The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast
- Episodes
- 245
- Released
- several times a week
- Latest episode
- Nov 13, 2026
About the podcast
A rugby podcast from The Irish Times, presented by Nathan Johns with regular panelists John O'Sullivan, Gordon D'Arcy and Gerry Thornley.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes 245
SIMON ZEBO: 'I would have enjoyed more playing now'
Simon Zebo says he would have "enjoyed more" the freedom players have to be creative in the game now. He has been speaking Nathan about his new biography. Gerry Thornley, who ghost wrote the book, also reflects …
Show notes
Simon Zebo says he would have "enjoyed more" the freedom players have to be creative in the game now.
He has been speaking Nathan about his new biography.
Gerry Thornley, who ghost wrote the book, also reflects on what he learned about Zebo during the writing process.
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Can Ireland beat Fiji and South Africa?
Gordon D'Arcy and John O'Sullivan react to Ireland's win over Argentina and ask what it shows about Irelands chances in upcoming matches with Fiji and South Africa. They also discuss with host Nathan Johns the …
Show notes
Gordon D'Arcy and John O'Sullivan react to Ireland's win over Argentina and ask what it shows about Irelands chances in upcoming matches with Fiji and South Africa.
They also discuss with host Nathan Johns the major talking points from all the weekend's action, and some controversial team decisions made by Andy Farrell to cover the list of injuries.
Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland v Argentina post match reaction with Gerry Thornley
Gerry Thornley and Nathan Johns react to Ireland's 42-12 win over Argentina.Ireland scored six tries agains the Pumas and a hat-trick earned full back Hugo Keenan man of the match. Hosted on Acast. See …
Show notes
Gerry Thornley and Nathan Johns react to Ireland's 42-12 win over Argentina.
Ireland scored six tries agains the Pumas and a hat-trick earned full back Hugo Keenan man of the match.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Casey and Timoney to start against Argentina
Jameson Gibson Park being on the bench is the headline revelation in Andy Farrell’s team announcement.On today’s podcast, former Leinster and Scotland Rugby analyst Brett Igoe gives his take on the Ireland team …
Show notes
Jameson Gibson Park being on the bench is the headline revelation in Andy Farrell’s team announcement.
On today’s podcast, former Leinster and Scotland Rugby analyst Brett Igoe gives his take on the Ireland team to face Argentine on Friday night.
He also tells Nathan he’s “very excited” by Noel McNamara’s appointment as Leinster head coach next season.
Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will new Leinster coach bring French winning chaos to Ireland?
Noel McNamara will join Leinster as head coach from next season, bringing a 12 year era under Leo Cullen to a close.On today’s podcast, Nathan Johns asks John O’Sullivan and Gordan D’Arcy what they might …
Show notes
Noel McNamara will join Leinster as head coach from next season, bringing a 12 year era under Leo Cullen to a close.
On today’s podcast, Nathan Johns asks John O’Sullivan and Gordan D’Arcy what they might expect, and the challenges facing McNamara when he arrives.
The revelation in John’s Irish Times feature that Ronan O’Gara didn’t receive a call about the job has caused some intrigue, but is it surprising?
And the weekend’s provincial action gives each province a lot to think about heading into the Nations Championship internationals.
Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Exclusive look inside O'Gara's La Rochelle
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 …
Show notes
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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Could Tadhg Furlong miss the Nations Championship over alleged genital grab?
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 …
Show notes
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 Connacht’s win against Zebre, and Ulster’s continued wait for their first win of the season.
Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can this Ireland squad make an impact on the Nations Champsionship?
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 …
Show notes
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.
Are the provinces fortunes turning after a clean sweep in Europe?
It’s not long since we were talking about a weekend of four defeats for all four provinces.The weekend’s action in round one of the European competitions was the opposite with four wins. In today’s podcast …
Show notes
It’s not long since we were talking about a weekend of four defeats for all four provinces.
The weekend’s action in round one of the European competitions was the opposite with four wins.
In today’s podcast Nathan speaks to Gordan D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan about their highlights.
And we’ll look ahead to the Ireland squad announcement on Wednesday.
Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Steven Kitshoff: World Cup glory, the Rassie factor, and his time at Ulster
Steven Kitshoff, the former South Africa and Ulster prop, joins Nathan Johns on The Counter Ruck. Kitshoff has won two World Cups with South Africa and has worked extensively with both Rassie Erasmus and …
Show notes
Steven Kitshoff, the former South Africa and Ulster prop, joins Nathan Johns on The Counter Ruck.
Kitshoff has won two World Cups with South Africa and has worked extensively with both Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber. He was also forced to retire due to a serious neck injury that could have developed into a significant issue known as the ‘hangman’s fracture’.
Kitshoff joins the podcast to give an insight into the inner workings of South Africa’s historic run, his injury, the Springboks’ relatively new rivalry with Ireland and his time within Irish rugby.
