Pools of Death are notorious for going down to the wire, and RWC 2023 Pool B is no different. Scotland are yet to defeat Ireland during Gregor Townsend's reign; but they could prove the ultimate party spoilers on Saturday. Thankfully none of this panel think so! David Cordial and Chrissy Hawkins joined me to preview this one. Guests: David Cordial - https://twitter.com/AH_David Chrissy Hawkins Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my...
Oct 05, 2023•44 min
The heavy hitters may have been sidelined, but Round 4 of the RWC shaped all four pools heading into the final round. I was joined by Ed Price and Ottavio Arenella to discuss, with Francisco Isaac breaking down Pool C. Guests: Ed Price - https://twitter.com/jam_rugby Ottavio Arenella - https://twitter.com/OttavioArenella Francisco Isaac - https://twitter.com/francisaac87 Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my articles available at:...
Oct 02, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Even if Irish eyes were focused on Paris, there were a collection of games taking place across the pools this weekend. From Aussie pitfalls to Portugal stealing our hearts, there is a lot to discuss! David Arnott and Iestyn Thomas joined me to discuss all of the action. Guests: David Arnott - https://twitter.com/thepenGW Iestyn Thomas - https://twitter.com/Iestyn_thomas21 Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my articles available at...
Sep 25, 2023•49 min
Oh what a night! In what was their first RWC clash, Ireland and South Africa played out a mesmeric tussle with the world's number one team coming out on top in Paris. With it, their fate in Pool B is in their own hands, before the final round clash with Scotland. David Cordial, Thala Msutu and Stephen Murphy joined me to look back on this one. Guests: Thala Msutu - https://twitter.com/ThalaMsutu77 & https://linktr.ee/RugbyBits David Cordial - https://twitter.com/AH_David Stephen Murphy - htt...
Sep 24, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Pool B could well be decided on Saturday night when the unstoppable World number 1, Ireland; meets the immovable reigning champion South Africa. One of these teams will emerge as group winners, the other face elimination or a quarter against hosts France. This is a pool stage decider that deserves the biggest treatment so with that in mind I assembled an all-star ensemble to preview this massive Pool B clash in the form of Riaan Louw, Cian O'Muilleoir and Jack Fogarty. Guests: Riaan Louw - https...
Sep 22, 2023•55 min
World Cups are definined by moments, and round 2 delivered them. Fiji got a rare win over Australia, Portugal scored a jaw-dropping debut try and much much more. Riaan Louw, Huw Griffin and Will Roberts joined me to discuss all of the action. NOTE - Ireland v Tonga is covered in a different podcast on this channel. Guests: Riaan Louw - https://twitter.com/Ringo26 & https://www.youtube.com/@RiaanLouw Huw Griffin - https://twitter.com/HuwGriffinRugby & https://open.spotify.com/show/4xVy3O5...
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Two games, ten tries and another impressive Irish win as Johnny Sexton and Bundee Aki steered Ireland to an impressive 59-16 win over Tonga in Nantes. Aoife O'Callaghan and Tom Coleman looked back on the win, and we cast a first glance over the South African showdown. Guests: Aoife O'Callaghan - https://twitter.com/AoifeOC_ Tom Coleman - https://twitter.com/LeinsterRoyalty Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my articles available a...
Sep 17, 2023•49 min
Cohesion has been Andy Farrell's buzzword during his tenure, but his Round 2 selection points to that being a key to victory if Ireland are to reign victorious. Tonga bring their own threat, but hopefully this will be a box-ticking exercise in Bayonne. It's a solo podcast with this week's preview, but I hope you enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com Linktree - https...
Sep 15, 2023•28 min
Franc 2023 promised to deliver, and if the first weekend was anything to go by, it most certainly did. From France's impressive opening night salvo, to Fijian heartbreak, Ford drops England home and much more, we have a lot to discuss. Craig, Iestyn and Ben joined me to discuss all of the round one action. NOTE - Ireland v Romania is covered in a different podcast on this channel. Guests: Craig Manson - https://twitter.com/Scrumchampion Iestyn Thomas - https://twitter.com/Iestyn_thomas21 Ben Nur...
Sep 11, 2023•1 hr 5 min
12 try Ireland were too strong for their Romanian counterparts under a beating Bordeaux sun on Saturday. Captain Johnny Sexton, figureheads Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne and Peter O'Mahony shone brightest in an impressive Irish win, that banished the memories of 2007, and got Ireland off on the right foot. Jack and David joined me to quickly look back on this one! Guests: Jack Fogarty - https://twitter.com/FogartyJack David Cordial - https://twitter.com/AH_David Feel free to follow me on my socials @...
