The Counter Ruck: The Irish Times Rugby Podcast

Gerry Thornley and Nathan Johns react to Ireland's 42-12 win over Argentina.Ireland scored six tries agains the Pumas and a hat-trick earned full back Hugo Keenan man of the match.

Jameson Gibson Park being on the bench is the headline revelation in Andy Farrell’s team announcement.On today’s podcast, former Leinster and Scotland Rugby analyst Brett Igoe gives his take on the Ireland team to face Argentine on Friday night.He also tells Nathan he’s “very excited” by Noel McNamara’s appointment as Leinster head coach next season.Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.

Noel McNamara will join Leinster as head coach from next season, bringing a 12 year era under Leo Cullen to a close.On today’s podcast, Nathan Johns asks John O’Sullivan and Gordan D’Arcy what they might expect, and the challenges facing McNamara when he arrives.The revelation in John’s Irish Times feature that Ronan O’Gara didn’t receive a call about the job has caused some intrigue, but is it surprising?And the weekend’s provincial action gives each province a lot to think about heading into the Nations Championship internationals.Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.

Its not often journalists get an access all areas pass inside a top flight rugby club.On today’s Counter Ruck rugby podcast, Irish Times rugby writer John O’Sullivan recounts a weekend he spent inside Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle camp.Host Nathan Johns also looks ahead to the weekend’s provincial action as Ulster face the Stormers, and Munster take on the Sharkes in South Africa, and Connacht host Leinster.

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 cited under the same law which resulted in Bulls front rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels being handed a nine match ban last year for grabbing the genitals of Josh Murphy during a United Rugby Championship (URC) clash in Galway.On today’s podcast, Gordon D’Arcy and Nathan Johns discuss the prospect of sanctions on Furlong and what they’d mean for Leinster and Ireland.We’ll also look at Connacht’s win against Zebre, and Ulster’s continued wait for their first win of the season.Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.

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 Gerry Thornley discuss the winners and losers; who’s in, and who’s out.We will also look ahead to Munster vs Leinster this weekend, and ask whether the rivalry can once again become the thriller is was once known for.Presented by Nathan Johns. Produced by Andrew McNair.