The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast

Munster shocked the rugby world on Tuesday with the news that Graham Rowntree will no longer be their head coach, ending a five year stay with the province. After this weekend’s defeat to the Sharks in South Africa, they find themselves in 12th in the URC table thanks to three consecutive losses.

Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns react to the news, analysing why the move reflects a difficult time ahead for the province. What next for Munster and interim boss Ian Costello?

We also react to the rest of the weekend’s action including a thumping win for the All Blacks as they gear up for their trip to Dublin.

Produced by John Casey.

Clip: Opeti Helu marks his Japan debut with a sensational try (11:20).

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Ed Byrne recently moved from Leinster to Cardiff after making over 100 appearances for the province. He was also capped 6 times by Ireland.

In the week that Cardiff host Ulster in the URC, Ireland also named their squad for the Autumn Nations Series. Only five props were picked, with the likelihood being a 37-year-old Cian Healy will once again line out as second choice loosehead.

Byrne joins The Counter Ruck to talk through his life in Cardiff, why he decided to move and how he’s adapting to the challenge of more consistent game time. He also gives his take on why Ireland aren’t consistently developing international props, as well as the practice of players moving province in a bid to amplify their international career.

We also chat through the two young Leinster props named to the Ireland training panel. Having trained with them over a number of years, does Byrne think Jack Boyle and Thomas Clarkson add much needed depth?

Produced by John Casey.

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On Wednesday, Andy Farrell names his Ireland squad for the November internationals. But who will see their names included? How will Ireland resolve their hooker crisis? Will we see any fresh faces? Gordon D’Arcy joins host Nathan Johns to discuss the main talking points ahead of this week’s announcement.

We also discuss RG Snyman’s impact at Leinster, the merits of artificial pitches, Jacob Stockdale’s rise back up the pecking order and a growing sense of optimism at Ulster.

Produced by John Casey.

Clips: RG Snyman’s try (2.31) and Windy Wexford Wanderers

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In the coming weeks, World Rugby will decide on the implementation of the controversial 20-minute red card. The proposed disciplinary law change will have a drastic effect on how high tackles and head contact is officiated. France have criticised the new measure, which could well be implemented in time for next year’s six nations while the IRFU is still considering its position.

Equally, outgoing World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont caused a stir last week when he said rugby’s replacement culture - adding extra forwards to the bench akin to South Africa’s bomb squad - is a danger in the game.

Former referee and current Irish times columnist Owen Doyle joins The Counter Ruck host Nathan Johns to discuss the merits of the new laws, as well as to debate other potential measures which should be considered.

Produced by John Casey.

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On Friday night, Ireland women worked past the USA to finish second in their WXV1 group. With next year’s Six Nations and World Cup to come, Scott Bemand’s side have taken a significant step forward. On Saturday, over 80,000 people travelled to Croke Park to take in Leinster’s win over Munster, before Ulster beat Connacht in another thrilling intepro clash.

Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the main talking points of the weekend’s action. Is the international pecking order at scrumhalf being threatened? What to make of the mess at scrum time? Will Ireland have any hookers left standing for November?

Produced by John Casey.

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Clip: https://x.com/danielhussey2/status/1845169009966318057?s=46&t=BInxBHpWIntFtvZxGyrssg

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Stacey Flood is currently with the Irish team out in Vancouver for their WXV1 campaign. Lining out at fullback, Flood played an integral role in the side’s recent win over New Zealand. Formerly a regular on the Sevens circuit, Flood took part in the recent Paris Olympics before switching back to 15s ahead of next year’s World Cup.

She joins host Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan to give an insight into Ireland’s recent good form.

Produced by John Casey.

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Gordon D’Arcy remembers his first interpro game for Leinster against Munster for all the wrong reasons. As an 18-year-old, he was mercilessly stepped by Keith Wood before he got on the wrong end of Peter Clohessy at the bottom of a ruck. In the years after, Leinster and Munster have enjoyed many a memorable battle.

Alongside host Nathan Johns and Irish Times rugby writer John O’Sullivan, D’Arcy charts the history of this provincial rivalry through the professional era.

We also chat through which players have impressed so far on the Emerging Ireland tour while recapping Ireland women’s defeat to Canada.

Produced by John Casey.

Have a question for the panel? Get in touch at [email protected]

Clip: Leinster v Munster, 2001 Celtic Cup Final, Gordon’s try at 5.29”.

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Last year, the IRFU introduced a law trial to lower the tackle height in amateur rugby. In a bid to make the game safer, the permitted tackle height was lowered from the shoulder to the sternum. One year on, is the sport safer? Have players adapted? Is the sport better to watch?

Caithriona Yeomans from the IRFU and Terenure College RFC’s Seán Skehan explain how these new laws have changed the grassroots game.

Produced by John Casey.

You can get in touch with The Counter Ruck at [email protected]

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While you were sleeping on Sunday night, Ireland women beat New Zealand for just the second time in their history, opening their WXV campaign in style in Vancouver. This victory over the world champions confirms that Scott Bemand’s side is on the rise. Yet it still comes just 18 months after Ireland won the dreaded wooden spoon in the Six Nations.

John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to pick through the game and where Ireland can go from here. We also talk through Gordon’s record-breaking weekend and a mixed bag of results for the provinces.

Produced by John Casey.

Clip: Ireland’s last-gasp winner against New Zealand.

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As news reports emerge of English rugby once again being in dire financial straits, while some URC teams continue to live on the edge of their means, a rival competition across the water offers a positive example. France’s Top14 has a lucrative TV deal, record crowds and a thriving second division.

How has France cracked the domestic rugby code, what is it about the Top14 which makes it commercially viable?

French rugby journalist James Harrington joins The Counter Ruck to talk through the league’s development, and to pick out what, if anything, other leagues can learn.

Produced by John Casey.

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