CaolánSRugby Podcast

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 discuss this seismic victory. Guests: David Cordi...

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.com/Italian_Rugby Johan Jordaan - https://x.com/Joha...

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/pauleddison Enjoy! United Rugby Rewind - https://feeds.meg...

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 Rugby Rewind - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3PQ2G...

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 Cordial - https://x.com/AH_David You can find me @Caola...

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 Jones - https://x.com/haribaldijones Jack Fogarty -...

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.com/LeinsterRoyalty Harry Jones - https://x.com/h...

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 in green. I also briefly touch upon that David Hu...

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.com/Overthehillprop You can find me @CaolanSRugby...

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 and playing styles. I also discuss and commentate...

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 BlueSky; with my articles available at: https://caolansr...

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://x.com/ You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagra...

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 David Cordial - https://x.com/AH_David You can find m...

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 Latham - https://x.com/lathamadam19 You can find me...

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 large. Enjoy! Guests: Jared Wright - https://x.com/j...

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 @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; with my...

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 @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and BlueSky; wi...

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 find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and...

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 - https://x.com/AH_David You can find me @CaolanSRugby...

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. Guests: Cian O'Muilleoir - https://x.com/RugbyKin...

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 me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter, and Blue...

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 You can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitte...

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 podcasts on all providers @CaolanSRugbyPodcast Lin...

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 can find me @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, X/Twitter,...

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/rugbybroadcast_ You can find me @CaolanSRugby on...