The Left Wing
The biggest stories in Irish rugby with our team of writers and experts, including Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Cian Tracey, Will Slattery, Sineád Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, expert opinion and post-match comment we have every position covered.
Episodes
Bumper Champions Cup preview | Leinster's window, French beasts & Premiership weakness
Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley convene for a Champions Cup preview as European rugby returns this weekend. The lads start off by looking back on Ulster and Munster's dramatic draw in the URC on Saturday before turning attention to Europe. The strength of the French teams, Leinster's prospects, whether Munster and Connacht can make the knockout stage and the standard of the top Premiersh
Dan Sheehan | Leo Cullen's last season, Leinster's outlook & back row potential
Will is joined by Dan Sheehan to discuss Leinster's return to the RDS, Leo Cullen's last dance and how he is feeling ahead of his first outing of the season on Saturday. Dan also talks about how his leadership style has evolved after captaincy experiences with Leinster and the Lions, and what his life is like off the pitch. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for priv
Munster's reboot, Frawley's dream debut & no scrum, no win
Will and Luke are joined by Cian Tracey to discuss Munster's need for a reboot after more off field upheaval and some bright sparks on the pitch. Leinster's two games in South Africa, Ciaran Frawley's first outing for Connacht and some worrying scrum issues for Irish rugby are also on the menu. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
IRFU's flawed policy, Munster's hidden gem & provinces make losing start
Will and Luke are joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor to discuss the opening weekend of the URC that saw all four Irish provinces lose their opening game. Will takes issues with the IRFU player management system after a number of young Connacht and Ulster players weren't available to play. The Stormers show of strength in Galway, the promise of Leinster's young guns and Munster's tough opening defeat to G
Leinster's risky succession plan, Nienaber's strange status & Ulster's time to deliver
Will and Luke are joined by Jonathan Bradley for part two of their season preview with Leinster and Ulster under the microscope. The danger of Leo Cullen and Jacques Nienaber being lame ducks, Leinster's age profile and Ulster's Champions Cup target are all on the menu. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lancaster's year two blueprint, Frawley's make or break season & Munster's chink of light
Will, Luke and Cian convene for part one of the Left Wing's season preview with Munster and Connacht under the microscope. The lads throw out a few reasons for Munster fans to be hopeful ahead of the new season but serious questions about the direction of travel still remain. Meanwhile, year two of Stuart Lancaster in Connacht is picking up steam with the westerners looking poised to have a big se
Contepomi's Leinster link, ROG's future & Springboks statement
Will and Luke are joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor to discuss the latest news on Leinster's coaching search and South Africa's impressive third Test win over New Zealand. Felipe Contepomi's Leinster link, Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle future and Rassie Erasmus' record vs the All Blacks is all on the menu. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rassie's 'Bond villain' approach, Crowley concern & Leinster's RDS dilemma
It’s officially season number 10 of the Left Wing as Will, Luke and Rúaidhrí come in off the back of another high-quality clash between South Africa and New Zealand, where the quality of Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi shine in the Springboks win. The lads also break down Jack Crowley’s injury and Rud gives us an inside look into the new RDS. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by EnergiaSee omnystud
Springboks stunned, All Blacks' new era & Rassie's big decision
The Left Wing has come out of hibernation as Will is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor to review the first Test of Springboks vs All Blacks. South Africa's missed opportunities, the All Blacks improvement under Dave Rennie and the future of summer tours are all on the menu. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The big Ireland debrief | Too many mistakes, the big three gap & World Cup outlook
Will and Luke are joined by Jonathan Bradley for one final Left Wing of the season as they dissect Ireland's defeat to New Zealand. The lads break down Ireland's shortcomings in Eden Park and discuss the direction of travel with the World Cup looming on the horizon. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand 40 Ireland 19 | Lots to ponder for Andy Farrell after Eden Park humbling
