After an enthralling weekend for Irish rugby in Belfast and Dublin, I hopped on to discuss the magnitude of Ireland's 3rd place Six Nations finish, Rugby World Cup qualification and much more! Enjoy! You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com You can find my …

In a bombshell of epic proportions, Leinster confirmed the signing of All Black Jordie Barrett yesterday on a short-term deal from December 2024 through to the end of the season. It's fair to say that it has not gone down too well. Friend of the pod Cian O’Muilleoir joined me to discuss the many layers of intrigue surrounding the move. Enjoy! You c…

In a weekend that could have been horrible, came elation. We touch on Ireland and Leinster's big wins, Ulster's French capitulation and Connacht underwhelming exit from the Challenge Cup. Cian and Enda return to run over all the talking points from the weekend. Guests: Cian O'Muilleoir - https://twitter.com/RugbyKino Enda Fahy - https://twitter.com…

Despite some hope and miracle talk, it was a mixed bag for the provinces as they returned to Europe. Leinster waltzed home, Munster fought but lost, Ulster cruised to victory and Connacht stumbled to a crucial win in France. Adam and David joined me to comb through the highlights and lowlights of the Round of 16 weekend. Guests: Adam Latham - https…

With the Six Nations in the rearview mirror, we have been treated to some cracking URC action in the past fortnight. In today's audio-visual podcast, I dissect how each of the four provinces fared in the most recent block of URC action, looking at who has helped or hindered their playoff push. Enjoy! YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/TTd-DovHv_8?si…

The 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations Championship is right around the corner, and here's hoping for improved fortunes. With Ireland winning WXV3, Scotland winning WXV2 and England claiming the WXV1 crown; this years tournament promises to be exciting and hopefully even more competitive. We break down each team individually and fairly. Enjoy! Guest…

As we ramp up our preview coverage to the upcoming Women's Six Nations, today I get the chance to peek behind the curtain with full-back Meabh Deely. The Ballinasloe superstar talks about the Six Nations, her upbringing through rugby, WXV, Celtic Challenge and so much more. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/T…

In recent years, the IRFU’s management of the women’s game in Ireland has been cause for immense, deserved criticism. After a wooden spoon finish twelve months ago, has enough been done since to signal improvement from top to bottom, or should we remain patient in hope rather than expectation? Aoife O'Callaghan (player) and Tom Coleman (coach) join…

Anna Caplice may only have 16 caps for Ireland, but her impact on and off the field is that of a much loved trailblazer. In today's interview I speak to her about her rollercoaster time with Ireland, dealing the 2017 World Cup agony, UL Bohs, AIL, Barbarians and so much more. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X…

On a weekend where Peter O’Mahony captained Ireland to an 16th championship, we are ready for a celebratory pod on St. Patrick's Day no less. Adam, Huw, Jack and Ben joined me to discuss the glory of it all, where we go from here, the legendary Peter O'Mahony and we give out a few prizes too! Guests: Adam Latham - https://twitter.com/lathamadam19 H…

It's D-Day in Dublin against the dastardly Scots. Ireland must bounce back and win the championship; while Scotland are on the verge of a rare triple crown. Something has to give... Cian, Craig and Owen joined me to preview this title decider. Guests: Cian O'Muilleoir - https://twitter.com/RugbyKino Owen Harrison - https://twitter.com/Overthehillpr…

Despite boasting more URC medals than Ireland call-ups, Munster's Antoine Frisch looks set to become a France international before a look-in with Ireland. In this short bonus pod, I discuss the ramifactions of such exiling, whether the IRFU are being forthright in their approach and everything in between. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials…

I know it's rough, but with the help of David Cordial and Iestyn Thomas this might be the most positive rugby podcast this week with Irish and/or Welsh guests. As always every game covered and reviewed! Guests: David Cordial - https://twitter.com/AH_David Iestyn Thomas - https://twitter.com/Iestyn_thomas21 My Post-Game Recap: https://www.balls.ie/r…

It's 3 down, 2 to go on Ireland's Grand quest. The next mission is HQ where a bereft and rudderless England lie waiting to pounce. David, Ed and Stephen join me to preview this weekend's clash! Guests: David Cordial - https://twitter.com/AH_David Stephen Murphy - https://twitter.com/MasterOfNonePod Ed Price - https://twitter.com/jam_rugby Feel free…

Jonny Holland was only 25 when he was forced to retire due to injury. In today's interview, I speak to Jonny about dealing with retirement, his grá for Felix Jones and Anthony Foley, the flourishing AIL and so much more. Enjoy! RTÉ Rugby Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4W9mkdG9LnOJ0iafKEq6rk?si=dcb0970e51374d64 RTÉ Column - https://www.rte.…

As Ireland roll on, Italy were left crushed; such is the duality of sport. In what was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend of rugby, we discuss Ireland's relentlessness, England's windiness, Italy's rise and a whole lot more. Eric and Craig join me to recap all of the action! Guests: Eric Fitzgerald Craig Manson - https://twitter.com/Scrumchampion My Po…

