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 (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
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 (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
3 Nov 2026
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 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 (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
30 Oct 2026
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 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Who has been a guest on The Counter Ruck
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Tom Court
Jonathan Drennan
Gerry Thornley
Gordon D'Arcy
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.1 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
4.1 / 5
46 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
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