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The Counter Ruck

The Counter Ruck

By: The Irish Times
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Summary

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.

All rights reserved
Rugby
Episodes
  • How all four Irish provinces can make the URC knockouts
    May 15 2026

    John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to preview the weekend’s rugby action.


    How can all four Irish provinces make the URC top eight? Are Ulster prioritising the Challenge Cup final over their last URC outing?


    Plus, how Ireland built towards a record day at the Aviva Stadium when they host Scotland on Sunday.


    Produced by John Casey.

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

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    25 mins
  • How Connacht are proving a stark contrast to reeling Munster
    May 12 2026

    Did Connacht’s stability off the field manifest itself in their dominant victory over Munster, given the chaos engulfing their provincial rivals?


    What of a glut of refereeing decisions that prompted debate over the weekend, including Nathan Doak’s late concession of a penalty try in Belfast?


    After wins for Leinster, Connacht and a draw for Ulster, Did Connacht’s stability on the field manifest itself in their dominant victory over Munster, given the chaos engulfing their provincial rivals?


    What of a glut of refereeing decisions that prompted debate over the weekend, including Nathan Doak’s latest concession of a penalty try in Belfast?


    After wins for Leinster, Connacht and a draw for Ulster, Nathan Johns and Gordon D’Arcy pick through the action and look at what each province needs to qualify for the top eight.


    Plus, Ireland women returned to winning ways thanks to a victory over Wales. and look at what each province needs to qualify for the top eight. Plus, Ireland women returned to winning ways thanks to a victory over Wales.


    Produced by John Casey.

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

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    29 mins
  • Is rugby’s TMO process fair?
    May 8 2026

    Controversy surrounded the weekend’s Champions Cup action after a number of head contacts were supposedly missed by the officials.


    Was this genuine error, issues with TV directors or something else wrong with the process?


    Former referee Owen Doyle joins Nathan johns to assess the state of rugby officiating.


    Produced by John Casey.

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

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    30 mins
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