The Counter Ruck

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.