Episodes

  • What The Ruck: The Italian Pickup - Ian McKinley
    Feb 12 2026
    What The Ruck is hitting the road for the 2026 Six Nations Championship! In this special mobile episode, we’ve teamed up with MSL Motor Group and BYD North Dublin, Navan Road, and BYD South Dublin Deangrange to take the pod on tour in the brand new BYD Seal U. Our first stop? We’re picking up a true legend of the game: former Ireland underage star and Italian International Fly-Half, Ian McKinley. Ian joins Dave Kilcoyne and Luke Delaney to share his remarkable story. After a freak accident in a club game left him blind in one eye, Ian’s career appeared to be over. Instead, he made a historic return to professional rugby in Italy, eventually earning his Test cap under Conor O’Shea. In this episode, we discuss the accident that turned his life upside down and the long road to recovery. We dive into how Ian defied the odds to become the first player to wear protective goggles at the Test level, his move to Italy to find a second home in rugby, and his expert breakdown of the opening round of action in the 2026 Six Nations. With BYD South Dublin Deansgrange and BYD North Dublin Navan Road, part of the MSL Motor Group

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

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • What The Ruck: Episode 10 - Six Nations Special
    Feb 4 2026

    The 2026 Six Nations has arrived, and the landscape for Irish rugby has shifted. With the "Old Guard" absent and a mounting injury list, Dave Kilcoyne and Luke Delaney dive deep into what this new era looks like for Andy Farrell’s squad.

    In this episode of What The Ruck, "Killer" gives us the unfiltered truth about Bundee Aki’s shock suspension and what it means for the squad’s depth. We also go behind the scenes to reveal what life is actually like in camp during Six Nations week—from the intense mental preparation to the ferocity of facing a French pack on home soil.

    In this episode:

    • The Bundee Aki Situation: Dave reacts to the biggest headline of the tournament.
    • The Next Gen: Who steps up in the absence of Porter, Keenan, and Hansen?
    • Parisian War: What it’s really like in the trenches against France.
    • Killer’s XV: Dave picks the starting lineup he wants to see in the opener.

    Whether you're looking for tactical analysis or legendary stories from the dressing room, we’ve got you covered.


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

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    40 mins
  • What The Ruck: Episode 9 - Andrew Conway
    Jan 22 2026

    Former Munster, Leinster, and Ireland star Andrew Conway joins Dave Kilcoyne and Luke Delaney this week for a massive episode of the pod.

    The lads dive deep into their 10 years as teammates at both provincial and international levels, sharing never-before-heard stories from the inner circle of Irish rugby. Dave finally reveals the full story of his infamous 6:00 AM drunken encounter with Joe Schmidt, and the lads reminisce about the wildest nights out on tour.

    Beyond the laughs, we get into the serious side of the game. The trio breaks down exactly what went wrong for Munster in the Champions Cup and what needs to change at Thomond Park. Plus, with the Six Nations around the corner, Andrew gives his honest assessment of Ireland’s chances and who needs to step up for Andy Farrell.

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

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • What The Ruck: Episode 8 - Gerry Thornley
    Jan 15 2026

    Welcome back to What The Ruck for our first episode of 2026! We are kicking off the year with a massive guest as legendary Irish Times rugby journalist Gerry Thornley joins Dave Kilcoyne and Luke Delaney in the studio.

    In this episode, the lads dive straight into a hectic festive period of rugby, breaking down the recent European results for the Irish provinces. With the 2026 Six Nations just around the zone, the conversation turns to the growing Ireland injury list. From the front row crisis to the high-stakes battle for the Ireland number 10 jersey, Gerry and Dave analyze who has the form to step up for Andy Farrell.

    Beyond the pitch, Gerry reflects on his illustrious career in the media, sharing stories from his favorite tournaments and the most memorable players and coaches he has interviewed over the decades. Plus, Dave pulls back the curtain on life in the dressing room, revealing what players really think about the media and how they handle the cameras.