Presented by Nathon Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
First interpro excites while Leinster return to winning ways at the RDS
Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend’s interpro action. Friday night saw Connacht struggle away in Glasgow with the set-piece and maul proving an issue. The panel …
Show notes
Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to pick through the weekend’s interpro action. Friday night saw Connacht struggle away in Glasgow with the set-piece and maul proving an issue. The panel discusses how Connacht continue to look to improve their tight five while analysing Bundee Aki’s return to action at the start of what could be his last season in Irish rugby.
Elsewhere, the first interpro of the season brought about a thriller as Ulster and Munster went tête-à-tête for a draw in Belfast. Clayton McMillan’s side raced out to a commanding hall-time lead only for Ulster, spearheaded by the likes of Robert Baloucoune, Stuart McCloskey and Jacob Stockdale, to pull things back for a dramatic draw.
Finally, Leinster returned to the RDS for the first time in competitive action as they saw off Cardiff. In a performance that featured impressive counter-attacking displays from the likes of Hugo Keenan and Sam Prendergast, our trio looks at how Leo Cullen’s side are trying to evolve their attack in a bid to ultimately catch up with some of their French foes later this season.
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A new era for Munster?
Following Munster’s appointment of former Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee as CEO, can the province build towards former glories?In today’s Counter Ruck rugby podcast Nathan Johns and Gerry Thornley look …
Show notes
Following Munster’s appointment of former Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee as CEO, can the province build towards former glories?
In today’s Counter Ruck rugby podcast Nathan Johns and Gerry Thornley look back at an era for the province which has been criticised for underachievement and ask whether Lee is the man to fix a culture that former players have described as “broken”.
Gerry believes there are some strong indications that Munster has at last got the backroom leadership it has been lacking with Lee “fronting up” to the media and the public rather than leaving it to head coaches to explain what is amis.
Munster travel to Ulster this weekend for the season’s first inter-provincial tie. The loser, Gerry explains, will go into the first round of European fixtures in the bottom eight of the URC table.
So what does the future hold for Munster? And can it produce the consistent success its fan base expects?
Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Irish 10s steal the limelight on an encouraging URC weekend
After round one saw all four Irish provinces lose to kick off the URC season, this weekend brought a more encouraging set of results spearheaded by impressive outhalf displays. Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns …
Show notes
After round one saw all four Irish provinces lose to kick off the URC season, this weekend brought a more encouraging set of results spearheaded by impressive outhalf displays. Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to review all the action as Connacht and Munster secured victory, Ulster took a draw away in Glasgow and Leinster wrapped up their South African tour with a losing bonus point.
On Friday night, Ciarán Frawley scored two tries in his first Connacht game since moving west from Leinster, the second a vital late contribution as the western province withstood a creaking scrum to beat Benetton away in Italy. Frawley offered an exciting window into what life might be like at Connacht with Frawley linking with Mack Hansen and Sam Gilbert, while Sean Jansen impressed off the base of the scrum.
Munster had their own impressive outhalf, youngster Charlie O’Shea also scoring two tries as the province continues to look to fill the gap left by Jack Crowley’s injury. Using O’Shea’s willingness to be brave in attack, the pod analyses a wider shift in Irish rugby to trust players willing to take risks and impact games in a positive way.
In this vein, Todd Lawlor at Leinster comes in for more praise despite Leinster’s loss, as does Ethan McIlroy at Ulster after their draw in Scotland.
However, we also look at some weakness up front with many a provincial scrum struggling over the weekend, particularly against South African opposition.
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is Irish and British domestic rugby broken?
Andrew Trimble and London Irish chairman Daniel McKeown want to examine rugby’s governance. Looking at the money flowing in at a the international level, they want to know why so many clubs are still …
Show notes
Andrew Trimble and London Irish chairman Daniel McKeown want to examine rugby’s governance. Looking at the money flowing in at a the international level, they want to know why so many clubs are still struggling. Worcester, Irish themselves and Wasps have all had well-documented financial troubles, while clubs further afield in Argentina and Australia have also gone under.
Is rugby doomed to only succeed at international level, or should the governance structure be changed, featuring more control of star players for clubs and better initiatives to get more people watching the club game?
Speaking from their experience attempting to revive London Irish, Daniel and Andrew discuss their plans with Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan.
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Historic opening weekend ends in defeat for all Irish provinces
For the first time since 2009, all four Irish provinces started their domestic campaign with defeat. With Connacht and Ulster both losing at home on Friday night, Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan reflect on …
Show notes
For the first time since 2009, all four Irish provinces started their domestic campaign with defeat. With Connacht and Ulster both losing at home on Friday night, Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan reflect on the teams they selected as their ones to watch heading into the season. Is it time to row back on preseason positivity or will reinforcements of senior players in the weeks to come right the respective ships?
