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The Counter Ruck

The Counter Ruck

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.

All rights reserved Rugby
Episodes
  • Do Ireland's rugby pathways need a serious overhaul?

    Do Ireland's rugby pathways need a serious overhaul?
    Feb 13 2026

    John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to pick through some big selection decisions made by Andy Farrell ahead of Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Italy.


    Plus, John also takes his through his vision for how Ireland can bring more players through from U20 level to the senior side.


    Produced by John Casey.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    28 mins
  • Are wounded Ireland vulnerable to an Italian job?

    Are wounded Ireland vulnerable to an Italian job?
    Feb 10 2026

    Ireland suffer a heavy defeat to France while Italy are on a high following a win over Scotland.


    Does that make for a potential banana skin for Andy Farrel and Co this weekend?


    Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss.


    Plus, we look at some of the wider tactical and skillset deficiencies plaguing Irish rugby. What can be done to stop the rot?


    Produced by John Casey.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    23 mins
  • How far behind the leading pack are Ireland after defeat against France?

    How far behind the leading pack are Ireland after defeat against France?
    Feb 6 2026

    A difficult night for Ireland saw them lose heavily to France in Paris.


    Nathan Johns and Gerry Thornley were at the Stade de France to pick through where it all went wrong.


    Was Ireland’s game plan exposed? What to make of selection or the decision to continually kick away possession? What positives, if any, can be gleamed from a second half fightback?


    Produced by John Casey.

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