Rugby returns this weekend and The Left Wing is b…

Rugby returns, time for Munster to deliver and the Johnny Sexton contract dilemma

The biggest stories in Irish rugby with our team of writers and experts, including Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Cian Tracey, Will Slattery, Sineád Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, expert opinion and post-match comment we have every position covered.

From in-depth analysis to team news and post-match analysis we have every position covered.

Sports

After Munster's performance in Loftus, can their win over the Bulls be the catalyst for a URC defence and what about the difference RG Snyman makes?
Cian Tracey and Luke Fitzgerald join Rúaidhrí O’Connor on this week’s Left Wing podcast to discuss all the big talking points for Irish rugby from the weekend.
After Leinster’s uncharacteristic loss to Lions are they repeating past mistakes as the coaches fly home to prep for Saints?
There’s also been a lot of talk about central contracts and the panel asks is the model working and does it need tweaking or wholesale change?
Plus, selling out Croke Park - what it means for Leinster, Irish rugby and what it's like to play in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Munster’s statement victory, is the central contracts model working and Leinster repeating past mistakes?

England dished out a 88-10 hammering to Ireland in the Women's Six Nations at Twickenham last weekend. The world number one-ranked team completely overwhelmed Ireland as they ran in 14 tries.
Scott Bemand's side will play Scotland in Belfast in next Saturday's final round with an automatic place in next year’s World Cup up for grabs for the team that finishes third in the table.
Former Ireland player Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly of scrumqueens.com joined Sinéad Kissane to go through last weekend's demolition and look ahead to the biggest game of the year for Ireland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland have to pick themselves up for their biggest game of the year

Leinster's emphatic win over La Rochelle and their blockbuster signing of Jordie Barrett are up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing.
Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery break down the key moments behind Leinster's victory and single out the key performers like Will Connors and Joe McCarthy.
Jacques Nienaber's influence on Leinster is also discussed before talk turns to the signing of All Blacks star Barrett.
The lads debate whether the signing should have been signed off by the IRFU and the worrying gulf that has emerged between the provinces.
Ulster and Connacht's heavy European defeats are also on the agenda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster make La Rochelle statement - but should they be allowed sign Jordie Barrett?

Ireland have jumped to third in the Women's Six Nations table after their excellent bonus point win over Wales at Musgrave Park on Saturday.
Ireland scored five tries as they won 36-5 to record their first win in the championship since April 2022.
Anna Caplice and Ali Donnelly joined Sinéad Kissane to talk through this very impressive performance and look ahead to Ireland's daunting task against England at Twickenham next weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wales put to the sword by Ireland Women’s team but England await

Leinster's showdown with La Rochelle and Munster's Champions Cup exit are both up for discussion on the latest episode of The Left Wing.
Cian Tracey, Luke Fitzgerald and Will Slattery look back on the round of 16 clashes that saw Leinster beat Leicester and Munster go down to Northampton.
La Rochelle now loom for Leinster, and the lads break down where the game will be won and lost.
Ulster and Connacht's Challenge Cup victories and the Moment of the Week are on the agenda too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rugby returns, time for Munster to deliver and the Johnny Sexton contract dilemma

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