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

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • What The Ruck: Episode 7 - Scrum Pox & The Champions Cup And The New Munster
    Dec 18 2025

    Dave Kilcoyne and Luke Delaney return for the final episode of 2025 to break down a massive fortnight of European rugby. From Munster's statement win in Cork to the "French Procession" threatening the Champions Cup, the lads pull no punches on the current state of the game.


    In the series finale of 2025, Dave Kilcoyne and Luke Delaney dive deep into the opening rounds of the Investec Champions Cup. After a rocky start, Munster found their fire with a bonus-point win over Gloucester, but questions remain for the Irish provinces. Dave addresses the "weakened side" controversy and explains why the current format might be hurting the tournament’s prestige.


    Plus, "Killer" takes us back to his battles with Clermont legend Davit Zirakashvili, revealing a hilarious story about how he ended up with a case of "Scrum Pox" thanks to the big Georgian prop.

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

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    33 mins
  • What The Ruck: Episode 6 - Jordi Murphy
    Dec 10 2025

    Former Ireland, Leinster, and Ulster back-row Jordi Murphy joins Dave Kilcoyne and Luke Delaney for an unmissable chat on Episode 6 of What The Ruck. Get ready for the unfiltered stories you won't hear anywhere else. Jordi details his massive move from Leinster Rugby to Ulster Rugby to secure more starts and a regular spot in the national setup.


    He chats about the emotion behind his career-changing ACL injury suffered in 2016 after scoring Ireland's opening try in the historic win against the All Blacks in Chicago. Jordi also speaks about his new career as a rugby agent and the transition to life after professional sport. Dave and Jordi also discuss their time as teammates in the Irish camp, and we put Jordi to the test to pick his dream pack from his provincial days.

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

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    48 mins
  • What The Ruck: Episode 5 - Front Row Options and Springboks Dominance
    Dec 4 2025

    Dave and Luke are back for Episode 5 of talkSPORT Ireland's What The Ruck podcast!

    In this must-listen episode, Dave gives his detailed verdict on Ireland's mixed Autumn Nations Series campaign. We dive deep into the performance of the Springboks in Dublin, with Dave dissecting just what made the South Africa side so impressive and physically dominant.

    The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Dave discusses Rassie Erasmus’ tactics, drawing parallels to the South Africa head coach's influential days with Munster Rugby. Did his provincial philosophy translate to World Cup success?

    Looking ahead, the lads break down the long-term 2027 World Cup plan. What approach should Andy Farrell take when it comes to blooding new players? They discuss potential new options for the Ireland front row and debate the burning question on every Irish rugby fan's lips: Jack Crowley or Sam Prendergast for the future number 10 jersey?

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

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    35 mins
  • What The Ruck: Episode 4 - The Story Of Dave Kilcoyne
    Nov 26 2025

    Get ready to see the side of Dave Kilcoyne you've never seen before!

    In this week's deeply personal and entertaining episode, Luke sits down with the main man himself, 56-time Ireland international Dave Kilcoyne, to put the renowned Munster prop under the microscope. We get the real, unfiltered story of "Killer" from the very beginning.

    Dave opens up on his incredible journey, starting with his earliest rugby memories at Ardscoil Rís, the influential coaches who shaped his career, and the challenging transition to becoming an an established Ireland international.

    But it's not all about the scrum. Dave doesn't hold back, detailing the intense difficulties behind the scenes at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the moments that truly tested him, specifically addressing life under Joe Schmidt's strict regime.

    Plus, you'll hear the side-splitting tales you won't find anywhere else:

    • The greatest pranks he pulled during his playing days.
    • The infamous time he had trouble with law enforcement after impersonating a member of the Garda during his early days at Munster.
    • The hilarious story of stealing a drink from golf major winner Shane Lowry in a nightclub.
    • A deep dive into the best characters he's ever shared a dressing room with.

    If you're a fan of Munster Rugby, Ireland Rugby, or the Joe Schmidt era, this is a must-listen!

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

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    1 hr and 1 min