On Saturday, Leinster lost away to the Lions despite promising performances from a number of young players. Gordon picks out who impressed him from a counter-attacking sense as we wait to see how Leinster will shift their style in a bid to be more competitive against the bigger European sides. We also discuss Munster’s loss at home to Glasgow despite the likes of Ben O’Donovan and Kieran Brookes putting in positive displays.
The panel also pays tribute to Béibhinn Parsons after she became Ireland’s record try-scorer in Sunday’s win over Japan.
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Big URC preview and how did Ireland throw away victory vs the USA?
On Sunday, international rugby returned to these shores as Ireland women took on the USA in Tallaght. Despite an impressive first half showing, not to mention pulling 19 points clear after half-time, Ireland …
Show notes
On Sunday, international rugby returned to these shores as Ireland women took on the USA in Tallaght. Despite an impressive first half showing, not to mention pulling 19 points clear after half-time, Ireland nevertheless succumbed to arguably the biggest upset defeat of the Scott Bemand era as a lower ranked American side mauled their way to a surprise victory. John O’Sullivan, covering the game for The Irish Times, joins Nathan Johns and former Leinster and Ireland centre Gordon D’Arcy to pick through where it all went wrong.
Meanwhile, the United Rugby Championship returns as the wait for domestic rugby action comes to an end. Teams have been named as Connacht take on the Stormers, Ulster host Edinburgh, Munster take on Glasgow while Leinster travel to Johannesburg to take on the Lions.
Gordon, John and Nathan pick through all the talking points ahead of the new campaign. Why have Leinster picked a strong outfit for this South African tour, naming a number of internationals who normally get this fortnight in the calendar off? What to make of Munster’s outhalf availability crisis, and how might we expect them to play under a new attack coach? With Ulster and Connacht both enjoying largely successful campaigns last season as they went through some transition, can these two continue their positive trajectory under Richie Murphy and Stuart Lancaster respectively?
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Leinster's RDS bump and Munster's outhalf crisis
As the rugby season continues to draw closer, Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to talk Leinster’s return to the RDS, Munster’s outhalf crisis, optimism for Connaht and Ulster ahead of the new campaign plus …
Show notes
As the rugby season continues to draw closer, Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns to talk Leinster’s return to the RDS, Munster’s outhalf crisis, optimism for Connaht and Ulster ahead of the new campaign plus World Rugby’s continuing bid to crack the American market.
Produced by John Casey and Andrew McNair.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Leo Cullen prepares for his final season in charge, why haven't Leinster strengthened?
John O'Sullivan joins Gordon D'Arcy and host Nathan Johns to discuss his recent chat with Leo Cullen as he heads into his final season as Leinster head coach.Several successors have been discussed on this …
Show notes
John O'Sullivan joins Gordon D'Arcy and host Nathan Johns to discuss his recent chat with Leo Cullen as he heads into his final season as Leinster head coach.
Several successors have been discussed on this podcast and elsewhere, but is there one potential candidate that could provide the continuity Leinster will need?
And why have the province brought in so few new faces while their rivals have added squad depth?
Plus, as New Zealand and South Africa head into the fourth and final test of their much-hyped 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series, the panel mull over what they've learned a year out from the World Cup.
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why are New Zealand embarking on their own Lions tour?
As world rugby moves away from multi match tours, instead preferring the nations championship, two of its biggest brands are going the other way. Ditching traditional southern hemisphere competitions, New …
Show notes
As world rugby moves away from multi match tours, instead preferring the nations championship, two of its biggest brands are going the other way.
Ditching traditional southern hemisphere competitions, New Zealand are embarking on a lions style tour of South Africa.
Is this good for the game or a shameless cash grab, two bigger nations going out on their own?
South African journalist Daniel Gallan joins Nathan Johns to discuss.
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The AFL comes for Irish rugby
Noah Byrne, a member of the Irish U20s, recently opted to move to Aussie rules instead of taking a Leinster academy contract. Is a move like this, often seen in GAA circles, going to become more prevalent in …
Show notes
Noah Byrne, a member of the Irish U20s, recently opted to move to Aussie rules instead of taking a Leinster academy contract.
Is a move like this, often seen in GAA circles, going to become more prevalent in rugby, or are we dealing with a fascinating one off?
Produced by Andrew McNair and John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where do Ireland go from here?
After defeat to the All Blacks wrapped up Ireland’s season, Nathan Johns, Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan talk through Ireland’s ups and downs. Firmly ranked below the world’s top sides, where do Ireland go …
Show notes
After defeat to the All Blacks wrapped up Ireland’s season, Nathan Johns, Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan talk through Ireland’s ups and downs.
Firmly ranked below the world’s top sides, where do Ireland go from here as they look to close the gap next season?
How does the team balance its need to improve the attack with the personnel available? And what positions are looking stronger than others sixteen months out from the next World Cup?
