Its not often journalists get an access all areas pass inside a top flight rugby club.

On today’s Counter Ruck rugby podcast, Irish Times rugby writer John O’Sullivan recounts a weekend he spent inside Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle camp.

Host Nathan Johns also looks ahead to the weekend’s provincial action as Ulster face the Stormers, and Munster take on the Sharkes in South Africa, and Connacht host Leinster.

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Following Tadhg Furlong’s citing for an alleged groin grab on Gavin Coombes during Saturday’s clash between Leinster and Munster, the question looms about whether a ban, should one be imposed, would mean for Ireland's November campaign.

He has been cited under the same law which resulted in Bulls front rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels being handed a nine match ban last year for grabbing the genitals of Josh Murphy during a United Rugby Championship (URC) clash in Galway.

On today’s podcast, Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns discuss the prospect of sanctions on Furlong and what they’d mean for Leinster and Ireland.

We’ll also look at Connaught’s win against Zebre, and Ulster’s continued wait for their first win of the season.

Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.

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Andy Farrell announced a very familiar looking extended squad for Ireland’s Nations Championship campaign, save for the inclusion of Ulster’s Jamie Benson.

On today’s Counter Ruch rugby podcast, host Nathan Johns and Irish Times rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley discuss the winners and losers; who’s in, and who’s out.

We will also look ahead to Munster vs Leinster this weekend, and ask whether the rivalry can once again become the thriller is was once known for.

Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.

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