The Six Nations is back with a bang this weekend, with Dublin playing host to an age old showdown. Ireland are still chasing consecutive slams, and while Wales are not what they once were, they must be respected. Tom, Adam and Jamie join me to preview this showdown! Guests: Tom Coleman - https://twitter.com/LeinsterRoyalty Adam Latham - https://twi…

After some brief speculation, it was confirmed today that Dan McFarland has resigned as Ulster head coach mid-season after 6 seasons at the province. Their longest running top man steps aside in a fashion we are not all that familiar with here in Ireland. Ulster fans Jack and Adam joined me to discuss the news. Enjoy! Guests: Jack Fogarty - https:/…

Munster fans are familiar with a Kiwi who takes their heart, and Alex Nankivell is no different. Having joined the province this season, he is already emerging as a fan favourite. In this special joint-podcast with the Red Army; myself and Patricia speak to Alex about life in Ireland, his time in red to date, Super Rugby and victory over the Crusad…

Two rounds, 2 wins for Ireland, what more can you ask for? It might be a dream start for the senior and u20 men's sides; but most of the talking points were elswhere this weekend where there was more drama than actual rugby. Jeff and Iestyn join me to recap all of the action! Guests: Jeff Neville - https://twitter.com/TheLooseH & Provincial State o…

This particular Six Nations battle fails to whet the appetite, but promises to bring its own layer of excitement. With Ireland chasing a slam and Italy off to a fast start under Quesada, then these two rotated outfits will both be high on confidence heading into Sunday's tussle. BHH, Jack and Mike join me to preview this showdown! Guests: BallHandl…

Well... that was the dream start wasn't it? As Ireland banished autumnal Parisian nightmares aside, Scotland and England limped barefoot over the line in a weekend that certified that the Six Nations we all know and love, is back! Patricia and Ben join me to recap the first round action! Guests: Patricia Vieira - https://twitter.com/_PatriciaV_ Ben…

The teams have been named and the battle lines have been drawn as we prepare for another raucous encounter in this epic sporting rivalry. Ireland and France are neck and neck for quality and so often give us a game for the ages; so will this Marseille showdown repeat the plotline? Sam, Huw and Ian join me to preview this potential Grand Slam decide…

If you've followed rugby's rise in Ireland this century, then Ryle Nugent will have been your most common companion. In this Six Nations themed episode, the legendary broadcaster joins me to talk memorable games involving Munster and Ireland, what sports broadcasting is really like, nerves, teamwork and so much more. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me o…

The 2024 Guinness Men's Six Nations Championship is right around the corner, and promises to be another truly spectacular occasion. Ireland and France will be keen to set the record straight after some Autumnal disappointment, while Scotland would like to build on an impressive 2023 tournament. England and Wales have made wholesale changes but will…

Former Munster centre Alex McHenry knows all about rugby's financial woes, after finding himself unemployed mid-season after the Jersey Reds went into liquidation. In this episode, he sits down to tell us all about the tumultuous final weeks in Jersey, his stint at Wasps, his grá for Munster and much much more. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my s…

It was a frustrating and wet January for the provinces who can still win silverware, but have not impressed. Chrissy, Sam and Peter joined me tonight to look back on the pool stage action. Enjoy! Guests: Sam Iredale - https://twitter.com/sami_sp Chrissy Hawkins Peter Lockhart - https://twitter.com/dplockhart Feel free to follow me on my socials @Ca…

Ireland might have won the hearts of the World Cup, but they will be baying for silverware in the upcoming Guinness Six Nations. Andy Farrell has named his 34 man squad for the tournament today; and in this bonus podcast I run over the squad in detail! Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; w…

For Jean Kleyn, 2023 was a year he will never forget. In this episode, he sits down to talk about Munster and South Africa's memorable trophy runs, the stunning belief those teams had, his adoration for Munster and so much more. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles availabl…

It was not perfect but after two rounds none of the provinces are out of European contention (thank you format gods). Adam & Cian joined me tonight to look back on the opening rounds. Enjoy! Guests: Cian O'Muilleoir - https://twitter.com/RugbyKino Adam Latham - https://twitter.com/lathamadam19 Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on I…

Despite La Rochelle going back-to-back over Leinster in successive finals, has the newest European format led to a wide open year? As many as 10 sides are legitmate favourites, and on today's show, I run over the 4 pools and 4 provinces with a few (soon to be incorrect) predictions! Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Insta…

This season is all about moving the conversation, and tonight, with the help of an esteemed panel, we will look ahead to the 10th season of the EPCR era of European Club Rugby, by looking back on a decade of question marks. Like any politician, the EPCR caused havoc upon entering the scene. They promised the sun, moon and stars, and delivered zilch…

Ahead of a busy week of Champions Cup coverage, let's first look back on the URC (aka, Best League). The 4 Irish provinces are sitting pretty near the top; and in today's vodcast, I take a deeper look into their opening salvos. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available…

As the new season commences, the CaolánSRugby podcast looks to change shape, and bring the fans what they want. In our second instalment of this series, I look at Ireland and their exciting depth in the wider channels. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my articles available a…

