Eve Higgins and Aoife Dalton take centre stage in this episode, swapping stories from the frontline of Irish rugby’s midfield battleground. From debut nerves and sevens circus tales to the art of reading a game and mastering defence, they pull back the curtain on what it takes to hold the line. Hear about team rituals that glue the squad together, camp quirks (including rave music that won’t quit), and the green wave mantra powering the squad’s rise. Plus, a quiz with chaotic truths and laughs guaranteed.
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mudderruckerpodcast
Bluesky: @mudderrucker.bsky.social | Ailbhe @irishwomens.bsky.social | Cian @rugbykino.bsky.social
Like, share, subscribe—and tell us which moment had you smiling the widest.
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Episode 9: Pitch Perfect
Pre-season camp is in full swing and Jane Clohessy plus Niamh “Noddy” O’Dowd drop by to swap fresh-camp anecdotes and rewind to their very different Six Nations first-cap memories. Hear how a routine lash-lift turned into a selection cliff-hanger, why laser-tag suddenly broke out at team dinner, and what not to wear to a coach’s one-to-one.
On the rugby side they dig into camp training loads, the early homework on Pool-C foes Japan, Spain and New Zealand, and which players are driving standards. Add the famous Lucky Dip, a not so quick-fire quiz, and a dash of accent chaos, and you’ve got the perfect pre-season tonic.
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mudderruckerpodcast
Bluesky: @mudderrucker.bsky.social | Ailbhe @irishwomens.bsky.social | Cian @rugbykino.bsky.social
Like, share, subscribe—and tell us which story made you snort-laugh.
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Episode 8: Ruck You
On June 1st in Oslo, a team of trans women will face a team of cis elite players from the women's game in a sevens rugby match called Ruck You—a powerful act of protest, inclusion, and solidarity through sport.
This week on MudderRucker, we bring you a special episode dedicated to the voices behind that game, and the policy that made it necessary. We speak with former USA international Alycia Washington, former Irish rugby international Ilse van Staden, leading exercise scientist Dr. Joanna Harper, and former East London RFC player Alix Fitzgerald.
Together, they unpack the real-world impact of World Rugby’s trans ban, challenge the myths surrounding safety and fairness, and reflect on the importance of empathy, evidence, and actual player voices in policy-making.
This episode isn’t about debate—it’s about lived experience, scientific rigour, and standing with our teammates.
📌 Learn more and support the match:
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ruckyou_match/
💸 Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ruck-you-match-team-support
Follow Ailbhe at @irishwomens.bsky.social and Cian at @rugbykino.bsky.social. Like, share, subscribe—and stand with those pushing for a game that lives up to its values.
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Episode 7: Smells Like Team Spirit
This week on MudderRucker, it’s the end of the Six Nations—and the end of our first series! Chloe Pearse and Katie O’Dwyer are back to help us unpack Ireland’s bruising, frustrating, and oddly hopeful finale against Scotland at The Hive.
We talk injuries, inexperience, and intercepts, plus how the squad responded when under pressure when leaders were lost from the field. We also look at the big Six Nations takeaways, from breakdown dominance and lineout leaps to why Ireland’s attack is sharper—but still has room to grow.
There’s plenty of praise for Brittany Hogan, calls for Neve Jones in the back row, and some spicy chat about the refereeing across the tournament. Plus, we look ahead to the Rugby World Cup: who's in, who’s out, and what Ireland need to do to go deep in September.
Throw in some goal-kicking gripes, a few jokes at each other’s expense, and a genuinely horrible team fragrance, and you’ve got a proper send-off to Series 1.
Follow Ailbhe at @irishwomens.bsky.social and Cian at @rugbykino.bsky.social. Like, share, subscribe—and get yourself ready for World Cup warm-ups. We’ll see you soon.
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Episode 6: A Cure For What AILs You: Bonus Episode
This week on MudderRucker, we’re bringing you a special bonus episode ahead of the AIL Women’s Final at the Aviva! Ailbhe sits down with Railway Union captain Niamh Byrne and UL Bohemian head coach Fiona Hayes for an in-depth look at what makes this fixture—and this rivalry—so special.
From Rocky-themed team talks to Atomic Kitten singalongs, we dive into the sisterhood, scrap, and sheer joy that fuels the women’s club game. We hear from up-and-comers like Aoife Corey and Molly Boyne, plus reflections from legends like Lindsay Peat and Ailsa Hughes on what it means to play—and win—on the biggest stage in Irish rugby.
Whether you’re Railway or a proud Robin, or just rugby-mad, this one’s for you. It’s all heart, hustle, and a whole lot of craic.
On Bluesky, you can find Ailbhe at @irishwomens.bsky.social and Cian at @rugbykino.bsky.social. Like, share, subscribe—and don’t forget to shout for your side this Sunday. Let’s fill the Aviva!
TICKET LINK: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/energia-ail-finals-day-dublin-27-04-2025/event/18006288BDFC33CD
Join hosts Ailbhe O’Nolan and Cian Ó Muilleoir as they bring you all the latest from Irish women’s rugby! From the Women’s Six Nations to key matches and big talking points, MudderRucker keeps it fun, accessible, and full of insight. No overcomplicated analysis—just straight-talking rugby chat and exclusive interviews with Irish rugby stars. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the game, subscribe for new episodes every week!
Ireland