the Wallabies ends next July
Nov 11, 2025 · 37 min
Ireland’s unconvincing Japan job
Meanwhile, Ireland’s second string impressed against Spain
Nov 7, 2025 · 28 min
A big weekend for Ireland’s emerging rugby talent
Who might force their way into first choice reckoning?