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Reaction: New Zealand ease to victory over Ireland
What to make of Ireland’s 40-21 defeat to New Zealand on Saturday? A chastening, worrying performance or simply a fair reflection of Ireland’s place in the current global pecking order? Gordon D’Arcy joins …
Show notes
What to make of Ireland’s 40-21 defeat to New Zealand on Saturday?
A chastening, worrying performance or simply a fair reflection of Ireland’s place in the current global pecking order?
Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to analyse the final Ireland game of the season.
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Underdog Ireland gear up for All Blacks test
Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan pick through Andy Farrell’s team selection ahead of this weekend’s clash with the All Blacks. Are Ireland deservedly underdogs or are we gearing up for another famous win on …
Show notes
Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan pick through Andy Farrell’s team selection ahead of this weekend’s clash with the All Blacks.
Are Ireland deservedly underdogs or are we gearing up for another famous win on Kiwi soil?
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Irish rugby's state of the union down under
Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns on the line from Auckland to give his take on being at Ireland’s victory over Japan on Saturday. We also delve into David Humphreys’ media roundtable last week after the IRFU’s …
Show notes
Gerry Thornley joins Nathan Johns on the line from Auckland to give his take on being at Ireland’s victory over Japan on Saturday.
We also delve into David Humphreys’ media roundtable last week after the IRFU’s performance director discussed Munster’s Roger Randle U-turn, James Lowe’s departure and Leinster’s hunt for a new head coach.
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Reaction: Ireland run in five tries as they beat Japan
After a 36-20 victory over Japan, Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns analyse Ireland’s performance in their latest Nations Championship action.What debutants put in strong performances? Did …
Show notes
After a 36-20 victory over Japan, Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns analyse Ireland’s performance in their latest Nations Championship action.
What debutants put in strong performances? Did established players take responsibility? And was there enough on show to generate optimism going into next week's clash with New Zealand?
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What to make of Ireland's rotation for Japan?
Former Leinster and Scotland analyst Brett Igoe joins Nathan Johns to pick through the facts, figures and trends of last weekend’s Nations Championship action. We also look at Ireland’s heavily rotated team …
Show notes
Former Leinster and Scotland analyst Brett Igoe joins Nathan Johns to pick through the facts, figures and trends of last weekend’s Nations Championship action.
We also look at Ireland’s heavily rotated team selection for this weekend in a bid to assess what Andy Farrell is looking for against Eddie Jones’ side.
Produced by John Casey and Andrew McNair.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where do Ireland now stand in the Nations Championship?
Fresh off Ireland’s victory over Australia in Sydney, Gerry Thornley dials in from Australia to discuss that win as well as the weekend of Nations Championship rugby as a whole with host Nathan Johns.What did …
Show notes
Fresh off Ireland’s victory over Australia in Sydney, Gerry Thornley dials in from Australia to discuss that win as well as the weekend of Nations Championship rugby as a whole with host Nathan Johns.
What did we learn from the narrow win over the Wallabies? Are we likely to see many Irish debuts handed out over the three tests?
And could Japan prove to be a potential banana skin given their wining display against Italy in their Nations Championship opener?
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Reaction: Ireland squeeze home against Australia
Ireland squeezed home against Australia after a Thomas Clarkson try and a missed kick from Ben Donaldson with the clock in the red. Was this a gutsy, narrow win on the road or a worryingly rusty start to their …
Show notes
Ireland squeezed home against Australia after a Thomas Clarkson try and a missed kick from Ben Donaldson with the clock in the red.
Was this a gutsy, narrow win on the road or a worryingly rusty start to their summer window?
Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss.
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies upset Ireland?
Andy Farrell and Ireland begin their latest bloc of fixtures with a clash against Australia in Sydney. Jonathan Drennan of the Sydney Morning Herald joins Nathan Johns to discuss why Joe Schmidt is still in …
Show notes
Andy Farrell and Ireland begin their latest bloc of fixtures with a clash against Australia in Sydney.
Jonathan Drennan of the Sydney Morning Herald joins Nathan Johns to discuss why Joe Schmidt is still in charge of the Wallabies, will they put out a better showing than what we saw in Dublin last November and why both teams have selected in the way that they have.
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland come up short against England in Under-20s World Championship
Ireland U20s began their Under-20s World Championship campaign with defeat in Tbilisi, and it was déjà vu as Toulouse secured another Top14 title. It’s also the start of an Ireland test week as the build-up to …
Show notes
Ireland U20s began their Under-20s World Championship campaign with defeat in Tbilisi, and it was déjà vu as Toulouse secured another Top14 title.
It’s also the start of an Ireland test week as the build-up to a clash with Australia kicks into gear.
Nathan johns discusses it all with Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan.
Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
These are the latest 40 of 245 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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