The All Blacks are a scary prospect any november, but after a stop-start 2024, are they what they once were? In the opening episode of our Opposition View series, I'm joined by Kiwi journalist Jamie Wall for an in-depth insight into the All Blacks ahead of their trip to Dublin. Enjoy! Guests: Jamie Wall - https://x.com/JamieWall2 Movember Campaign …

Ahead of Munster's curtain raising showdown with the All Blacks XV, today's show is a special crossover with The Red Army Podcast to preview the game. Enjoy! Red Army Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/047VXpC70UxcV4QWxWcIHD?si=03ad70902a46474a Movember Campaign - https://movember.com/m/15227326?mc=1 Co Host - Patricia: Ruck’N’ Roll Podcast an…

I never thought we'd do another shock coaching departure pod this season, not least Graham Rowntree. In this Red Army Pod crossover, Patricia and I discuss the shock news out of Munster. Enjoy! Red Army Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/047VXpC70UxcV4QWxWcIHD?si=3fda309f4a1e4584 Co-Host: Patricia: Ruck’N’ Roll Podcast and @_PatriciaV_ on Twit…

When you think of provincial cult heroes, very few standout like Paul Warwick. In the final interview of the new series, I speak to Paul about his move to Ireland, Munster's glory days, signings, re-signings and taking on the All Blacks and Wallabies as a red. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and Bl…

A year on from the culmination of Rugby World Cup 2023, we reflect on the tier 2 nations who stole our hearts and minds. With me today to discuss the past year in rugby’s second level of the international game are Francisco Isaac and Joe Santamaria. Guests: Francisco Isaac - https://x.com/francisaac87 Joe Santamaria - https://x.com/Santamaria97Joe …

The squad has been named and there's a sense of same old. Rotation has been spared, so only victories will suffice. On today's show I discuss Andy Farrell's Autumn squad, looking at the omissions, big calls and games ahead. Enjoy! United Rugby Rewind - https://feeds.megaphone.fm/COMG6292295182 Red Army Podcast - https://shows.acast.com/the-red-army…

Having represented Ireland in the late 80s and early 90s, Noel Mannion is one of Ballinasloe's most famous sons. The a former back-row forward scored one of Irish rugby’s most iconic tries, featured in the 1991 Rugby World Cup, and has been in the game in some capacity ever since. He joined me to discuss a thorough life in rugby. Enjoy! United Rugb…

We beat the Black Ferns and the USA so how good was WXV for Ireland? With the World Cup over the horizon, we discuss WXV 1 from an Irish perspective, with clear excitement running through. Patricia and Ailbhe joined me to discuss this Ireland's fine dining at the top table. Balls Article: https://www.balls.ie/rugby/ireland-are-returning-to-womens-r…

It's a tour that never goes off without complaint, but for the second time running Emerging Ireland toured South Africa and went unbeaten. In today's brief bonus pod, I recap the tour, discuss the high points, low points and ask what's next? Enjoy! Balls.ie Articles - https://www.balls.ie/author/caolan-scully/ United Rugby Rewind - https://open.spo…

The year is 2009, and as Ireland celebrated Grand Slam glory, over 82,000 fans packed in to GAA HQ for a game that would change Irish rugby forever. With me to discuss not only the famous semi-final itself, but the makings of a frantic rivalry are podcast regulars Tom Coleman and Owen Harrison Guests: Tom Coleman - https://x.com/LeinsterRoyalty Owe…

Ahead of Saturday's return to GAA HQ, all this week we will discuss the big clash both here and on The Red Army Podcast. We open the week with a very special interview, as I chat to Munster legend Alan Quinlan about the province's glory days, playing in Croke Park, World Cups, punditry and a whole lot more. Enjoy! United Rugby Rewind - https://open…

Having looked at the club game a few weeks back, today we turn our attention to the single most important component of matchday - the referee. We would be nowhere without them, yet with the modern vitriolic discourse that clouds sport, we are lucky to have them. Especially in the amateur ranks. Connacht's Andrew Fogarty joined me to discuss the art…

