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The Counter Ruck

The Counter Ruck

Written by: The Irish Times
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About this listen

A rugby podcast from The Irish Times, presented by Nathan Johns with regular panelists John O'Sullivan, Gordon D'Arcy and Gerry Thornley.


Produced in association with Ohk Energy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Rugby
Episodes
  • Ireland U20s - how does the talent pipeline actually look?
    Feb 27 2026

    Everyone loved a crisis talk after Ireland U20s and Ireland XV lost on the same weekend the senior side struggled in Paris.


    Since then, though, the U20s have won back-to-back games, including an impressive display against England.


    After last year’s wooden spoon, has the age grade side turned a corner? Is talk of a misfiring talent pipeline misguided?


    John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to put us all straight.


    Produced by John Casey.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    27 mins
  • Ireland pull off one of the great Twickenham days against England
    Feb 23 2026

    How many of you saw that coming? A record Irish victory in Twickenham was some way for Andy Farrell and co to change the narrative surrounding this side after a middling start to this year’s Six Nations campaign.


    Gordon D’Arcy, John O’Sullivan and Nathan Johns were all in London on Saturday and they link up once again to pick through how Ireland pulled off that performance.


    Plus, we look at how Ireland U20s managed a similarly impressive victory over their English counterparts in Bath on Friday night.


    Produced by John Casey.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    35 mins
  • How might Ireland pull off a Twickenham upset?
    Feb 20 2026

    Ireland’s team for the weekend is out with a big decision made at outhalf. Will the changes improve Ireland’s chances of securing an upset?


    What of England who have promoted Henry Pollock to the starting XV?


    Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to preview Saturday’s clash.


    Produced by John Casey.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    22 mins
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