The Counter Ruck

After sobering defeats for both Leinster and Ulster in European deciders, Nathan Johns and Gordon D’Arcy look back at the weekend.

Analysis of where things went wrong plus thoughts on how Irish teams might be able to narrow the gap to their French counterparts.

Is player recruitment key for both provinces? And should Leinster rethink their focus on defence?

Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Both Leinster and Ulster struck early in their respective finals, only to be pegged back soon after as both sides suffered chastening defeats.

Is this Leinster's most damaging final defeat since they last won the Champions Cup in 2018?

Did the heat and conditions suit the French sides? And how do the provinces close the gap on Bordeaux, Montpellier and others from the Top 14?

Nathan Johns and Gerry Thornley are in Bilbao as they dissect defeats for Leinster and Ulster on a damaging European weekend for Irish rugby.

Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cautious optimism has started to build as Leinster bid to break their finals losing streak in European action. Underdogs against Bordeaux, is this the year they finally win a coveted fifth star?

What of Ulster’s chances, shorn of big players due to injury and needing a Challenge Cup win to guarantee top tier action next year?

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to preview this weekend’s European finals.

Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In front of a record-breaking crowd, Ireland women powered past Scotland to finish their Six Nations campaign.

Meanwhile Connacht and Munster secured their top eight spots in the URC, Ulster narrowly missed out while Leinster warmed up for their Champions Cup final with a win over the Ospreys.

Gordon D’Arcy joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John O’Sullivan joins Nathan Johns to preview the weekend’s rugby action.

How can all four Irish provinces make the URC top eight? Are Ulster prioritising the Challenge Cup final over their last URC outing?

Plus, how Ireland built towards a record day at the Aviva Stadium when they host Scotland on Sunday.

Produced by John Casey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.