There's something special about the Olympics, so to get the chance to speak to an Irish athlete from any games is an incredible honour. In our latest interview, I chat to Irish Olympic 7s star Zac Ward about his momentous year in green, brother Bryn's success, living the Olympic dream and his return to Ulster. Enjoy! United Rugby Rewind - https://o…

As the IRFU celebrates 150 years tonight's special episode is a deep dive on the club game. Once the crown jewel on the island, the club scene has had a rocky few years of late. Despite all of that, it has kicked on of late to the point that both junior and senior club rugby is flying once again. Guests: Michael Harding - Corinthians Scott Broughto…

The URC is back this week and the four Irish provinces are out for blood. 2024 wasn't enough, so now they need to deliver. A full panel of provincial loyalties join me to preview each team in depth, with a few predictions in there too. Guests: Aaron Talbot - https://x.com/Aarontalbot4 Chrissy Hawkins Jonathan West - https://x.com/j_west91 Daniel Hu…

It might have been a warm-up for the upcoming WXV 1 tournament, but it didn’t look or feel like it as Ireland crushed the Wallaroos 36-10 in front of a boisterous Belfast crowd. Rising star Aoife Wafer got two tries of her own in an utterly convincing victory as the feel good factor keeps on rolling. David Cordial joined me directly post game me to…

The United Rugby Championship is fast approaching, and today's show will get you up to speed on all of the non-Irish teams. An all star panel of Johan, Huw, Craig and Mike join me to preview the hotly anticipated season ahead. Guests: Huw Griffin - https://x.com/HuwGriffinRugby Craig Manson - https://x.com/Scrumchampion Mike Petretta - https://x.co…

From lower tiers to the highest tests, rugby in France is absolutely booming! In our opening discussion show of the season, I am joined by French rugby writers Illtud Dafydd and Paul Eddison to discuss this unrelenting rising tide, and what we can take from it. Guests: Illtud Dafydd - https://x.com/IlltudDafydd Paul Eddison - https://x.com/pauleddi…

There are multiple routes to the top of the game, but even at that, Noel McNamara's journey is really "the road less travelled". In our opening interview of the new series, I speak to Noel about his route from Glenstal to Bordeaux, the cultural differences of coaching world stars, the season gone by and coming up and so much more. Enjoy! United Rug…

This season has been a drag, so in our final show of a nearly 100 episode campaign, I've decided to pit two provincial rivals but real life friends against each other in a light hearted quiz. It's Munster vs Leinster, but who will come out on top? Enjoy and make sure to play along from home! Guests: Ben Leahy - https://x.com/purplebenny David Cordi…

Nothing highlights Ireland's rugby rise quite like the under-20's. Despite falling short this year, it was another successful and talented squad with plenty to be excited by. Tom Savage of Three Red Kings joins me to reflect on Ireland's efforts in this year's under 20 World Championship. Guests: Tom Coleman - https://x.com/LeinsterRoyalty Harry Jo…

Drama! What is it about this rivalry? After 160 minutes of gripping test match rugby, the two heavyweights cannot be seperated, but more importantly, they could be on Sunday. Step forward Ciarán Frawley and a drop-goal for the ages. Tom, Harry, Jack and Aaron join me to discuss yet another Springbok-Ireland thriller. Guests: Tom Coleman - https://x…

From the lovable Ted Lasso to spiteful Eddie Jones, we all share the common belief: no one likes draws. Yet that is the aim for Ireland as their summer series reaches it's 2nd test crescendo. On today's show I preview the deciding test, look at Ireland will need to work on to win and discuss why this could feel like an opportunity lost for the boys…

The world champions did what world champions do. South Africa battled to a 27-20 home win over Ireland, a first for Rassie and co; and take the lead in this test series. David, Thala and Owen joined me to recap the gruelling encounter. Guests: David Cordial - https://x.com/AH_David Thala Msutu - https://x.com/ThalaMsutu77 Owen Harrison - https://x.…

