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The Counter Ruck

The Irish Times
The Counter Ruck
Latest episode

220 episodes

  • The Counter Ruck

    What to make of Ireland's rotation for Japan?

    10/07/2026 | 29 mins.
    Former Leinster and Scotland analyst Brett Igoe joins Nathan Johns to pick through the facts, figures and trends of last weekend’s Nations Championship action.

    We also look at Ireland’s heavily rotated team selection for this weekend in a bid to assess what Andy Farrell is looking for against Eddie Jones’ side.

    Produced by John Casey and Andrew McNair.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • The Counter Ruck

    Where do Ireland now stand in the Nations Championship?

    07/07/2026 | 37 mins.
    Fresh off Ireland’s victory over Australia in Sydney, Gerry Thornley dials in from Australia to discuss that win as well as the weekend of Nations Championship rugby as a whole with host Nathan Johns.

    What did we learn from the narrow win over the Wallabies? Are we likely to see many Irish debuts handed out over the three tests?

    And could Japan prove to be a potential banana skin given their wining display against Italy in their Nations Championship opener?

    Produced by John Casey.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • The Counter Ruck

    Reaction: Ireland squeeze home against Australia

    04/07/2026 | 26 mins.
    Ireland squeezed home against Australia after a Thomas Clarkson try and a missed kick from Ben Donaldson with the clock in the red.

    Was this a gutsy, narrow win on the road or a worryingly rusty start to their summer window?

    Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan join Nathan Johns to discuss.

    Produced by John Casey.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • The Counter Ruck

    Can Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies upset Ireland?

    02/07/2026 | 24 mins.
    Andy Farrell and Ireland begin their latest bloc of fixtures with a clash against Australia in Sydney.

    Jonathan Drennan of the Sydney Morning Herald joins Nathan Johns to discuss why Joe Schmidt is still in charge of the Wallabies, will they put out a better showing than what we saw in Dublin last November and why both teams have selected in the way that they have.

    Produced by John Casey.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • The Counter Ruck

    Ireland come up short against England in Under-20s World Championship

    30/06/2026 | 30 mins.
    Ireland U20s began their Under-20s World Championship campaign with defeat in Tbilisi, and it was déjà vu as Toulouse secured another Top14 title.

    It’s also the start of an Ireland test week as the build-up to a clash with Australia kicks into gear.

    Nathan johns discusses it all with Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan.

    Produced by John Casey.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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About The Counter Ruck
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.
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