Will is joined by Cian Tracey from Eden Park to break down Ireland's heavy defeat to the All Blacks. The lads pick through the errors Andy Farrell's side made and discuss whether this result means Ireland are definitively behind the big three of South Africa, France and New Zealand. Rugby on the Indo Sport podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Disjointed Ireland, Frawley misses his chance & Eden Park looms
Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley reflect on Ireland's stuttering win over Japan and look ahead to the showdown with New Zealand in Eden Park. Ciaran Frawley's performance, the lineout struggles and whether Andy Farrell made too many changes is all on the menu. The lads then move onto next weekend's game in Auckland, where Ireland will bid to become the first team to beat the All Blacks in Eden Park
Ireland team reaction | Four new caps, Frawley's chance and the 13 concern
Will, Luke and Cian convene once again to discuss the Ireland team that will face Japan on Saturday. Andy Farrell has made nine changes, with Ciaran Frawley handed the ten jersey and four uncapped players - Sean Jansen, Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Bryn Ward - all in the 23. The lads also discuss the lack of depth at outside centre, with veteran Robbie Henshaw given the 13 jersey this Saturday in pla
Ireland's smart play, Australia's missed chance & Eddie Jones mind games
Will, Luke and Cian (from Sydney) convene to discuss Ireland's thrilling win over Australia to start the Nations Championship. The lads break down how Ireland were able to come away with a victory despite a strong Wallabies performance and look ahead to next weekend's clash with Japan - with Eddie Jones already starting the mind games. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.c
Ireland team reaction | Surprise Osborne selection & Schmidt's Leinster link
Will is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor to break down the Ireland team selection for Saturday's game against Australia. Jamie Osborne's surprise start on the left wing, Cian Prendergast's big opportunity and Ireland's stacked bench are all on the menu. The lads also discuss the Australian team selection as well as Joe Schmidt's comments about whether he would be interested in replacing Leo Cullen. The
Ireland's summer goals, Stockdale's chance & Leo Cullen's announcement
Will and Luke are joined by Cian Tracey from Sydney ahead of Ireland's first Nations Championship game against Australia. The lads discuss the big team selection talking points, assess where Ireland are at ahead of their three-match tour and also weigh in on Leo Cullen's long goodbye from Leinster. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dominant Leinster, Bulls flop again & Prendergast's next step
Will, Luke and Jonathan deliver a rare Sunday special as Leinster seal the URC title by disposing of a brutal Bulls team. That said, there was a lot to like about this Leinster performance as the team assess whether Sam Prendergast can build into the summer, and where Leinster’s season can be evaluated on the whole. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia See omnystudio.com/listener for priv
Leinster deliver best performance of the season in URC Final win | Reaction from Croke Park
Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey report from Croke Park as Leinster have won the URC for the second year, delivering their best performance of the season with Sam Prendergast's outing at 10 a highlight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Irish rugby's exodus, the James Lowe mistake & Leinster's final step
Will, Luke and Cian look ahead to Friday's URC final between Leinster and the Bulls, discuss the players exiting the provinces this summer and look ahead to the Ireland squad announcement for the summer tour. Luke questions Tyler Bleyendaal's contribution as Leinster attack coach given the recent criticism of Jacques Nienaber, the lads debate the reasons behind James Lowe's departure and discuss t
Leinster advance, 12 years of Farrell & will Ronan O'Gara ever return?
Will, Luke and Ruaidhri O'Connor convene to assess Leinster's URC semi-final win over the Stormers, look ahead to a final rematch against the Bulls and discuss Andy Farrell's new Ireland contract. What Farrell's deal means for Ronan O'Gara's future and the importance of Jamison Gibson-Park is also up for discussion. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for priv
Leinster's media battle, Munster's bleak outlook & James Lowe's future
Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley assemble after a URC quarter-final weekend that saw only Leinster emerge from the pile - and then come out swinging. The future of James Lowe in Ireland, Munster’s future after their loss to the Bulls and the eye-catching back-and-forth between Jaques Nienaber and our Irish Independent colleague Rúaidhrí O’Connor are all on the menu. The Left Wing podcast is sponsor
Leinster's dark day | Can Leo Cullen survive? | Out-half issues
Will, Luke and Cian convene (again) for a Leinster Champions Cup final post-mortem. Leinster's awful first-half performance, whether their defensive system is fit for purpose and the future of Leo Cullen as head coach are all on the agenda. The lads also discuss Ulster's tough night against Montpellier after a similarly chastening defeat. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/li
