Scrum Special | Mike Ross and Bernard Jackman on how the Boks dominated Ireland

Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley and Tom Daly on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we look back on a great weekend for the Irish teams in the Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. The panel discusses what was a cracking opening weekend across the board in the Champions Cup, as the new bonus-point system had the desired effect. We ask who could be Ireland's starting number 8 for Ireland in the Nations Championship window, with Jack Conan a doubt for next month's games due to a shoulder injury, while the podcast also looks at how Ireland's out-halves are hitting impressive form at just the right time. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - A thrilling opening weekend in the Investec Champions Cup 06:45 - If Jack Conan is ruled out, who starts at number 8 for Ireland next month 12:15 - Irish out-halves hitting top form 22:12 - Connacht's epic comeback win against Saracens 31:13 - Do Leinster get held to a higher standard than others? 41:00 - Leinster move up a gear against Clermont 45:15 - Munster dig deep to hold off Racing 92 49:01 - Alex Nankivell's new contract 51:15 - Ulster's expectations in South Africa? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley and former Leinster and Connacht centre Tom Daly on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we break down another mixed week for the Irish provinces in the BKT United Rugby Championship. Daly discusses his decision to retire from rugby this summer, after finishing his career with Lansdowne last season. With maul tries on the up and up in the first few weeks of the season, we ask whether it's becoming too easy to score through that route now that officials have clamped down on defence. The podcast breaks down an impressive performance from Sam Prendergast in Leinster's 29-5 win against Cardiff last week, as well as a back and forth contest in Belfast between Ulster and Munster. With Munster set to face Racing 92 in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup, Keatley discusses the legacy of his former head coach Anthony Foley, 10 years on from his death. We also look at the challenge facing Connacht this season as they juggle URC and Champions Cup commitments. And we finish by considering what impact the tweaks to the bonus-points system will have in this season's Champions Cup. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Tom Daly talks about his decision to retire 07:35 - Is it too easy to score maul tries now? 14:45 - Sam Prendergast's renewed confidence 24:35 - Ulster's attacking game saving their leaky defence 31:10 - Ian Keatley remembers Anthony Foley, 10 years on from his death 35:00 - Poor starts have cost Munster in the Champions Cup in recent seasons 42:40 - Connacht's challenge in the Champions Cup 48:55 - Tweaks to the format of this season's Champions Cup See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by former Munster wing Johne Murphy as we look back on the big news of the week in Irish rugby. On a weekend where several Irish out-halves caught the eye, Johne discusses how thrilling it was to see 20-year-old Charlie O'Shea grab the game by the scruff of the neck, as Munster beat the Bulls 26-22 at Thomond Park. We look ahead to this weekend's first Interpro of the season, as Ulster host Munster on Saturday, with Ulster coming in off the back of a breathless 33-33 draw with Glasgow Warriors. The podcast looks at Leinster's narrow defeat away to the Bulls last Saturday, which saw Leo Cullen's side heavily penalised at the scrum. And we recap Connacht's gritty win against Benetton, where Ciarán Frawley marked his debut with a pair of tries in a thrilling display. Later, Neil is joined by Leinster and Ireland pair Dan Sheehan and then Linda Djougang, ahead of the province's return to Laya Arena against Cardiff on Saturday. 00:00 - Irish out-halves shine 01:25 - Charlie O'Shea announces himself to Thomond Park 10:25 - Jack Aungier locks out Munster's scrum 16:15 - Ulster's crazy draw away to Glasgow Warriors 21:05 - Missed opportunity for Ulster? 24:30 - Johne's thoughts on Jamie Benson? 26:00 - Leinster lose, but nick a bonus-point against Sharks 31:05 - How to fix Irish scrum issues? 40:05 - Caspar Gabriel and Sam Prendergast at out-half 43:05 - Ciarán Frawley's epic Connacht debut 52:05 - Dan Sheehan speaks to the RTÉ Rugby podcast 01:04:38 - Ireland and Leinster prop Linda Djougang See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Treacy is joined by Ian Keatley on this week's RTE Rugby podcast, as we look back on a tough start to the URC for the four Irish provinces. Former Munster out-half Keatley reacts to some explosive comments from his former captain Peter O'Mahony on the current state of Munster Rugby, and agrees that changes are needed in the way the organisation is run if they are to get back to former glory. The ex-Ireland international also recaps the province's defeat to Glasgow Warriors last Saturday, where he was encouraged by some elements of their game, in spite of the 26-20 loss. We look at Leinster's defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg, and pick out some of the positives Leo Cullen may have taken from a game where his side picked up two losing-bonus points. We analyse how Connacht were worn down in the final quarter by a powerful Stormers side in Galway on Friday night, and we look at how Ulster face a daunting trip to Glasgow as they try to rebound from their defeat to Edinburgh.

Neil Treacy is joined by former Munster wing Johne Murphy on a new season of the RTÉ Rugby podcast, as we breakdown all four provinces ahead of the 2026/27 URC season. 02:03 - Leo Cullen's final season in charge of Leinster 07:45 - Is the Leinster job Felipe Contepomi's to lose? 11:30 - Leinster's season prospects 20:45 - The Peter O'Mahony and Graham Rowntree 'pen' story 28:15 - Munster's season hit by out-half injury crisis 33:30 - Will we see a change in approach from Munster? 37:30 - The vibes are high in Connacht 44:00 - Lancaster's vote of confidence 46:30 - Connacht's summer transfer activity 49:30 - Champions Cup has to be the target for Ulster 51:30 - Richie Murphy beefing up his squad 58:05 - Johne Murphy's players to watch this season See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.