VMTV Rugby Pod

Ian Madigan is with Stuart McAvoy this week as Ireland look to be the first team to defeat the All Blacks in Eden Park since 1994.

New Zealand scrum-half Cam Roigard speaks to Stuart McAvoy ahead of the Nations Championship showdown between Ireland and the All Blacks at Eden Park.Roigard discusses life under new head coach Dave Rennie, New Zealand's fast-paced attacking style, winning Super Rugby with the Hurricanes and his remarkable journey from growing up on a farm in Cambridge to becoming an All Black.He also reflects on being told as a youngster that he wasn't going to improve, his All Blacks debut, his admiration for Jamison Gibson-Park and the challenge Ireland will bring to Auckland.He also discusses New Zealand's incredible unbeaten record at Eden Park and why no player wants to be remembered as the team that ends that run.

The pod this week sees Darren Cave and Stuart McAvoy look forward to Ireland's game against Japan in the second weekend of the Nations Championship.

On this week's Pod, Alan Quinlan and Stuart McAvoy preview Ireland's test against Australia in Sydney as they head into the Nations Championship.

“I Just Want to Play Rugby”Tadhg Furlong sits down with Virgin Media Sport’s Stuart McAvoy ahead of Ireland’s Nations Championship campaign, beginning July 4th.Fresh off another title-winning season with Leinster, Furlong opens up on the emotional end to the campaign, the impact of Leo Cullen’s upcoming departure, and what it means to be one of the senior leaders in the Ireland squad.He also talks about:🏉 Managing injuries and staying fit into his 30s🏉 The changing demands of modern rugby🏉 Ireland’s summer tour and the challenge of Australia and New Zealand🏉 The next generation stepping up in camp🏉 Why his focus has never been on flashy moments, but on doing the hard work rightFurlong also reflects on his own standards, what “playing your best” really means, and why, after 86 caps, his love for the game is as strong as ever.

On this week's Pod, Alan Quinlan and Stuart McAvoy breakdown Andy Farrell's Ireland squad for the summer as well as looking ahead to the URC final between Leinster and the Bulls at Croke Park

Alan Quinlan and Stuart McAvoy react to the big news as Ireland Head coach Andy Farrell signs a contract extension with the IRFU through to the 2031 World Cup.

Alan Quinlan and Stuart McAvoy look back at last week’s disappointing European finals for the Irish provinces as well as previewing the URC quarter-finals.