As the new season commences, the CaolánSRugby podcast looks to change shape, and bring the fans what they want. In our first episode of the season, I kickoff our new focus on the bigger picture talking points that fans want to discuss and listen to, by talking about Ireland. Fear not, this is not a post-RWC hangover, but rather a look at Ireland's …

In our final episode of season previews we head south to discuss the URC champions, Munster. Graham Rowntree's men shocked many by ending their trophy drought last year, but with a young and talented squad, an exciting brand of rugby and a newfound wave of momentum; surely the only way is up? Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugb…

On today's episode of season previews we move on to Connacht. The men from the west start life post-Andy Frienf bursting with fresh young faces, and more international stars than ever before. It makes you wonder if their new look is even much of a detractor at all? Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, You…

On today's episode of season previews we venture north to discuss an Ulster under pressure to finall deliver silverware. With rumours strife about unhappy camp, tactical ineptitude and financial issues, Dan McFarland's men enter the campaign needing to return to past heights. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, T…

In a 4 part mini-pod series before I take a post RWC hiatus, I look at each of the four Irish provinces and their season's hopes for this campaign. I start proceedings with Leinster who will be gunning for glory after a barron two years, but with hot prospects and a new coach, they might be better off going backwards intangibly to go forwards for t…

They ran it back. South Africa have become the mens game's first 4 time RWC champions after defeating rivals New Zealand to clinch successive titles, topping off a stellar tournament with a nailbiting crescendo. Huw, Riaan and David joined me to look back on an historic night and memorable tournament. Guests: Huw Griffin - https://twitter.com/HuwGr…

Rivalries in sport are a wonderful thing. A fierce rivalry in the biggest game of them all is mouth-watering. New Zealand against South Africa promises the world, and as finals go; there's no renewal we have waited for more than this one. Harry, Jamie and Ben joined me to discuss this epic clash. Guests: Harry Jones - https://twitter.com/haribaldij…

After two contrasting semis, we have an age old rivalry in this years final. New Zealand and South Africa overcame a despirited Argentina and battling England respectively to set up a mouthwatering final. Tom and Ed looked back on this weekend's action. Guests: Tom Coleman - https://twitter.com/LeinsterRoyalty Ed Price - https://twitter.com/jam_rug…

Last weekend delivered four epic ties, but although semi-finals should be more captivating, this weekend promises to be anything but. Cian and Harley joined me to discuss this bumper weekend. Guests: Cian O'Muilleoir - https://twitter.com/RugbyKino Harley Worthy - https://twitter.com/WorthyHarley Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby o…

I TOLD YE SO!! In a move that was hushed hushed for a number of weeks, The Telegraph finally broke the story about Merger discussions. However, despite their tone, it feels like URC+ rather than a new entity. Huw and David joined me to discuss all the various pros and cons of such a move, of which there are many. Guests: Huw Griffin - https://twitt…

Try as we might, we had to discuss Ireland; but at least we had two belters to go before it in the running order! Jack and BHH joined me to recap and epic weekend of quarter-final action. Guests: BallHandling Hooker - https://twitter.com/BHHooker Jack Fogarty - https://twitter.com/FogartyJack Red Army Podcast - https://shows.acast.com/6523ed56b1f27…

As the 2023 RWC reaches it's critical point, we are set for a cracking weekend. Will Ireland and France go one step closer? And who from the other side will put their hands up as contenders Pádraig, Ben and Harley joined me to discuss this bumper weekend. Guests: Pádraig Kelly - https://twitter.com/the2ndRow Ben Nurse - https://twitter.com/BenNurse…

With the pool stages in the books, it's time to recap! An all-star panel of Enda, Huw and Sam joined me for the most comprehensive pool stage review to hit your ears! Guests: Sam Roberts - https://twitter.com/SamRobertsComms & https://open.spotify.com/show/3jvZ1S4nh4cupTh0yMM2yZ Huw Griffin - https://twitter.com/HuwGriffinRugby & https://open.spoti…

Win number 17 in a row sees Ireland top Pool B in convincing fashion. Scotland barely put up a fight in a one-sided showing as Ireland start humming at the right time. Let's hope the injury gods are favourable! Tom Coleman, Peter Lockhart and David Arnott joined me to look back on this one. Guests: Tom Coleman - https://twitter.com/LeinsterRoyalty …

Pools of Death are notorious for going down to the wire, and RWC 2023 Pool B is no different. Scotland are yet to defeat Ireland during Gregor Townsend's reign; but they could prove the ultimate party spoilers on Saturday. Thankfully none of this panel think so! David Cordial and Chrissy Hawkins joined me to preview this one. Guests: David Cordial …

The heavy hitters may have been sidelined, but Round 4 of the RWC shaped all four pools heading into the final round. I was joined by Ed Price and Ottavio Arenella to discuss, with Francisco Isaac breaking down Pool C. Guests: Ed Price - https://twitter.com/jam_rugby Ottavio Arenella - https://twitter.com/OttavioArenella Francisco Isaac - https://t…