Sep 09, 2023•26 min
The World Cup is here and Irish eyes are on Boredaux for their Pool B opener against Romania. It's a true David v Golliath clash, but Andy Farrell's men will not be keen to be shot down nor to show mercy to Vern Cotter's charges. Stephen and BHH joined me for tonight's preview. Guests: Stephen Murphy - https://twitter.com/MasterOfNonePod BallHandling Hooker - https://twitter.com/BHHooker Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my artic...
Sep 07, 2023•27 min
The excitement is brewing in our final preview pod as Gavan, Ciarán and Nathan joined me to discuss Ireland's chances, the 4 Pools of Death, contenders vs pretenders and much, much more. Come for the World Cup chat, but stay for the madcap predictions. From exciting players to random moments, potential bust-ups and Jean Kleyn appreciation, this podcast has it all. Guests: Gavan Casey - https://twitter.com/GavanCasey Ciarán Kennedy - https://twitter.com/CiaranKennedy_ Nathan Johns - https://twitt...
Sep 07, 2023•1 hr 22 min
At what point do the dreams become reality? It wasn't to be in recent times, but maybe, just maybe, 2023 will be the year. If it is, then Andy Farrell will have brought Ireland to the summit of every mountain imaginable. Jeff and Pádraig joined me to look at Ireland chances (which they like a lot), this deep squad, and the power of belief... with yet another Ted Lasso reference. Guests: Jeff Pagano - https://twitter.com/HarpinOnRugby Pádraig Kelly - https://twitter.com/the2ndRow Feel free to fol...
Sep 04, 2023•50 min
Maybe it's false pretences, but it feels like the South American nations of Argentina, Uruguay and Chile come into this World Cup under the radar. Michael Cheika's pumas will be aiming for glory, but a massive scalp is the aim for the other two nations. Paul Tait and Eugenio Astesiano joined me to discuss these nations. Time Stamps: (Approximate) Part 1: Paul - (00:20) Part 2: Eugenio - (41:00) Guests: Paul Tait - https://twitter.com/AmericasOval Eugenio Astesiano - https://twitter.com/UgeAstesi...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 19 min
Despite prior World Cup heroics, momentum seems low with the Brave Blossoms. Can Jamie Joseph's men end his reign on a high, or are we witnessing the end of their golden era? Rich Freeman joined me to discuss their chances. Guest: Rich Freeman - https://twitter.com/FreemanrugbyJPN Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com Linktree - https://linktr.ee/caolansrugby Enjoy, and s...
Aug 30, 2023•34 min
Their chances might be slim, but it's the hopes of the Tier 2 nations that win the hearts of the neutrals at World Cups. Francisco Isaac and Max Woods joined me to discuss Namibia, Romania, Portugal and Georgia. Guests: Francisco Isaac - https://twitter.com/francisaac87 Max Woods - https://twitter.com/MaxWoodsss Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com Linktree - https://link...
Aug 29, 2023•39 min
A win is a win. It might have been ugly, but Ireland kept the winning momentum alive on Saturday, despite a few key injury blows. In this recap pod; Tom, Cian and I discuss the importance of winning, not reading too much into warm-ups, squad selection and the exciting World Cup that's coming. Guests: Tom Coleman - https://twitter.com/LeinsterRoyalty Cian O'Muilleoir - https://twitter.com/RugbyKino Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; wit...
Aug 27, 2023•1 hr 8 min
The squad is named, and now all we have to do is wait. I believe this Ireland squad is good enough to go all the way, and as this was a solo-pod, there was no one on to disagree with me! Just myself today as I went live with the squad announcement to discuss the 33-man breakdown. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com Linktree - https://linktr.ee/caolansrugby Enjoy,...
Aug 27, 2023•59 min
Rugby World Cup 2023 promises to be more exciting than ever, and the pacific island nations of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa are one exciting subset. Can any of them get out of the pool? Quite possibly! I was joined by Pirate Rugby Podcast hosts Enda and Huw to chat through these 3 nations. Guests: Huw Griffin - https://twitter.com/HuwGriffinRugby Enda Fahy - https://twitter.com/rugbytvguide Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my articles ...
Aug 23, 2023•33 min
2 games, 2 wins in the Summer Nations Series for Ireland as Andy Farrell's men walked past a rudderless English outfit in Dublin. In this recap pod; David, Stephen, Ed and I discuss Keith Earls, England's woeful form, injuries and selections. Guests: David Cordial - https://twitter.com/AH_David Stephen Murphy - https://twitter.com/MasterOfNonePod Ed Price - https://twitter.com/jam_rugby Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my articl...
Aug 21, 2023•1 hr 23 min
In what will be Ireland's final home game before the 2023 Rugby World Cup, world number 1 Ireland will seek to enflict a dammaging blow on England in Lansdowne Road. It's two teams going in different directions, with England scrambling for a lifeline and Ireland hoping for a party atmosphere for Keith Earls and their send off before France. English fan Tom Grantham joined me to preview this one. Guest: Tom Grantham - https://twitter.com/premrugbytweets Feel free to follow me on my socials @Caola...
