RTÉ Rugby Podcast

Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley and former Leinster and Connacht centre Tom Daly on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we break down another mixed week for the Irish provinces in the BKT United Rugby Championship.Daly discusses his decision to retire from rugby this summer, after finishing his career with Lansdowne last season.With maul tries on the up and up in the first few weeks of the season, we ask whether it's becoming too easy to score through that route now that officials have clamped down on defence.The podcast breaks down an impressive performance from Sam Prendergast in Leinster's 29-5 win against Cardiff last week, as well as a back and forth contest in Belfast between Ulster and Munster.With Munster set to face Racing 92 in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup, Keatley discusses the legacy of his former head coach Anthony Foley, 10 years on from his death.We also look at the challenge facing Connacht this season as they juggle URC and Champions Cup commitments.And we finish by considering what impact the tweaks to the bonus-points system will have in this season's Champions Cup.TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Tom Daly talks about his decision to retire07:35 - Is it too easy to score maul tries now?14:45 - Sam Prendergast's renewed confidence24:35 - Ulster's attacking game saving their leaky defence31:10 - Ian Keatley remembers Anthony Foley, 10 years on from his death35:00 - Poor starts have cost Munster in the Champions Cup in recent seasons42:40 - Connacht's challenge in the Champions Cup48:55 - Tweaks to the format of this season's Champions CupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley on this week's RTE Rugby podcast, as we look back on a tough start to the URC for the four Irish provinces.Former Munster out-half Keatley reacts to some explosive comments from his former captain Peter O'Mahony on the current state of Munster Rugby, and agrees that changes are needed in the way the organisation is run if they are to get back to former glory.The ex-Ireland international also recaps the province's defeat to Glasgow Warriors last Saturday, where he was encouraged by some elements of their game, in spite of the 26-20 loss.We look at Leinster's defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg, and pick out some of the positives Leo Cullen may have taken from a game where his side picked up two losing-bonus points.We analyse how Connacht were worn down in the final quarter by a powerful Stormers side in Galway on Friday night, and we look at how Ulster face a daunting trip to Glasgow as they try to rebound from their defeat to Edinburgh.00:00 - Hitting the panic button after four defeats for the provinces?05:25 - Ian reacts to Peter O'Mahony's comments on how Munster Rugby is run15:00 - Some positives in spits of defeat for Munster?18:20 - Signs of a new style of playing with Munster?22:50 - Caelan Doris reported to be out until the new year24:45 - Leinster pick up two bonus-points - will Leo Cullen be satisfied with that?33:00 - Connacht ground down by relentless Stormers35:15 - Have Irish teams got an issue playing the South Africans?41:10 - How much is Ian reading into Ulster's shocking 50 minutes against Edinburgh?48:30 - WXV with Hannah O'ConnorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to look ahead to this weekend's Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup finals in Bilbao, while Hannah O'Connor recaps Ireland's big finish to the Guinness Women's Six Nations.The panel break down the key talking points ahead of Leinster's latest shot at winning the Champions Cup (02:50), with Leo Cullen's side taking on defending champions Bordeaux-Begles on Saturday afternoon.We look at how Ulster face a season-defining Challenge Cup decider against Montpellier on Friday night, while Bernard also brings us up to speed on the province's new forwards coach, Clarke Dermody (21:45).The podcast goes back over Munster's vital win against the Lions last Saturday (37:50), which has secured Clayton McMillan's side a play-off spot and Champions Cup qualification.Connacht, meanwhile, will have to wait to see if their top-half finish is enough for Champions Cup rugby next season (49:15), although Stuart Lancaster's side did secure their play-off spot, as they continue their impressive form.Later, Hannah O'Connor joins Neil to discuss Ireland's comprehensive 54-5 win against Scotland to mark an impressive finish to their Women's Six Nations campaign (56:45).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy to discuss the URC play-off picture as we head into the final round of the regular season, while Hannah O'Connor looks ahead to Ireland's Women's Six Nations finale against Scotland at Aviva Stadium on Sunday.Both Bernard and Johne have strong opinions on the independent governance review commissioned by Munster, as the fallout of the Roger Randle saga continues (11:55).The pair also look ahead to the province's meeting with the Lions at Thomond Park, where they may need to win to secure Champions Cup rugby for next season.We discuss Connacht's continued growth under Stuart Lancaster (29:40), and how the province are heading in the right direction, whether or not they make the URC play-offs.The panel recap Ulster's madcap 38-38 draw with the Stormers (38:12), as Richie Murphy's side aim to lock in their play-off spot at home to Glasgow.Later, Hannah joins Neil as we turn our attention towards the final round of the Guinness Women's Six Nations (48:00), as well as the controversial plans to introduce size 4.5 balls by World Rugby in the women's game (1:11:55).To learn more about Johne Murphy's Marathon for MND, visit the link below: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXXU0zvDZ9Y/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.