The Counter Ruck

In the coming weeks, World Rugby will decide on the implementation of the controversial 20-minute red card. The proposed disciplinary law change will have a drastic effect on how high tackles and head contact is officiated. France have criticised the new measure, which could well be implemented in time for next year’s six nations while the IRFU is still considering its position.Equally, outgoing World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont caused a stir last week when he said rugby’s replacement culture - adding extra forwards to the bench akin to South Africa’s bomb squad - is a danger in the game.Former referee and current Irish times columnist Owen Doyle joins The Counter Ruck host Nathan Johns to discuss the merits of the new laws, as well as to debate other potential measures which should be considered.Produced by John Casey.

Stacey Flood is currently with the Irish team out in Vancouver for their WXV1 campaign. Lining out at fullback, Flood played an integral role in the side’s recent win over New Zealand. Formerly a regular on the Sevens circuit, Flood took part in the recent Paris Olympics before switching back to 15s ahead of next year’s World Cup. She joins host Nathan Johns and John O’Sullivan to give an insight into Ireland’s recent good form.Produced by John Casey.

Gordon D’Arcy remembers his first interpro game for Leinster against Munster for all the wrong reasons. As an 18-year-old, he was mercilessly stepped by Keith Wood before he got on the wrong end of Peter Clohessy at the bottom of a ruck. In the years after, Leinster and Munster have enjoyed many a memorable battle.Alongside host Nathan Johns and Irish Times rugby writer John O’Sullivan, D’Arcy charts the history of this provincial rivalry through the professional era. We also chat through which players have impressed so far on the Emerging Ireland tour while recapping Ireland women’s defeat to Canada. Produced by John Casey.Have a question for the panel? Get in touch at rugbypod@irishtimes.comClip: Leinster v Munster, 2001 Celtic Cup Final, Gordon’s try at 5.29”.

Last year, the IRFU introduced a law trial to lower the tackle height in amateur rugby. In a bid to make the game safer, the permitted tackle height was lowered from the shoulder to the sternum. One year on, is the sport safer? Have players adapted? Is the sport better to watch? Caithriona Yeomans from the IRFU and Terenure College RFC’s Seán Skehan explain how these new laws have changed the grassroots game.Produced by John Casey.You can get in touch with The Counter Ruck at rugbypod@irishtimes.com

While you were sleeping on Sunday night, Ireland women beat New Zealand for just the second time in their history, opening their WXV campaign in style in Vancouver. This victory over the world champions confirms that Scott Bemand’s side is on the rise. Yet it still comes just 18 months after Ireland won the dreaded wooden spoon in the Six Nations. John O’Sullivan and Gordon D’Arcy join Nathan Johns to pick through the game and where Ireland can go from here. We also talk through Gordon’s record-breaking weekend and a mixed bag of results for the provinces.Produced by John Casey.Clip: Ireland’s last-gasp winner against New Zealand.

As news reports emerge of English rugby once again being in dire financial straits, while some URC teams continue to live on the edge of their means, a rival competition across the water offers a positive example. France’s Top14 has a lucrative TV deal, record crowds and a thriving second division. How has France cracked the domestic rugby code, what is it about the Top14 which makes it commercially viable? French rugby journalist James Harrington joins The Counter Ruck to talk through the league’s development, and to pick out what, if anything, other leagues can learn.Produced by John Casey.

As the provincial season gets underway, Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to pick through the opening weekend of action. We look at how Felipe Contepomi has turned Argentina around, how Ireland took the number one world ranking back from South Africa, and which halfbacks impressed in the provinces. Monday clips: How to kick five points from the tee / Commentators curse Halfpenny / Contepomi classicProduced by John Casey

When Emerging Ireland first toured South Africa in 2022, the news caused controversy as provinces were left without important players at an early stage of the URC season. This time around, with another squad recently named, has the IRFU gone about things in a better way? On this episode of The Counter Ruck host Nathan Johns is joined by Gordon D’Arcy and John O’Sullivan to talk through the merits of the tour, pick out the players to watch, a few head scratching calls and lay out what will constitute success.Produced by John Casey.