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'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…

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:…

We analyse the Top 14 semi-finals in Bordeaux and look ahead to the final in Marseille in the company of All Black legend and now Top 14 commentator Andrew Mehrtens. We also hear how he got the nickname Don King from his time in France as a player, discuss Fabien Galthie's inexperienced squad for France's summer tour and look at the latest transfer…

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…

We're joined by Stade Francais' England international centre Joe Marchant to discuss the timing of his move from Harlequins, adjusting to life in France, his England past and hopefully future, what Steve Borthwick said to him after the World Cup, being frozen out by Eddie Jones, Paul Gustard's use of certain imagery in meetings, his famous prospect…

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…

We look ahead to Super Saturday and a frantic final round of the Top 14 regular season, analyse the permutations and chat to Castres' Australian back rower Nick Champion de Crespigny about his French roots, Wallaby ambitions, contract situation, gratitude to Pierre-Henry Broncan, dream debut season, lack of Super Rugby recognition and much more. Pl…

We're joined by Toulouse hero Manny Meafou to hear about an exhausting Champions Cup final win over Leinster, the nearly as tiring celebrations and how he's nailing fatherhood too as he introduces us to son Marcellus! We discuss whether Antoine Dupont's performance is the best ever in a final, if he's the greatest of all time, his new nickname of '…

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.…

We're joined by 63-cap Wallaby Reece Hodge to discuss his two tries that confirmed Bayonne are staying in the Top 14, the prospect of teaming up with Manu Tuilagi in the centres next season, the disappointment of being ditched by Eddie Jones after just one game, whether the door might still be ajar under Joe Schmidt, the magic of Stade Jean Dauger …

We're joined by Bordeaux and Tonga prop Big Ben Tameifuna to chat about the club's Top 14 tilt, his journey from New Zealand to France, the World Cup experience, challenges for Pacific Island nations, law changes, the best scrummagers in the world and much more. Plus, we round up all the Top 14 action and discuss whether the play-off picture will b…

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 …

We're back to dive deep into the major incidents from the Champions Cup semi-finals, including some more sensational stuff from Toulouse and almost another phenomenal Quins comeback, and look ahead to an epic final between the best two teams in the tournament. Plus, we discuss who gets into a combined Toulouse-Leinster starting XV, Clermont's heart…

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…

We're joined by Lyon attack coach AB Zondagh to discuss their completely stereotypically French campaign of winning almost every game at home but picking up nothing on the road, his coaching evolution and ambitions, the learnings from his time with Scotland and much more. Plus, we look ahead to the Champions and Challenge Cup semi-finals and Johnni…

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…

We're joined by Australia international Tolu Latu to find out how he's ended up at the back-to-back Champions Cup winners La Rochelle, the role big Will Skelton played in the move, what sets the club apart, how Ronan O'Gara is as a coach, how he felt being spoken about publicly by Stade Francais owner Hans-Peter Wild and frozen out by Montpellier, …

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…

We catch up with Clermont's Australian full back Alex Newsome to talk playing under Christophe Urios, nicknames, how to fix the issues in Australian rugby, if he qualifies for Scotland and whether there's a statue of him back home for playing a different sport! We also discuss all the latest action in the Top 14, go over a few transfer rumours and …