The Counter Ruck

The Christmas interpros have been and gone, Leinster and Ulster prevailing over Munster and Connacht respectively. Thomond Park was notable not so much for the quality of rugby but barbs which came off the pitch post-match. Leo Cullen and Simon Zebo were more than happy to jest with each other, while Tadhg Beirne added his name to the long list of players lamenting the game’s tactical direction of travel as teams such as Leinster continue to spurn attacking rugby. Meanwhile, Ulster showed their continuing ability to entertain while Connacht remain mired in a slump. Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inevitably, before their success in the United Rugby Championship last season, plenty of public commentary focused on Leinster’s inability to get over the line in big games. Clearly, they had the talent. Was the problem instead to be found in the top two inches?Enda McNulty, a former All-Ireland winner with Armagh, worked with both Leinster and Ireland as a sports psychologist.He joins Gordon D’Arcy - with whom he worked during his playing days - to look at the importance of sports psychology in winning environments. Does sport psychology work? How do you get players to buy in? Why did Leinster and Ireland under Joe Schmidt embrace training the mind so readily? To what extent can previous success be attributed to training the mind? This episode originally aired in May 2025.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another week, another round of games featuring Irish provinces winning ugly. Leinster and Munster secured bonus point victories despite being far from their best. Are we being harsh by focusing overly on performances instead of bottom lines at this stage of the year? Ulster put it up to Leinster but succumbed to a lack of depth. Are they still trending in the right direction? And what to make of Connacht’s shambolic defeat to the Dragons in Newport? 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.

Not for the first time this year, Welsh rugby is awash with speculation of the downfall of one of its clubs. The Ospreys, four-time winners of the URC in its various guises over the year, are the latest team which could be on the chopping block, according to various media reports. With high profile players leaving the club, word that owners are looking to jump ship and the CEO taking to his personal social media accounts to defend the club’s lack of talk offering clarity, there is plenty going on. Welsh rugby journalist Simon Thomas joins Nathan Johns to discuss the latest crisis engulfing Welsh rugby. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster won on their travels but looked far from convincing against Leicester. Munster also flattered to deceive albeit they got a winning bonus point at home to Gloucester. Ulster rotated their side with one eye on an interpro against Leinster and lost in the dying embers against Cardiff while Connacht won easily against Black Lion of Georgia. Should we be overly concerned about dicey performances at this stage of the season, or is winning all that matters this side of Christmas before the business end of the season? Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to discuss.Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.