The Ireland Rugby Social Podcast

Ulster Head Coach Richie Murphy joins the show this week to break down Ireland's defeat to New Zealand at Eden Park, as Andy Farrell's side fell short in the final game of this summer's Nations Championship. The team analyse where the game was won and lost, discussing Ireland's set-piece struggles, the physical battle, and the key moments that swung the contest in the All Blacks' favour. Richie also gives his assessment of Ireland's performance, highlighting the positives to take from the tour and the players who enhanced their reputations across the three-match series. Plus, the lads reflect on what the summer campaign revealed about Ireland's squad depth, the competition for places, and the encouraging signs ahead of a huge season.

Ireland made it two wins from two, but it was far from a perfect afternoon as Andy Farrell's side were pushed all the way by a determined Japan. Gavin and Conor are joined by former Ireland and Ulster scrum-half Paul Marshall to dissect the match, looking at Ireland's struggles at the set-piece, the impact of the new caps, and the players continuing to stake their claim in a competitive squad. Paul also gives his thoughts on the individuals who impressed, and where Ireland can continue to grow. With Japan now behind them, the lads look ahead to next weekend's challenge at Eden Park and what Ireland will need to get right as they prepare for their biggest test on tour.

They’re back! Gavin Andrews and Conor Murray are joined by Ulster and Ireland centre James Hume to break down Ireland's dramatic 33-31 victory over Australia in the opening match of the Nations Championship. The panel analyse the key moments that turned the game in Ireland's favour, from Hugo Keenan's outstanding return to Andy Farrell's half-time intervention and the composure shown in the closing stages. James also shares his experience of working under Andy Farrell, offering an insight into the Ireland head coach's man-management style and the standards he sets within camp. Plus, the lads discuss Ireland's growing squad depth, who impressed most against the Wallabies, and what the win means ahead of next week's clash with Japan.

Gavin Andrews, Ian Humphreys & Tony McWhirter chat post match in Bilbao after both Ulster and Leinster lost their European Finals

Sam Monaghan joins Gavin Andrews and Lindsay Peat to look back on Ireland’s Six Nations Championship campaign. Sam gives insight into Ireland’s performance, key moments, and how the team developed throughout the tournament. She also talks us through her guilty pleasures, getting her cap number and the historic match at the Aviva.

Gavin and Lindsay are joined by Ireland international, Exeter Chiefs and Lindsay’s best friend Cliodhna Moloney‑MacDonald. It’s a powerful and honest conversation about life in elite rugby and beyond. Cliodhna opens up on the realities of being a top-level athlete, the Six Nations campaign to date and her Ireland journey. She shares personal stories from her career, playing against her wife, England international Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald and reflects on key moments that shaped her journey.

Gavin and Lindsay are joined by special guest Edel McMahon as they delve into a ruthless Irish performance in Belfast. They discuss the players performances, 'Irish Touch' and looking forward to the final game, against Scotland, in the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland Rugby Social is back with another great conversation from the heart of the game. This week, Gavin and Lindsay are joined by Ulster and Ireland international Brittany Hogan for an honest and engaging look at life in elite rugby. Brittany shares her journey from Ballynahinch to Dubai and being star struck in her first scrum against the Black Ferns and much more.

Gavin and Lindsay are joined by Lynne Cantwell - Ireland's most capped women's international, Grand Slam winner and a voice for progress both on and off the pitch. From leading Ireland through some of their biggest international moments to helping shape the future of the game beyond her playing career, Lynne brings honesty, insight, and perspective you don’t often get to hear. We’ll talk leadership, evolution in Irish rugby, and what it really takes to drive change at the highest level.

Gavin and Lindsay are joined by Edel McMahon to reflect on how that contest unfolded, where the game was won and lost. We’ll hear reaction, break down the key performances, and ask what lessons Ireland can take from facing one of the tournament’s toughest opponents as we dive into France v Ireland here on the Ireland Rugby Social.