Another lost final for Leinster as exceptional Bordeaux top Europe | Reaction from Bilbao 🏉
Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey give their reaction from the San Mames stadium in Bilbao as Bordeaux comprehensively defeat Leinster in the Champions Cup final. The lads also give their analysis of Ulster’s defeat at the hands of Montpellier on Friday night in a sweltering Challenge Cup finale. Rugby on Indo Sport is sponsored by Energia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leinster team reaction | No Lowe, Clarkson's big day & Henshaw gets the nod
Will is joined by Cian Tracey from Bilbao to break down Leinster's Champions Cup final team selection. The omission of James Lowe, the selection of Thomas Clarkson over Tadhg Furlong and Robbie Henshaw getting the nod over Jamie Osborne is all up for discussion. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bumper final preview | Leinster's toughest test, selection debate & URC drama
It is European finals week as both Leinster and Ulster eye silverware in Bilbao this weekend. Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley preview Ulster's Challenge Cup final clash with Montpellier before giving their thoughts on Leinster v Boredeaux in the Champions Cup Final. The Left Wing is sponsored by EnergiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prendergast's future, the Lancaster surge & Munster's lost season
Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Will and Luke after a URC weekend where Connacht’s quality shone through, Munster’s lack of depth was exposed and Sam Prendergast’s tackling leaves doubts over his spot in Leinster’s 23 for the Champions Cup final. The team break it all down and look ahead to the players who could make a name for themselves at the season’s end to get on the Ireland squad for the summer tour
Leinster's good & bad | Leo Cullen vs the media | Ulster's final date
Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley convene to look back on a European weekend that saw Leinster and Ulster book their ticket to Bilbao. The good and bad of Leinster's win over Toulon plus Leo Cullen's battle with the media is on the menu, as Jonathan breaks down Ulster's return to the limelight. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leinster see off late Toulon rally to book place in Champions Cup final | Post-match reaction | Leinster 29-25 Toulon
Indo Sport's Ruaidhri O'Connor & Cian Tracey convene post-match at the Aviva Stadium to assess Leinster's 29-25 win in today's Champions Cup semi-final vs Toulon. Rugby coverage on the Indo Sport podcast is sponsored by Energia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leinster's prop crisis | Munster’s feel-good victory v Ulster | Connacht chase the top eight
Sinéad Kissane, Cian Tracey and Luke Fitzgerald assemble for this week’s edition of the Left Wing podcast - reviewing how the provinces faired in the latest URC games and looking forward to the Champions Cup semi-final weekend. They chat through Leinster’s potential selection headaches, how Munster secured a ‘feel-good’ victory v Ulster and debate who remains in poll position in the chase for the
St Mary's and Clontarf face off in Aviva showdown | Energia AIL final special
Will is joined by Darragh Frawley of the Club Scene Podcast to preview the Energia AIL final weekend and to discuss the club rugby landscape in 2026. St Mary's and Clontarf square off in the men's final while UL Bohs take on Blackrock in the women's decider and Darragh breaks down all four teams ahead of the Sunday showdowns. The health of club rugby in Limerick, the strength of the Dublin teams a
Leinster's European dilemma, Connacht's famous win & Munster's latest controversy
Will and Luke are joined by Jonathan Bradley to break down another exciting weekend in the URC run in. Leinster's impressive win over Ulster, their Champions Cup selection policy, Connacht's South African scalp and Munster's on-field win and latest off-field controversy are all on the menu. Ireland's impressive Six Nations victory over Italy is up for discussion too. The Left Wing podcast is spons
Brittany Hogan in studio | Facing England, life with Sale & Italy in Galway
Will is joined in studio by Ireland back row and Energia ambassador Brittany Hogan to discuss Ireland's opening defeat to England and round two against Italy. Life in the Premiership with Sale, moving between back row positions and facing off against her Ireland team-mates are all on the menu too. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hybrid Dan Sheehan, Bordeaux brilliance and Leinster's lessons
Will and Luke welcome Ruaidhri O'Connor back to the show to break down a busy weekend of European action. The lads start with Bordeaux's thrilling win over Toulouse and then move on to Leinster's European credentials after a mixed outing against Sale. Ulster's Challenge Cup hopes, Connacht's European exit and Ireland's opening defeat in the Women's Six Nations against England are on the menu too.