It's almost time for the grudge match everyone is excited for. Back to back Rugby World Cup champions South Africa welcoming back to back Six Nations winners Ireland to their home turf. It's the best facing off with nothing but pride and bragging rights at stake. On today's show I preview this eagerly anticipated opening test looking at selections …

Europe's return might be over 5 months away, but draw day is always exciting. On today's special bonus pod, I reflect on the four mouthwatering pools, and how they shape up for each of the Irish provinces. Later we will recap Ireland under-20’s pool game against Italy before we wrap. You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSk…

Like always, Munster did things the hard way. Climbing up the URC table with a final flurry only to squander a potential home final was as disappointing as it was somewhat fitting. In the final episode of URC Fanview, and in a Red Army Pod crossover, Patricia joins me to look back on Munster's helter-skelter season. Guests: Patricia Vieira - https:…

Any season without a trophy will feel like a failure for the Leinster coaching group. To come up short for a 3rd year in a row will lead to weeks of internal and external consternation. On today's episode of URC Fanview, David and Jeff join me to run over the highs and lows of Leinster's season. Guests: Jeff Pagano - https://x.com/HarpinOnRugby Dav…

From coaching and CEO changes to player disruption and odd signings, sprinkle in some big wins and strange losses, it was a rollercoaster season and then some for Ulster this season. On today's episode of URC Fanview, Peter and Adam join me to run over the highs and lows of Ulster's campaign. Guests: Peter Lockhart - https://x.com/dplockhart Adam L…

The squads are in and those who are excited can barely contain themselves. Battle lines are drawn for another titanic Ireland v South Africa battle. On today's special bonus pod, South African rugby writer and podcaster Jared Wright finally joins the show to talk about Andy Farrell's 35 man squad, team selection, the Springboks and the series at la…

And then there was 4. After a clean sweep of home wins in the last eight, the top four from the regular season battle it out to make the URC's Grand Final. In today's solo-pod, I preview the 2 semi-finals which take place this weekend, highlighting every team's pros, cons, direction of tactics and give predictions. Enjoy! You can find me @CaolanSRu…

4 games, 4 victors and an intense semi-final weekend to come. As Munster and Leinster moved on, Ulster's season came to an end. Chrissy, Patricia and Adam joined me to recap all of the action from the URC quarter finals. Guests: Chrissy Hawkins Patricia Vieira - https://x.com/_PatriciaV_ Adam Latham - https://x.com/lathamadam19 You can find me @Cao…

After a pulsating 18 round regular season, there's just 8 teams left. 3 Irish, 2 South Africans, 1 Scottish, 1 Italian and 1 Welsh. It promises to be a playoff stage for the ages. In today's solo-pod, I preview the 4 URC quarter-finals which take place this weekend. YouTube Edition: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcLeTl817KH6rAh0JFumMwg You can f…

After 100 minutes of gripping action, Leinster's drive for 5 is denied by Toulouse snataching a sixth star. POTM Antoine Dupont and co. came out on top in London as Leinster are left wondering what could have been. Jeff and David joined me to discuss a European final for the ages. Guests: Jeff Pagano - https://x.com/HarpinOnRugby David Cordial - ht…

As the Champions Cup final returns to London, it's wish was rewarded as the two best sides meet in the final. 5 times champions vs 4 time champions, Antoine Dupont vs Jamison Gibson-Park, Emmanuel Meafou vs Joe McCarthy, red vs blue; Toulouse vs Leinster. Cian and Tom join me to discuss every deciding noock and cranny of Saturday's showpiece final.…

World Rugby might actually hate rugby, and after yesterday's enhanced law trials, this is very possible. With the news of the 20 minute red card law trial being furthered to WXV, U20 RWC and more; is this sport's days numbered, and are we pandering to the games gone soft brigade? I tell you the reasons why on today's bonus pod. Enjoy! You can find …

And then there were 2. In a classic weekend of European action, old foes Leinster and Toulouse ground out victories to return to London's finale. Chrissy, BHH and Alex join me to discuss the captivating European semi-finals. Guests: BallHandling Hooker - https://twitter.com/BHHooker Chrissy Hawkins Alex Fulton - https://twitter.com/alexfulton375 Yo…