Aug 18, 2023•24 min
Eddie Jones is long gone, but as successor Borthwick struggles, his shadow looms large. The 2019 finalists looked destined for a semi-final, but their blunt attack could derail them. I am joined by James and rugby podcaster Sam Roberts to talk Eddie Jones, Steve Borthwick, Owen Farrell (timing...), Pool D and much, much more!! Guests: Sam Roberts - https://twitter.com/SamRobertsComms James Pockney - https://twitter.com/JPocks98 Rugby Inheritance Podcast - https://pod.link/1676152009 Feel free to...
Aug 17, 2023•1 hr
The rugby world is up in arms as England captain Owen Farrell had his red card, and expected ban cleared by the citing committee, leaving him free to play. Given rugby's existential issues; Huw, Enda and I jumped on a quick podcast to try and make sense of another conflicting piece of rugby messaging. Safety vs stars! Guests: Huw Griffin - https://twitter.com/HuwGriffinRugby Enda Fahy - https://twitter.com/rugbytvguide Pirate Rugby Podcast - https://twitter.com/PirateRugbyPod Feel free to follow...
Aug 15, 2023•33 min
Gatland is back, the WRU is still a mess, players are stepping aside; yet Wales still could sneak to a RWC semi-final. I caught up with Welsh Regional Rugby Appreciation Podcast hosts Jamie and Lee to discuss all things Welsh rugby. Talking Points (Time stamps approximate): Gatland Returns (03:30) 2023 Six Nations (10:30) Extended Squad (22:00) Summer Nations Series (35:00) Pool C (44:30) Predictions - (59:30) Guests: Jamie Phillips - https://twitter.com/JNPhillips4 Lee Griffiths - https://twitt...
Aug 15, 2023•1 hr 8 min
In a special episode today, here is my appearance on the Harpin' on Rugby pod. Jeff and I are starting a joint venture this season where our pods will go live on both channels every once in a while. You can find their account here: https://twitter.com/HarpinOnRugby And you can find part 4 exclusively on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyYFB3UIsec Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my articles available at: https://ca...
Aug 14, 2023•56 min
Following Dave Rennie's shock sacking as Australia head coach, Eddie Jones was tasked with turning the ship around and leading them to back to glory. However, they have lost 4 from 4 this year, and look to be caught up in a tailspin. I caught up with Roar Rugby podcast host Brett McKay and Rugby Fixation podcast host Mitch Evans to discuss all things Wallabies rugby. Talking Points (Time stamps approximate): Eddie Jones (03:00) Australia's Abysmal Rugby Championship (10:00) Extended Squad (20:30...
Aug 12, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Defending champs South Africa come into this World Cup with an even tougher run to the final than last time. With just a single Lions Series to their name since 2019, can the Springboks claim a 4th Webb Ellis title? This bumper 2 parter starts with me sitting down with RugbyBits podcasters Shaun and Thala to talk about the Rassie/Nienaber era, URC, the 33 man South African squad and much much more. Then, I am joined by Roar Sport's Harry Jones to talk Rugby Championship, and his view on the Spri...
Aug 10, 2023•1 hr 21 min
For years Scotland have flattered to deceive and failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity. Now the plucky underdogs are faced with a Pool of Death at the World Cup, and maybe the time is now for them to cause a major shock on the biggest stage. David Arnott and Craig Manson joined me to look ahead to their upcoming campaign. Talking Points (Time stamps approximate): Stuart Hogg's Retirement (02:00) Gregor Townsend's Continuing Reign (07:30) Recent Six Nations (11:00) Extended Squad feat. Ben...
Aug 08, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Ireland kicked off their Summer Nations Series with a comfortable 33-17 win over Italy on Saturday. Player of the Match Caelan Doris, Munster's incumbent out-half Jack Crowley and Leinster lock Joe McCarthy were among the standouts on a night where fringe players put their hands up for selection. Talking Points (Time stamps approximate): Caolán's Game in 60 (01:00) Thoughts on the game (02:00) 1st Half (05:30) 2nd Half (09:30) Tactical Takeways (13:15) Player View - (20:30) 'Bolters and Sitters'...
Aug 06, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Rounding out the Pool A previews we look at Italy, who face Ireland in a warm-up game on Saturday. I am joined by hosts of the English speaking Fratelli d’Rugby podcast Marcello Cossali-Francis and Mike Petretta, as we discuss Kieran Crowley's exit, the rising crop of exciting talent, their belief of a scalp and much much more. Talking Points (Time stamps approximate): Scotland v Italy recap (3:30) Kieran Crowley (08:30) Italy's place in the Six Nations (13:00) Exciting talent and squad selectio...
Aug 03, 2023•56 min