Gavin and Lindsay are joined this week by one of the leading voices in Irish rugby - Ireland captain Erin King. From the demands of international rugby to the realities of leadership at the highest level, Erin has been at the heart of Ireland’s journey, on and off the pitch. In this episode, she opens up about the responsibility of being captain at a young age, the culture within the squad, and what it really takes to compete on the international stage. We’ll talk over coming a serious knee injury, Olympic viral moments, undercurrents - and the moments that shape her as a player and a leader.

Gavin and Lindsay are pitch side after the final whistle in Galway as they chat through Ireland's brilliant win over Italy in Galway. Nine tries and a bonus point victory, they look at what went so well for the team in green, discuss how important the massive crowd was in the Dexcom Stadium and look ahead to a huge clash with France.There’s an impromptu post-match celebration with the team and reaction from Galway born hat-trick hero Béibhinn Parsons and one of Ireland’s star names Aoife Wafer.

Gavin Andrews and co-host Lindsay Peat join Anna McGann and Eve Higgins in Ireland camp to reflect on their performance against England and looking ahead to playing Italy in Galway as their continue their Six Nations campaign. Expect honesty, laughs, and a few insights you won’t hear on the pitch — as we go inside the minds of two of Ireland’s most exciting backs.

Gavin and Lindsay breakdown England’s 34th consecutive win as they chase an eighth straight Six Nations title and fifth consecutive Grand Slam. They discuss Erin King Ireland’s new captain, the set piece and so much more.

Gareth Steenson and co-host for the women's six nations, Lindsay Peat, join Gavin Andrews to look back on Gareth’s career from missing out on Ulster due to a certain Mr David Humphreys, to his successful career in England with Exeter Chiefs and his move back home. Gareth discusses his role within Ireland Women’s camp and their preparations for the upcoming Six Nations campaign.

Rugby is built on huge hits and powerful collisions — but at what cost? In this special episode, we dive into the toll of head injuries, the latest science behind concussions, and the innovations reshaping player safety. From tackle height to culture‑changing protocols, Gavin sits down with David Irwin, Luke Marshall and Kenny Hooks to discuss how the sport is fighting to protect its players and safeguard its future.

Stuart McCloskey 'Le Frigo Irlandais' joins Conor and Gav to look back on Ireland’s Six Nations Championship campaign from the player's perspective. One of Ireland’s standout performers of the tournament, Stuart talks us through the championship game by game — from the reaction inside camp after big results to some of his best moments in green. He also discusses the atmosphere within the squad, the standards set by Andy Farrell, and why this may have been his most enjoyable Six Nations yet. Plus, Stu looks ahead to the rest of the season with Ulster Rugby and the challenge of building momentum with a talented squad.

Intent was the buzz word as former Ireland internationals Conor Murray and Mike McCarthy break down Ireland’s Triple Crown sealing win over Scotland. Mike shows off all this stats from the game as Conor highlights his key performers in green. Gavin also grabs a word with Ulster’s Tom O’Toole.

Andrew Trimble joins Conor and Gavin to look ahead to Ireland’s final Six Nations clash with Scotland and reflect on a dramatic championship. The trio discuss whether Ireland are really there for the taking, Scotland’s threat heading to Dublin, and how momentum across the tournament has shifted perceptions on teams. They also review Ireland’s win over Wales, debate key selection calls, discuss Ireland’s kicking game and the wider conversation around it, and look at the championship permutations heading into the final weekend — before giving their predictions for both the match and the title.

Conor, Gavin and Mike breakdown a vital Irish win at the Aviva, discussing an impressive Wales performance, Ireland's tactics and who makes the cut for a huge Triple Crown decider next week against Scotland. We also hear from Head Coach Andy Farrell on Ulster scrum half Nathan Doak's first cap, and from Jamison Gibson Park on his 50th cap, and what they learnt from the win.