After an enthralling weekend for Irish rugby in Belfast and Dublin, I hopped on to discuss the magnitude of Ireland's 3rd place Six Nations finish, Rugby World Cup qualification and much more! Enjoy! You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com You can find my …

In a bombshell of epic proportions, Leinster confirmed the signing of All Black Jordie Barrett yesterday on a short-term deal from December 2024 through to the end of the season. It's fair to say that it has not gone down too well. Friend of the pod Cian O’Muilleoir joined me to discuss the many layers of intrigue surrounding the move. Enjoy! You c…

In a weekend that could have been horrible, came elation. We touch on Ireland and Leinster's big wins, Ulster's French capitulation and Connacht underwhelming exit from the Challenge Cup. Cian and Enda return to run over all the talking points from the weekend. Guests: Cian O'Muilleoir - https://twitter.com/RugbyKino Enda Fahy - https://twitter.com…

Despite some hope and miracle talk, it was a mixed bag for the provinces as they returned to Europe. Leinster waltzed home, Munster fought but lost, Ulster cruised to victory and Connacht stumbled to a crucial win in France. Adam and David joined me to comb through the highlights and lowlights of the Round of 16 weekend. Guests: Adam Latham - https…

With the Six Nations in the rearview mirror, we have been treated to some cracking URC action in the past fortnight. In today's audio-visual podcast, I dissect how each of the four provinces fared in the most recent block of URC action, looking at who has helped or hindered their playoff push. Enjoy! YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/TTd-DovHv_8?si…

The 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations Championship is right around the corner, and here's hoping for improved fortunes. With Ireland winning WXV3, Scotland winning WXV2 and England claiming the WXV1 crown; this years tournament promises to be exciting and hopefully even more competitive. We break down each team individually and fairly. Enjoy! Guest…

As we ramp up our preview coverage to the upcoming Women's Six Nations, today I get the chance to peek behind the curtain with full-back Meabh Deely. The Ballinasloe superstar talks about the Six Nations, her upbringing through rugby, WXV, Celtic Challenge and so much more. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/T…

In recent years, the IRFU’s management of the women’s game in Ireland has been cause for immense, deserved criticism. After a wooden spoon finish twelve months ago, has enough been done since to signal improvement from top to bottom, or should we remain patient in hope rather than expectation? Aoife O'Callaghan (player) and Tom Coleman (coach) join…

Anna Caplice may only have 16 caps for Ireland, but her impact on and off the field is that of a much loved trailblazer. In today's interview I speak to her about her rollercoaster time with Ireland, dealing the 2017 World Cup agony, UL Bohs, AIL, Barbarians and so much more. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X…

On a weekend where Peter O’Mahony captained Ireland to an 16th championship, we are ready for a celebratory pod on St. Patrick's Day no less. Adam, Huw, Jack and Ben joined me to discuss the glory of it all, where we go from here, the legendary Peter O'Mahony and we give out a few prizes too! Guests: Adam Latham - https://twitter.com/lathamadam19 H…

It's D-Day in Dublin against the dastardly Scots. Ireland must bounce back and win the championship; while Scotland are on the verge of a rare triple crown. Something has to give... Cian, Craig and Owen joined me to preview this title decider. Guests: Cian O'Muilleoir - https://twitter.com/RugbyKino Owen Harrison - https://twitter.com/Overthehillpr…

Despite boasting more URC medals than Ireland call-ups, Munster's Antoine Frisch looks set to become a France international before a look-in with Ireland. In this short bonus pod, I discuss the ramifactions of such exiling, whether the IRFU are being forthright in their approach and everything in between. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials…

I know it's rough, but with the help of David Cordial and Iestyn Thomas this might be the most positive rugby podcast this week with Irish and/or Welsh guests. As always every game covered and reviewed! Guests: David Cordial - https://twitter.com/AH_David Iestyn Thomas - https://twitter.com/Iestyn_thomas21 My Post-Game Recap: https://www.balls.ie/r…