Leinster's weird win | Munster's systems failure | Quarter-final crackers
Will, Luke and Cian are back again to review the European round of 16 and look ahead to a blockbuster quarter-final line up.Leinster's strange win over Edinburgh - featuring three intercept tries in the first half - is up for discussion as the lads debate how good Leo Cullen's side are going into the last eight. Munster's bad day in Exeter, Connacht's winning streak and Ulster's lucky escape are a
Leinster's sloppy return, Crowley's big day & Ireland goal-kicking problem
Will, Luke and Cian assemble to look ahead to the first European knockout weekend with Leinster starting their Champions Cup assault while the rest of the provinces prepare for Challenge Cup action. The lads pick through last weekend's URC action, with Leinster's poor first 30 minutes catching the eye. Jack Crowley's impressive performance vs the Bulls is a talking point, although his issues off t
Schools rugby special with Bernard Jackman | Cup final drama & player pathways
Will is joined by Bernard Jackman to look back on this year's dramatic schools cup finals, discuss the next steps for the best young talent and how provinces might compete against each other to secure the top prospects. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Munster's collapse | Leinster's decline | Connacht's revival | Ulster's missed chance
Will, Luke and Cian assemble to discuss the return to provincial action ahead of a busy URC and European period. The problems at Munster, Leinster's poor showing in Glasgow, Connacht's good run of form and Ulster's missed opportunity are all on the agenda. An epic schools cup final and the proper way to pronounce Murray are up for discussion too. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudi
The bumper Six Nations review | Paris chaos & Ireland's turnaround
Will and Luke convene to recap the most sensational Super Saturday of them all. From the madness in Paris to Ireland's impressive win over Scotland, every big talking point from the final day of the Six Nations is on the table. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Six Nations Super Saturday ends with last-gasp French title and Irish Triple Crown | ☘️ 43 - 21 🏴 Reaction
What a final day to one of the most dramatic and entertaining Six Nations in history! Sinéad Kissane, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey meet in the Aviva Stadium to discuss the drama that unfolded in Paris as Thomas Ramos made the kick that won France the Six Nations, at the expense of an English match win and an Irish title. The team also run the rule over a superb Irish performance that ensured
Ireland's injury blow | Overconfident Scotland | England in crisis
Will and Luke break down Ireland's team selection to face Scotland ahead of a blockbuster Six Nations finale. James Ryan's injury, Bundee Aki's bench role and who Andy Farrell left out is all on the menu. The lads also discuss Scotland star Darcy Graham's cocky pre-match comments ahead of taking on Ireland. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The greatest Six Nations ever | Ireland selection debate | France blow up
Will and Luke are joined by Cian Tracey to reflect on a sensational Six Nations Saturday and to assess what team Andy Farrell might pick this weekend. Scotland's big win, France's latest stumble under Fabien Galthie and Wales' big effort at the Aviva Stadium are all on the menu.Jack Crowley's kicking, the best use of Jack Conan and a famous day for Italian rugby are up for discussion too. The Left
Ireland overcome dogged Welsh display to keep Triple Crown hopes alive | Post-match reaction | Ireland 27-17 Wales
Indo Sport's Sinead Kissane, Ruaidhri O'Connor & Cian Tracey assemble at The Aviva Stadium to assess Ireland's Six Nations win over Wales in the penultimate round of this year's championship. If you'd like to get in touch with the podcast, you can email us at indosportpodcast@independent.ie ?? Rugby coverage on the Indo Sport podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Ireland's next steps | Lethal France | England panic - and Italy's opportunity
Will, Luke and Ruaidhri O'Connor convene after the Six Nations break week to assesses how each team has looked through three rounds. France's devastating form, Scotland's Scotland-like tournament, where Ireland can improve and Italy's England opportunity are all on the menu. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andy Farrell's future | Ireland coaching candidates | More Munster upheaval
Will is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor to discuss the prospect of Andy Farrell joining Saracens as head coach after the next World Cup. Whether 2027 would be the right time for a new Ireland coach, who might succeed Farrell and the latest departure from the Munster setup are all on the agenda. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia. To be in with a chance of winning tickets to Ireland v Scotla
Ireland send a message, Andy Farrell's masterclass & England's collapse
Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley convene to assess every aspect of Ireland's record win in Twickenham. Andy Farrell's selection masterclass, England's capitulation, Jack Crowley's day and what this Ireland team can now achieve are all on the menu. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia. To be in with a chance of winning tickets to Ireland vs Scotland, you can find the details here: https://w
Ireland storm to record victory in Twickenham | Post-match reaction | 🌹 21 - 42 ☘️ | Six Nations 2026 🏉
Sinéad Kissane, Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Cian Tracey (happy with his pre-game prediction) convene in Twickenham after Ireland came away with a record victory in the home of English rugby, putting the pressure on Steve Borthwick’s side from the start. Let us know what you think at indosportpodcast@independent.ie Rugby on Indo Sport and The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia See omnystudio.com/listener
Andy Farrell's out-half mistake and Ireland's Twickenham options
Cian Tracey joins Will and Luke after an Ireland performance against Italy that left questions to answer ahead of a trip to Twickenham that Cian feels may be an opportunity for Andy Farrell's team. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ireland survive serious Italy scare | Post-match reaction | Ireland 20-13 Italy | Six Nations 2026 🏉
Sinead Kissane, Ruaidhri O'Connor & Cian Tracey assemble at the Aviva Stadium to assess Ireland's uninspiring 20-13 victory over Italy. If you'd like to get in touch with the podcast, you can email us at indosportpodcast@independent.ie ✉️ You can subscribe to our dedicated Indo Sport YouTube page here: https://www.youtube.com/@IndoSportPodcast 📹 Rugby podcast coverage on the Indo Sport podcast is
Ireland team reaction | Andy Farrell wields the axe after Paris humbling
Will is joined by Cian Tracey to assess Ireland's team selection to face Italy on Saturday. Andy Farrell has made six changes to his starting XV, with four players dropped from the 23 entirely. There are some exciting changes, with Cormac Izuchukwu in at blindside flanker and Edwin Edogbo in line for his Ireland debut off the bench. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener
Ireland's lack of intent, stars under pressure & time to make changes
Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley discuss Andy Farrell taking aim at Ireland's lack of intent against France and the changes he might make for the Italy game. Luke gives his verdict on who should stay in the team and who should be dropped while Jonathan argues that it might be the most important selection of Farrell's tenure. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener
Ireland's systems failure, big questions to answer & majestic France
Will and Luke pick through Ireland's heavy defeat to France, with the aerial battle, defence and the team's skill level all on the menu. The lads also discuss whether the Ireland players need to be more critical of each other after Conor Murray's comments on the TV coverage. The Left Wing podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ireland suffer punishing defeat in Paris | Post-match reaction | France 36-14 Ireland
Ruaidhri O'Connor & Cian Tracey join Sinead Kissane post-match at the Stade de France to pore over what was a chastening night for Andy Farrell's Irish side in their Six Nations opener, after they fell to a thorough 36-14 defeat in Paris. If you'd like to get in touch with the podcast, you can email us at indosportpodcast@independent.ie ?? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ireland's surprise selections, Stockdale's rebirth & France's new era
Will is joined by Luke Fitzgerald and Ruaidhri O'Connor from Paris to discuss Ireland's team selection to face France. Andy Farrell has sprung a number of surprises and the lads break down the big talking points and the areas where Thursday's games will be won and lost. The Left Wing is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bumper Six Nations preview | Ireland red flags & the key questions
Rúaidhrí O'Connor is fresh from the Six Nations launch to join Will and Luke for this bumper edition previewing this year's tournament. Injury problems, the need to get on top of the scrum in Paris and how to communicate with referees are all up for debate as we warm up to Six Nations 2026. The Left Wing is sponsored by EnergiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Munster relegated, Leinster's underrated day & who makes the Six Nations squad?
Sitting in for Will, Sinéad Kissane alongside Luke and Jonathan dissect how Munster came to find themselves relegated to the Challenge Cup after their Champions Cup exit, alongside Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle. Luke debates the difference between what a player wants in their out-half versus what fans value and the pod look ahead to Andy Farrell’s imminent Six Nations squad announcement on Wednesday.
