Irish Independent

The Left Wing

Sports EN ↓ 608 episodes

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. From in-depth analysis to team news and post-match analysis we have every position covered.

Author

Irish Independent

Category

Sports

Podcast website

www.independent.ie

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Ireland's bleak future, discipline meltdown & Springboks attitude 25.11.2025

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 23.11.2025

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 17.11.2025

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 16.11.2025

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 46-19 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The view from Australia | Joe Schmidt losing grip on waning Wallabies 14.11.2025

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 11.11.2025

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 🏉 08.11.2025

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 03.11.2025

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 02.11.2025

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 🏉 Se...

Undercooked Ireland, Chicago concerns & November questions 28.10.2025

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 21.10.2025

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 13.10.2025

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 07.10.2025

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 30.09.2025

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 23.09.2025

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 14.09.2025

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 07.09.2025

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 31.08.2025

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...

Record points haul as Ireland open World Cup with emphatic win - Reaction from Franklin's Gardens ☘️ 24.08.2025

Anna Caplice joins Sinéad Kissane as Ireland scored six tries in an impressive 42-14 win over Japan at Franklin's Gardens. Rugby on Indo Sport is brought to you by Energia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lions wrap-up | Rating the Irish players and Australia's regrets 05.08.2025

In the final instalment of this season's Left Wing, Will, Luke and Jonathan give the grand overall view of the Lions Tour, how Australia could have made it a greater nail-biter and evaluating all the Irish players We'd like to thank all our listeners for turning in across another bumper rugby season! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia 22 Lions 12 | Wallabies win third Test as lightning strikes Sydney 02.08.2025

Will is joined by Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey to react to Australia's 22-12 win over the Lions in the final Lions Test. The lads break down the Wallabies' deserved win in a game that saw a 40-minute delay due to a lightning warning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An epic Test, a Lions comeback and a very controversial finale 29.07.2025

Rugby fans were treated to a sensational Lions Test in Melbourne, one that has dug up a treasure trove of talking points for Will, Luke and Jonathan Bradley. The team break down the decisions to award the Lions' winning try, why there was no 10 willing to take a drop goal and what players stood out in the series-clinching victory See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lions 29 Australia 26 | A second Test that had absolutely everything 26.07.2025

Will Slattery, Ruaidhri O'Connor and Cian Tracey break down the Lions' dramatic win over Australia in Melbourne to clinch the Test series. Hugo Keenan's try secured a famous victory for Andy Farrell's side and there is plenty to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tadhg Beirne brilliance, Will Skelton lifeline & time for Owen Farrell? 22.07.2025

Will and Luke are joined by Jonathan Bradley to break down the first Lions Test and look ahead to this weekend's showdown in Melbourne. Tadhg Beirne's huge performance, Andy Farrell's brilliant selection calls last weekend and what changes might come to the Test team are all up for discussion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lions 27-19 Australia | First Test win as Wallabies fail to fire 🏉 19.07.2025

Will Slattery is joined by Bernard Jackman & Cian Tracey in studio, and by Ruaidhri O'Connor from Brisbane, for live post-match reaction to the Lions first test victory over Australia. Rugby coverage on the Indo Sport podcast is with thanks to Energia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the The Left Wing podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.