The Ireland Rugby Social Podcast

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Jamie Roberts joins the podcast to share his thoughts ahead of Ireland’s clash with Wales. Drawing on his experience at the very highest level, he weighs in on Wales’ current transition, the challenge of maintaining standards during difficult periods, and why Ireland’s consistency has made them one of the most formidable sides in world rugby. He also reflects on midfield combinations, the psychology of Test week, and the mentality required to deliver when pressure and expectation are at their peak. Jamie offers honest insight into selection, leadership and what it truly takes to perform in the biggest international fixtures.

Conor, Gavin and Mike dissect a standout Irish performance, discussing the big moments and key players that guided Ireland to a record win at the home of English rugby. We also catch up with Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien who give their thoughts on a performance that's thrown the Six Nations wide open.

This week on The Ireland Rugby Social, former Ireland international Mike McCarthy gives his take on a nail-biting 20-13 win over Italy in Dublin. We also catch up with Cormac Izuchukwu, who reflects on his Six Nations debut, and Stuart McCloskey following a standout performance. To wrap up, Conor Murray joins us to look at England's shock defeat to Scotland and discuss what it means for selection next week — who should be in, and who should be out?

What went wrong for Ireland in Paris? Conor and Gavin are joined by Rob Kearney to review Ireland’s bruising 36-14 defeat to France. The panel look at where the game was won and lost, try and explain why Ireland have fallen off, and suggest what needs to happen ahead of Italy next week.

Recorded in front of a full house at City of Armagh RFC, this special episode features Andrew Trimble and Rory Best alongside Conor and Gavin as they look ahead to the Six Nations. The panel explore what sets the Championship apart, the pride of winning it, Ireland’s key selection decisions, and the teams to watch. Expect sharp insight, strong opinions, and no shortage of great anecdotes from the three icons of Irish rugby.

On this week’s episode, Conor and Gavin sit down with Ireland and Ulster star Jacob Stockdale to unpack the highs, lows, and hard lessons of life at the top of rugby. From breaking through with Ireland and the magic of 2018 to injuries, online abuse, and rebuilding confidence, Jacob speaks honestly about pressure, fame, family, and finding perspective. He also brings the lighter side — including a few questionable impressions — while reflecting on Ulster’s season, future ambitions, and what rugby has given him.

What does it take to come back from the impossible? Ian McKinley was a rising rugby star whose career was shattered by a freak accident that left him blind in one eye. Most would have walked away—but Ian didn’t. In this episode, we explore his extraordinary journey from despair to determination, reinventing himself as a professional player with protective goggles and becoming a symbol of resilience worldwide. Ian shares the highs, the lows, and what it means to redefine your limits when life changes in an instant.