All Blacks in crisis | How Ruaidhri O'Connor got the story
Will is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor for a special episode of the Left Wing to react to Scott Robertson's shock departure as All Blacks head coach. Ruaidhri broke the story late Wednesday night and he explains the sequence of events that saw New Zealand make a huge change less than two years from the World Cup. Whether Joe Schmidt will finally become the All Blacks head coach is also on the menu. T
Leinster's resilience, La Rochelle throw it away & Irish rugby's discipline problem
Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley pick through Leinster's last-gasp win over La Rochelle and Munster's tough defeat away to Toulon. Leinster's mental strength, La Rochelle's missed opportunities and the flaws in Jacques Nienaber's defence are all on the menu from the showdown at the Aviva. Luke also thinks Irish teams have a growing discipline problem that needs to be addressed. The Left Wing podcas
Ulster are back, Munster's mistake and Leinster's selection dilemmas
Will and Luke are joined by Jonathan Bradley as Ulster's superb festive fixtures create a good buzz around a squad set for a trip to Amsterdam. Meanwhile, Munster's selection issue are to the fore as Leinster gear up to face Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle. The Left Wing Rugby Podcast is sponsored by EnergiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leinster get revenge, Frawley's second chance & Munster's missed opportunity
Will and Luke convene for the last Left Wing of 2025 to pick through Leinster's revenge mission in Thomond Park and Ulster's strong showing against Connacht. Ciaran Frawley's move away from Leinster and where Munster are at halfway through their first season under Clayton McMillan are up for discussion too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Byrne vs Prendergast, Champions Cup decline & Leinster dig in
Will and Luke are joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor to review a Champions Cup weekend that saw some good contests but plenty of blowouts amid a huge number of weakened teams. Luke was impressed with Leinster's digging in away to Leicester on Friday night while Ruaidhri was very disappointed with the spectacle in Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Saturday night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Munster's no show, Leinster can't adapt & Connacht's collapse
Will, Luke and Cian Tracey run the rule over a Champions Cup weekend which saw Munster's well beaten in Bath and Leinster win despite Luke's belief that they are unable to adapt in game. In the Challenge Cup, Connacht had a collapse while Ulster showed green shoots.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leinster's closing window, Nienaber's interview mistake & Champions Cup kick off
Will is joined by Luke Fitzgerald and Jonathan Bradley to look ahead to the opening weekend of Champions Cup action. Whether Leinster's Champions Cup window has closed, Jacques Nienaber's curious TV interview and Munster's ability to compete in Europe are all on the menu. Ulster and Connacht's Challenge Cup aspirations and Eben Etzebeth's gouging incident are up for discussion too.See omnystudio.c
Ireland's bleak future, discipline meltdown & Springboks attitude
Cian Tracey joins Will and Luke for a debrief of a South Africa clash where Ireland were sloppy, ill-disciplined and left themselves with the same questions as they had before the November series. Safe to say, there's a lot to talk about ... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Penalties and pressure get to Ireland as South Africa seal chaotic win - Reaction from the Aviva Stadium
Yellow cards, scrum problems and a general sense of whether Ireland have fallen behind in 2025 come to the boil as Sinéad Kissane, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey break down South Africa's win in Dublin from the Aviva Stadium. Rugby on Indo Sport is sponsored by Energia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ireland's new options, the Prendergast dilemma & South Africa preview
Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Will and Luke in studio for the first taste of Springbok build-up after an impressive Irish victory over Australia that has left Andy Farrell with some selection dilemmas ahead of Saturday's showdown. Sam Prendergast's defensive issues, Mack Hansen's threat from fullback and Caelan Doris at number seven are all up for discussion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info
Mack attack counts as Ireland's performance takes leap forward - Reaction from the Aviva Stadium
Sinéad Kissane, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Cian Tracey deliver their verdict from the Aviva Stadium as an early Mack Hansen hat-trick set the tone for a strong Ireland display, defeating Australia 46-19See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The view from Australia | Joe Schmidt losing grip on waning Wallabies
Will is joined by Australian rugby journalist Christy Doran to get an insight into where Joe Schmidt's Wallabies side are at ahead of Saturday's game against Ireland. While Will is glass half-full about the improvements Schmidt has made in Australia, Christy isn't as positive and breaks down some of the mistakes of recent weeks. The standing of rugby union in Australia, the threat of Rugby League
Paul O'Connell under pressure, out-half flip flop & scary Springboks
