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Artwork for The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast

The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast

The Irish Times
Leinster
Ireland
Rugby
Six Nations
Munster
Irish Rugby
Leinster Rugby
Champions Cup
Ireland Rugby
Munster Rugby
New Zealand
Connacht
URC
Ulster
Australia
Lions Tour
Ireland National Rugby Team
Rugby World Cup
All Blacks
France

A rugby podcast from The Irish Times, presented by Nathan Johns with regular panelists John O'Sullivan, Gordon D'Arcy and Gerry Thornley.

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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes239Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
RugbySports

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Artwork for The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast

Latest Episodes

Following Tadhg Furlong’s citing for an alleged groin grab on Gavin Coombes during Saturday’s clash between Leinster and Munster, the question looms about whether a ban, should one be imposed, would mean for Ireland's November campaign.

He has been ... more

Andy Farrell announced a very familiar looking extended squad for Ireland’s Nations Championship campaign, save for the inclusion of Ulster’s Jamie Benson.

On today’s Counter Ruch rugby podcast, host Nathan Johns and Irish Times rugby correspondent ... more

It’s not long since we were talking about a weekend of four defeats for all four provinces.

The weekend’s action in round one of the European competitions was the opposite with four wins.

In today’s podcast Nathan speaks to Gordan D’Arcy and John ... more

Steven Kitshoff, the former South Africa and Ulster prop, joins Nathan Johns on The Counter Ruck.

Kitshoff has won two World Cups with South Africa and has worked extensively with both Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber. He was also forced to reti... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Gerry Thornley
Irish Times rugby correspondent
The Irish Times
Episode: Can this Ireland squad make an impact on the Nations Champsionship?
Steven Kitshoff
Former South Africa and Ulster prop, two-time Rugby World Cup winner
Episode: Steven Kitshoff: World Cup glory, the Rassie factor, and his time at Ulster
Andrew Trimble
Former Ulster and Ireland winger with a background in technology
Episode: Is Irish and British domestic rugby broken?
Daniel McKeown
London Irish chairman and M&A banker
London Irish
Episode: Is Irish and British domestic rugby broken?
Leo Cullen
Head coach of Leinster Rugby
Leinster Rugby
Episode: As Leo Cullen prepares for his final season in charge, why haven't Leinster strengthened?
Dan Gallan
South African rugby writer
The Guardian, Rugby Pass
Episode: Why are New Zealand embarking on their own Lions tour?
John O'Sullivan
Sports journalist for The Irish Times, guest discussing Irish AFL interest
The Irish Times
Episode: The AFL comes for Irish rugby
Jonathan Drennan
Sydney Morning Herald journalist based in Sydney, Belfast-born
Sydney Morning Herald
Episode: Can Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies upset Ireland?
Gordon D'Arcy
Former Ireland international rugby player and pundit
—
Episode: Leinster into another final, but are their fans buying into their URC run?

Hosts

Nathan Johns
Host of The Counter Ruck, rugby journalist with The Irish Times
John O'Sullivan
Rugby journalist; regular panelist and Ireland Under-20s specialist

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 140 ratings
  • Average

    ‘Bar bites’

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Bazza 17
    Irelanda year ago
  • John, stop using the phrase “if you like” inappropriately

    John O’Sullivan needs to stop using the phrase “if you like” at the end of every sentence inappropriately

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    jizzhandle
    Ireland2 years ago
  • D4 central

    Im a Leinster supporter but this podcast is ridiculously Leinster/D4 centric.. like a private school boys club

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Moncarmar123m
    Ireland2 years ago
  • Replace Gavin C with Liam T and it’s perfect!

    This is a great rugby pod but could be perfection if you could switch out the gossip-focussed Cummiskey with the far more knowledgable and insightful Liam Toland.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RobVals
    Ireland7 years ago
  • Fantastic!

    Super podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rob626262
    Ireland7 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall high-quality discussions with practical, on-pitch takeaways
Some listeners feel coverage is Leinster/D4-centric and could be broader
Panel consistently delivers deep rugby analysis from seasoned Irish Times reporters
Guests and insights are strong, but diversity of topics could improve over time

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#10
United States/Sports/Rugby
Apple Podcasts
#22
United Kingdom/Sports/Rugby
Apple Podcasts
#23
Canada/Sports/Rugby
Apple Podcasts
#6
Germany/Sports/Rugby
Apple Podcasts
#16
Italy/Sports/Rugby
Apple Podcasts
#40
France/Sports/Rugby

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Can this Ireland squad make an impact on the Nations Champsionship?
Q: How does Mack Hanson get into this team, given how strong the O'Brien-Balakun wing tandem was in the Six Nations?
Thornley says Hanson offers first-receiver skills, aerial ability, finishing and a distinctive attacking threat. If fit, he expects Hanson to play.
Can this Ireland squad make an impact on the Nations Champsionship?
Q: Did you get wind early on that Jamie Benson was going to be involved?
Thornley says Benson has substantial experience with England's age-grade teams and Harlequins, has mainly played at fly-half, can kick goals and offers versatility. With other fly-halves unavailable, he sees the selection as an opportunity to assess Benson before the next World Cup.
Could Tadhg Furlong miss the Nations Championship over alleged genital grab?
Q: Do you want to see a clamp down on attacking ruck entries?
D'Arcy supports stricter enforcement of the gate, arguing that players should enter legally and that doing so would make turnover opportunities clearer and reward teams that create quick rucks.
Could Tadhg Furlong miss the Nations Championship over alleged genital grab?
Q: How do you prove intent in the Furlong incident?
D'Arcy says intent is difficult to establish and that the previous Wessels case creates a precedent the URC must address consistently, with a clear explanation of its decision.
Is Irish and British domestic rugby broken?
Q: What changes are the two of you thinking about that in terms of the structure?
The guests suggest shortening competitions, creating a more coherent season, emphasizing high-profile matches, giving clubs more influence over players and leagues, and improving entertainment and media access to grow audiences.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A rugby-focused discussion program featuring top Irish rugby writers and analysts who dissect Ireland's campaigns, international matchups, and global rugby dynamics. Recent episodes center on scheduling and governance, cross-code talent movement, a regional transfer of attention between Irish rugby and international rivals, and tactical deep-dives into Ireland's attack, defense, and selection decisions. Notable strengths include access to long-standing reporters and ex-players who offer practical on-pitch insights, plus thoughtful commentary on player welfare, broadcasting deals, and the evolving European and Southern Hemisphere rugby landscape. The show often balances technical analysis with sport-politics context, making it valuable for l... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The Left Wing
2. RTÉ Rugby Podcast
3. The 42 Rugby Weekly
4. OTB Rugby
5. Indo Sport

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 9 years ago and published 239 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Gerry Thornley
2. Steven Kitshoff
3. Andrew Trimble
4. Daniel McKeown
5. Leo Cullen
6. Dan Gallan
7. John O'Sullivan
8. Jonathan Drennan

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