Luke, Will and Jonathan Bradley convene for a Left Wing that covers Ireland's malfunctioning lineout, the pressure on Paul O'Connell and the changes that Andy Farrell should make for Australia. Whether Farrell might go back to Sam Prendergast and South Africa's ominous show of force in Paris are on the menu too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Six-try display does little to quell the question marks | Ireland 41-10 Japan | Post-match reaction 🏉
Sinead Kissane, Ruaidhri O'Connor & Cian Tracey assemble post-match at the Aviva Stadium to recap a largely patchy Ireland performance versus Japan. Rugby coverage on the Indo Sport podcast is sponsored by Energia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why Ireland lost, lineout mess & TMO controversy
Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley team up to run the rule over Ireland’s defeat in Chicago, with out-half issues, Ireland’s lack of match sharpness and Tadhg Beirne’s red card all big talking points from an event that was ‘not a great advertisement for rugby’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clinical All Blacks close strongly to topple Ireland in Chicago | Post-match reaction | New Zealand 26-13 Ireland
Irish Independent rugby writers Cian Tracey & Rúaidhrí O’Connor convene post-match in Chicago to recap Ireland's disappointing 26-13 defeat to New Zealand at Soldier Field. The lads analyse what went wrong for Ireland and where they go from here, as Andy Farrell’s side lose to the All Blacks for a third consecutive time. Rugby coverage on the Indo Sport podcast is in association with Energia 🏉 See
Undercooked Ireland, Chicago concerns & November questions
The November internationals are here and begin with Ireland v New Zealand in Chicago this Saturday - a fixture some on our panel are 'worried about' as the Irish side may be undercooked. Rúaidhrí O'Connor dials in from the Windy City to preview the series with Will and Luke See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Munster deliver, Leinster flop and alarm bells for Ireland
It’s a fiery Left Wing podcast this week as Will, Luke and Cian Tracey run the rule over Munster’s victory in Croke Park, including how much we should see this as the best performance by the Reds in years, how much panic there will be in Leinster, and whether Andy Farrell will pick Jack Crowley in Chicago. Meanwhile, Ulster’s winning mentality builds as they stop a Sharks team boasting 13 Springbo
Harry Byrne's resurrection, Munster's Croke Park opportunity & Ulster's promise
Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Will and Luke in this rare Monday edition of the Left Wing podcast. The lads enter more robust debate about the Ireland 10 situation ahead of Leinster v Munster this weekend, before the team also break down Ulster’s squad strength, and what they could achieve in the fullness of time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jack Crowley's attitude, Sam Prendergast's struggles & Ireland's back 3 options
Connacht and Ulster were held to the sidelines with the weather, but Leinster and Munster’s action has brought focus on each side’s out-half. Jonathan Bradley joins Will and Luke for a check-in on where Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley sit less than a month from Ireland’s trip to Chicago to face the All Blacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Leinster horror show & apologising to Joe Schmidt | Andrew Trimble
Ulster legend and former Ireland international Andrew Trimble joins Will and Luke this week after a URC weekend where Ulster prevailed and Leinster couldn’t get on the scoreboard. The guys also bring back some memories of Joe Schmidt and playing in Chicago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Left Wing is back! Lancaster's revival, Leinster's mission & Munster's new era
It's a new season (and new studio) for The Left Wing as Will, Luke and Cian break down the level of expectation and excitement in each of the four provinces, with Connacht proving to be the most intriguing pre-season prospect See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
France 18 Ireland 13 | Reaction from Sandy Park as Irish World Cup journey ends in heartbreak
Anna Caplice, Rúaidhrí O'Connor and Sinéad Kissane give their analysis as Ireland's strong performance was not enough to get past a France team that seized their moments in this World Cup quarter-final Rugby on Indo Sport is in association with Energia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ireland soundly beaten by Black Ferns in Brighton | Post-match reaction | New Zealand 40-0 Ireland
Sinead Kissane, Anna Caplice & Ruaidhri O'Connor convene post-match in Brighton to evaluate Ireland's comprehensive defeat at the hands of a clinical Black Ferns outfit, and assess where it leaves Scott Bemand's squad heading into next weekend's quarter final test against France.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Seven-try Ireland thwart Spain threat to secure World Cup quarter final berth
For a second successive week, Ireland notched a bonus-point win, surpassed their record points tally, and snagged seven tries. But a battling Spain pushed them all the way with five tries of their own, leaving Scott Bemand et al with much room for rumination. Sinead Kissane & Anna Caplice convene at Franklin's Gardens to recap today's performance, and to begin to look ahead to a marquee match-up w
